The unnoticed billionair.., p.17
The Unnoticed Billionaire, page 17
“Have you told him about me? Is that why he has given us his ‘humble cottage’?”
“No, of course not. I would never ever betray your trust, baby. You asked me not to interfere, and I have been truthful to my promise to you.”
“Then how did you . . .” I wave my hands around in circles, referring to the house.
“We are good friends. I know him very well. He usually invites a couple of friends over, so I asked if I could borrow the place, and he agreed. To be honest, I have been re-evaluating my relationship with him. You are right. He is still selfish, one might say the worst person on earth for all he’s done.” That’s all he says before turning his back to me.
I should take satisfaction in Tyler’s words. Yet, it feels forced, as if I have pushed Tyler into a position of choosing sides. I know how that feels, being divided between two sides. No matter how negatively this realization paints Kai Davis’ character badly, choosing between one’s friend and one’s girlfriend is difficult.
“Would you prefer us to go to a hotel instead?” he asks.
“No,” I answer instantly. I walk around to stand in front of him. A wave of relief washes over his face. “Now that we have the house, why not enjoy it? Besides, it is not me he is lending the house to, but you. So, I can just hold on to that thought and enjoy this free vacation.”
He gives a huff of laughter before shaking his head. Who would have known that I will be spending a weekend in one of Kai Davis’ many houses after what he has done to my family? After he kicked us out of our home?
“Do you want anything? A drink, maybe?”
I shake my head and murmur a ‘no’. Tyler walks toward the right, where a cabinet full of alcoholic beverages is lined up. He pours a finger for himself.
“So,” I clear my throat, “what are our plans for this weekend?”
“We are going to tour the area, walk along the beach and eat at restaurants. It’s going to be fun. I promise.” He spins the old-fashioned glass, making a small whirlpool inside, before throwing it back at once.
“Okay,” I murmur. Tyler glances at his watch and frowns as he puts his glass down.
“Come on. It’s late. We must head to bed. Have a lot to do tomorrow.” Taking the lead with our bags in his hands, he climbs the stairs on the right.
Ascending behind him, I observe the unique glimmering chandelier closely. From the top of the stairs, I can see the ocean and the moon’s reflection shimmering on the surface, although it’s too dark to see where the sea meets the sky. The house feels bigger from above, like a giant reception venue. I turn on my heels and steal my gaze away from the view to follow Tyler.
The upper level of the mansion divides into two corridors leading to each wing of the house, just as I assumed from the front view. The upper floor is decorated just as beautifully with classic vases and paintings. There is even a small sitting area just above the kitchen floor. Tyler turns left.
We pass a few doors before Tyler stops to open one on the left, on the ocean side of the villa. Sticking his hand inside the dark bedroom, he turns on the light. He steps aside. Taking the cue, I enter first.
A single king-sized bed dominates the room. The bed is so attention-grabbing that I only notice the extravagant design of the room during my second look. The room looks just as big as my whole apartment. It even has its own TV, positioned right in front of the bed.
“Yes, it’s supposed to serve as a personal living room, I guess,” Tyler says and I realize I have spoken the words out loud. Blushing at my shocking admission, I step in further.
The wingback bed, covered in a white and soft cotton blanket, has a matching dresser to its left and an enormous chaise lounge to its right, directly in front of the window leading to a balcony. Afraid that my shoes might leave a trace, I tiptoe over the plush and brightly clean round rug to get my first unadulterated ocean view.
If I imagined Tyler’s guest room was luxurious, then I was wrong. There is one word to describe the place, and that is extraordinary. A sad realization surfaces while I look around the room with longing. While my days are spent working tirelessly just to afford a small apartment and my mother’s medical bills, some have luxuries in life that go unappreciated and unnoticed, such as having this big house. It is probably only a number to Kai Davis. Just as my father was. Just as our family was.
