“You told them you believed in me. No one has ever believed in me in such a magnitude. I will never be able to repay such a debt.”
Smiling, Rose said, “There is no debt to repay. Your passion for caring for others is payment enough. Your service to those who come to Marpe-Agape will be a testament to many who have forgotten how to dream.”
Sharma smiled shyly. Rose could tell she was touched by the kindness yet wasn’t comfortable with being the center of attention. It was another thing she liked about the woman.
“Thank you, Rose. Thank you. Where are you off to?” Sharma asked.
“I thought I’d take a walk on the beach and enjoy this beautiful day.” Thought it’d be with Doug, but at least I’ll still be out there.
“Without Mr. Atwood?”
“Yep, just me.”
“What happened? I thought that . . . he . . . I hope I didn’t do something incorrectly.”
Rose looked at her puzzled. “What’re you talking about? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“But he isn’t here with you.”
“I know that. He’s sleeping so I thought I’d take a walk by myself.”
“On the beach?”
“Yes. On the beach. What’s going on, Sharma? You’re acting like you don’t want me to go down here. Why is that?”
Sharma looked around as though looking for any excuse she could find to flee. No way Rose would let her go without an answer. And one that sounds plausible too.
“Oh, Mr. Atwood won’t be happy if I tell you. Please go back to your room and wait,” Sharma pleaded with Rose.
Wait? For what? “Sharma, I won’t tell him you told me. What is it you don’t want me to know?”
“Oh, I don’t like secrets. I’m horrible at them. I should’ve told him no when he asked me for help. Now, look at the mess I’m in.”
“What help did he need?” Rose prodded. One way or another she was going to get the answers without going back to the suite.
“Mr. Atwood is planning something very special for you. He asked me if I could assist in preparing a few things. It’ll disappoint him terribly if you see it. Please, Rose, if you care for Mr. Atwood, you must go back to the room and pretend to be surprised.”
Her heart began to race with excitement, knowing Doug had something planned for her on the beach. Something so special that Sharma was willing to beg her to stop instead of ruining the surprise. Rose never was good at waiting. When she was young, she’d always find her birthday gifts that were hidden in the house, open and rewrap them, so no one knew. This would be so much easier. I don’t even need any tape.
There was one problem. She also was a terrible liar. If Doug asked her if she’d seen anything, she’d need to tell him the truth. If he’d actually gone to the trouble to surprise her, then Sharma was correct, he’d be disappointed. No matter how curious she was, Doug’s feelings meant more to her.
Rose made her way back to the suite and slipped inside just as quietly as she’d exited. Doug was still fast asleep and snoring. Not extremely loud, but enough to make her snicker a bit. It was just enough to cause him to stir.
As his eyes opened, he said, “Good, you’re ready.”
Yes, I am. “And where are we off to?”
Doug got up off the chaise lounge chair, walked over to where she was standing by the door, and taking her hand, he brought her fingers to his lips. “That, my angel, is a secret.”
Yes it is. A secret for both of us.
She let him lead the way toward the beach, all the while trying not to let on she was aware of anything. Rose had tried to imagine what he’d planned for her, but it seemed odd to be in this situation with him. They’d shared some very deep emotional stuff, yet she didn’t know his favorite color or meal. Most likely he didn’t know her tastes either. Had anyone ever planned a surprise for me? No matter what he’d planned she would appreciate the effort.
Rose had been down to the beach many times during her last visit to the island. It was one of her favorite spots. The feel of the ocean breeze and smell of salt water rejuvenated her. Back home, she tried to go to the beach a few times a year, but being from West Virginia, it wasn’t as close as she’d like. Actually, I’d love to live near the water every day.
Although she didn’t grow up by water, she loved swimming in the ocean. Here on the island, the water was so much warmer than back home.
She wasn’t going to allow herself to be filled with fear over a few sharks or stingrays this time. If Doug wanted to go for a swim, she would smile and race him to the water. And if he wants to sit and sunbath, that works just fine for me too. Doug without a shirt . . .
