Rose could see her concern and wanted to ease her fears. She assumed Beckett’s bad mood had something to do with her. And right now she didn’t care. Actually she hoped it was troubling him because she was about to step it up a notch. Serves him right. He’ll learn one way or another to butt out. “Don’t pay him any mind. It isn’t anything you did, I’m sure.”
She seemed grateful and relaxed a bit.
“So are there any rooms?” Rose asked again.
She shook her head. “Sorry, Ms. Davis. You and Mr. Atwood have the last one. We normally have plenty of rooms, but we have several families here in need of treatment. The word seems to have gotten out about what is being done here. Each month we see someone new. It’s a very joyous and sad thing all at the same time. Do you know what I mean?”
Rose understood perfectly. These families were here to be able to enjoy the last weeks or months with their loved one. As far as she knew, no other place existed like this. They had set up Marpe-Agape to handle the most sensitive issues in a manner that left everyone feeling loved and welcomed. It was amazing, and she was proud her family was part of it.
“I don’t remember you. How long have you been working here?” Rose could hear the strong accent in the woman’s voice. Although it was obvious English wasn’t her first language, she spoke it very well.
The woman smiled. “I came with my husband a few months back. His liver was failing and no transplant was available. We were living in a one-room apartment, no money for electricity, and barely any food. All money had gone to give my husband medication to make him comfortable. Then one day we heard a knock on the door. They told us about Marpe-Agape and asked if we wanted to come. I was afraid, not trusting. No one ever showed us such kindness before. My husband said it was a gift from God, and we must grasp this time together. To make memories that last a lifetime.”
Rose watched the woman’s face change. Torn between utter grief and joy. She wanted to reach out and hug the woman but instead, stayed silent, and listened. I’ve seen many a grieving spouse need a listening ear.
“After my husband passed away, they asked me if I’d like to stay and offered me a job. I was so thankful. There was nothing for me back home. No children. No family. Even if I can give to another family a little of what I was given, I’ll be a happy woman for the rest of my life.”
Rose looked at the woman’s grief-stricken, yet somewhat peaceful, face and wondered if she would ever know the same sense of purpose. Glancing at her name tag, Rose also wondered if she’d had the chance to talk about her husband before today.
“Oh, Sharma. I am so sorry for your loss. I’m thankful Marpe-Agape holds sad but also good memories for you,” Rose said. “That’s a beautiful name.”
“Thank you, Ms. Davis.”
“Please, call me Rose.”
Sharma nodded and smiled. “Thank you for listening to me, Rose. I don’t know what possessed me to share my story with you. I can see why you are a nurse. There is something about you that is . . . gentle and kind. I see it in your eyes. I’m sure Mr. Atwood sees it too.”
Rose forced a grin. She had no idea what Doug saw when he looked at her. Some things are best left a mystery.
“Sharma, it’s been very nice talking with you. I hope we can do so again before I leave.”
“You’re not staying?” Sharma asked, surprised.
Rose was puzzled. Why would anyone think she was staying? No different than most of the guests who’d traveled for the wedding, she’d be going back home to the life waiting for her. Not an exciting one, but it’s mine. “I’m only here for the wedding.”
“Oh. I thought with how short-staffed we are you’d be staying to help. I heard you’d done so before.”
“Short-staffed?” Rose hadn’t heard anything about it. She wondered if that was because she was a guest this time. She was positive they would’ve mentioned it, otherwise.
“Yes, last night one of our nurses had to rush home due to a family emergency. It wouldn’t have been so bad except there was already one out, having a baby soon.”
“Two nurses down? That’s not good.” Rose knew that meant quality of care could be affected. Yet she also knew everyone here would give more and push even harder, so the patients would never notice a thing.
“Yes, and we’re at full capacity.”
Rose understood the concern she saw in Sharma’s eyes. “Is there a room open in the nurse’s quarters? I know they had one for overnight staff.”
Sharma nodded. “Yes, there is a room, but it isn’t luxury. I’m not even sure the bed is made up. Why?”
