Then, the clouds parted in a most unexpected way, handing him a golden opportunity. He stopped by the surf shop to see Mikala and happened to catch a glimpse of the schedule for the following day. He almost went giddy when he saw Samantha’s name. He persuaded Mikala to let him teach her, and the rest was history. Eventually, he would have to come clean and tell her he’d orchestrated the surfing lessons, but he didn’t want to do it too soon for fear of scaring her away.
His instinct told him that Samantha felt as strongly for him as he did her. And yet, she was holding something back. On the surface, she was upbeat and fun to be around, but then he would catch a glimpse of deep sadness in her eyes that wrenched his gut. He suspected that whatever secret Samantha was keeping involved her elusive brother, Anthony. Even though Finn had only seen him once at the airport, something about the man rubbed him the wrong way. Maybe it was the dark scowl on his face when he saw Finn and Samantha talking. Or maybe it was because he acted so possessive of Samantha. Something was off. And why was Samantha so set on preventing him from meeting Anthony?
Normally, he never would’ve dated a girl without knowing her background. It was too risky, especially in his situation. But that night on the beach, he could tell Samantha was retreating. He panicked and blurted out the first thing he could think of to take the pressure off. She would only be on the island a couple more weeks. He had to find a way to persuade her to stay. She was consuming him, heart and soul, and he couldn’t imagine a life without her.
He frowned. Samantha wasn’t the only one keeping secrets. He would have to eventually tell her his.
Soon. When the time was right.
Dani came into the room, one towel wrapped around her head and another wrapped around her slender body. “Is Anthony gone yet?”
Samantha nodded in relief. “Just left. Where are you off to today?”
Dani removed the towel and started drying the ends of her hair. “I thought I’d go to Sunset Beach.”
She chuckled in amusement. “And you’re washing your hair first?”
“Well … yeah. I wanna look good.” Dani sniffed. “Is that a crime?”
“Nope. Just asking.” She held up a hand, not wanting an argument.
“Do you wanna come along? I’m going to Liam’s house this afternoon. He’s using me as a model.” She sucked in her cheeks. “Evidently I’m perfect for it because of my prominent cheekbones and defined features. You know, our Russian heritage.”
Samantha rolled her eyes. “Oh brother. Liam’s creating a monster.”
Her lips formed a pout. “He is not.”
“You’ve been spending a lot of time with him the past few days. Are things getting serious?”
She laughed nervously. “Goodness, no. Liam’s just a friend.”
“A handsome friend with a sexy accent who happens to adore you.”
Her eyes danced. “Well, it’s always nice to be appreciated,” she said, scrunching her hair. “Anyway, wanna come to the beach with me?”
“No, Finn and I are getting together for my surfing lesson. But first, I have to clean up the condo.” Samantha swiped the kitchen counter a third time, using a Clorox wipe.
Dani caught hold of her wrist and leaned in close to her face. “Stop it! This place is so ridiculously clean, it would put a hospital to shame. Anthony’s craziness is starting to rub off on you. I can’t handle you going all neurotic on me.”
Samantha slowly let out a breath. Dani was right, of course, but it was sometimes easier to just comply rather than fight about it.
She cocked her head when she realized Dani was grinning at her. “What?”
“Surfing lesson, huh? Is that all you and Finn are doing? It’s been the same the entire week. The minute Napoleon steps foot out the door, you can’t wait to get to Finn.”
“What?” Samantha’s eyes grew large. The accusation was cutting because it was true. When she was away from Finn, all she could think about was when she was going to see him again. What in the heck was she going to do when she got married? “We really are surfing,” she said tartly. She was actually getting pretty good at it.
Dani laughed. “Yeah… that and a few other things.” She puckered her lips and made smooching motions in the air. Then she gave Samantha the look. The one that said you’re screwing up big time.
A blanket of heat smothered her. “Quit looking at me like that.”
