****
Instead of calling for a driver, I took one of the cars housed at the resort. The owners were in the process of moving their things out and had left behind two luxury cars. I told Rainey I wanted to explore the island as our client would, and Natalia would be happy to know that the ability to get around the island on her own was available to her.
I sped down the road that hugged the edge of the island to catch up with Rainey and because I could. With the top down, the warm breeze whipped through my hair. I tried to create some mental images to recall when I was back in the tundra that was my home. I wondered if Natalia would keep an open invitation to this place if she did decide to buy it. Though she never had any problem sharing her things, especially when I was the one to find the gems for her.
I lost Rainey for a little while, but when I saw the car she took, driving away from a curb, I pulled over and parked. I was careful to keep my sunglasses on and stay close to groups of people. Rainey would have no idea that I followed her since I hadn’t hinted about my plan at the house.
I found her a few minutes later. I spied her through the window of a clothing shop. Her dress was like a beacon calling to me.
I stayed in the cafe across the street, the hustle and bustle of the tourists were a good cover to keep my location concealed.
She came out of the shop about fifteen minutes later with two bags in her hands. I wondered if either of those bags contained more work attire that flattered her body. Who was I kidding? If Rainey wore a trash bag to work, she’d still turn me on. I thought back to that negligee stored in her suitcase. How I would love to see her in that. Though, I wouldn’t be able to guarantee my behavior if she wore it around me.
Once Rainey entered another shop, a few stores down, I sat and finished my coffee, sitting next to one of the windows. This place truly was a paradise. It had the best of both worlds: the privacy needed for a romantic getaway and the ability to come into town and interact with so many types of people.
I smiled against the lip of my mug and sipped. Rainey had made an excellent choice.
I spotted her leaving the store and heading further down the main strip. I left my coffee mug and headed out to follow her.
She had stopped in several more stores before I lost her. The crowd was thicker now, and it was hard to keep track of who was coming in and out of the shops. I hadn’t paid much attention when she entered the children’s clothing shop.
The next time I saw her blonde hair was when it appeared in front of my face.
“What are you doing?” she asked, seeming to appear out of nowhere.
“Shopping,” I said quickly. I should have known she would spot me eventually. I couldn’t help but smile at her cleverness.
“You’re following me,” she said. “I thought I saw you a half hour ago. I didn’t think you would stoop so low.”
“I’m keeping you safe.”
“I’m safe,” she said. “There are a ton of people around.”
“I won’t argue about this anymore,” I said.
“Who’s arguing?” she asked. “That would involve two people having a say in something. Lately, it seems I don’t have much of a say in anything. I wanted to be alone. What about that didn’t you understand?”
“Rainey, I—”
“No,” she said, throwing her hands up in the air in frustration. “I’m done talking about this.”
She turned around, but I wasn’t going to let her out of my sight that easily. I grabbed her arm, forcing her to turn around. “Rainey, what’s wrong with you? You insist on taking part in activities that don’t include me. I know you want to do what’s best for the client, but even if I weren't a smart man, I’d think you were avoiding me. If you want to be on your own, that’s fine. I’m okay with that. But I want to make sure you are too.”
“Why do you have to be so damned okay with everything?” she asked, her eyes brimming with tears.
That wasn’t the reaction I expected. I let go of her arm. Did I grab her too hard on accident? “What are you talking about?”
“You’re right, I don’t want to be around you,” she said.
“Why not?” I asked. I paid for this weekend for us. Was she that ungrateful?
“You’re making me uncomfortable,” she said.
“How?”
“One minute it seems like you care, and the next you don’t. It’s confusing and making me feel like shit. If you want me to be honest.”
“Rainey, I’m sorry if you feel that way.”
“Who is the client?” she asked, ignoring my apology. “Is this place for you? Was this another ploy to get me alone like you did at the cabin? Or are you seeing someone else and this is your romantic getaway? Tell me, Michael. I’m so confused, and it’s eating me up inside.”
Her reaction gave me the excuse I needed to pull her close to me. “Keeping us professional isn’t as easy as you think, Rainey. The client is my friend, Natalia. This is a surprise retreat for her and my brother. They are seeing each other now.”
“You aren’t with her?” she asked.
I laughed. “How many times do I need to tell you that? We’re just friends. Old friends. I want nothing to do with her romantically, ever. I wanted you to come along with me so I could be with you. I’m sorry if you felt differently.”
She let out a huge sigh, and I couldn’t help myself. The way she was worked up about the situation gave me the open door I needed. I took her face in my hands and kissed her.