“Finn… Samantha’s…” He hesitated, trying to find the right word.
“He’s my surfing instructor,” she inserted.
Finn’s brow furrowed as he looked questioningly at Samantha.
“Really? He’s your surfing instructor?” She whistled under her breath. “Sign me up.”
“Finn’s also a close friend,” Samantha said softly, trying to smooth things over between them.
“Only a friend?” he said, locking eyes with her.
Blood started throbbing in her temples. “No, not just a friend.”
He looked pleased as he reached for Samantha’s hand and linked his fingers through hers.
Dani’s eyes rested on their clasped hands. “Well, I hate to break up this little party, but do you mind if we go inside? I’m exhausted,” she said, suppressing a yawn. “Is Anthony home?”
Casually, Samantha removed her hand from Finn’s. “He had to work late tonight. I wasn’t sure what time he’d be home.” If only Dani would keep her big fat mouth shut! The less they talked about Anthony around Finn, the better.
“The elusive older brother,” Finn mused. “I’ve been trying to get Samantha to introduce us, but haven’t talked her into it yet.”
Dani tilted her head. “Really? Sam? You don’t want Finn to meet Anthony? I can’t imagine why.”
Samantha burned with embarrassment. She wanted to wring Dani’s skinny neck.
Dani waved a hand. “Oh, I wouldn’t give it a second thought, Finn. You’re not missing anything by not meeting him. He always has his nose to the grind—not a minute to spare. His work consumes him.”
“That’s too bad,” Finn said.
Dani gave Samantha a knowing look. “Yeah, it’s a crying shame.”
10
Anthony paced back and forth across the floor like a caged cougar. His jaw was rigid, and a vein protruded from the center of his forehead. He stopped and glared at Samantha, who was sitting on the couch, cautiously watching him. “Dani simply can’t stay here!” Anthony had arrived home about an hour after she and Dani, which was great, because it gave Samantha plenty of time to get Dani settled in the guestroom. Hopefully, she was asleep and not hearing this conversation.
“Why not?”
“This is supposed to be our time to get to know each other.”
It took an almost superhuman effort to keep the anger out of her voice. “I don’t understand why you’re getting so bent out of shape about this. You’re never here anyway.”
He ran his hands through his hair. “That’s not fair. I’m working. Trying to provide a living for us.”
That was always his excuse, and it was getting old. He already had more money than most people made in a lifetime. But it would never be enough for him. She stood and looked him in the eye. “Dani’s my sister. And I want her here. We have an extra bedroom, and she can keep me company while you’re at work. I don’t see what the problem is.” She stared him down, her jaw clenched. “When you marry me, you’ll also be marrying my family. If that’s something you don’t feel comfortable with, then we need to get it out in the open right now.”
When she saw the blessed hesitation creep into his eyes, she knew she’d won. “Fine,” he grumbled. “But I won’t have her destroying the place.”
Anthony’s idea of destroying the place was dishes left in the sink or a banana peel in the trashcan. In a small way, she felt sorry for Anthony. He was so consumed with insignificant details. At any rate, while she was willing to sacrifice her own comfort and well-being to appease Anthony’s petty whims, she was not willing to throw Dani to the curb. Dani was her responsibility. And Anthony would have to come to terms with that.
She touched his arm. “Look, I’ll work this out. You won’t even know she’s here.”
His features relaxed a fraction. “Okay, but I’ll hold you to that.” He looked at her naked ring finger, and the corners of his lips turned down. “I was sure the ring would come today.”
The ring! She forgot all about it. There was no way she could admit it had been delivered to Liam by mistake and that she refused to accept it when he tried to give it to her.
“I need to check the tracking number to see what’s going on.”