“You know this thing with Finn’s not gonna end well. Anthony’ll blow a gasket when he finds out.”
If he finds out. Samantha had no intention of letting that happen. Her brows knitted together. “I don’t want to talk about this right now.”
“I’m just saying…”
“Well, don’t,” she said hotly, then instantly regretted it. It was crazy how fast the anger shot over her. Living with Anthony was making her short-tempered and irritable.
Dani let out a long breath. “Fine. Have it your way. See ya this evening.”
After getting off at the bus stop, Dani started walking along the side of the road toward the beach. It was a popular spot for surfing and swimming; a steady stream of cars were passing by, and there were lots of people walking to the beach. The breeze felt wonderful as it rustled through her hair. She couldn’t wait to get to the beach. Maybe she would meet a couple of hot surfers. After all, she couldn’t let Samantha have all the fun.
She was about there when she heard a wolf whistle. “Hiya, gorgeous. Need a ride?”
A rusted pickup truck pulled up beside her. There were several guys and girls in the back, all dressed in swimsuits.
A good-looking guy about her age jumped off the back and approached her. His dark, wavy hair reached his shoulders, and he had the most vivid turquoise eyes she’d ever seen. Not to mention the fact that he was shirtless and had an incredible body. “Hey, babe. We’re heading to Pipeline; you wanna come? It’ll be the ride of a lifetime, I can guarantee you that.”
Wow. Talk about a hottie. He was bad-boy local and surfer rolled into one. “Thanks,” she said offhandedly. “I already have plans.”
“Hey, now. Don’t shoot me down.” He placed a hand over his heart and flashed a devilish smile that was presumably supposed to turn her to a puddle of mush. “Say yes, babe.”
She started walking away from the road. “I don’t answer to babe,” she quipped.
He hurried to catch up with her. “Then what do you answer to?”
She did a mental assessment of him, trying to decide if she wanted to divulge her name. He was smooth as cream, knowing all the right things to say. And he was obviously used to getting his way. “Dani,” she finally said.
“Dani,” he repeated, openly looking her up and down. “I like it. It suits you. I’m The Jett.”
“The Jett?” she said, amused. “Or do you mean Jett?”
“Jett Barnes. You’ve got spunk. I like that. Where ya headed?”
She pointed. “The beach.”
“You alone?”
“Yeah,” she said warily. “Why?”
A lopsided smile eased over his lips. “That means I get you all to myself.” He looked past her to the jeep full of people. “Go on without me! I’m going to Sunset with the lovely Dani.”
She tilted her head, her lips forming a sultry pout. “And what makes you so sure I’ll let you come along?”
His eyes caught hers, sending thrills circling down her spine. “Call it a hunch.”
She laughed. “You’re good.”
Jett was cocky and raw. He had trouble written all over him, making him even more attractive. A few days with him would equate to the ultimate thrill ride. Hawaii kept getting better and better. “So, Dani, ever been to Sunset Beach before?”
A smile played on her lips. “Nope. First time.”
“Good thing you have me to show you the ropes.”
“Yep, good thing,” she said sardonically.
When Finn told Samantha he had a surprise for her, she never would’ve imagined the surprise was a secl
uded island. She met him at their usual spot for their surfing lesson, and he announced there was a change of plans. When she asked where they were going, he gave her a mysterious smile. “You’ll see,” was all he would say.
And here they were, wading through a swift current of waist-deep ocean water in order to get to the island, which was about a football field and a half away. She looked down, trying to step between the colonies of coral so she wouldn’t fall. Finn was holding her hand, leading the way. She marveled at how perfectly her hand fit in his and how protected she felt when she was with him. Her gaze settled on the wispy curls that bounced softly against his tanned neck. She wanted to drink in every drop of him while she still could. Her eyes took in the expanse of his broad shoulders and the lithe muscles that moved smoothly under his golden-brown skin as he walked.
He glanced back and smiled, causing sunshine to bubble in her chest. “How ya doing?”
