No you fucking shouldn’t. “Knowing her sister is alive and getting to see her changed a lot for her.” So did Drake telling her he loved her, but that wasn’t public knowledge. Not yet at least.
“Good. Maybe she’ll change her mind and come to Tabiq. Someone like her could be an asset here.”
“I don’t see that happening. She was adamant about not returning.”
“And you were the same about not getting involved. I see how that turned out,” Gabe said, teasing.
“I didn’t call for—”
“You wake me, you get what you get. Now unless you have any more questions, I’m going back to bed.”
Drake ended the call as he saw the delivery van pull up. He paid the guy and headed up to see Isa. He ordered enough for four people, which should be enough for them. She’s tiny, but boy can she eat.
He remembered how empty her cupboards were when he searched for coffee. Her circumstances sucked. If it wouldn’t offend her, he’d change it. Drake had many things to talk about, her living arrangements would need to wait.
When he got upstairs Isa was sitting on the bed, laughing. She had the notepad and a pen in hand.
“What are you doing?” Drake asked.
“Adding to the list.”
“Really? Does any of it include breakfast in bed?” Drake asked, holding out the bag.
Isa nodded. “You might say that. But what I’m hungry for isn’t anything on their menu.” She raised her hand and called him over with her finger. “Why don’t you leave that bag on the table and join me.”
“I thought we were going to talk this morning.”
Isa shrugged. “You said you weren’t going anywhere, so what’s the rush? We can always talk later.”
He put the bag on the table and sat on the bed beside her. She only had a sheet wrapped around her. He knew if he didn’t keep his distance, he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off her.
“We really should talk, Isa. There are things you need to know.”
Isa looked at him, and the playfulness vanished from her face. “Okay. What do you want to discuss?”
He could tell she was preparing herself for a major blow. In a way it might be, but he hoped she’d understand. First he needed her to know she was his first priority.
“I really want to make everything on that list come true. But I need to share with you the reason I first made contact with Alex Henderson.”
“Oh. Okay. I’m still not comfortable with him.”
“And that makes perfect sense. But if what I believe is true, and I believe it is, the Hendersons alive today are nothing like their father. In fact, they have an incredible vision to help undo what he did.” He took a deep breath, and like he did in business, he went all in.
“I want to talk about Tabiq.”
Isa raised her hand. “There’s nothing you can tell me I don’t already know.”
“I’m building a resort there.”
It was evident that she was surprised. “Why would you do that? You’re going to be enticing more rich people to go there. We know what they want.” She tightened the sheet around her as though she was filled with fear. “How can you do that? I mean you say you love me, and then you do the one thing that will hurt me, hurt my homeland.”
“No. We’re trying to build an economy there again. Create jobs so families have a way to earn money the legal way. If we can stabilize the country, the risk of what happened before diminishes.”
“Who is we?” Isa asked.
“The Hendersons and me. I’m sure there will be more businesses once we get the resort off the ground.”
“James Henderson is the one who did all this to Tabiq. He wanted to bring money in, but he used young women as the lure. How can you even consider doing business with a Henderson? They are—”
“As I said, not like their father. They are very well aware of what he did and have spent the last few years working to prevent any further damage. This is another piece of that.” Drake reached out and took her hand in his. “You said you trust me.” She nodded. “Then believe that I would never do anything that would hurt someone in such a manner. If I thought for one minute this was a cover-up for something . . .”
“I know. You wouldn’t tolerate it. It’s hard. I remember clearly what it was like. The nightmares still haunt me. I can’t picture going back. And now you’re going.”
“But not for good. I need to monitor it like any other business. What you can do is help me better understand what is needed. Not for the guests, but for the Tabiqian people. This is for them. We need to make sure we’re doing right by them.”
Isa nodded. “Is Ziva involved?” Drake nodded. “I trust her as well. But Drake, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to go there. Not after what was done to me.”
Drake reached up and touched her cheek. “You don’t have to. I’d never ask you to do anything that you didn’t feel comfortable doing. I just need you to understand why I’m doing this and why I need to go.”
“I do. And thank you for—”
“Loving you?” Drake asked. Isa grinned and nodded.
“Was there anything else you wanted to talk about?”
They didn’t need to discuss her apartment or her job. Those things would work themselves out. He could take control of it all, but that wasn’t the relationship he wanted with her.
“Yes.”
“You’re sure talkative this morning. Even before your coffee,” Isa teased.
“Don’t remind me. But there is something else. I said it last night, but I need to make sure you understand I meant it. I’m not going anywhere. I love you, Isa.”
“I . . . love you too, Drake. It scares me though.” Fuck, yes. This woman was so incredibly brave. She loves me. He tried to get the stupid look off his face, but it was no use.
“The first part of that answer was incredible, honey.” He leaned in and kissed her. Not anywhere as long as he wanted to though. But her lips taste delicious. “Can you help me understand? How does love scare you?” He didn’t want her to be afraid of him.
“It’s like a sweet dream, and I’m afraid I’ll wake up and find it isn’t real.”
