Chapter Nine
“Are you sure this is it?” Zaine asked when he parked in front of the entertainment complex. Monique had insisted they do something she chose for the day, and he’d ended up agreeing. When she gave him the address, he didn’t think much of it.
“Yes. C’mon,” she said, sliding out of the car and shutting the door.
He sighed, then did the same and closed the door. He hadn’t been to a place like this since he and Zachary were teenagers. They loved to meet their friends and eat pizza and play arcade games. His chest tightened for a moment.
“What is it?” she asked.
“My brother loved this kind of place when we were young.” Hell, the type of sports bars Zachary favored as an adult had been a grown-up version of this type of venue. Dartboards, loud music, spicy appetizers.
“Then let’s honor him and have a good time,” she said, and offered her hand to him.
God, he wanted to live in Monique’s world for a lot longer. She seemed to have such a different way of seeing things, yet, at the same time, he wanted to be more like her. To be with her a lot longer than he had the right to be.
He’d emailed Ashley a copy of his cell phone bill, as well as a file from his security company with all the times caught on camera when Monique had visited their home prior to their separation. He’d hoped proving she wasn’t there for longer than needed and that he hadn’t ever called her would help, but Ashley still didn’t answer his calls. Shit.
He thrust his fingers into his hair. What good would obsessing over it do? “You’re right. It’s time to have some fun,” he said.
She squeezed his hand. “Like you Americans say, awesome.”
They entered the huge space, where a mix of teenagers and adults with children or just on their own were having a good time at the machines or playing miniature golf and laser tag. He couldn’t believe it, but she convinced him to play in the two-floor laser tag area. At first, he entertained letting her shoot him just for the heck of it, but damn it, she was good at making his harness vibrate each time she zoomed her gun on him.
“Nooooo,” she said later at the bowling station, when he hit strike twice in a row.
“I spent my teen years bowling. You have no idea what you’re up against, sweetheart.”
She held the ball and feigned a look of sadness. “Teach me?”
“Hold it like this,” he said, holding his own. “Then roll with intent.”
“I just realized maybe I should have worn something like a miniskirt to keep you distracted so I’d win.”
“If you had, we wouldn’t have made it out of the car,” he said, kissing the top of her head.
She followed his suggestion and knocked six pins. She lifted her hands, raising the roof. “Yes. It’s a start.”
The cheesy fries they’d ordered arrived, and they sat around the table for a moment. Shit, he didn’t know when he’d last had this much fun. No fancy restaurants and no exclusive events.
“These are delicious,” she said, grabbing one fry and taking it to her mouth.
His heart swelled. Maybe it was because he hadn’t been in a bowling alley in so long, and memories of his brother always put a smile on his face. But maybe it was because being here doing something so ordinary with her made him ponder all the things he could do if she weren’t leaving in a few weeks—and if he weren’t in such a crappy time of his life to begin a new relationship with someone with different goals.
…
“Are you ready for the beach?” Zaine asked, sliding his sunglasses into the pocket of his shirt. Correction: the silly Hawaiian shirt with a loud pattern that she’d bought him the day before, after they’d arrived in Honolulu. She’d dared him to wear it, and hell, he never backed away from a challenge.
Monique took her phone from her bag and snapped a picture. “I need evidence of you wearing this,” she said, gesturing at the bold brown and red colors that’d give a regular person a headache. “Your sisters are going to love it.”
“You’ll pay for it later.”
She winked at him. “Can’t wait.”
Monique stood in the middle of the outrageously expensive suite of the trendy Honolulu hotel, flashing him a radiant smile he wished he could bottle. Or freeze in time. Maybe that was his snapshot of her, a mental picture he’d never forget. His heart squeezed for a moment, and he swallowed hard.
She wore a turquoise cover-up that whispered above her knees, and a pair of flip-flops he doubted had been purchased from the expensive store he’d sent her to shop in. Still, she looked adorable, and he couldn’t wait to see what type of bikini she had hiding under all that fabric.
“Let’s go before we decide to stay in,” he said, and held her hand in his. She followed him out, and he closed the door and walked down the hallway with her.
Excitement simmered in his blood, not only because he’d get to see her in a swimsuit, but because he’d spend a full day with her. Without his work, her school, or anything else to come between them.
The elevator pinged, and they entered.
“Are we going to the beach in front of the hotel?” Monique asked as they stepped inside.