She returned his smile. “Great.”
“We’re almost there.”
She looked at the patches of trees on the island and the sandy strip of beach on the left-hand side. As they got closer, the water got more and more shallow, until finally they stepped onto the shore.
“It looks like we’ve got it all to ourselves today,” Finn said, excitement brimming in his eyes. “As I was saying earlier, Goat Island is a bird sanctuary. It’s small enough to explore in about thirty minutes. The backside is choppy with lots of reef. That’s where most of the sharks stay.”
A shiver ran down her spine at the mention of sharks.
“We’ll need to make sure we don’t lose track of time,” Finn continued. “I figure we can stay on the island two or three hours before the tide starts to rise. At high tide, the water we just crossed will be over our heads. If we wait too long to go back, we’ll get stuck on the island overnight.” He wriggled his eyebrows, mischief lighting his eyes. “Of course, getting stuck out here with you wouldn’t be a bad thing.”
Apprehension crept over her as she thought about what would happen if she didn’t come home for the night. Anthony would freak, and then there was Dani to consider.
“Hey,” he said, gently. “Don’t look so glum. We’re not gonna get stuck out here. It was a joke.”
“I’ll take all the time with you I can get,” she said fervently. “I was just thinking about Dani. She would be beside herself if I didn’t come home.”
A quirky smile spread across his face. “So you like spending time with me, huh?”
She laughed. “Don’t let it go to your head.” She started walking down the beach, liking the way her toes squished into the soft sand.
Her breath hitched when Finn came up behind her and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her against him. “Well, that’s a good thing,” he said in her ear, “because I feel the exact same way about you.” He nipped her ear, and then his lips traveled down her neck, sending pulses of pleasure circling down her spine. “I’m falling hard for you, Samantha Fairchild,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her.
His admission evoked a tumult of emotions, but joy and sadness were the two most distinguishable ones. Finn was everything she ever wanted and more. Not only did she connect with him physically, but emotionally and intellectually as well. They actually talked about things, and he listened. To Finn, she was a living, breathing person, not simply a trophy to be used at will and then placed on a shelf. “I feel the same way,” she whispered.
He turned her around to face him. There was a fierce look in his eyes as they scoured over her. “Then don’t leave the island,” he implored. “Stay with me.”
Without warning, tears sprang to her eyes. Oh, how she wished she could.
“What’s wrong?”
She smiled sadly. “This just took me by surprise, that’s all.”
“Me too.” He paused. “Have dinner with me tonight. There’s something I need to tell you.”
The hint of promise brimming in his eyes almost convinced her to throw caution to the wind and accept the invitation. But cold, hard reason took over. Anthony was coming home at his regular time and would expect her to have dinner with him. A lump formed in her throat. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”
Disappointment gathered over his features, but he nodded.
“I’m sorry,” she repeated. “There’s nothing I would like more, but I can’t tonight.” She looked into his eyes, pleading for understanding. “Show me the island?” Tenderly, she cupped his jaw. “Please?”
His eyes searched hers as he caught hold of her hand and squeezed it. “Tell me your secret.”
She tensed. “My secret?”
“You’re keeping something from me, I can feel it. Whatever it is … you can trust me.”
She went hot and cold at the same time. I’m engaged to a control freak—solely for the money. She expected him to lash out at her, but then she realized she’d only thought the words. A guilty relief washed over her. She could never speak those treacherous words out loud. Never! No words could fix her situation. And despite what he said, he would never understand. If he knew the whole truth, he would never forgive her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The words came out brittle as she removed her hand from his.
His jaw clenched. “Why won’t you tell me?”
She forced a laugh. “You have quite the imagination.”
“Do I?” He gave her a challenging look.
“Yes.”
He blew out a breath of defeat. “Okay, have it your way.”
“Please don’t be upset. Let’s just go and see the island … okay?” Her voice sounded as weak and pathetic as she felt.