She nodded, making a mental note to dart next door and retrieve the package the following morning. Then she remembered she was attending the sunrise service at the resort. Anthony normally slept in on Sundays, but she needed to handle the situation so as not to arouse his suspicion. Then again, if Anthony really had hired a man to follow her, all was lost anyway. He certainly wasn’t acting like he suspected anything. Maybe the man hadn’t been following her and Finn. Maybe it really was a fluke, as she’d suggested to Finn. She had to approach the sunrise service delicately. “Hey, I’m thinking about going to a sunrise service in the morning at the resort. Do you want to go with me?” She held her breath, waiting for him to answer, not knowing what she would do if he actually accepted her invitation.
“No thanks. You know I’m not much for those types of things. Besides, I really need to get some rest. I’m exhausted.”
She dropped her shoulders, feigning disappointment, as she looked glumly at the floor to hide her relief.
“I’m sorry,” he offered.
She lifted her eyes to his. “It’s okay,” she said forlornly. “I’ll just go by myself.”
When he gathered her in his arms, she didn’t pull away as he gave her a long, thorough kiss that left her feeling dead inside.
“Dani,” Samantha whispered, shaking her.
“What?” Dani mumbled groggily as she turned over and pulled the covers over her head.
“I’m going to a sunrise service with Finn. Do you want to come?”
Dani’s eyes shot open as she lowered the blanket. “You’re what?”
“Going to a sunrise service. Do you want to come?”
“With Finn?”
“Yeah.”
Dani sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “Don’t you think that’s risky?”
“Yeah… I guess.” She shrugged.
She sighed. “I get what you’re doing—you’re trying to live out your unfulfilled fantasy with the hunky surfer dude before you tie the knot. I commend you for that, but you need to be careful. If Anthony finds out…” Her voice trailed off, and worry filled her brown eyes.
Samantha sat down on the edge of the bed. “I know, you’re right.”
“It’s one thing to explore the island with Finn, and another to be seen at Turtle Bay with him. What if someone recognizes you? Do you really want to wreck your engagement over a passing fancy?”
“Finn’s not a passing fancy,” she snapped.
Dani looked surprised. “He’s not?”
Sorrow settled in her chest as she slowly shook her head. “No, I’m afraid not.”
“You mean you have feelings for him?”
Tears pooled in her eyes. “Yes,” she croaked.
“Crap! This is worse than I thought. When did this happen?”
She told Dani about the chance meeting at the airport and how, in a strange turn of events, Finn happened to be her surfing instructor.
Dani groaned. “I thought I was helping when I signed you up for the lesson.” She raked her hair from her face. “Does Anthony know?”
“I—I’m not sure.”
Dani’s eyes turned to saucers. “What do you mean?”
She told her about the man at Ted’s Bakery and how Finn was sure he was following them.
“This is bad. Really bad.” Dani paused. “And knowing all of this, you’re still willing to meet Finn at the sunrise service?”
“I can’t stay away from him,” she admitted.
“You love him.”
Hearing Dani speak the words aloud made the situation real. “I’m afraid I do.”
Dani rubbed her hand across her forehead. “All right. Go. I’ll distract Anthony.”
“I’m sure that won’t be necessary,” she said quickly. “He�
��ll probably still be asleep when I get back. There’s no need to bother him.”
Dani made a face. “Are you afraid we’ll kill each other if we’re left in the same house alone? I heard him giving you grief about me last night.”
“You don’t need to worry about that; I have it under control,” Samantha assured her.
Dani began chewing on her lower lip. “That’s just it—I don’t think you do. This whole thing’s gonna blow up in your face if you’re not careful.”
The morning sky was glorious. Ribbons of orange and pink swirls streaked across the sky, reminding Samantha of orange and raspberry sherbet. She tried to dismiss Dani’s ominous words that the whole thing would blow up in her face, but she couldn’t. Dani was right: she was being reckless. Anthony was bound to find out about Finn sooner or later. She could almost face that more than the thought of Finn discovering that she’d been lying to him this whole time.
Rows of white chairs were situated on the grassy section overlooking the ocean. There were about twenty people gathered. Some were dressed in shorts and T-shirts; others were wearing dress clothes. She’d debated with herself what to wear and finally decided on a casual sundress.