He withdrew his hand from hers and reached for the keys of his rental car. “Nah. We’ll go somewhere less crowded.”
She folded her arms and raised her eyebrow. “I do want to get tanned, so I hope you don’t have any crazy ideas in mind.”
He planted a kiss on her bare shoulder. “Nothing crazy.”
The elevator came to a slow halt, and a chime pinged. The doors opened at a lower floor, and two guests joined them. When Zaine raised his gaze to see who they were, his jaw clenched.
Doug and Paula watched him as the doors closed behind them. Oh, great.
“Hey, man,” Doug said, lifting his hand to greet him. A dorky amount of sunscreen had been obviously applied to his face before he even sat foot outside the hotel. “Hi,” he said, nodding at Monique.
Paula pulled on the brim of her long beach hat and nudged Doug’s elbow, as if silently chastising him for talking to Monique. To think he’d once been friends with these people. Even if they apologized for their ridiculous behavior, would he waste his time with them? With such snotty, close-minded folk?
Zaine tilted his head in Doug’s direction, in a minimal effort to acknowledge his presence. No handshakes or bro hugs needed. After all, Doug was also in Hawaii to sway Lara to give him her business. Zaine made sure he stood close to Monique, wanting to create a freaking wall to protect her from the dirty looks Paula threw at her.
Doug’s shoulders dropped a notch, and Zaine almost felt bad for the guy. He was obviously whipped. “Nice day today, isn’t it? We decided to come early to celebrate our wedding anniversary.”
How exciting, Zaine thought sarcastically. He focused on the panel, praying the elevator would descend faster. Tension crackled in the air, and he had a hard time making small talk with them. “Cool.”
“Must be a nice change from scrubbing toilets to stay in this hotel in Honolulu,” Paula said, acid dripping from her voice.
Zaine’s blood boiled, and he curled his fingers into a ball.
“What did you just say?” Monique asked, and he sensed her nervous energy.
“You heard me,” Paula said, rolling her eyes. “I—”
“Paula,” Zaine hissed. “You’re lucky you aren’t a man, or I’d have punched you in the face for that stupid comment.” Despite Paula’s allegiance to his former wife, she couldn’t treat Monique with so much disrespect. And if she thought he’d let her, she’d better think again.
Doug’s eyes grew wide and he blanched like the little weasel he was. “Hey, hey, man. Easy.” He stepped in front of his wife, positioning himself between Paula and Zaine. “Let’s act like adults.”
Then tell your wife to drop the high-school pettiness. “Sounds good to me,” Zaine said, flexing his fingers. He wished Doug had been the one disrespecting Monique and not Paula. He’d handle Doug easily. “I understand Paula has her own idea of what’s right and wrong, but I’m not letting her talk down to Monique again.”
Monique touched the side of his abdomen, stopping him from saying anything else. Did she appreciate his defending her, or did she resent it? He damn well knew she could take care of herself; she had her whole life. But he wanted to be there for her, to defend her, to…care for her.
A throb of doubt thickened his throat. The heat of the moment must have confused him, because his affair with Monique revolved around temporary. Caring meant—
“I can’t believe this,” Paula said, nostrils flaring.
“You’re right, Paula, I did some cleaning over at your house,” Monique said, her voice steady and calm. “I’m sure you’d hate for me to let your fancy friends know about all your dirty laundry.”
Paula’s features softened a little, and her shoulders dropped a notch in clear defeat.
“What does she mean?” Doug asked, looking at his wife.
Zaine scratched his chin, curious to know what the hell Monique meant. He peered at his lover, watching her standing to her full height, unfazed. Damn it, she landed on her feet, this woman. A current of pride moved through him.
“I should have known you’d—”
He lifted his hand, gesturing for Paula to stop. “Enough.”
Thankfully, about a microsecond later the harmonious chime pinged again, and they exited at the lobby level. A few guests waited in line to get to the elevators, so they walked to the concierge booth, where Zaine asked for his rental car to be brought to the front.
Thank God for valet service. “Well, that was interesting,” he said. “I’m sorry she’s such a bitch.”
Monique tossed her hair to the side. “She can’t help it.”
He shook his head. “She should.”
“She wasn’t the first person to treat me like crap, and probably won’t be the last.”