Even though she’d been on the island a while, this was her first trip to the water. She wasn’t swamped with commitments or things to do since they arrived, but somehow she’d avoided the beach. Now she was glad to be there. It felt good having the rest of the day to do as she wished, especially spending it with Doug. He’s become someone I hold dear.
Rose looked at Doug, who was still holding her hand as they made their way toward the sandy beach. He seemed as though something was on his mind, and it had nothing to do with where they were headed. Doug had been so wonderful and supportive to her; there was no way she wouldn’t do the same for him. If he needed her, she wanted to be there.
Although she didn’t want to spoil whatever he had waiting for them on the beach, she also knew she couldn’t continue without at least asking.
“How was your day?” Oh, God. Really? This is all I have?
“Good.”
His answer was too brief, and he didn’t even look at her. That was no way to start a date if that was even what it was. She stopped walking, and since they were holding hands, he had to as well.
“What’s the matter?” Doug asked her.
“Hmm. That’s my question. You look like you’re a million miles away. And earlier at the medical center, you also seemed on edge. What’s going on?”
He looked down at her then turned away saying, “Nothing’s wrong.”
Oh, how she wanted to stand her ground and tell him she wasn’t going another step until he opened up and talked to her. She seemed to be the one doing all the talking/sharing since he stopped in to check on her. That was going to change. She might not be able to force him to talk, but she could control how much she continued to share with him. It’s a two-way street. I’m only going to give what I get from now on.
“Okay, then,” Rose said in a very nonchalant tone as she brushed past him, starting toward the final bend to the beach.
Doug didn’t follow her. “Wait.”
She stopped, turned back to face him, and asked, “Is there something you want to tell me?”
He smiled. “You’re tough, do you know that?”
Rose shrugged. “Little ole me, tough? You must be mistaken,” she teased.
Doug stood beside her. “Angel, there’s a part of you so tough, I think you could take on the entire Marine Corps and bring us down to our knees.”
“Well then, I guess you have no choice but to spill what’s going on.” This time she gave him a sweet grin of victory.
“It’s a long story, and today is supposed to be fun in the sun, or have you forgotten?”
She could tell he was still trying to get out of having a serious conversation with her. It wasn’t good, but she was going to encourage him to talk. “I hope I didn’t wear this bikini for no reason. The faster you tell me what has you so stressed, the quicker we can get into the fun mood.”
“Don’t tempt me to fling you over my shoulder and—”
“At this rate, the sun will have set, and we’ll still be standing here,” Rose said with her arms crossed.
Doug laughed. “I know I said I’d be staying the entire week with you, but I need to go back to New York.”
“I thought you were from San Antonio.”
“I am. You are aware my father died, correct?”
“Yes.” Oh, God. He’s been helping me, but
he only just buried his dad. Rose . . . “I’m so sorry, Doug. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling at the moment.” Rose wanted to be there for him, yet she also knew he was the type of man who held in his emotions. If you want to talk, I’m right here, waiting. She wasn’t sure what that had to do with New York.
“There is a meeting tomorrow with the attorney that I can’t miss.”
Lawyers stressed her out too. And if it had to do with the death of his father, his reticence made total sense. She felt bad about pushing him to talk about it. Grieving and mourning weren’t easy to share, and often a person had to sort through their reactions alone. All she could do was show him she was going to be here if he needed her.
Rose stepped forward, reached a hand up, and touched his left cheek. Her heart went out to him. She was so lucky to have both her parents alive and well. “Would you like someone to go with you?”
“Beckett’s coming.” Rose could almost see an inner turmoil within Doug. Obviously whatever he thought the lawyer was going to say concerned him.
