Chapter11
When Nina returned to her room while Alex went to change, she discovered a pile of neatly folded clothes on her dove gray sofa and a pair of shoes. Startled that someone had been in her living room, she thought back and couldn’t remember if she’d looked at the couch on her way out of the room to dinner. Had Alex put them there before going to the office?
She decided that was likely the case, and she’d been so distracted by her suspicions that she had completely missed it. Now that she thought about it, she even remembered that he had been on her right when they left, completely blocking the view of her sofa with his body.
Relieved that she had explained her suspicions away and kicking herself for thinking every little thing was something more, she took the tags off the clothes and held them up to look at them. They held no clues to her surprise, but it was clear that they were going somewhere that required comfortable clothes and flat shoes.
Intrigued and a little excited, she hurriedly got dressed, admiring her reflection in the mirror. Alex had really good taste in clothes, and everything he’d ever picked for her had made her feel like a goddess. This outfit was no different. The khaki slacks and pale pink shirt were understated elegance, the shoes comfortable the instant she slid her feet into them.
A soft knock on the door announced Alex’s arrival. She opened the door and he sucked in a quick breath.
“Is there anything that doesn’t look good on you?”
She smiled, leaning into his quick kiss.
“I can’t wait to see what has you so excited.”
“You’re going to love it,” he said.
He took her hand and led her out of the room, down the stairs and out the side door that led to the courtyard.
They meandered down the walkway, through the beautifully landscaped yard toward the back of the property. The wind was light, the breeze just enough to soften the late afternoon heat. Nina could smell the salty sea air, and hear the birds flying over the water. When they stopped at the back gate and Alex opened it to lead her to the dock, her excitement grew.
“Is this the surprise?” she asked, breathlessly.
“Yes. You like?”
“I love.”
She could hardly contain her excitement as she walked alongside him to the yacht. He helped her onboard, then untied them from the dock and pushed off, leaping onto the deck and taking her into the main cabin.
He took the captain’s seat, turning the engine on and slowly pulling away from the dock. He patted his knee and she sat on his lap, taking the wheel and steering the yacht in the direction he pointed.
He wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her steady as they flew across the water heading east. Sunlight streamed through the panoramic skylights and warmed her bare shoulders.
“Where are we going?”
“Just around Biscayne Bay.” He pointed to a spot out in the water, away from the private docks. “We’re going to drop anchor there, then I’ll show you your surprise.”
“This isn’t the surprise?”
“I really love you,” he said.
She felt him tense beneath her, and she reached down to take his hand.
“I’m sorry. Was it too soon?”
“If that’s how you feel, there’s no such thing as too soon.”
“I think I’ve known for a long time.” He took a deep breath. “Not to be trite and overly sappy, but I knew when I saw you. The way you laughed and the way you carried yourself, I just knew that you were the one for me.”
“Hold up, you’re not bringing me out here to propose, are you?”
He laughed, wrapping his arms tighter around her and snuggling against her.
“That would be too much right now. But when you’re ready—”
“That’s a long time down the road.”
“I’m not worried. We’ve got the rest of our lives ahead of us. You’re worth waiting for.”
He slowed the boat, taking control with Nina still seated on his lap. When he found the perfect spot, he engaged the anchor and helped her up, leading her to the sundeck. He opened one of the storage areas, pulling out a picnic basket and a large, green bottle.
“I can’t drink, I’m pregnant,” she said when he opened the bottle and began pouring the golden, bubbling liquid into a champagne flute.
“It’s sparkling apple cider,” he said, handing her a glass then pouring his own.
“Thank you.”
They leaned against the pillows on the padded sundeck, and Alex started removing treats from the basket.
“Wow,” she said. “You really went all out.”
“I thought it would be nice to have dessert, enjoy the view, and just have a moment where we’re not surrounded by dozens of people.”
“It is a little weird having so many people underfoot twenty-four hours a day.”
“Does having your own suite help?”
“It does. It’s like an apartment, and I can walk onto the balcony and just enjoy the bay and the fresh air without having to go through the entire house to get outside.”
“But?”
“What gave it away?”
“There’s something you’re not telling me. Is someone bothering you?”
“Not bothering me, it’s just, well, it’s Jaime. He acts like I’m ruining everything, but I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong.”
“Nothing. Listen, Jaime and I go way back. He was a bouncer in the first club I ever bought, and he has been through some crazy stuff with me. He’s like the brother I never had, and he’s really protective.”
“I didn’t ask to come here.”
“I know that,” he said, smoothing her hair out of her face. “And he knows that. But it’s in his nature to be suspicious of everything. That’s what makes him so good at his job.”
She took a deep breath, inhaling the salty sea air and listening to the gentle waves lapping against the hull while she tried to put into words what she was trying to say. It was more than he thought, but she couldn’t put her finger on the issue.
“I think he thinks I got pregnant on purpose,” she said before she could change her mind.
“So, what? Who cares if he thinks that?”
