Chapter 10
ROWAN
I called my uncle to inform him of my discussion with Owen and his decision by the end of the month. Lionel wasn’t happy that the deal wasn’t signed but was willing to give me the few extra weeks to work it out. How magnanimous of him…
Putting that conversation aside, I focused on the next family matter at hand.
“I am advising you that this upcoming week is going to be one of the most difficult of your entire career.”
“I’m always ready for a challenge,” Andrew stated as he sat across from me in my office, brown eyes swirling with curiosity and determination.
“Excellent.” I nodded and leaned forward on my desk, steepling my hands.
“Because you’ll be dealing with my family and their rather eccentric habits, odd requests, and fondness for asking inappropriate questions.
My father, mother, brother, sister, as well as my aunt.
I apologize profusely in advance for what you are about to endure. ”
Andrew shook his head and chuckled, a lock of his black hair falling over his forehead. “It’s not like I’m new to this, so if you’re trying to scare me off it won’t work. Bring it on.”
I smiled at Andrew’s confidence and sat back in my leather chair. “You’re so sure of yourself, eh? It’s so American of you, so positive. Just wait. Or feel free to ask Dylan before he leaves. He can vouch for my family’s lack of filter and ability to drive sane people round the bend.”
Andrew’s deep laughter made my stomach flip. I ignored it, like I ignored all my baser impulses around this man and forced my mind back to the matter at hand. I reached for my tea and took a long sip before continuing.
“I’m relying on you to keep my family occupied and out of trouble.
You’ll need to set up daily excursions to neighboring islands.
Organize the Christmas lunch for the seven of us plus all the skeleton staff that remain on board.
And take care of whatever weird demands my family will make of you.
Oh, and a warning that my aunt tends to pinch items, so have fun with that. ”
“Excuse me?” Andrew’s expression was horrified. I really shouldn’t tease him, but I couldn’t help it. Payback for all the billionaire jokes that he and Dylan were so fond of lobbing at me.
“My aunt Cara, she’s a kleptomaniac. She likes takings items that don’t belong to her. Silverware, bottles of whiskey, books, underwear, anything really. It’s fine, she returns most of the items eventually. Except for the whiskey.”
“You’re joking, right? That’s sarcasm?”
I kept my face as neutral as possible, but Andrew looked me in the eye, and he wasn’t fooled. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and giving me that sexy smirk that sent arousal straight to my dick. Suddenly my very spacious office felt hot and claustrophobic.
“Very funny, Rowan. Is there anything else? I need to get planning underway.”
“If you could please draft up the agreements we discussed earlier and proofread the annual report? The communications team insists it’s ready to go but I want one last look at it.”
“On it. Do you mind if I work on the sundeck today?”
“Of course not, you don’t need to ask. Wherever you feel most comfortable.” I paused and despite my best efforts, snuck a long glance at Andrew’s profile. “How do you celebrate Christmas? If you celebrate, I shouldn’t assume.”
Andrew leaned back in his chair. “We pick out a Christmas tree from a local farm and trim it with ugly decorations I made in grade three that my mother refuses to part with. Then, on Christmas Eve, we have a late supper and watch movies until midnight – Die Hard, Elf, and Home Alone are a must. On Christmas morning, we have brunch, open our presents, and head over to my Uncle Leighton’s farm to visit with my cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents for a big turkey dinner. And sometimes we go horseback riding.”
“Sounds wonderful. I’m sorry you’ll miss it this year.” I offered him a cup of tea, but he shook his head.
“It’s fine. My parents will throw a big party when I get back. How does your family celebrate Christmas?”
I leaned forward and smiled. “My father insists on reciting parts of A Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve. We open presents in the morning, have a huge breakfast and then play cards for hours. I warn you; we are highly competitive when it comes to Euchre, especially my sister Rebecca. Do not be fooled by her quiet demeanor. She’s ruthless.
” I sighed. “And then at dinner we pop festive crackers, wear ridiculous paper hats, set a pudding on fire, and sit around afterward taking turns taking the piss.”
Andrew chuckled. “Sounds fun. I love cards – poker and gin are my favorite. And don’t worry, I’ll have the extinguisher on standby in case the pudding fire rages out of control.”
“A wise decision. Five years ago, when it was my brother Rafe’s turn to light it, he singed his hair, and my ears took three days to recover from his screeching.
You’d think he’d be used to burnt hair with the volume of hot styling tools he totes around everywhere.
Bloody models, they’re so high-maintenance. ”
“Your brother is a model? Like a fashion model?” Andrew asked as I nodded. “Why doesn’t that surprise me. I guess your entire family’s gorgeous.”
I flushed at the comment and shrugged. “No, just me. Rafe is okay too, but he tends to photograph better, hence the modeling career.”
“Got it,” Andrew chuckled and stood up. “Well, I’m looking forward to meeting your family. It’s going to be an unforgettable week.”
“It will be, and that’s why I give staff time off at New Year’s to recuperate.”
“I’ll be recuperating at Coconut Bay in Saint Martin, with bare feet in the sand and a fruity drink in my hand.”