He pulled her into his arms. “Honey, this isn’t a dream. And if it is, we’re in it together. Now can you say that again please?”
“That I love you?” Drake nodded. Isa smiled. “Drake, I love you more than you’ll ever know.”
“I think it’ll take a lifetime for me to show you how much I love you. If it’s okay with you, I’d like the opportunity to try.” Drake winked at her.
Isa arched a brow. “Is this another attempt at being romantic?”
Drake laughed. “It sounded better in my head.” In a more serious tone he said, “I love you, Isa.”
He claimed her lips and said, “Now I’m done talking.” Drake gave her a playful tap on the tip of her nose. “So what were you saying about that list?”
Isa giggled. “I added a few things, but I might need to add some more.”
“I think we’re going to need to change the title from Seven Guilty Pleasures to A Thousand Ways To Please Her.”
Isa laughed. “I think we’ll need two lists. One for me, and one for you.”
He pulled her into his arms and said, “What do you think about working on those lists now? I’m all for doing number seven again.”
“That’s only because you haven’t seen number twelve,” Isa teased.
Before he claimed her lips Drake said, “We can review them later.”
Isa pulled back and asked, “What about breakfast?”
Damn. He looked around. “No microwave?”
She shook her head. “Maybe we should eat breakfast first. Besides, I have a job to get to today. And there is no way I’m missing work. It’s a good tipping night.”
He’d have offered her double of what she’d make, but that would insult her. She was proud, and that was one of the qualities he liked about her.
Getting up, he said, “Break
fast then maybe a walk. Because once I start working on fulfilling that list, you’re not going to be able to go anywhere.”
Isa bounced out of the bed. “Then I hope there’s enough for two, because I’m starving.”
So am I. But I’ll have to settle for breakfast.
Chapter 13
Although Drake had promised her nothing would change, somehow everything had. She’d gone into work and it was as though all eyes were on her. Isa hadn’t mentioned anything to them, but she didn’t have to. It was perfectly normal for the rest of the staff to question why she’d been sitting down with the owner a few nights back instead of working. And then not show up for work the next night.
Janet was the only person who actually had the guts to say anything to her directly. Teasingly she said, “I take one night out sick and miss all the fun. Can’t believe you never called me to give me the scoop.”
Isa sure wasn’t the kiss-and-tell type. “I thought you were sick, and I didn’t want to disturb you.”
Janet laughed. “I don’t care how sick I was. You hooking up with the big boss would’ve gotten me out of the bed.” In a very low voice she said, “Just remember, I’m the one who told you to go for it.”
How can I forget? “You make it sound like—”
“You won’t be working here anymore?” Janet asked. Isa nodded. “Why would you? The man is a billionaire. Actually I have no idea what you’re doing here now.”
“Janet, who knows where this will lead? So, no, I’m working to pay bills no different than the rest of you guys. I have no intention of quitting, and I definitely don’t want Drake or anyone else taking care of me.” She understood how that could appeal to others, but they didn’t know what trading their freedom meant. The lack of control and being totally indebted to another person made you vulnerable. And that sets you up to be a victim of whatever they want.
Deep in her heart, she couldn’t picture Drake putting another person in such a predicament. So far he’s respected her boundaries, except for the phone. But even then he never forced her to take it. She always had a choice. And it’s so new. Yes, I believe it is love, but I still need and will maintain my independence no matter how long it lasts.
“I wouldn’t mind a handsome man like him sweeping me off my feet. I would spend my days lounging by the pool and my nights reading and watching movies. I would have a maid so I never had to clean off another table or lift a dish.”
“That’s not what I’m looking for,” Isa said softly.
Janet looked at her puzzled. “I thought everyone dreamed her prince would come.”
She was right, but her prince wasn’t one who’d lavish her with expensive gifts. He’d be the one who opened her heart and showed her the beauty that life still held. I’m not even sure that’s possible. Not even for Drake.
Isa felt many things, and most were amazing. But she wasn’t sure how to process it all. Drake had told her he loved her and showed such tenderness when making love to her. Sweet passionate love I never knew existed. He’d left her only a few hours earlier, and her body still tingled with delight thinking of him. She contained the giggle that wanted to erupt. The last thing she needed was Janet asking her how Drake was in bed. Better than words could describe.
Trying to put an end to the topic, Isa said, “I’m not a glitz and glamour person. Besides, I like my independence.”
Janet laughed. “If you think a man like him would let his girl work here, you’re crazy. And if you guys ever get married, you’ll never work again. Maybe you could volunteer someplace for appearance, but that’s it. He’s rich. He’ll want someone who can host parties and dress up for functions.” Janet closed her eyes briefly. “Can you picture it, being swept off your feet by your very own prince charming? How romantic.”
That wasn’t Isa’s idea of romance at all. It’d feel like she’d been put in a prison, a fancy one, but still prison. She wouldn’t trade her freedom, not even to be with Drake. That’s not what love was to her.
