Page 80 of The Last Resort
As soon as Matthew and his brother arrived at Bryce and Vivian’s apartment early in the evening, Rachel handed over the black Amex card. “We, um. I, um. Vivian. Camille. You don’t want to know …” she stammered.
He dropped a warm, kiss full of promise on her lips, and whispered, “I already know, and it’s perfectly fine. I wanted to treat you, and I knew it would take the two of them to get you to loosen up and spend some money. Did you have a fun day?”
She was utterly exhausted, but it had been fun to live out all of herDevil Wears Pradafashion make over dreams. She even had a cute boyfriend who could make a killer grilled cheese sandwich, just like the heroine in the movie.But my boyfriend?Boyfriend.Wow.He’s nothing like the asshole in that movie. Thank god.
“A fun day? I had an amazing day. Vivian is a force of nature when it comes to retail. And your cousin Camille very kindly let me have a few pieces from her unreleased summer capsule collection. I have been spoiled beyond words.”
“Just what I wanted to hear. A woman like you should bespoiled. Tell me, Rachel, what else do you need? New York is the city that never sleeps, and I could have any doors your heart desires opened, with just one call.”
Rachel softly laughed. “I have been well and truly overindulged today. I just hope everything will fit in your Jeep when we get back to Aspen.”
“If it doesn’t, I’ll message good old Dan, and ask to borrow his giant helicopter.”
She fell into his embrace and happy sighed. He didn’t need to spoil her in order to win her heart. He just had to be Matthew.
I’m all yours.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Following drinks and the amazing supper which Vivian had ordered in, Rachel and Matthew returned to his apartment. As they were leaving, Bryce gave her a hug. “Sorry about the bear joke. We’re so glad you escaped.”
“Thanks. I hope Matthew didn’t give you too much grief over it.”
She caught the wicked look on Vivian’s face as they headed for the door. Her shopping fiend of a friend was standing behind Bryce’s back. “Matt gave him so much shit. I’m going to have to work some bedroom magic tonight in order to soothe his billionaire ego,” whispered Vivian.
Rachel was still snorting over Vivian’s quip about bedroom magic, when she and Matthew reached his apartment. This weekend was already the highlight of her life, and she was yet to make it to the Royal family island.
Matthew lingered just inside the doorway. “I’ve got to go upstairs and quickly check in with my parents about some final wedding arrangements. They’re flying down to Turks and Caicos tonight. I’ll be back in about an hour, so are youokay to stay here and kick off your shoes. Unless of course you want to come and meet my folks.”
She’d been out all day, and well into the evening, and was beyond tired. She didn’t have enough energy to be the least bit bright and sparkly when she met Matthew’s parents for the first time. Rachel shook her head. “Is it okay, if I meet them tomorrow?”
First impressions counted. There would be time for that on the island,afterthey’d arrived, andaftershe’d done some of her deep breathing exercises, andaftershe’d slipped into one of the gorgeous dresses, he’d bought her today.
Matthew gave Rachel a lingering kiss along with the promise that he wouldn’t be gone too long. Apparently, he’d been tasked with organizing the DJ for the after party and Alice Royal had questions about noise levels and the ability of the older guests to be able to talk to one another.
In the living room, Rachel stood and stared at the multitude of bags, boxes, and suitcases the building’s concierge had brought up in the elevator.
When her cell buzzed, she didn’t give it a second thought, and hit receive.
“Will you accept a collect call from inmate Scott Davilla at Ware State Prison, Georgia?”
Why did her father have to call now? She’d had an amazing day with the future Vivian Royal, and for the first time in a long time had been able to forget all about her family’s troubles.
Her father seemed to possess a sixth sense for when the other members of the Davilla family were enjoying themselves—and he would do anything to cut the joy from their lives.
“Yes, I will accept the call,” she replied dully. If she didn’t accept his call now, he would keep calling until she did.
There was a click and her father’s voice came on the line. “Your mother tells me you are still with the Royal boy. Things must be getting pretty serious.”
Boy? Matthew is a real man.
“We are working on a design proposal together, nothing more.”
She wasn’t going to tell him anything else. Her father had the nose of a bloodhound when it came to other people’s money.
“I need four-million dollars. That’s all. It shouldn’t be too much for you to ask him to give you that small an amount of cash. Think of all the things I’ve done for you.”
All the things he’d done for her? Rachel wanted to vomit. Her father had ruined her business. Burned her friendships. Seen the end to her engagement. Though she’d give him a pass on that last one as he’d probably saved her a great deal of heartache a couple of years down the line. Everything Scott Davilla had done had cost her dearly, including leaving the only life she’d ever known.