“I care. That’s not what happened at all. I had my life planned out and this totally threw me off my game. If he thinks I wanted this, he’s wrong.” She looked at him, shaking her head and covering her mouth. “I didn’t mean that how it sounded. Damn, I’m sorry, Alex. I love it here, I really do. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“But you didn’t plan for this.”
“I didn’t. And I’m not really good with going with the flow, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. That’s why I’m an accountant. Numbers never change and numbers don’t lie. I’m much better with numbers than I am with people.”
“You seem pretty good with people to me,” he said with a wry grin.
“You know what I mean. You get me, but people like Jaime; they make me feel like I’m constantly doing something wrong just by breathing.”
“I’ll talk to him.”
“No!” She took a breath. “I’m sorry, I mean, please don’t. I don’t think that will help at all.”
“You’re right, it probably won’t.”
“It’s going to take some time, I just wish that he didn’t act like I was some gold digger trying to snatch you up.”
“That wouldn’t bother me.”
“Alex, I’m being serious.”
“So am I. If my money is what you noticed first and that drew you to me, then so be it. The thing that matters to me is that you’re here now, you’re happy, and our baby is happy and healthy.”
“You’re a hot mess.”
“And you love it.”
“I do,” she said, sipping on her sparkling cider and looking out onto the bay. “What’s that little island there?”
“I see you like to change the subject when things get too deep.”
“I’m not even going to deny it. But really, what is that place? It’s beautiful.”
“It’s the Key Biscayne. There’s a national park there, and this area is filled with wildlife. I thought you would enjoy seeing the more natural side of Miami. We’re more than just parties and beaches.”
As if to punctuate his remark, there was a splash not far from the boat.
“Whoa, was that a dolphin?” she asked.
“It was. That’s not all there is, but once the animals settle now that the engines are off, they’ll start coming out.”
He produced a ribbon-wrapped white cardboard box from the basket and opened it. He took one dark chocolate dipped strawberry out of the box and held it to her lips. She took a bite, closing her eyes and savoring the rich, dark flavor.
“That is divine,” she said, taking another bite and licking a small piece of chocolate from her lips.
Alex’s sparkling green eyes were locked on her mouth, watching each bite.
“I’m glad you like them,” he said in a voice gone husky.
“They’re perfect. This is perfect, Alex. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world.”
“Not as lucky as I am,” he said.
His meaning was clear, and he was being sincere. He meant it when he said he loved her earlier. His words made her heart race, and she knew that she felt the same way. She just wasn’t sure if she could say it yet.
Another dolphin shot out of the water, doing a little flip and playfully splashing nearer to the boat. There was more movement off the port side, and when Nina leaned over the edge a little to have a closer look she gasped softly.
“It’s a sea turtle,” she said in a near whisper.
“I should bring you snorkeling out here another day,” he said. “There are a lot of animals to see here.”
“This is amazing.”
“I should have brought you out here sooner. It really is a magical place.”
“I can almost see your house from here. I can’t believe this is all so close.”
“Our house.”
“Thank you for saying that. I really do feel at home with you.”
She took a strawberry out of the box, feeding it to him as he’d done for her, kissing him deeply when he was through.
“You taste so sweet,” he said.
She smiled.
“Is there a below deck I should see?”
“There’s so much more to see.”
“Are we still talking about the boat or something else?”
She arched one delicate brow in question, handing him her empty glass and taking the hand he offered to help her. His touch was electric, the heat that rushed through her felt like the first time.
She followed him to the lower deck, body already trembling with need. The large living quarters were luxurious, just like everything else in Alex’s life. But Nina was focused on Alex, hungry eyes roaming over his tight body, the light streaming through the windows making him look more like a god than a mere mortal.
“You look like you’re about to ravage me.”
He laughed, but when her hands went to his belt buckle without a word, the smile slid off his face and was replaced with a look of pure desire. She had him undressed in a few moments, shoving him down onto the bed and throwing her shirt over her head. Stepping out of her pants and her shoes in one motion, she crawled onto the bed and straddled him, kissing him hungrily and sliding herself onto his erection.
“Wow,” he breathed, leaning back and watching her as she rocked her hips against his.
“I’m sorry,” she breathed. “I just, I just needed you.”
“I like it.”
He reached up and cupped her breasts, squeezing, then rubbing his thumbs across her nipples. Her head rolled back and she moved even faster, completely focused on her own desire.
“That’s so good, keep doing that.”
“You’re beautiful when you’re horny.” He chuckled.
Her body was on fire, her breathing so shallow that she was gasping, but her orgasm was looming, and she wasn’t letting up until she came.
When she noticed Alex go quiet she looked down, smiling.
“Looks like I’m not the only one,” she all but purred.
She leaned forward, bearing down and taking him to the hilt, her eyes locked with his, the power of being the one in control feeding her lust. She laced her fingers through his and held his hands on either side of his head, pinning him down so he was completely at her mercy.
“I love you,” she said, admitting what had been on her heart for so long.
