As soon as I walked in, I felt a sense of sadness. The silliness we’d shared a couple of nights before seemed like weeks ago now. How strange that I could feel so differently about him from one minute to the next.
Sighing, I headed to the table and instantly, a jolt of electricity shot through me. I lifted my head, realizing I’d sucked in my breath. There he was sitting under one of the four umbrellas by his pool, seemingly staring at the water. With his eyes covered by dark shades, it was impossible to tell. I stood by the window, watching him intently.
The only movement was when he brought a bottle of beer to his lips. He was barefoot, still sitting in his trousers and starched shirt. At least he’d removed his tie and had unbuttoned his shirt, rolling up the sleeves.
As with so many times before, there was much to say, but reservations on how to get started. The difference was that there was an ache deep inside that refused to go away, a pull to not only talk to him, but to just be in his presence.
We certainly had our differences, but there were many things about him I wanted to like. No, that Ididlike. Maybe too much.
I placed my laptop case on the kitchen table and took off the thin jacket I’d worn. At least I’d worn long business shorts and a sleeveless top since the day was scorching. Or maybe I was just hot and bothered from the thought of being near the man.
Half laughing, I took off my shoes and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator door, popping the top. After donning my sunglasses, I headed to the door.
Very quietly I headed outside, trying to make no noise whatsoever. Yet the moment I was only a few feet away, he stiffened.
“I thought you’d left.”
I was surprised hearing his words. “You could have checked my bedroom. My clothes are still in the closet.” Moving closer, I chose the chair on the other side of the table, sitting down and facing the pool as he was doing.
We remained quiet for what seemed like an eternity and I hated the tension. I’d had enough of that in my lifetime with my dad and my former home life.
“I understand why you can’t believe me, but I wouldn’t betray you that way. I knew you needed time to know what to say to your father.”
“You know what? It wouldn’t have mattered if I’d taken all the time in the world. Not only does he not care if I am happy, but he also obviously wouldn’t consider doing any business with your company. My dad thinks he’s king of the world.”
He chuckled. “Mine does as well. Just another cog in a wheel to help keep the momentum going and the money flowing.”
“Well, you certainly have plenty of money. At least I’m getting more calls now that I’m marrying a famous man.”
“More calls?”
“For business. I’m fashionable again.” I laughed sadly. Bitterly. I hated it. I used to be basically a happy person. Okay, maybe not.
“I’m glad. Have you heard from Donovan?”
“He’s not allowed calls yet, but he’s doing well. I know it’s only been twenty-four hours, but during one rehab stint, he managed to climb out a sixth-story window within two hours of being there. He was AWOL for two weeks after that.” I lifted my bottle as if in salute to the feat, taking a sip.
“My brother did that as well. Exactly the same thing except eight stories. The asshole almost broke his neck, but it didn’t keep him from getting a fix.”
Choking, I spit out the gulp. “What? Your brother?”
He huffed. “My brother. Isn’t it funny how our lives were dragged along similar paths?”
“But he’s doing well. Right?” I’d seen his brother’s pictures in the various tabloids. He looked hot and happy, another rich kid enjoying life.
“He’s not doing well. When I confronted him today, he was coming off a high of God knows what. At least he had the decency to admit he’d leaked the information.”
“Why did he do it?” I could tell he wasn’t lying. There was too much pain in his voice.
“I don’t honestly know. Maybe jealousy. Dad never saw him seriously for several reasons including the drugs.”
“Like Donovan, although my brother wanted a career in football, which my father thought was stupid. At least Donovan was exceling in what he loved. NFL scouts were looking at him. Then the horrible game where he was tackled. Well, Dad got his way when my brother was injured. He’d forced Donovan to study marketing, something he hated. All because we were supposed to follow in our father’s footsteps. Anyway. Enough sad stories.”
“I hope you can trust me, Vanessa, but I don’t know how that’s possible. You’ve been right about me all along. I’m nothing but a conniving businessman who will use anything to make money. I’ve done some bad things in my life, including with the contract you signed.”
“How?”
“If I want out, I can get out without paying you a fucking dime beyond what you’ve already received.” He lifted the bottle, laughing so bitterly I was stunned.