She pulled her hand away slowly. Rose wasn’t about to tell Doug, but it hurt that Beckett was up to date with what was going on in his life, and she wasn’t. There was no reason for her to be jealous. Beckett and Doug have been friends since she was just a young teen. Why wouldn’t he share with his best friend? It’s not like we have anything that’s . . . long-term. “If you can’t come back, I understand.”
“Rose, I want to promise you that I will, but I can’t. Breaking my word to you sucks, but it can’t be avoided. This meeting is crucial. If there were any way I could postpone it, I would.”
They weren’t empty, shallow words. She heard the sincerity in his voice. It didn’t make his leaving any less difficult. This was the first time she’d felt such a connection with someone, and she dearly wanted it to continue. No matter how hard she tried, the thought of him leaving made her stomach sick. When did I start needing you? I’m normally a loner. Your leaving shouldn’t bother me, but it does.
“Doug, we both have our own lives. So why don’t we make the most of the time we have together today?” She forced a smile, which he seemed to have accepted as real. Or maybe you don’t want to see my broken heart any more than I want you to.
Without saying a word, Doug reached out, took her hand in his, and as before, they headed to the beach. She didn’t know what waited for them and right now she didn’t care. All she wanted was to be in Doug’s arms again. Feel his kisses. The man is leaving, and all I can think about is his touch. Am I about to rub salt in my own wound? It’s better this ends quickly.
Rose knew, quickly or not, Doug had touched her heart in a way she’d never encountered before. Denying what was in her heart wasn’t possible. All she could do was not let him know. Hopefully, he’s so distracted he won’t see the pain I’m feeling. He has enough of his own already, and I don’t want or need him to carry mine too.
Chapter Ten
Doug wasn’t one to put time or thought into planning what he imagined was a romantic date. Normally, he’d simply make a reservation at a restaurant before catching a show. But he wanted it to be meaningful for Rose.
What he hadn’t anticipated was her reading his emotions so clearly. He was very good at keeping them in check and hidden from others. How can she see right through my first line of defense? Not only had she picked up on his concerns, she knew exactly how to play it, so she held the cards. He’d underestimated her a few times before. Each time he thought he had her figured out, she threw him another curveball.
There they were just about to land on the beach, and he was second-guessing his choice for the afternoon. I’ll know in one minute if this was a stupid idea.
As they walked in the sand holding their shoes with one hand and clasping their other hands together, they rounded the last bend, and came upon what Doug had set up earlier. The canopy with the white cotton panels set away from the crashing waves. Even from where they stood, he could see the massage table with flowers in the center of the canopy.
A straw picnic basket containing sandwiches, chocolate-covered strawberries, and champagne sat on a blanket in front of the canopy. Thank you, Sharma. A large pile of firewood was stacked perfectly, ready for a romantic fire at sunset in a couple hours.
Doug had planned arriving midafternoon, but her volunteering at the center and his nap changed those plans. A romantic sunset might work out even better. He wasn’t going to cut any corners. This was all about her, and he was going to do everything possible to guarantee it was a time she’d never forget. He hoped once she was closer and realized he had a massage planned, he hadn’t gone too far.
He saw the sun shining in her wide honey-brown eyes as she took in the sight. “Wow, Doug. How did all this get down here?”
Her voice was filled with excitement and surprise. So far so good.
“I had a little help.” He wasn’t about to mention how much help. It was amazing how many different resources he needed to get this set up in a short time. The staff at Marpe-Agape certainly went out of their way to help others, even when he wasn’t one of the patients.
“I would say so. This is . . . beautiful, Doug. I never expected this.”
Yeah. Kind of a shock to me too. “I’m glad I was able to surprise you. For a minute I thought you suspected what I had planned.”
She smiled but turned her head away when she answered. “Nope.”
He wasn’t sure when she would’ve had time, but she didn’t look so innocent right now. Even if she’d guessed what he’d planned, he felt as though he could still make this special. I might just have to step up my game a bit.
“I hope you’re hungry.”
“Starving, actually.”
“Then let’s start,” Doug said, stopping at the foot of the blanket. “Sit and let me serve you.”
