by Natalie Ann
“You don’t need this mess in your life,” she said.
“Life isn’t clean,” he said. “We both know that. Do you want me to tell you we are exclusive? I didn’t think I needed to say those words, but I will. And if you don’t believe that I told Brynn I wasn’t interested, then you can check with Griffin.”
“I know Griffin would lie for you,” she said. “I’m not naive.”
His temper was rearing its ugly head again. “He would but not in this instance. He likes you and Griffin doesn’t like a lot of people. Trust me there.”
“My uncle included,” she said.
“Exactly. But I’m telling you the truth. It’s you I want to be with. Even after we figure out what is going on with your uncle, we’ll have to talk things through more. I know you’ve got a life there. I’m not asking you to give that up.”
“And you think we can have a relationship with us living in two different countries?”
“I’m saying there are possibilities. It seems to me you weren’t all that happy there for years. Maybe you wouldn’t mind staying on the island for a little while when this is over so we can figure things out. Maybe you will go back home and forget about me,” he said. “But I’m hoping that isn’t the case.”
“Are you saying you love me?” she asked.
He didn’t want to lie to her. He didn’t want to put that pressure on her either. “I’m saying I’ve never been there before and what I’m feeling is something I haven’t experienced yet in my life. I might be and am just holding it back because I don’t want my heart broken.”
She let out a shaky laugh. “Now you’re trying to be cute.”
“Or I’m being honest and that scares you,” he said, kissing her on the forehead. “And we’ll leave it at that. You’ve got a lot to think about.”
“Don’t you want to know how I feel?” she asked.
“Only if you don’t say you can’t remember this conversation tomorrow.”
“I’ll remember it. Just like I’ve remembered everything about you for years. I don’t know if I know what love is. Not like what you’ve got with your family and friends. But what I feel for you tells me it’s something I’ve never had before either. And if it hurts me this much to think about the future without you, then that tells me my heart has started to take the plunge with yours.”
Neither of them was ready to say the words. He understood that. It was something more than he thought he’d get when he came to her room.
“I’m done working for the night. Why don’t you get a few things and go to the penthouse with me?”
“Sure. Can we order some food to be delivered? I’m starving.”
“Of course,” he said. “We’ll need the energy. We’ve had our first fight. You know what that means, don’t you?”
“No. What?”
“Makeup sex,” he said, shaking his head. “You’ve got so much to learn, Bella.” And he found he was willing to teach her everything.
29
An Informed Decision
“So we meet again.”
Bella turned her head to see the woman that was in the elevator with her last night. Funny how they were both in it again this morning. “Penny, right?”
“That’s me. You look much happier this morning. A good night’s sleep will do that.”
“Yes,” she said, grinning.
“Or maybe the reason you were upset yesterday didn’t have a cause?” Penny asked. When Bella lifted her eyes, she added, “Sorry. I tend to talk too much. Ignore me.”
“It’s fine. Yes, sometimes we see things that aren’t what they seem,” she admitted.
Never in a million years did she think she’d be on this island and in Eli Bond’s bed, let alone in love with him.
No, she wasn’t ready to tell him just like he wasn’t ready to say it to her. But they’d said enough.
There were so many things in their way.
Why was she here? How long would she be? Her father’s family she had to figure out.
Then add in the fact she lived in another country with a career she loved.
Was Eli right that she wasn’t happy there? Yeah, he was.
She’d found that as much as she was surrounded by the unknown here, she was still happy.
She had family she could text and talk to, even if she had to keep it a secret.
Eli’s family had been nothing short of wonderful to her too. Janet had already texted her this morning to ask how everything was going and how she felt. She found that sweet. Even Hailey sent her a message on if they could meet this week to go over the competition proposal and if there was any help she needed.
“I know that,” Penny said.
They got off the elevator on the main level and walked toward the spa. “I forgot, are you spending the day here?”
“I am,” Penny said. “Are you going in too?”
“I’ve got a massage scheduled and then I’m meeting someone later.” Eli had scheduled the ninety-minute massage for her at nine this morning, then she was meeting Janet for a tour around the island some more. It was her idea since Janet had texted her.
If she wanted to think of the future, then maybe she needed to learn more about this small slice of land to make an informed decision.
Penny held the door open for her, they both checked in, and then had a seat. When Penny was called first, she turned and said, “Have a great rest of your trip here.”
“Thanks,” she said. “You too.”
When her massage was complete, she felt loose and limber and knew it was just what the doctor ordered. Or more like what Eli ordered.
She went back to her room and showered, then waited for Janet to pick her up.
She didn’t expect to come down to the lobby and see Eli and his mother talking. “So you two ladies are going exploring?” he asked.
“We are,” Bella said. She’d sent him a message this morning what her plans were. Not that she knew exactly where they were going but that she’d be with his mother.
“I offered the car, but my mother wants to drive,” Eli said. “Be careful.”
“We will,” his mother said.
