Page 87 of Tell Me Something

“What about workout clothes? I’d like to go running.”

This at least got some consideration. “Fine, a pair of workout shorts, shoes, and a T-shirt. That’s it.”

I threw in my sports bra as well as a couple of pairs of underwear since I wasn’t running commando. Some hair stuff, makeup, and my hygiene kit—and I had my small duffle bag set to go. “Okay, I’m packed.”

“WAKE UP, beautiful. We’re landing soon.”

We had boarded Josh’s private jet a few hours ago, and I’d fallen asleep within minutes of takeoff. Stretching, I smiled apologetically. “Sorry I wasn’t much company.”

“You’re fine. I had some business stuff to do anyhow, and now we can hopefully enjoy some work-free days.”

That sounded wonderful, and then panic set in. “Wait. I took off, and Nigel is out starting tomorrow with David’s surgery. I’m scheduled to be in the office.”

He only smiled. “I gave everyone the week off. It costs more to heat the place and turn on the lights than it’s worth to keep the office open. Plus, the boss is taking a real vacation for the first time in years. Besides all that, if I need something, I know where to find you. I’ve already let Nigel know that you’re on call all week, so he has nothing to worry about.”

Well, then, I guess it was good to be the boss. “Sounds like you’ve thought of everything. It makes me feel kind of good that the boss is taking his first real vacation in years with me. Thank you.”

His hand squeezed mine, and a few minutes later we were on the ground. The sun had set, but I could tell from the balmy temperature and the shadows of palm trees we were some place tropical. We descended the steps of the plane onto the tarmac. There Josh shook the hand of an older gentleman who loaded our bags into the back of a Jeep Wrangler.

I still wasn’t sure where we were, but gauging from the palm trees and warm, moist air, we were on an island. The two men spoke for a few minutes, and then Josh came back with keys in his hand. “Shall we?”

We drove in the Jeep for about twenty-five minutes. I sensed there was water on one side of the road and looked toward the road signs for any sort of clue.

“Okay, I give up. Where are we?”

“Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. You can’t see it now, but the water is beautiful here.”

“I can’t wait. Are we in a resort?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he hedged with mischief in his eyes.

I enjoyed studying his profile from the passenger side as he navigated the winding road. He was the most relaxed I’d ever seen him, and the thought of having him all to myself was almost too good to be true.

A short time later we pulled into a driveway with a large iron gate into which Josh punched a code.

I had expected someone to come out, but instead it looked as though we were alone as we entered through the front door of an elegant two-story house.

“Wow.” I stepped inside the foyer and glanced at the beautiful staircase, marble floors, and the gorgeous open room that led out to what looked like a pool.

“I was hoping you’d like it.”

“Is this yours?”

“No, it’s a rental, but the pictures seemed nice online.”

“And it’s only the two of us, no one else?”

He took my hand and led me into the gourmet kitchen. “Just the two of us, not even a chef. Hopefully they stocked some food.” He opened the refrigerator, which was completely packed with meats and produce.

“Um, who’s cooking?” A chef I was not.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be the head chef, and you can be my sous-chef. Are you hungry now?” He put his arms around me.

I shook my head. “No, but I would love to see the house.”

We started out on the first floor and then proceeded upstairs. The master bedroom was impressive with its large four-poster king-sized bed and the French doors that opened onto a balcony. I stepped outside and could hear, and practically feel, the ocean only steps away. “I can’t wait until morning to see everything.”

His arms came around me from the back, and I sighed with pure contentment.