Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
I t was nearly 2 a.m. when Rob made his way to the hotel bar. Given the late hour, most of the hotel patrons had called it a night or were so far into their cups they didn’t notice as he entered and planted himself at the darkest corner table. Meg was sleeping blissfully in his bed. After they roused on the floor, they ordered room service and then fed each other dinner in bed, taking turns using various body parts as utensils and plates. He was amazed that no matter how many times and how many ways he had her, he still came back begging for more. He also found himself jealous of her clear conscience as his own peaceful rest managed to elude him.
“Good evening sir.” Glancing up, he was surprised to find Pierre, the hotel manager. Pierre had worked for him since Rob had graduated from Harvard Business School and over the years, their relationship had evolved from employer/employee to one resembling a friendship.
“Pierre.” Rob gestured for the man to join him. “It’s good to see you again.”
Pierre had served as Rob’s right hand man for nearly a decade, traveling all over the world with him. However, when Pierre announced his desire to go into semi-retirement after a minor heart attack, Rob suggested he come manage this resort on Eden Isle. He knew of all the places they visited, this small island was Pierre’s favorite stop. He also knew the resort practically ran itself and the job would not cause Pierre undue stress and, apart from the Timothy ordeal, he’d been correct.
“I knew you would visit when you had the time,” Pierre said, his eyebrows raised.
Rob refused to rise to the man’s bait. No doubt he was overwhelmed with curiosity over Rob’s unexpected roommate. “That reminds me,” he began. “Has Meg’s luggage arrived yet?” He knew she was worried sick about losing all her pretty new things, despite Rob’s assurances he would buy her a whole new wardrobe if her clothes didn’t arrive.
“Not yet, sir,” Pierre answered. “I did call the airport as you requested. Once I mentioned your concern over the matter, the head concierge was consulted and I was assured it would be located. I would be surprised if it didn’t arrive first thing in the morning.”
“Very good. And her rental car?”
“Has been towed back to the airport,” Pierre was clearly used to taking care of many onerous tasks for Rob, whose days were filled with meetings and events.
“Good,” Rob replied. “Thank you.”
“The weather is already clearing and the forecast is calling for a return of sunshine. Might you actually partake of some of this weekend’s events?”
Rob smiled at the old man’s wily ways. He was like a dog with a bone when he wanted to know what Rob was up to. However, being a diligent employee and steadfast gentleman, he refused to ask bluntly who the hell the woman was in his room and what in the hell was he doing with her.
Usually, Rob took great pleasure in leaving him dangling, but tonight he simply didn’t have the energy.
“I promised to take her to Lover’s Lane. Did you know she’d never seen the ocean before today?”
“Really?” Pierre asked politely, his face showing his surprise that Rob was being so forthright with him.
“She’s a special education teacher from Virginia,” Rob added, unsure why he was sharing anything. He could tell Pierre to mind his own business and the man would take no offense.
“Quite an admirable profession.”
“She still doesn’t know who I am.” Rob was surprised by his confession, aware that Pierre had overheard his false introduction.
“I see,” Pierre answered with a bit of disgust in his voice.
“At the time, it seemed like a harmless enough lie,” Rob replied. “But now--”
“I do see,” Pierre repeated softly and looking into his face Rob could see he did.
“The first night we met, we talked. It was nice, normal, friendly. When I realized she didn’t know who I was, I found myself leery to give up the--” he stumbled.
“Nice, normal, friendly part. You know, Rob,” Pierre’s voice was gentle. “No good comes from a lie.”
“You think I’m a fool.”
“Not at all, sir. However, given the fact you seem to be quite taken with this special education teacher who has never seen the ocean, perhaps it would behoove you to tell her your true identity now.”
“I think it may already be a little too late.”
“Why?” Pierre asked.
“Because I think she’s fallen in love with me,” Rob answered, before adding, “and I know I’ve fallen in love with her.”
Sunday, February 14 dawned bright and beautiful and Meg was amazed by the sight of the sun rising over the ocean. She’d seen the ocean all weekend, but the dark clouds and misting rain had obscured her viewing the true breathtaking beauty of it. Today, the bright blue sky seemed dim and dull in contrast to the crystal clear azure water. Excited beyond words, Meg ran back to the bed and jumped on top of her new lover.
“Hey,” he grumpily protested when she pulled the covers off his delectably naked body. Drooling at the sight, Meg tried to still her heated thoughts by picking up her pillow and pummeling Rob awake.
She laughed giddily. “The sun is out. No more rain. Let’s go swim in the ocean.”
Joining in her obvious delight, he grabbed up his own pillow holding it in front of him like a shield.
“The ocean is overrated,” he joked. “Let’s stay in bed.” With that, he pulled her beneath him, straddling her thighs with his own.
“Rob,” she whined as he lowered his lips to hers. He kissed her until she forgot all about the ocean and the sunshine. Hell, she was struggling to recall her own name.
“Now that is a much better way to wake up,” he declared several minutes later.
“With all our practice, I bet we’d be shoo-ins at the kissing contest.” She was struggling to gather her wits about her. His kiss should be registered as a lethal weapon.
“Mmm,” he murmured, “but I find that only a few minutes with your lips and I’m powerless to stop myself from stripping all the clothes from your body. How do you feel about public nudity?”
Blushing, she swatted at his shoulder. “I suppose we’ll have to limit our kisses to private places.”
“That’s my girl,” he answered with his typical charming grin. “I’m incredibly jealous, you know. I want your scrumptious curves all to myself.”
“Scrumptious, huh?” she asked with a laugh. “Are you sure you aren’t a bit farsighted, Mr. Mason?”
She watched a strange look cross his face before he shuttered the emotion away. “Well then.” He surprised her by pulling away and rising from the bed. “I believe I promised my girl a swim in the ocean. Why don’t you put on your swimsuit and we’ll head out?”
Slapping her head, she swallowed back a curse. “My swimsuit is in my luggage, which I don’t have. Damn it!”
Rob grinned at her mild expletive, marveling at her mastery of four letter words. “Actually, my love,” he said, causing her heart to turn over in her chest, “your luggage arrived very early this morning. It’s in your bedroom.”
She squealed with delight dashing across the living room toward her room. “I won’t be a minute.”
Rob smiled at her enthusiasm realizing it was no doubt the truth. He was pleased at how quickly Meg could get ready for her day. Used to women who took hours to shower, dress, primp, and do God only knew what else, he found Meg’s ability to prepare herself in fifteen minutes amazing.
Pulling on his own swim trunks and a t-shirt, he reviewed his plan for the day. He arranged to have his yacht docked nearby, where he and Meg would have a romantic breakfast. He planned to take her on a cruise around the island, stopping for a swim in the ocean, maybe even some waterskiing, and hopefully, sometime during the day, he would manage to confess the truth about his true identity. He knew he was being a coward, but by confining her on a boat, she wouldn’t be able to escape until he’d had a chance to try to win back her favor if she became as angry at his deception as he expected her to. Not one of his more brilliant plans, but for now, it was all he had. Time was running out.