Eli leaned down and kissed her on the lips where guests and employees could see. There seemed to be no reason to keep what they had a secret anymore. Not that either of them were.
When they got to Janet’s car, Eli’s mother said, “So things are going well with you and my son?”
There was no reason to be embarrassed. “They are. All things considered.”
“I know there are a lot of roadblocks. Don’t think about those things. If you are both happy that is all that matters.”
“It is,” she said. “So can I ask you something?”
“Anything,” Janet said.
“Can you let me drive your car? Being on the other side of the road might take some getting used to, but I figured I should try it. I don’t want to drive Eli’s car.”
Janet laughed. “That toy of his. I don’t blame you. It’s fun to ride in, but I would be terrified of all those buttons and gadgets myself.”
“Yes, they are intimidating,” she agreed. “Plus, I’m not sure I could master a manual transmission.”
“I have a feeling you can manage just about anything in your life,” Janet said.
“That is one of the nicest compliments anyone has ever given me.”
Janet patted her leg. “If you don’t mind a little company today, I thought we’d go visit my sister-in-law Helena. Eli said it was fine to tell my sister-in-law about you.”
“What did you tell her? Or anyone in the family?”
“Nothing more than you knew Eli from when he was traveling the world. You’re here collaborating with the casinos and have started a relationship.”
“So, basically what all the employees know,” she said.
“Yes. Eli would prefer it goes no further now and we’ll honor that. But be aware, my sister-in-law has stars in her eyes. She’s very romantic and believes in the lore
of this island.”
Bella grinned. “I think you do too.”
“Of course. You can’t have married a Bond and not fallen for it.”
“Can I ask how you met Mitchell?”
“My best friend married Mason Rauch,” Janet said. “She introduced me to Mitchell.”
“Emily and Penelope’s father?” she asked.
“Yes. Sometimes meeting someone is fate. It doesn’t matter if you meet on this island or not. Or if it was years ago.”
“See, you do believe in it too,” she said.
“Of course. But put it from your mind. Eli will be upset if he knows we are talking about this. This is a day of exploring, but we’ll meet Helena for lunch out. She’s on cloud nine planning Drew’s wedding with Amanda. Eli told me you’ll be attending. Do you need a dress?”
Eli had told her about the wedding last night. It was less than two weeks away. She knew she’d be putting what they had out there for all to see by going, but then she realized she wanted to do that anyway. She had to get a better handle on Eli’s family if she was truly considering any type of life on this island.
“I do need a dress. I could try to get to Boston before then.”
“Or we can stop at one of the boutiques on the island. We do have clothing options and it’d be fun.”
Fun was something she was lacking in her life. At least until the last several weeks.
By the time she returned to the casino her face hurt from smiling and laughing so much. “You look like you had a lot of fun,” Eli said when he came to her room. Five minutes after she returned, which told her he knew and she hadn’t texted him.
“So where is the camera?” she asked.
“Excuse me?”
“You knew I was here. I didn’t text you. You said there weren’t any cameras in this room. Where is there one or is it that Griffin has facial recognition on your system?”
He tapped her nose with his finger. “How about it was my mother sending me a text that you were back.”
“Oh,” she said. “Why would she do that?”
“No clue. I think it was more about the fact she wanted to say she had a lot of fun showing you around today. Where did you go?”
“We did have fun. I met your Aunt Helena and got a really long history lesson. I think your family wants me to love this island as much as they do.”
“Don’t let them get in your head. I told my mother to go easy, but she does what she wants when she wants.”
“She was fine. We drove from one end to the other. She pointed out The Bond Retreat, showed me where banks were, shops, family member’s houses. Landmarks. You name it, I saw a lot of it. I even drove for some of it.”
“You did?” he asked. “Trying to learn to drive on the right side of the road?”
“The wrong side,” she said.
“We will agree to disagree,” he said. “What’s in the bags?”
“A dress and shoes for Drew’s wedding. Your mother and aunt were thrilled you had a date.”
“I don’t normally bring a woman to a family function,” he said.
“As I heard today too. I don’t want you to read too much into all of this though.”
He ran his hand down the side of her face. “What I’m reading into it is possibilities. That is all I’m asking for.”
“And that is what you’ll get.”
30
The Perfect Couple
“I’m so excited over the idea,” Cara said to her on Monday. Bella was in Robin’s office typing away on her laptop. Eli had allowed her to be linked into their server so she could work in her suite if she wanted to. Sometimes it was nice to be around other people though.
“It’s only a proposal,” Bella said to one of the girls in the marketing department.
Eli had let them know last week what she was doing and would be spending most of her time on. She’d felt bad that Robin, who ran the department, didn’t know, so she’d shot her off an email briefly explaining the situation. No use ruffling the feathers of the current employees when she wasn’t going to be doing this permanently.
Yes, she might have a tiny inkling of what a future could look like on this island, but she wasn’t planning on it being in any capacity at the casino.
She didn’t need to work, but she wanted to. Eli was humoring her now, she knew that. But would he allow her to continue to work here if she stayed?