I open the sliding door, surprised to find the whole wall facing the ocean is covered in glass windows from the floor to the ceiling. A fresh gust of wind blows in. I step out, brace the glass railing, and look around. The beach is secluded and dark, with no light coming from either side of the property, indicating that the adjacent neighbors are reasonably far from us.
“This is your room. I’m going to stay at that one,” he points to his right, the adjacent bedroom. “I want to give you privacy, but I am also worried about your nightmare.” He pauses to gauge my reaction. He then continues. “You have an adjacent bathroom through there.” He points to a door just next to the dresser.
Will this man ever seize to swell my heart with his kindness? He is worried about me having nightmares. No one who has known me for such a short time has ever cared enough to be alarmed about my sufferings. Then again, I haven’t let my guard down for anyone else.
“I have to apologize for not telling you about this earlier. I have made this weekend very uncomfortable for you,” Tyler says.
I meet his eyes, caught off-guard by the unexpected confession. His eyes are dark and wistful, no doubt angry at himself for bringing me here. Too absorbed in my own thoughts, I did not notice the change in Tyler’s mood. He must think my silence is due to my anger.
“I’m not mad at you,” I respond, taking baby steps toward him. This time, I catch him off-guard. I tilt my head back so I can look into his eyes. “You don’t know the extent of hurt Kai Davis has inflicted on my family. A spiral of events, one bad thing after another. I can never blame you for wanting to bridge the gap between your friend and me. But I think I will be able to withhold my anger for the weekend.” To stress my words, I rise on my toes and plant a kiss on his cheek.
He places his hand on the area where I kiss him and smiles.
“Good night.”
Satisfied, Tyler nods at me before grabbing his bag. He leans down, repeating my action earlier, and kisses me on the cheek.
It leaves me longing for a real kiss, but I understand he is trying to be a gentleman. I watch him go and close the door behind him.
I turn to look at the bed with both contentment and resentment. I sit on it slowly, enjoying how soft it feels. Flopping on my back, I stare at the ceiling. The glass door is still open, allowing the ocean breeze in. Tyler was right when he said I wouldn’t be able to close my eyes once we got here.
Eventually, I fall asleep, cocooned between the soft sheets, embraced by the comfortable mattress, and surrounded by the smell of the ocean.
***
“Good morning,” Tyler greets me without looking up as he focuses on the skillet.
I woke up at eight this morning. Then I couldn’t resist the inviting call of the beautiful marble bathroom and decided to run myself a quick bath. A luxury that I can’t afford any other time. After dressing in my sundress, I stood on the balcony and enjoyed the view.
When Tyler turns to empty the skillet on a plate on the island counter, he looks up and stares for a moment.
“You look absolutely beautiful. I like the color of peach on you,” he says. I blush and look down at my skirt. What is with him and making the most mundane things sound so sexy? It’s his voice, I have no doubt.
“Do you want tea or coffee?” He focuses his gaze on something else suddenly. Is that a hint of blush I detect on his cheeks?
“Tea, please.” I fork a hot, well-made pancake and pop it into my mouth while looking at Tyler through my lashes. Gee, can that t-shirt be any tighter? The pancake melts in my mouth. It has a hint of sweetness. I spy a bottle of honey on the counter and suspect he has added a bit of it, Of course he would be extra in cooking as well.
“Had a good night’s sleep?” he asks as he pours me a cup of tea. I have to divert my eyes away to avoid being caught staring at him.
“Yes.” I drink my tea as I sit on the high stool.
When I extend my hand to grab a strip of bacon, the bracelet on my left wrist glimmers. I smile, as I do every time I find myself looking at it.
“Something on your mind?” He starts filling my plate with more food.
“I’m thinking,” I reply, returning some of the excessive pancakes and slices of bacon.
“Well then, stop it. I brought you here so you can have a good time. No worries. No thinking.” He grabs my left hand and kisses the area of my wrist just above the bracelet.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Tyler has been ever so cautious not to mention or ask about my nightmares since last night. The haunting memories follow me every waking moment unless I absolutely throw myself into work. The only thing that consoles me is the thought of that man soon going behind bars to pay for what he has done.