“Why? I mean, are all of Ashley and Paula’s friends so entitled?” he asked, suddenly feeling a twinge of shame. Had he been acting like a prick too? He never had things handed to him. Maybe he hadn’t struggled financially as a child like Monique, but after losing his father as a teenager and Zachary as an adult, he had to step up to the plate.
“And you’re not?” she said, but the playfulness in her voice didn’t hide a twinge of bitterness.
“Sir?” asked the concierge.
Zaine showed him his keycard. The concierge smiled and went to call the valet to get his car. During the drive to the beach, he didn’t say much, hiding behind his sunglasses while she admired the view.
He found it hard to swallow. Why did the joke matter so much? I don’t want her to see me in that light. Hell, he didn’t want to be that guy. When he parked near the remote beach he’d visited once a long time ago, the nagging thoughts still haunted him.
“This is beautiful,” she said, taking off her flip-flops and burying her toes in the sand.
He removed his sunglasses, wanting to look deep in her eyes, and lifted her chin, to give her no other option but to tell the truth. “Do you see me the same way you see Paula and her friends?”
She looked away, the pulse in her neck throbbing. “I didn’t say that.”
“You don’t have to. You called me entitled,” he said, absurdly bothered by her opinion of him.
“Well, am I so off the mark, Zaine?”
Hell, she wasn’t. He’d been an entitled bastard, one who had proposed she sleep with him in exchange for money. Who was he kidding? “No.” Embarrassment crept under his skin.
She dropped her flip-flops on the sand and perched her hands at her waist. “It’s okay. You know the valet who helped you?”
“Yes.”
“Next time, instead of just giving him a huge tip, look into his eyes. Learn his name.”
Was she serious? He’d never see that employee again, so why establish a connection with him? Then, reality of his own situation dawned on him, and an invisible weight fell on his shoulders. Why did he care so much about her opinion of him, about everything Monique thought and did when she’d be leaving too? His heart jumped in his chest. Shit. Deep down, he knew the answer, but didn’t dare admit to it. Not yet.
Not until he found a solution.
“Zaine?” she called, pulling him from his thoughts.
“You’re really suggesting I have a moment with the valet guy? Is that one of your fantasies?” he said lightly, managing to conceal the apprehension that was eating at him.
She chuckled, a jovial sound that filled his chest with joy. “No, silly.”
He pulled her closer and kissed her cheek. “Was I ever an ass to you when you worked for me?”
She chewed her lower lip. “No, you were respectful. Just…reserved, I guess. Now that I’m getting to know the real you, a lot has changed.”
“The real me, huh?”
“Well, whatever you’ll show me. For instance, it was hot when you stood up for me in front of your uptight friends.”
“I wouldn’t call them friends. I’ll be happy if I never see Paula and Doug again. Poor bastard, he’s got no balls. Hard to be real friends with someone like that,” he said, and meant it. Since Doug was also an architect, they’d still see each other at industry luncheons and coveted parties, but he wouldn’t call him or share anything with him again. “Besides, Doug’s in town because he also wants the same account I’m vying for. He’s here to kiss Lara’s ass.”
She stiffened in his hold, but he didn’t let her go. “Oh. And you knew that already?”
He looked her square in the eye. Damn it. He supposed he should have mentioned this to her, but he hadn’t wanted to worry her. “Ashley sold him on it. She’s working with him.”
She exhaled. “And you never told me? Does she know how much this means to you?”
He loosened his hold on her to give her space. “Yeah, but she also thinks we screwed while I was married to her,” he said, since they were on the subject.
Her eyes practically reached her hairline. She lifted her hand in disagreement. “What? I’d never—”
Of course she wouldn’t. She’d never hurt another female by acting the same way her father’s lover had. She had principles, which was another thing he really… loved about her. Loved? He willed that thought away.
Zaine scratched his chin. “I know you, but she doesn’t. Anyway, don’t worry about it,” he said, unwilling to give Ashley any more importance than he already had. “The secret you know about Paula. What is it? She turned pale really quick back there.”
She crossed her heart. “Maid’s honor. I can’t share.”
“You’re something, did you know? The woman treats you poorly, and even though you have a chance to get even, you don’t.” This would be her chance to say something bitchy about Paula, but Monique was different. What if this secret could help him to blackmail Paula and Doug to get them out of the race? He curled his fingers, then slowly uncurled them. Wouldn’t be right.
She flashed him a tender smile, one that tightened his gut. “I hope the universe will reward me for my work ethic.”