And why was she thinking that? There was way too much still up in the air. These were fanciful thoughts that had no business being in her mind.
Her uncle would need her in Monte Carlo.
Who was she kidding? He gave her a spot in the business because he wanted to keep an eye on her, but he could replace her easily enough too. She knew that.
That’s what her life seemed to be, one replacement after another. Shuffled around and nothing staying or lasting long.
No one wanting her for the long term.
No decisions she was able to make on her own.
“I know, but when Eli wants something,” Cara said, “he gets it. We all know that.”
She eyed the blonde hair and thin body of Cara. Her green eyes with stars in them over the boss that she might have a crush on.
Cara was young and pretty. She talked about Eli a lot. Bella was trying not to let it get to her, but it was hard.
“I’m sure he does.”
“He got you,” Cara said, grinning.
There shouldn’t be any reason for Bella to be jealous when she heard things like that, but she stopped to find out more. “And what have you heard?”
“Please,” Cara said. “You’re smart, you’re pretty. Calm and cool. The total opposite of who Eli dates.”
She forced a smile. “He dates trolls?”
“No,” Cara said, laughing. “Calm and cool. Smart. Most of the women we’ve seen Eli with are just out for fun. He knows that. They don’t stay long and they sure the hell don’t get in the offices and have access to things. Some might say you two are the perfect couple. Especially on this island.”
“Meaning?” she asked.
“Love at first sight? Fate? Don’t tell me you don’t know the legacy here.”
“I’m aware of it. I’m not sure I fall for it all.” Or that she was going to admit. She’d met Eli off of Amore Island and though it wasn’t love at first sight, it sure was lust.
Lust that built for years in a fantasy. Fantasy was easy when you thought you’d never see that person again. Or that they’d come true.
But she did see him. And there were parts of it coming true. If Cara knew any of what was going on, then she’d probably say it was the fate part of the island.
“Says everyone that doesn’t want to admit it was happening to them,” Cara said. “I’ve found that there are two types of people on this island. Or two types that come here to live. The Bonds and their family don’t count.”
“And what two types are those?” she asked. She knew Cara wasn’t originally from Amore Island, but moved here last year for the job with one of her friends. They shared a small apartment, her friend working as a hostess at night.
“Those that are looking for love and those that are avoiding it. Those looking for it don’t find it.”
“So you think those avoiding it do?”
Cara grinned. “I’m sure you aren’t avoiding it. And I’m not saying you are in love with Eli, but it’s easy for that to happen. I’ve seen it time and again. He sure is charming.”
This conversation wasn’t helping her jealousy any. “So the women fall for Eli, but he doesn’t for them?”
“No. You might be the longest he’s been with someone that I can remember or heard about. But I’ve only been here a year. It’s not just that though.”
“Then what is it?”
“I think I’m putting my foot in my mouth and I’m not trying to cause problems, so I’m sorry,” Cara said.
“You’re not. You did start this so I’m curious to hear the thoughts of someone from
the outside. What people are saying and thinking.”
“You went away with Eli for a day shopping in Boston. That isn’t unheard of. But you’ve been out with Janet Bond more than once. That is completely unheard of.” They didn’t tell anyone she and Eli went to Georgia. They both made appearances in the casino the day they left and returned, leading people to believe they were here but just busy.
She smiled. “It’s a long story,” she said.
“I know. And no one’s business. As I said, there have been a lot of women who come here or come back to see Eli. Some have tried to make him jealous by being overly flirty on the floors with other men. He isn’t fazed in the least by it.”
“Eli doesn’t strike me as the type to be jealous of much in his life,” she said. “He has no reason to be.”
“I guess,” Cara said. “Or he’s never had a reason to be before.”
“I don’t think he does now either,” she said. “Anyway, do you have the information I asked you for?”
“Yes, sorry,” Cara said, handing over the fliers that had been printed for some of the past shows. She wanted to see how they were done and if there was a brand or a theme.
A few hours later she was in the restaurant sitting at a booth with her laptop while she waited for lunch. She didn’t want to go back to her suite, but she was fed up with the interruptions in the office. This was easier and let her feel like she wasn’t so alone.
“Hello.”
She turned to look up at the man standing by her booth. “Hello,” she said back.
“I’m Sean,” he said and held his hand out to her. She took it, not knowing if he was an employee or not. No reason to be rude. She knew she should be looking over her shoulder, but felt safe enough here.
“Bella,” she said. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“Not really. I saw a pretty young woman sitting here working intently and thought I’d give you a distraction. A casino is no place to be so serious.”
She smiled. “Sorry. I’m engrossed in my work.”
“Maybe you wouldn’t mind taking a break and sharing a meal with me. I won’t bite, I promise,” he added. He was handsome in a cocky kind of way. Totally the type of man she avoided. Funny though, he reminded her of Eli in his attire and presence, but she didn’t feel anything toward this man other than wanting to have him leave.