My hand itches to pick up the phone and call Mom, but I feel it is disrespectful to Tyler after all the hassle he has gone through to secure our vacation away from home. Besides, I already promised I won’t worry about anything during this weekend. Also, I gather Mom appreciates some time away from me.
After breakfast, we head out to yet another unknown destination. Driving through the mysterious residential areas, we arrive at the center of the town a few minutes later.
Tyler parks the car only a block away from the beach access. The town is busy with visitors since it’s the end of summer. Large groups of people walk toward the beach, with their kids prancing ahead of them, sandcastle buckets in hand. I smile. I used to do that when I was small.
On foot, with Tyler’s hand linked with mine, we turn the corner to the left, where a big golden-blue sign of ‘Jenkinson’s Aquarium’ comes into view.
“Oh my god.” I almost shout the words.
“I know it’s ridiculous to bring you here—”
“Ridiculous? This is awesome, Tyler. I was half-expecting you to take me to a fancy restaurant or something,” I blurt bluntly.
“Have you been to one?” He chuckles.
“Yes, New York Aquarium, but I was still small then.” We walk to the front door, where many people are waiting in line for their turn to get a ticket. “But why here? Why an aquarium? Are you running out of fancy ideas?” I tease.
“No, that’s not it.” He chuckles again, a childish grin on his face. “My dad used to take our family here. I wanted to share a piece of my childhood with you. Besides, don’t worry, I haven’t run out of fancy ideas yet.” Tyler lets go of my hand before turning to me. “Wait here, please.”
He leaves me standing in the middle of the crowd and walks toward the ticket booth. A group of loud, half-naked girls in their bikinis walk past me. Their light bronze bodies shimmer under the sun. Each has an iced drink in one hand and their phone in the other.
I look down at my own silly and slightly old sundress. I look back at them with envy, realizing I can never be so comfortable in my own skin. But then, I can never walk along the beach with my friends taking selfies and enjoying a sip of ice-cold drinks either.
“Hey,” Tyler’s voice grabs my attention. He looks down at me with glee as he offers his hand to me. I take it gladly.
For the first time, we actually stand in line to enter the premises. We are like any other ordinary couple enjoying a weekend away from the busy city. No VIP treatment. No glamour.
Finally, we enter the dimmed, dark-blue hallway with water images on the walls.
I look up at Tyler, admiring how the blue atmosphere complements the bright blue in his eyes. He looks happy, undoubtedly remembering his childhood memories. I take a moment to admire everything about him. His strength to face the past and not break down. His bravery in being the first to open up. His demeanor in standing here and enjoying his time as if his mother didn’t almost lose her life a few weeks ago.
He is everything that I want to be. And he’s here with me. Next to me. Perhaps this is God’s answer to my prayers. A man who is much stronger than me in facing trauma and adversity. A man that I cannot have because I can’t be selfish. He deserves better.
Before he can catch me staring like a mad woman, I look around, distracting myself. The corridor soon ends, and we enter a big hall, in the middle of which is a giant ship named ‘Bounty’. Around it, small water displays are present, creating the sound of dripping and splashing. Around the big hall, large windows display different aquatic animals.
We walk around with the flow of people, moving from one window to the next.
“Do you want to take some pictures?” Tyler offers as he takes out his phone.
“Sure.” I stand before a big golden fish passing by and pose for the camera nervously.
“My turn.” I take the phone out of his hand. Despite his unsure and shy face, I softly shove him to stand next to the tank. He rubs the back of his neck but eventually gives up and allows me to snap some pictures.
While moving to the next section, I sense eyes following us. At first, I don’t think much of the pair of girls who are behind us and following us to each section. When I catch them staring at us, I can’t help the weird feeling crawling on the back of my neck.
I look at my sundress, wondering if something is wrong with my attire. Then I start thinking if they are stalking us because of Tyler. I turn my head slightly to have a better look at them. The two girls are dressed in bikinis with sheer cover-ups.
