Chapter 31
1035words
'Good morning.'
'How are you doing?'
'I'm fine.'
'I'm holding you to your proposal.'
'Huh?'
'We'll spend the day teaching you to swim.'
I blushed. I had forgotten all about that.
Halley came down and we had breakfast then I went back upstairs and changed into my so-called swimwear and followed him down to the beach.
__________
'Keep your hands in front of you,' he instructed as he held me in the water to show me how to swim.
I had already made three attempts but failed. He was using an alternative technique for beginners.
'There, you see. You've got it,' he cheered as I swam away from him. 'Keep your head up Emma!' He followed right behind, caught me and pulled me into his arms. 'There, you're a fast learner.'
'Thanks to you.'
'I take it you're not mad at me anymore?'
'Hmm. Maybe, maybe not. It doesn't matter; I already made up my mind.'
'So have I.'
'Oh really?'
'I'm breaking up with her as soon as she gets back.'
'No. Don't do that. I realized how selfish I sounded when I told you to break up with her if you want to be with me. I'm in no position to tell you to leave your fiancee. She's a nice woman; you two make a great couple. I can't let you do something so awful, especially when she loves you.'
'You're really an incredible woman, but you're wrong. I'm not leaving her for you. I'm leaving because she and I just don't have a connection.'
'Stop looking for excuses. Y'all are getting married. You should go through with it; eventually, I'll find someone else.'
My last statement changed the color of his eyes and I panicked. He pulled me even closer to him causing me to lay firmly against his chest.
'You're mine,' he finally spoke.
'Mr. Hollen, I can't. We can't—'
'Emma, Shut up.'
His lips crashed down on mine as his hands moved over my body. My legs wrapped around his torso and I felt his erection hard against my spot. The water was cold but the moment was heated. I gave into his kiss. He let out a moan and so did I before he stopped.
'Baby, if you continue this we just might attract a shark.'
It took me a few to catch what he actually meant. I giggled and slapped his hand. He's so naughty.
'Wanna take a break?'
'Okay.'
He carried me out of the water, bridal style, and laid me on the beach rug he brought. He pushed my hair behind my ear and planted a kiss on my forehead.
'I've fallen for you,' he said softly.
'Why me, why not Halley?'
I had no idea why I asked that aloud but it slipped out because it had been on my mind for some time.
He studied my face, his eyebrows arched and his jaw clenched. 'Is that a serious question?'
'Yes.'
'You can't control who you fall for. I've never developed any romantic feelings for her, and I don't believe that I would.'
'Okay.' I was satisfied with his answer. 'Can I ask you something?'
'Sure, baby.'
'What's the truth behind the previous maid? The one you said you didn't fire.'
He ran his fingers through his straight black hair as he sat up straight, looking at the horizon instead of me. He seemed emotional.
Maybe they were involved.
'The other maid wasn't a maid at all.'
My heart fell. She was your girlfriend?
'She was actually a spy working for one of my competition in the industry. Her mission was to get the job as a maid in my mansion and, whenever I left documents in my office, she would send the information to the other companies so they always knew my every move. Then I met Sharon. I invited her over and she spent the night.
'I left early for work one morning, Sharon woke late and decided to visit me at work. She passed the office and noticed the maid was inside on my computer and talking on the phone. Sharon told me, but by the time I got home the maid vanished without a trace. The information on her resume was all false, including her name. So I've yet to locate her.'
I was astonished and speechless. So that's why he's so protective of the office and has cameras in every important part of his house. Some people could really make it difficult for others' to have an opportunity.
'I don't know where that rumor came from about us being in a relationship. I guess the press just needed something to go on.'
I felt bad for hating him over a rumor and telling myself he must be screwing all of his maids. 'Thanks for telling me,' I said as I leaned against his arm.
He pulled me in for a hug and put a towel over me. We stared at the horizon in silence as the midday sun shone on.
Ethan's POV
I didn't wait until the auction was completely over. I left half way through because I was worried about my Emma. When I got home, she was already asleep. I kissed her forehead and laid besides her.
She stirred. 'Mr. Hollen?'
'Baby, shh. Go back to sleep,' I told her as I rubbed her back slowly.
She laid on the pillow and went back to sleep instantly.
I stayed with her a little longer then went to my room, planning how I would spend my time with her in the morning.
She rested her head on my shoulder as we looked out at the horizon. She looked so calm. I was happy she was asking me questions and showing emotions without me having to force it out of her. I wanted her to be comfortable with me and not afraid of me.
'What are your goals in life, Emma?'
'I want to do something for homeless children who are left on the streets. There's orphanages and foster care homes but that's all there are. I want to add something more so the kids can enjoy life instead of being scared to face it.'