“I know you must be so busy, but can I ask a favor?”
“Of course. What can I do for you?”
Rose lowered her voice even though she didn’t see anyone close by. “Can you please make up the room and have my belongings moved there?”
“I can, but why would you want to do that when you have such a lovely suite?”
“Vacationing isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Not when I can be doing what I love most.” Rose meant that wholeheartedly. She loved being a nurse, helping others. Knowing she could make a difference, if only for a few days, was exactly what she needed right now.
Sharma smiled. “Are you sure you want to help now? You’re supposed to be at the wedding tonight.”
“I’m sure. And I can attend for a short time and still handle the duties.”
“I’ll have your bags moved right away.”
Rose felt like a weight had just been lifted off her. She’d be back in her element. It also gave her the perfect excuse not to deal with Toby. Would he be angry she had invited him—again—and was not around to relax with him? She doubted she’d be working all day, so she could see him occasionally. Unfortunately, that also meant not seeing Doug. But that’s probably for the best too.
As she made her way down the hall, Rose saw Doug with Toby not far behind. Doug had a look on his face she couldn’t read. Had Toby said something to piss him off? It was possible because the guy never knew when to shut up. Actually, he likes the attention he gets when he pushes people’s buttons. One day it’s going to catch up with him.
If there were any way she could duck and hide, she would. It was too late. Toby had seen her. He pushed past Doug, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard. What the hell is he doing? It wasn’t a pleasant kiss, actually quite painful, and she thought he bruised her lips. She arched her back, trying not to make it obvious she wanted out of his embrace.
Toby let her go and said, “Baby, I’ve missed you.”
Doug stood behind Toby looking at her. Is he angry? Then he dropped Toby’s bag on the floor and said, “I’ll leave you two to catch up.” Without looking at her again, she watched Doug turn and walk away.
She wanted to tell him Toby was acting like a jerk. Their relationship wasn’t like that and had never been.
Once Doug was out of earshot, Rose turned to Toby. “What the heck was that?”
“I didn’t like the way that guy was looking at you,” Toby said, looking to where Doug had gone.
“Doug? He’s just a . . . friend.” The word didn’t seem to fit. She really didn’t know how to describe him. Before today, she would’ve said he was Beckett’s friend. Yet his willingness to help her even though it might upset Beckett said she also had something with him. Was friendship the right word? It was a good place to start.
Toby shook his head. “I know what I saw. That man had his eyes all over you. Friend or not, I don’t like him.”
Whatever Toby thought he saw was in his imagination. Rose wasn’t going to feed it. He’s just stressed because of everything that happened. I’m sure he’ll calm down. “Well, you’d better find a way to get along, because you two are sharing this suite.”
“What the fuck? I thought you and I would—”
“You thought wrong. I have some patients who need me. You might as well go inside and get settled. I’ll see you at the wedding in a few hours. If
you need anything, I’m sure Doug would be happy to show you where to find it.”
Rose didn’t even hug him goodbye before walking away. What was with his aggressive behavior? It was the first time he’d been like that with her, and she hoped it was the last. She brought her fingers up to her lips and touched them gently. Her bottom lip was tender.
Whatever is going on with you, Toby, you better think twice about hurting me again. I’m not the pushover you think I am.
Before she headed to the nurses’ quarters, she looked around for Doug. She wanted to touch base with him, explain what had happened. He had taken off so quickly, and now he was nowhere in sight. Maybe it’s better this way. There are no words to explain what he saw. For all he knows, this is what Toby is like all the time, and he probably thinks I deserve whatever I get.
Opening up the door to her temporary accommodations, she took in her surroundings. Sharma was right; it was far from a vacation quality, but it was exactly what she was looking for. Peace and quiet and all hers.
