AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Next week. We leave on Monday. We would be staying at Eden Roc in Miami Beach.”
I choke slightly and he is on his feet instantly. He pats my back gently. I look up at him.
“D-did you say Miami Beach? That’s clear across the country!”
“Is that a problem?” he smiles at me gently, and I find it hard to concentrate. I drop my eyes again and focus on my plate.
“No. It’s just that I don’t think I ever even been close to the California state line, much less fly across the country.”
“So, will you give it some thought?”
I look up to find his eyes boring into me. For a split second, I forget where I am as I get lost in their blue depths. I give myself a mental shake and jerk back to the present.
“Of course I will take care of all the expenses and you will still be paid for the days away. And since you will be working nights as well, that’s overtime.”
“But you don’t have to do that. I can pay my way.”
“I won’t allow that. And I won’t rush you into a decision. Think about it. But if you can’t make it, Sylvia will have to come or we would get a temporary nanny.”
My heart thuds at the last statement. The thought of Ryan being so far with a stranger makes up my mind.
“There’s really no question. I’d be a fool to turn down an offer like this.”
He smiles and it takes my breath away. “Great.”
The rest of the week goes by in a whirl of activities as I spend more time in the pool with Ryan in preparation for a week at a resort hotel. Sylvia helps us to choose the most suitable toys for him to take before I leave on Friday evening. Lucan gives me the weekend off again, especially since I will be doubling my duties in the coming week. This calls for a shopping trip with Lola.
“I’ve always told you that you have a killer body and you need to show it off a little more. No one piece bathing suits for you. Bikinis and thongs all the way!”
Lola proceeds to scoop a handful of bikinis up and shoos me into a changing room. By the time we leave, I am the new owner of four bikinis, two wraps, and a pair of wedge heel sandals that goes with every outfit. I also stock up on sunscreen. Our last stop is a beauty parlor and I allow Lola to talk me into a wax job.
Packing on Sunday night is a challenge as I keep packing and unpacking, not sure of what to take and wanting to keep my luggage to a minimum. Finally, in frustration, I call Lucan.
“Hello?”
“Hi. It’s Summer. I hope I’m not disturbing you?”
“Far from it. What’s up?”
“Um. How many pieces of luggage will the airlines allow?”
There is a pause on the other end before he speaks.
“Airline? We’re not using an airline.”
“Oh?” My heart sinks at the prospect of what sounds like it will be a very long road trip. But that does not make sense.
“I have a jet. There’s no luggage limit.”
“Oh!” Duh. “Okay.”
He laughs. “So pack whatever you think you might need for a week or two and then some. I’m glad you called, actually. I was thinking of picking you up at home rather than have you struggle with your luggage into the car and coming all the way here. Would that be okay with you?”
“I…um, that would be perfect.”
“Great. I know I told you we would leave in the afternoon. But the sooner, the better. Is eight a good time to pick you up in the morning?”
“Eight is fine.”
