Page 34 of Secret Admirer
Bart walked out of the bathroom, putting his tie back on. She was already in her green dress and walked over to him to help him fix it. As she reached for the knot, she asked, “Bart, do you believe in love?”
He shrugged, fixed his shirt and shook his head. “No. Not really. Are you ready to go back to the party now?”
His hand was extended to hold hers, but anxiety crawled on her skin like ants. She turned her nose. Why didn’t he believe in love? He’d been so nonchalant in his answer.
She wanted to prove hers, but was that enough? She held her tongue and walked into his arms as she said, “Sure. I'd like to see your sister anyhow.”
Rebecca held his belt buckle, her head bowed, needing to tell him her feelings.
He snapped his fingers. “Wait. One more thing.”
She took her hands off him as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box. Her heart skipped. Marriage? So soon? She pressed her palm to her heart and asked, “What’s this?”
“Not a ring.” He handed it to her. “Having a girlfriend is new for me and I wanted to get you something.”
“I’m happy we’re together.” Her face heated and she studied the marble floor. Right. They hadn’t known each other long enough to even think about marriage. Rebecca cracked open the box to reveal a beautiful gold dove with diamonds dangling on a gold chain. “This is beautiful.”
He took it from her and clasped it around her neck as he said, “I wanted to give it to you before we left the hotel, but it slipped my mind.”
Bart kissed her cheek. She swallowed and shook the clouds from her mind. Bart was sweet and wonderful, but she still pursed her lips and asked, “Why did you forget earlier?”
“I was distracted by work but I’m here with you now… do you like?”
“Oh my goodness… Yes. It’s beautiful and I love it. I just wondered why you bought me a necklace. No one’s ever bought me jewelry before.”
He squeezed her side and motioned with his head to leave as he said, “I was in a good mood and the dove reminded me of you. It’s a sign of peace and also the bird in the Noah story that went out first in search of land, like you went out and found me.”
“Now I truly love this. You picked it out yourself. Thank you.” Her heart beat differently as it always did with him. She tried to breathe normally as she stayed in step and they headed downstairs toward the back door. “Did your meetings stress you out? You never said that at the hotel.”
“I’m fine now.” He winked at her. “And today was finally good. I had peace of mind today. After months of horrible meetings, I think I found some interesting tech. You were my good luck charm.”
“I'm so glad.” Rebecca needed to remember her life was good and she shouldn’t let her crazy thoughts run away with her happiness. “And when I put my design on paper, you don’t have to like it or anything. I’ll share because I trust you.”
“Then I’m honored to see it when you’re ready.” Bart treated her like a princess.
Except, she wasn’t a princess.
They walked out of a patio door to a cement patio overlooking the docked yachts, surrounded by luxury. Bart had brought her into this.
Was moving in with him a breach of her own integrity? She’d never wanted to be a gold digger and worked very hard for the security she'd earned.
Her thoughts consumed her and she ignored the scenery until she heard the laughter of his family coming from Axel's home.
Everyone was having a good time. She needed to shake off her crazy thoughts. Bart kept his hand on her lower back and murmured, “Let's head into the party so I can introduce you as last time I was so focused on showing you the yacht and then you told me about Aurelia.”
Right. His family. She was here to make a good impression. She ignored the tremble inside her gut. Her hands no longer had one speck of oil, and she was wearing a token of Bart's affection. “Okay. No one will know what we just did?”
He laughed, kissed her, and the slight scratch of his five o’clock shadow tickled her cheek.
Earlier had been amazing. He led her inside. “Not unless you tell them.”
Her body was still warm and she tapped into the memory of his touch to forget her fears. “Okay, Bart.”
They entered the back of Axel's home and Bart picked up more glasses that she guessed he wouldn't drink. She would follow his lead. He handed her one and then guided her toward more people as he said, “Gio. Kiwi, this is my new girlfriend, Rebecca.”
Kiwi radiated in purple. She smiled brightly and said, “Nice to meet you, Rebecca.”
Kiwi could easily be a model, just like half the women in the room Bart claimed were all related. Rebecca’s pulse zipped. “You, too.”