She noticed Sharma had her belongings delivered and unpacked. She must’ve used the back entrance because Rose hadn’t seen her coming and going. The wedding wasn’t a formal event, which meant she could dress comfortably. Sharma had already pulled out a white dress. It was high collared yet relatively short, showing off her legs. It had just the right amount of sexy. As she touched the light cotton fabric, she noticed a pair of flat sandals had been laid out alongside the dress. Although they matched perfectly, Rose opted for high heels. With her tiny stature, she liked the way they lengthen her legs. What would Doug think about her outfit? Since when does his opinion matter to me?
Rose had no idea when things had changed for her, but she liked him. That knowledge made everything more complicated. Thank God, I have work to keep me focused.
Chapter Six
Doug was glad KJ and Drew’s wedding was in a garden rather than some stuffy dining hall. Dressing formally was not his style. He’d yet to see KJ, and still hoped she wouldn’t be angry he was attending the wedding. The happily ever after wasn’t on his radar, and although normally he’d be happy for the couple, he’d attempted to avoid them every chance he could. But, he seemed to get sucked in further to this wedding each day. He would always be available for his friends though, so there was no begrudging his involvement.
He buttoned his crisp, white long-sleeved shirt. It was as formal as he got. Every wedding should be this casual. He left the two top buttons unbuttoned then tucked his shirttail into his jeans.
Doug had met Drew Navarro several times. To the world he might’ve been one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, yet Doug thought Drew was one of the most laid-back and down-to-earth billionaires he’d met. Not that he associated with those influential guys often. Although Doug wasn’t as close to KJ as he was Beckett, he knew her well enough to know Drew was a perfect match for her. She needed someone to make her smile and lighten her spirits.
KJ had been through a lot. Today should be the happiest day of her life. Doug knew there’d be a part of her struggling as she also faced this day without her kid sister. Words weren’t going to make a damn difference. When a person lost someone close to them, the pain they experienced was often solitary. At least, she has someone there ready to catch her if she falls.
Doug looked at himself one last time in the mirror and knew it wasn’t going to get any better than this. He hadn’t slept much since learning about his father, and he didn’t expect that to change anytime soon. What you see is what you get. Luckily, he didn’t have anyone to impress.
He opened his bedroom door and found Martin lounging on the couch. The guy was slouched back with his feet on the coffee table in front of him. Doug was so tempted to go over and kick his feet off.
When Beckett told him he didn’t like the guy, Doug assumed it was just Beckett’s overprotective nature. Doug found the guy annoying as hell too. They hadn’t spoken much but what was said irritated him. The kid was cocky as hell, yet didn’t seem to have anything to back it up. From what he gathered, the guy didn’t have a job. Martin was very evasive when any direct questions were asked.
Toby appeared to be texting on his cell phone and didn’t look up when Doug entered the room. No contact with the guy would be fine with Doug. One problem. He’d agreed to watch this piece of shit while he was on the island. The way he acted around Rose was going to make it difficult.
When he saw how he’d kissed Rose, Doug resisted grabbing Martin by the neck and slamming him to the ground. He came on too aggressively, but had Rose wanted that? Him? Doug hated seeing a woman disrespected, but seeing Rose like that? That pissed him off as he’d never expected or experienced. Doug knew then. His attraction to her was more than it should be. Even if Rose hadn’t wanted him to keep an eye on Martin, he was going to.
He glared at Martin. The kid needed someone to set him straight. Doug would like to think Rose wouldn’t have any guy around her if he was heavy-handed, but he’d seen too many women trapped in abusive relationships. Sometimes out of fear, and other times they’d blamed themselves. Over the years of treating other servicemen and their families, he’d unfortunately crossed paths with others who’d encountered similar situations. How do guys get off being cruel and overpowering to women? Had my father been like that with my mom?
Whether Rose liked it or not, she’d found herself another protector. He walked over to the couch and nudged Martin’s feet off the table. He looked pissed, as though he was going to say something, then clammed up. Doug wasn’t sure if the kid had figured out he was in the wrong or smart enough not to challenge him. Asshole. Either way, Doug wasn’t going to cut him any slack. One move out of line and you won’t need to worry about Beckett. You’ll be dealing with me.