Time seemed to stand still as they stood there, eyeing each other. Finally, he relaxed a fraction. “All right, I’ll let this go for now, but I’m going to need answers … soon.” Determination flashed in his eyes.
She nodded.
“Okay,” he said in a tone that considered the matter settled. “Let’s go see the island.” He linked his fingers through hers and led the way.
13
“Dani, are you okay?”
She looked up at Liam, dreamy-eyed. “Yeah, why?”
“You seem distracted.”
“Do I?” she said absently. “Oh, I was just thinking.”
“About anything in particular?” Liam dabbed more paint on the canvas. When Dani shifted, he added, “No, don’t move. You’re changing your pose. Let me finish this one spot; then you can take a break.”
She ignored his comment and stood. “I met a guy at Sunset Beach today, and he asked me to go on a date tonight.”
“Really?” Liam swallowed his disappointment. He was trying hard to remain objective where Dani was concerned, but it didn’t seem to be working. She was a lot younger than he, and while they enjoyed one another’s company, he could tell she considered him more of a brother figure rather than a suitor. Still, he couldn’t help but hope she would eventually come around.
Dani gazed out the sliding glass door. “He’s muscular and has a dark tan, and this really cool long, wavy hair.”
Liam cleared his throat. “I meant, who is he and what does he do?”
“Oh, his name’s Jett Barnes, and he’s a surfer.” She chuckled dryly. “I’ve always been a sucker for surfers.”
I have a tan, and I like to surf. Do I qualify? was the first thought that came to Liam’s mind. Then he cringed inwardly. He was acting like he was sixteen. Dani was bringing out his jealous streak. He kept his voice casual. “So that’s all you know about him—that he’s a surfer?”
“Well, yeah. For now, anyway. I know his favorite place to surf is Pipeline.”
“Where did he ask you to go?”
“To a club in Waikiki called Addiction.”
“I’ve heard of it. Are you going?”
Dani shrugged. “Probably.”
A long pause. “Do you think that’s wise?”
Her head shot up, and she frowned. “What do you mean?”
He kept his eyes fixed on
the painting, even though he could feel her eyes on him. “I’m just wondering if going to a club with a guy you hardly know is a good idea.” Geez! That sounded just like something a parent would say, and that was the last way he wanted Dani to view him. Nevertheless, he couldn’t just stand by and let some random surfer take advantage of her.
“It’s sweet of you to be concerned, but I’m a big girl. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“All I’m saying is that maybe you should go somewhere else for your first date—bring him home to get Samantha’s take. It’s always good to have a second opinion.”
She sighed loudly. “Are we finished for today?”
He put down his brush. “Yeah, we’re done,” he said dully.
Shortly after Dani left Liam’s condo, his agent, Maurie, stopped by. A tall, slender redhead with a sharp head for business, Maurie was the true genius behind his unprecedented success as an artist. A decade ago, when he was just starting out, she recognized his talent and signed on as his agent. Since then, she’d developed relationships with key players in the art world to the point where his art was in high demand from galleries across the globe. His business was growing by leaps and bounds, which was fantastic … although for Liam, the money was secondary. Having grown up the only son of one of the wealthiest families in Britain, the money had always been there—as plentiful as water. What mattered most to Liam was the fact that he was successful at something he loved.
Maurie was his closest friend and confidant, and it didn’t take him long to open up a conversation about Dani and how he was worried that she was going to a club with some random surfer she met at the beach. He’d already told Maurie all about Dani, including how she was posing for his latest portrait.
“Why are you so upset because she’s going on a date?” Maurie asked while pouring herself a glass of water.
“I’m not upset because she’s going on a date, per se. I’m worried she may be getting in over her head.”
Maurie studied him with those perceptive eyes that could unearth a treasure of secrets with a single glance. “Is that the only reason you’re concerned?”
Everything to Lose (Destination Billionaire Romance) Page 11