“It better. Otherwise I’ll kick its ass for you.”
…
“Wow. You look stunning,” Zaine said, taking a good look at her.
Monique twirled in the scarlet gown, the lavish fabric caressing her curves as she walked. The black high heels made her taller, but she still had to look up at the sexy man next to her. Zaine fixed his tie, dashingly handsome in a crisp black suit, tailor-made for his large, impressive physique.
Lust thickened her throat. For the past three days, he’d shown her the sights in Honolulu like he’d promised. They’d enjoyed watching the sunsets together, going to the beach, visiting exotic restaurants and places she couldn’t have dreamed of visiting on her own.
And now… Her stomach churned. Now it was time to go to the hotel ballroom where the big fundraising event would take place. She touched the pearl earrings he’d insisted she wear—she’d agreed with the caveat of returning them to the hotel’s jewelry shop the next day. Of course he had more money than he needed, but she hated to take advantage of that. He’d offered her a small fortune a month, and while she knew it didn’t mean as much to him, she had to draw the line. Money she sent to her mom, ensuring her brothers had better opportunities. But accepting jewels was way too personal and she could never sell them.
He’d insisted that she wear them, and she’d acquiesced at last. After all, he knew more about the type of sophisticated party they were about to attend. What did she know about the rich and famous? Only the downside, usually.
Don’t think that way. You have to act like you’re one of them tonight. Memories from when her father took her to dinner with his new wife flooded her mind, and she dropped her arms to her sides. Sabine had ridiculed her and her brothers because they didn’t know how to use the various utensils or properly eat escargots.
“Monique? Are you okay? You’re pale,” he said, walking up to her.
She stepped back, looking away. “I’m fine.”
Zaine clenched her elbow, pulling her to him. “Hey, you told me about honesty, remember. What’s wrong?” he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
“I don’t want to mess things up for you tonight. What if we sit next to some uptight couple we’re supposed to impress?” she said, hating how nervous her voice sounded. But, merde, she had to share a real concern with him. Especially now, when she knew this deal meant so much to him and even to his family—to honor his late twin brother’s battle with cancer. To find a way to keep his memory alive.
“You’re smart, resourceful, and you have the sexiest accent on the planet. Trust me, they’ll be impressed,” he said, looking at her intently, his eyes glinting like he meant it. A slow smile formed on his lips, then it disappeared. “Who made you think you’re not worthy, Monique?”
A lump of mixed emotions lodged in her throat. She sucked in a long breath, but even when she exhaled a gulp of air, her throat still felt thick and constricted. This wasn’t like her at all. She pressed her hands together and dared to look at him. “My father.”
“The one who left your family for his lover?”
“Yes. They were rich, and he wanted to fit in,” she said, her stomach sinking to the floor as memories of all the tears her mother had cried for Papa stabbed her. “My mom suffered, and we did too. We lost a father. He was never the same again.”
“Well, if he was cheating on your mom, he wasn’t a great guy to begin with,” he said.
“You’re right. We were kids, though, and didn’t know better. We loved him and had to mourn our relationship after years of half-assed attempts on his part to welcome us into his new family.”
“I understand. Come here,” he said, pulling her into his arms. “Your father was an idiot. If anyone mistreats you tonight, they’ll be idiots too. Dead idiots.”
As if she’d let him ruin his deal because of her. Either way, a jolt of happiness surged through her, and she planted a quick kiss on his cheek, careful not to leave a mark with her dark red lipstick. “Shall we?” she said, offering him her arm, looping it around his in an old-fashioned manner.
He tilted his head, his gaze sliding from her eyes to their entwined arms. “Of course.”
She didn’t want to say it, but her whole life she’d stood up for herself, for her mom, for her younger brothers. That’s what she did, and whether she hurt inside or not, she always tried to keep her troubles from them. Yet with Zaine…not once, but now twice he’d shown he had her back. They made their way out of the suite, and she let that amazing feeling sink in.
The sensation of finally not being alone. For now it didn’t matter that she’d be on her own again when she left the United States to pursue her dream while he stayed in Los Angeles to carry on with his own. The downside of ending their unique relationship tried to creep its way under her skin, setting her pulse to a maddening rhythm, but she willed herself to relax and enjoy the time they still had together. For the remaining weeks, she’d completely appreciate not being alone.
Even if that meant suffering later.