A wide smile broke over Finn’s face when he saw her. Her heart skipped a beat, and she smiled back. Immediately, he was at her side. “I’m glad you came,” he said, kissing her cheek.
“Me too.”
“Are you here alone? I wondered if Anthony and Dani might come with you.”
“No, they’re both still asleep.”
“Well, they’re missing out. The sunrises are always incredible on this side of the island.”
“Yes,” she murmured, looking out across the ocean and at the sky, which was ablaze with color.
They sat down. More people arrived. A few minutes later, a twenty-something-year-old man, wearing jeans and a white shirt and tie, took his place at the front of the chairs. His shoulder-length hair was slicked back, and he was holding a Bible under one arm. He was lean and wiry with a dark tan, making her wonder if he was a surfer like Finn.
“Pastor Steve preaches a good sermon, and he’s one heck of a big wave surfer too,” Finn whispered.
“I’m so glad you guys could come,” Pastor Steve began. “Let’s begin with a word of prayer.” He folded his arms, and all bowed their heads as he prayed.
Afterwards, Finn grasped her hand and linked his fingers through hers. Warmth settled over her as she scooted in her chair to get more comfortable. A young boy with black eyes and dark hair turned around and smiled tentatively. Finn smiled and winked. Delighted, the boy stuck out his tongue. Finn mimicked him. The boy giggled and then made a face. Finn did the same. They went back and forth for a few minutes, until the boy’s mother gave him a harsh look and motioned for him to turn around.
Samantha caught bits and pieces of Pastor Steve’s sermon as her mind began to wander. She looked out at the ocean, which was as restless as she felt. What was she going to do about Anthony… and Finn? She glanced at Finn and could tell he was listening. She forced herself to concentrate on what was being said.
“Courage doesn’t descend on us like dew from heaven. It must be sought after and developed. Each of us needs to ask ourselves, what kind of person do I want to be? Do I turn and run at the first sign of trouble, or do I face it with faith and optimism? And what happens when things get hard? Do we give up?” Pastor Steve’s voice rose as he balled his fist. “No. That’s when we have to look inside ourselves and find the courage to continue. The phoenix created a new life from the ashes. And so can we. It’s possible to keep moving forward, even when the way’s rocky.” He opened his Bible. “In 1 John 4:18, we read: ‘There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear…’ Look to the Lord in all things, and He will guide you. He will open doors and provide a way for you to do His will.”
Tears simmered in Samantha’s eyes. It felt like the words were meant for her. It was impossible for her to love Anthony, because she feared him. Oh, how she wanted to find the courage to break away from Anthony and embrace Finn’s love. If the decision only affected her, she would do it in a heartbeat. Dani was tough; she could survive without money. But what would happen to her mom? She couldn’t bear the thought of pushing her over the edge. A heart attack had taken her dad. The same thing could easily happen to her mom. Furthermore, marriage to Anthony guaranteed security for her mother—a roof over her head, a chance for her boutique to thrive. But was it necessary to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her mother and sister? She’d prayed so many times to know the answer but was still floundering in the dark. Her silent plea lifted to heaven. Please, help me to find a way out of this mess I’ve created.
She felt someone watching her. She looked across the aisle of chairs and saw a familiar face sitting amongst the group. Koa! The concierge. He was frowning, glancing between her and Finn. In that moment, she felt every bit the two-timing louse she was. Humiliation burned through her as she looked away.
Finn squeezed her hand reassuringly, and she gave him a strained smile. “Are you okay?” he whispered.
“Yeah, I’m good.”
11
The acrid scent of burning toast accosted Samantha’s nostrils when she stepped through the front door of the condo. She walked into the kitchen and stopped short when she saw the mess. The egg carton was open, with empty shells resting among the unused eggs. Bits of shredded cheese were scattered over the counter and floor. Two pieces of burnt toast had been tossed on a plate like forgotten rubbish.