She kissed him before he could say anything, then wrapped herself around him, and buried her face in his neck just before the climax overtook her. Trembling around him, she whimpered his name and he pulled her closer. He cradled her against his body and arched his back. Thrusting deep, he finally let out his own cry of triumph, spilling his heat into her body and kissing her hungrily, over and over again.
When she collapsed in his arms he held her there, the gentle swaying of the boat rocking them softly.
“That was amazing,” Alex said, brushing her hair away from her forehead and giving her a tender kiss. “Anytime the urge comes over you, I’m your man.”
She laughed along with him, then she went silent for a moment before turning serious.
“I meant what I said.”
“I know.”
“I’ve known for a while now, but I didn’t want to admit it.”
“Why?”
“I’m not that woman this kind of stuff happens to.”
“What kind of stuff?”
“Being swept off her feet by a charming prince with millions in the bank.”
“Technically, I’m a billionaire, so there’s that.”
She laughed.
“You know what I mean. I’m always so careful and I plan everything out. I didn’t see this coming.”
“You can’t plan for love. That’s not how it works for anyone. Trust me, when I saw you on the dance floor, I was not in the club to find a woman. I was there enjoying the success of my most recent investment. But I did see you out there, and you took my breath away. I knew the minute I saw you that I needed to know your name. That seeing you was more than just a chance encounter. It was fate, and I truly believe that. You’re perfect for me, and I hope you feel the same way about me.”
“I do.”
“Nina, I love you. I don’t know how I lived before I met you. Everything has changed for me, and I hope you know that no matter what, I’m going to do everything I can to give you and our child the best life possible.”
There was something strange about the way he said the last sentence, but Nina brushed it off. It felt so good to be there in his arms, sharing her feelings without worry, and knowing that he loved her as much as she loved him; maybe even more. There was something so powerful in that, and she didn’t want this moment to end.
Nina was starting to drift off when Alex moved beneath her.
“We should be getting back,” he said. “I have an early meeting.”
Nina groaned.
“One thing you are going to have to work on before this baby comes is your work life balance. You work way too much and I’m not going to be the only one changing diapers.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to. Part of the reason I’m working so much now is so I won’t have to work so much once the baby comes.”
“If your businesses are set up properly, they should practically run themselves.”
“That’s what I’m hoping for.”
“I can help you get there.”
“You have enough on your plate.” He rolled over, taking her with him so she was under him, then kissing her quickly before rolling off the bed and getting dressed. “You focus on your part of things and I’ll worry about mine. What you’re doing is more helpful than you realize.”
He handed her clothes to her and begrudgingly, she got dressed, then followed him up to the main deck. When she started to sit down on the couch behind the captain’s chair he stopped her.
“What are you doing?”
“Sitting down,” she said.
“You’re sitting here. If you’re going to live on the water, you’re going to learn to drive this thing.”
She couldn’t hide the child-like grin as she took the seat, listening intently as Alex explained all the controls from his spot beside her. When she finally turned on the engine and eased the yacht forward, she couldn’t believe how easy it was. She guided it home, an excited thrill passing through her when she thought the word. Home. This was home.
The dock appeared in the distance much too soon, and when they got close, Alex moved to stand behind her, helping her guide the yacht to the dock until it was lined up perfectly. Nina almost jumped in surprise when Jaime appeared out of nowhere, securing the yacht to the dock and standing there, scowling as if he was about to lecture a couple of teenagers and not a pair of adults about to start a family.
Alex smiled at Jaime, completely unbothered by the judgement on the man’s face. Alex helped Nina off the boat, then wrapped his arm around her waist, putting himself between her and Jaime.
“I’m going to walk her to her suite and I’ll meet you in the office.”
“It’s urgent,” Jaime said.
“And it will still be urgent in five minutes.”
Jaime started to argue, thought better of it, then turned abruptly and walked away. He slunk away like an angry hulk as the sun began to set and the solar lights along the walkway started to glow where the shadows were already blocking out most of the light.
“He is very intimidating,” she said.
“He’s a puppy dog. It’s my fault. We were supposed to be back over an hour ago.”
“It was worth it,” she said quietly, just in case Jaime was within earshot.
“Yes, it was.”
He led her into the courtyard and through a side door, then up the back stairs to her suite.
“This is where I say goodnight,” he said. “I’ll be gone all day tomorrow, so don’t wait for me.”
He leaned in and kissed he tenderly.
“Sweet dreams, Nina.”
She smiled, leaning into him, then watching him walk away before she went into her suite and closed and locked the door behind her. If Alex wouldn’t be sneaking in to make love to her in the middle of the day, there was no reason to leave the door open.
She decided to call it a night, setting her alarm for early in the morning, and snuggling down in the bed until the comforter was around her chin. She had a long day ahead of her, and more than enough to do to keep her busy until Alex came home the next evening.
Closing her eyes, she started to drift off to sleep. The very last thought she had before the darkness claimed was the realization that she was finally going to get to drive her brand-new car.
She couldn’t wait.