I pictured Andrew lying on the beach in his tiny black speedo, muscles glistening, that wide smile lighting up his whole face. Was I too old for a Christmas wish? Santa, I want a sexy American named Drew.
“I’m glad you took my recommendation. It’s a beautiful estate, very private, and the owners are so welcoming. You’ll have a wonderful time. If you need any restaurant suggestions, please let me know.”
“Thanks. The hotel is gay friendly, but what about the local bars?”
I was momentarily lost for words. Not surprisingly, Andrew wanted to socialize on his time off and have fun.
Sexy fun. With some hot guy. Or guys. Random men I wanted to eviscerate for touching him.
My head began to throb. Thank God I’d taken my blood pressure meds this morning, or I’d probably be halfway to a stroke by now.
The very idea of Andrew having sex with another man made my stomach seize. With a deep breath, I managed to calm the inner caveman that Andrew inspired before I did or said something monumentally stupid. Like don’t go, stay here on the yacht with me. Instead, I gave my best-selling smile.
“Both sides of the island have bars that are gay friendly. Lavender is one place I highly recommend. It’s got a great beachfront patio and dancing at night, and it’s very popular.
Most places will have a rainbow heart icon in their window.
It’s one of the most accepting islands, so you should be fine.
Feel free to ask the owner of the hotel, Jasper, or his husband, Xavier. They’d be happy to guide you.”
“I will, thanks, Rowan.”
“You’re very welcome. Now, I have a long list of phone calls to make. As do you, so I won’t keep you.”
Andrew walked over to the door but hesitated after turning the handle.
“Was there something else you wanted to ask me?”
Andrew’s sultry eyes met mine, and that undeniable spark between us flared to life. It had been so long since I allowed myself to look at him that way, but I swallowed down my desire.
“It was nothing. Radio if you need me.”
I nodded instead of replying, and Andrew left the room. I needed him alright. Every day we spent together and the more I learned about Andrew, it made the wanting that much worse. The gnawing hunger kept growing, intensifying, burning away at my tightly locked control.
Andrew would do well to keep that fire extinguisher on hand. There was a good chance we’d use it sooner rather than later.
ANDREW
I stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind me, trying to calm my runaway heart.
I’d come so close to asking Rowan if he’d want to join me in Saint Martin for dinner one evening.
Then I reminded myself that Rowan was a) my boss and b) a billionaire with men on speed dial. Reality to the rescue.
“Hey!”
I turned to find Dylan sauntering down the hallway in his signature jeans, T-shirt, and cowboy hat, pulling his suitcase behind him. “All set?”
“Yup, I’m ready to roll. Is Rowan busy? I want to say goodbye.”
“Go on in.” I moved aside so Dylan could head into Rowan’s office. “You should’ve called Kayla to get your suitcase hauled up.”
“Nah, I didn’t want to bother anyone with one piece of luggage. I’m not a spoiled princess like Ro,” Dylan joked.
“No, you’re not. But you’re still our guest, so I’ll bring your suitcase up while you say your goodbyes.”
“Thanks Drew. Look, I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like to stay in touch. It’s not often that I make new friends.” He paused. “Real friends. If you’re ever headed out to California, let me know. And maybe if I find my way to Georgia sometime, I’ll do the same.”
“You got it. Text me anytime,” I replied as Dylan held out his hand. I stepped forward and gave him a quick hug instead. He seemed shocked by the gesture but hugged me in return.
“I hope all goes well with writing your book.”
Dylan grasped the back of his neck. “Thanks. I’m fucking nervous to meet this ghostwriter. My agent just sent me his bio, and he’s got three degrees while I barely finished college.”
“You’ll do fine. It’s your story, so you set the pace.”
“I’ll remember that.”
I leaned against the wall and smiled. “And maybe after the book is done, you’ll head home to Texas like we talked about?”
“Maybe. I’ve been thinking about it a lot.”
“One day at a time, right?”
“Hell yeah,” Dylan nodded. “Do me a favor?”
“Name it.”
Dylan pointed at Rowan’s door. “Keep an eye on Ro for me. He puts on a good game face, but he’s not himself lately, and he won’t tell me what’s going on. And he likes you.”
“I… like him too and respect him. He’s amazing. I mean, for a boss. Well, and as a person. But I’m not sure Rowan would confide in me if something were wrong.”
Dylan’s slow smile was blinding when it reached full strength. I had a feeling that Hollywood would be calling him back at some point very soon.
“He trusts you, and trust for him doesn’t come easily. I know he’s in good hands.”
I didn’t know what else to say, so I just nodded in return.
Dylan knocked on the office door and entered, and I grabbed his suitcase and headed down the hallway.
Climbing the stairs to the bridge deck, I waved at Charlie who was getting the tender ready.
It was cloudy, but the winds were low and the sea calm.
“He’s on his way,” I told Charlie as I hauled the suitcase to the lower deck and into the rear of the tender.
I waited on the deck until Dylan appeared a few minutes later. He boarded the tender, sweeping off his hat and using it to wave goodbye as the boat sped to shore. I was sad to see him go, but I had a strong feeling that I hadn’t seen the last of Dylan Aylmer.
What had Dylan said to me before he left? Oh yeah, that Rowan was “in good hands”. My hands. If only.