“You ready?” Doug asked gruffly.
Martin got up and said snidely, “Don’t tell me you’re going to be my date for the wedding too.”
I’m going to be so damn close, it’ll feel like it. “Rose will be meeting us there.” Doug didn’t know why he included himself in that. Maybe just to see Martin’s reaction. He was slightly disappointed there hadn’t been one. I can see why Beckett doesn’t trust the guy. He never reacts like you expect, and in war, that is dangerous. Now? Just annoying as fuck.
They didn’t speak the entire way to the garden, now decorated with ribbons and girly stuff and filled with about fifty people. Even though he knew she didn’t want to be there, he was confident she wouldn’t bail this late in the game. Besides, she’d purposely brought Martin here to tick Beckett off. Something told him she wasn’t going to back down on that. Beckett underestimates her.
There was a very small part of him feeling guilty for not having his friend’s back right now. And the other part was looking forward to watching Rose stand up to Beckett. For no other reason than it was going to be good for her. And possibly sexy too. He understood her better than she might think. It wasn’t easy walking in the shadows of everyone else. Rose wanted to be looked upon as an equal in the family. Beckett was a great guy, yet as the oldest, he put responsibilities on himself that didn’t need to be there. Time to let this bird fly.
When Beckett saw them he approached, looking none too happy. “What the hell is he doing here, and where is Rose?” he growled. He almost laughed when Beckett deliberately ignored greeting Martin.
Doug looked around and there was still no sign of her. He didn’t want to be the one to tell Beckett—
“Rose called and begged me to come. She wants to be with me, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it—” Once Martin opened his mouth, Doug didn’t have to. The stupid kid might have said the words to Beckett, but certainly kept his distance as he did.
Beckett looked like he wanted to rip Martin’s head right off. If Doug thought the kid had any common sense at all, it vanished right then. What game are you playing? He was about to intervene when he realized what made Toby so fucking bold.
Rose appeared behind Beckett. Good God, the woman is stunning.
She put a hand on Beckett’s arm and softly said, “Gentlemen, we’re at a wedding, not a bar. Please keep your voices down and your attitudes in check.” Her tone matched her warning. “Now let’s find our seats; the bride and groom are about to arrive.”
Beckett never took his eyes off Martin. It was apparent protection might, in fact, be needed. More so if lover boy wants to push Beckett’s buttons again. Would he have stood up to Beckett if Rose hadn’t turned up when she did?
Rose went to sit, and like a faithful puppy, Martin followed. That left Beckett standing beside Doug. “When the fuck did the plan change, and why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because Rose asked me not to.” The answer was plain and simple. Hell, it’s even the truth.
“Are you telling me you approve of that asshole?” Beckett snarled.
Not in the least. “It’s not my place. Not yours either. This is Rose’s decision.”
Beckett huffed, shook his head, then walked down the aisle to sit with Danielle, who had been waving him to join her. Doug couldn’t stand the entire time and looked around for a seat. There were a few open, none that he wanted, and he was tempted to sit in the back by himself. Then he saw Rose turn and look at him. Had she intentionally left an open seat next to her? What-the-hell-ever? As far as he was concerned, it had his name on it.
When he took the seat next to her, she smiled up at him. Martin watched their exchange and placed his right hand on Rose’s bare left thigh. She’s tiny, but that dress and those heels . . . God, he had it bad. Now he wished she’d worn pants. She wasn’t his girl, not his anything, yet just having Martin around her, touching her, made his blood boil.
The music played, and the wedding began. Doug wasn’t paying attention to one damn thing about it; his mind and eyes were on Rose the entire time. She seemed tense, as though she wanted to be anywhere but where she was. At one point she inched a bit closer to him. Was it because she wanted to be near him or was she trying to get away from Martin? Once again, Doug wasn’t sure. He hadn’t spent enough time around her to read her. Or am I simply blinded by lust?
A Rose For The Billionaire: Betting On You Series: Book Six Page 8