Dani was standing in front of the stove, singing off key, a wooden spoon perched on her hip. She turned when she saw Samantha. “Hey, I was just making some eggs and toast. Want some? The toast is a little brown, but I figure we can scrape off the top.”
“Hey,” Samantha said, trying not to panic. “Is Anthony up yet?”
“I haven’t seen him.” She began dragging the spoon through the eggs to move the cooked layer to the top.
“This place is a wreck. We need to get it cleaned up. Fast!”
Dani gave her a funny look. “Since when did you turn into such a clean freak?”
“Anthony’ll go berserk if he sees this.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Well, then he needs to lighten up.” She turned her attention back to the stove.
Hurriedly, Samantha tossed the empty eggshells into the trash. Then she removed the untouched eggs and placed them on the counter. She held the carton over the sink and rinsed away the residual egg juice. “Honestly, Dani. Couldn’t you have just thrown the eggshells away? Why’d you put them back in the carton?”
“Geez. I didn’t know you’d be so anal about it. I didn’t want the juice spilling on the counter.”
Samantha merely shook her head and began drying the carton.
She was wiping off the countertop when Anthony entered the room. “What is going on here?” he thundered.
Dani jumped and put a hand over her chest. “You scared me!” A shaky laugh escaped her throat. “Morning, Anthony. I’m making breakfast. Want some?”
His face turned red as he shot Samantha a hateful look. “This is exactly what I was talking about!”
“Dani didn’t realize how picky you are about cleanliness.”
His eyes bulged. “What? Now you’re attacking me because I want to keep things clean?”
“No, I didn’t mean anything by it. I was simply trying to explain that Dani meant no harm.”
He held up a hand. “Save it,” he barked. “I’ll get breakfast elsewhere. When I get back, I expect you to have this place cleaned up.”
She nodded, and he turned on his heel and stormed out.
Dani removed the eggs from the stove. Outrage was written on her face. “What in the heck was that all about?”
Samantha’s legs felt like Jell-O as she sat down.
Dani pulled out a chair and sat down across from her. “Okay, spill it,” she ordered.
“Anthony’s fixated on keeping everything clean.
He can’t stand for a single item to be out of place.” Even as she continued to spell out Anthony’s expectations, she knew how ridiculous it all sounded. Dani was looking at her like she’d sprouted another head, making her feel like she was partly to blame for Anthony’s behavior. That was the crazy part. She was starting to obsess over details, too, in order to stay a step ahead of Anthony. He was drawing her into his lunacy.
Finally, when the words ran dry, Dani shook her head. “I had no idea. No wonder you’ve been acting strange.” Her eyes met Samantha’s. “What’re you gonna do?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
Samantha juggled the plate of chicken with one hand and punched the doorbell with the other. Liam answered. “Hey.”
She felt awkward, wondering what he must think of her after seeing her with Finn the day before. She held out the plate of saran-wrapped chicken. “I thought you might enjoy this.”
Eagerly, he took it. “Thanks. I love your chicken. Would you like to come in?”
“That’s okay, I need to be getting back. I was wondering if I could get that package from you.” Anthony had nearly gone ballistic when he’d looked up the tracking number and it showed that the ring had been delivered. He sent a nasty email to the postal service and was planning on going to the post office first thing tomorrow morning. Her goal was to diffuse the situation before he realized it was next door.
“Oh yeah, I’ll be right back.” He returned a minute later and handed it to her.
“Thanks so much.”
He leaned against the doorframe and shoved his hands in his jeans pockets. “So, how are things going?”
“Okay.” It was on the tip of her tongue to try and explain why she was out with Finn. But what could she say? She was guilty—guilty of falling in love with the wrong man.
“Anthony was pretty upset about Rebel digging in his yard. I hope it didn’t cause you any trouble.”
She waved away the apology. “Anthony gets upset if you breathe the wrong way.”
Everything to Lose (Destination Billionaire Romance) Page 9