Shaking the uneasiness, I try to ignore their creepy stalking and enjoy my time with Tyler. Most likely, they are following their crush and will soon give up. Letting myself glance at them, I find one of them whispering something to the other while looking at me. If looks could kill, I would have been dead by now.
“Tyler?” I call out, stopping in my tracks. Tyler turns to me, surprised by my tone.
“Yes?”
“I think those girls are following us.” I steer my head slightly toward the girls while trying not to point at them directly.
Tyler looks over my shoulder instantly, and his brows knit in displeasure. I can’t look back at them, but Tyler’s eyes tell me what I need to know. They are making eye contact with Tyler boldly.
“Wait up here. I will be right back.” He leans down and kisses me as if both claiming me and allowing me to claim him. That empowers me so much that I turn and look at Tyler marching across the floor toward them in four long strides.
At the sight of Tyler, they bounce up and down. Their excitement soon dies down, like flames diminishing after pouring water on it. Tyler looks over his shoulder at me briefly before continuing his conversation with them. A small satisfied grin grows on my face.
Tyler returns to my side shortly, his eyes glowing with happiness and lips smiling in assurance.
“What did you tell them?” I sneak a look back at the girls who are making their way toward the exit hastily without looking back.
“I didn’t tell them anything. Just that I have eyes for men only,” he says sweetly.
I throw my head back and laugh in an unladylike manner. “You did not say that.”
“Fine. I scared them legally. They had mistaken me for a celebrity, and I said I will call security if they keep following us. They were too embarrassed and scared to stay after that. You know, I should have added that I have an amazing, loving, and beautiful girlfriend.”
His words flatter me, making me blush furiously. It’s his official first admission that I am his girlfriend.
“And who is this lucky girl?” Somehow, I want to play along. My heart swells with an odd sense of satisfaction.
“That lucky girl, my red rose,” he touches my nose with his forefinger as he leans down, “is a girl with beautiful brown hair and green eyes. Her face is as beautiful as a fully bloomed red rose.” He whispers the last words, his eyes lingering from my eyes to my lips. I bite down on my lower lip, my breath suddenly too hard to release.
I feel my heart stop beating. Silly butterflies explode in my belly. My legs become weak. If it weren’t for Tyler’s support, I would have fallen by now. Everything else fades away, and it’s just Tyler and me standing so close. If I lean a bit closer, our lips will touch. No beautiful dresses and expensive jewelry can make me feel as beautiful as his words can.
His eyes shimmer with happiness and playfulness, though the sincerity of his words is unquestionable. His lips part and curl into a smile. Tyler grabs my left hand and places it on the crook of his elbow as he slowly urges us to move on. Absently, I follow his lead.
In the last part of the aquarium, we step through the tunnel and let the track take us through the swarm of big and small fish swimming upon our heads. The blue water reflects dancing rays of sun on our faces. A giant shark swims just so close to us that I duck in surprise.
“Come here. I will protect you from all the sharks.” Tyler takes my waist and pulls me to him. I collide with his chest. Planting a kiss on the back of my cheek, he holds his phone out to take a selfie of us. I raise my head toward him as we stand with my back to his front and his arm positioned around my upper chest possessively.
My hand finds its way through his unruly hair. I shuffle it, feeling his soft silky hair under my fingers. Another snap of the camera comes. He puts his phone away and snakes his free arm around my waist. His hand gently grips a handful of my hair, while the other travels south just above my bum. We kiss and it feels so good.
Breaking the kiss seconds later, he looks me in the eye, his blue eyes shining bright and blue as always. At that moment, I realize that he is my ideal man, the one I’ve dreamed of meeting ever since I was twelve. Now, in my embrace is the one I have always been looking for—someone who will love me for who I am and what I am. Someone who can be the same as me, with enough pride to hold his head high but not look down upon others. A man who respects me and won’t judge me for my flaws.