“Doug, you’ve done all the planning, let me help,” Rose replied as she knelt down on the blanket.
“Not this time. Today, it’s all about you.”
He was thankful she didn’t argue and sat down waiting while he opened the basket. Doug wasn’t up on etiquette but what he’d had Sharma pack was simple enough for him to handle. He handed her a linen napkin that she placed on her lap. Then he pulled out a container with little sandwiches.
“I think these are supposed to be sandwiches,” Doug said with his brow arched. They were so small and cut in quarters. “Maybe for a mouse.” He laughed.
Rose took the container from him, picked up one of the small triangles, and said, “They’re called tea sandwiches. They’re supposed to be like this.” And this is why I asked for help packing the basket. I’d never have packed something like this. Sharma, on the other hand, hit the mark.
Doug picked up one, looked it over, shook his head, and popped it into his mouth. They were tasty, yet his idea of a sandwich was steak, mushrooms, and cheese on a twelve-inch roll. He had no idea why someone would make a sandwich bite-sized. Hell, I’ve eaten cookies bigger than this. He should’ve been clearer about what he was looking for. Rose said she was starving and this wasn’t filling.
Unlike him, Rose took a small bite, then another. “How did you know these are my favorite? They’re wonderful.”
Or maybe being vague on my list to Sharma was the right choice. Doug sat next to her and watched how she truly enjoyed each morsel. Had he ever seen her so relaxed? When she finished the last one, he reached back into the basket and pulled out two glasses and a chilled bottle of champagne. “How about some champagne to wash that down?”
He popped the cork, poured their glasses, then reached in one last time to retrieve the chocolate-covered strawberries he’d asked for. Now, these look like real food.
Rose took a sip of champagne, and Doug picked up one of the berries and held it up to her. “Try one of these.”
She didn’t reach for it. Instead, she leaned her mouth toward the berry and slowly bit into it. The juice clung to her lips. Everything around him seemed to fade, and all he could do wa
s hold it up and watch her take a second bite. Each time her sweet lips wrapped around the berry, his cock tightened with need. He’d never wanted anyone like he wanted her; the pull and all-consuming heat was undeniable.
Doug resisted pushing the basket and items aside and pulling her into his arms. He knew once he tasted her again, he wouldn’t be able to stop. This wasn’t supposed to be a quick romp in the sand. He wanted this to be healing for her. She’d been through so much the past few days, and he wanted to help her forget, even if only for a few hours.
The juice of the last berry dripped down her chin, and he wanted to lick it so badly. Not because he enjoyed berries, but because it was part of her. Damn. I can’t focus on anything but you.
He loved how she told him more about growing up with hard-headed brothers and what she considered a perfect sister. Doug couldn’t relate to either as he’d been an only child. Yet she was excellent as expressing herself. I wonder why you can’t do that with Beckett. Are you afraid he won’t listen?
Rose’s laugh tugged at his heart. He could listen to her for hours as she continued to share family stories. He wished he had as many to share with her, but she practically was rolling on the ground when he told her how he used to give his mother a hard time when he was a teenager.
Spending time with Rose was so much easier than he thought possible. Was it because he had never given the women he’d dated his free time in this way? Or was it her? She was smart, witty, kindhearted, and fiercely loyal. Why is she single? Why did she waste even one hour on Martin, let alone six months? I like her.
Doug brushed all thoughts of Martin away. As far as he was concerned, the asshole never existed. If he had his way, she’d forget about him too. I really like you, Rose Davis. If only I could be the man who deserves you.
The juice of last berry dripped down her chin, and he wanted to lick it so badly. Quickly he tossed the empty containers back into the basket and stood. Reaching a hand down to her he said, “I have a special surprise for you.”
Rose accepted his hand, and he guided her up. He pointed at the canopy. “I hope you like massages.”
A Rose For The Billionaire: Betting On You Series: Book Six Page 14