Isa already had her own doubts about whether she was the one for him. Actually she knew there were women who were a better fit for his lifestyle. This was something that might last a month, or a week, or just another night. But if he knew how messed up her life was, that she might be homeless in just two more days, he’d see her in an entirely different light. What would he think of having a girlfriend who lived on the street?
“Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you,” Janet said. “What do I know about what the rich and famous are really like?”
“I know you mean well. I didn’t want anyone to know, but now it seems as though I’m the center of attention.” Unwanted attention too. Especially so early in our relationship. I don’t even know how to respond to questions. How do I answer? What would Drake want me to say? She wished they’d have spoken more in depth before he left. Both of their lives were being discussed. But it was too late, and the conversation couldn’t take place on the phone with Drake. Hopefully when he returned, they could iron out some of these things. For now, she did what she thought was best.
“You need to stop worrying about what others have to say or think. Hell, if I was shook up each time I was the center of all the drama, I’d be shaking all the time. It’s actually nice to have the focus on someone other than me.”
Isa crossed her arms. “You?”
“Oh yeah. You’re still new here. Give it a few more days and this will be old news and we’ll be talking about some stupid thing I did. Now I suggest we both get back to work because Carlos is watching us like a hawk.” Giving Isa a jab with her elbow, Janet said, “Not that you need to worry about your job.”
Isa looked over and Carlos turned away. Did he feel as though he needed to walk on eggshells because of her? She didn’t want special treatment. But then again, she’d already gotten it. Darn you, Drake. Why couldn’t you have been a cashier or something?
She was glad her shift was almost over. Drake said they’d go out and grab a bite before he took her home. It would give them time to talk. She wasn’t sure what to say. But right now she needed to focus on her customers. It was already seven, and she was scheduled to eleven, hopefully midnight if she could swing a bit of overtime out of Carlos. This could be a great tip night, but she needed to work it. What she’d earned so far wasn’t too bad, but she needed a lot more.
Isa spent the rest of the night hustling from one table to the next. She didn’t take a break, and it paid off. The tips were better than average. Still not enough to appease the landlord, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t giving it her all. She’d give him one last call tomorrow morning and see if he was willing to accept what she had for now and give her an extension. Even though he’d sworn up and down there wouldn’t be any, she wasn’t giving up hope.
As usual she was the last to punch the time clock. There always seemed to be one customer who wouldn’t stop chatting and it was always right at the end of her shift. But once he left, Isa made a mad dash to clock out. Carlos called to her.
“Wait. I have something for you.” He handed her an envelope.
“What is this?” Isa asked not opening it.
“A bonus.”
Oh no you don’t, Drake Fletcher. I’m not taking your money. No matter how desperately I need it. “Thank you, but I can’t accept this.”
“Excuse me? You don’t want your money?” Carlos looked shocked. “I don’t understand.”
“I have not earned it. Why don’t you give it to one of the other staff members who have been here a long time? I’m sure they deserve it.” She was fuming that Drake had the audacity to put Carlos in the middle of this. She’d give him a piece of her mind when she saw him. Why would he make her seem so privileged compared to other staff?
“I can’t give this to anyone else. It is yours.”
“Then keep it because I don’t want it.” She was insulted and the money made her feel . . . cheap.
“I have my own, why would I take yours?” Carlos asked.
“Your own
?” Isa asked. “You mean that—?”
“Every single employee was given the same cash bonus today. That envelope contains yours, Isa. It’s something Mr. Fletcher does when his staff is doing their job well. We usually only see it at the end of the year. This was a pleasant surprise for everyone today.”
Drake Fletcher was a good man. She hadn’t heard one employee speak poorly of him. He was a good boss too, and she felt so foolish. Why did she always jump to the wrong conclusion? Simple. I’m afraid to get hurt. So I look for reasons to keep him at a distance.
“I’m sorry, I mean . . . thank you.” She had no idea how much was inside, but whatever it was, she knew exactly where it was going. To back rent. She didn’t hang around any longer because having a conversation with Carlos was going to be more awkward than talking to the other staff members. Especially now.
Rushing off to the dressing room she pulled her cell phone out to update Drake.
RUNNING LATE.
He texted back.
ME TOO. SEE YOU IN THRITY?
It made her feel better she hadn’t kept him waiting.
YES
I LOVE YOU
I love you too. YOU TOO.
She didn’t know why she struggled with the words. She knew she loved him. He knew it too. So she should just relax and let the words flow from her heart. But that was easier said than done. Maybe in time she’d become more comfortable with the words.
Isa put her phone on the table as she removed her makeup. She was all alone in the dressing room so it wasn’t as though someone would come by and see she’d been texting Drake. Not that she should care. But it would be nice to have someone other than Janet guide her right now, and it was times like these that she missed the Bowens. They had offered so much love to her over the years. I wish I had been in a better frame of mind back then. If so, I could’ve told them I love them. It was a regret she’d carry with her always. She didn’t want any regrets with Drake.
As though her sister knew she needed her right now, her phone rang. Answering the call on speaker phone she asked, “Is everything okay?”
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