A Borrowed Life (Carly and Liam #1) (5 page)

“So? How was your secret admirer?” she inquires.

“Mmmm,” I exclaim, thinking back to my evening.

“That good, huh? Did he kiss you?”

I shake my head, swallowing a chocolate.

“Oh,” she says worriedly.

“What?”

“Well, in general that’s not a very good sign.”

“He's a gentleman.”

“A gentleman kisses the girl when he takes her home.”

“I didn't want him to take me home.”

“What? Why?”

I shrug.

“Did you at least show him you were interested?”

“Yes. Well, I think so.”

“Then he has no excuse. He should have kissed you if he was interested.”

“Do you think I'll see him again?”

She looks at me, hesitating to respond. She wants to tell me the truth, but doesn’t want to hurt my feelings. She twists her mouth and her eyes express empathy.

“I wouldn't wait for his call if I were you. I'm sorry.”

I sigh in, falling against the bed.

“Hey!” She says, quick to reassure me. “That's his problem. If he's too stupid to see what an amazing woman you are, then he deserves to spend his life with a dull and superficial woman who will go only after his money.”

“And he will want her only for arm candy and it will serve him right! He'll never have everything I could offer him.”

“I couldn’t have said it better! Anyway, it's a dead end story. It never would have worked after this trip. You guys aren't from the same world. And you my dear, aren't made for one-night stands.”

“I know. Still, it would have been nice even it was just for one night.”

“Well, remember this evening for what it was. A good time, short but unique.”

I sigh. It’s true. After this cruise, there will be no more gourmet dinners, dances, free performances, and people cleaning for me. No more high society living and elegant, couture dresses; Cinderella will return to work. It’s not so bad when I think about it. This is all so unique for me because it's not part of my everyday life, but for them this is normal and in the end, they are dependent on it. Would they know how to live in an 800 square foot apartment with a roommate, on a diet of macaroni and cheese, working to serve people who think you’re invisible? I don't think so. They aren't safe from it, though. If they lost it all, they would be completely helpless.

“I’m gonna get some air,” I tell Liv as I get up.

“Are you sure you're okay?”

“Yeah, I just need to walk a little.”

“Do you want me to come with you?”

I shake my head. I'd rather be alone, actually. I get out of our room and head down the stairs, sighing. I really blew it. Why is it affecting me so much? I don't even know the guy well enough to care about him! It’s not like I had high expectations for this date. Plus, I wouldn’t have been able to maintain a relationship with him after this cruise. But this terrible feeling that I lost a chance at true love clings to me; like my Mr. Right has no interest in me. I'm condemned to stay single for the rest of my days!

Walking down the hallway, I see two young women heading back to their rooms. A blonde and a redhead; tall, thin, and tanned with perfectly manicured nails. Their hair and makeup is still impeccable. When I entered my room, I found that my locks had fallen flat, my makeup was practically gone, and I was bloated from overeating. No wonder why women who are constantly watched by others don't eat a thing and spend most of their time in front of the mirror. They have to look perfect all the time.

I couldn't carry myself like them, I realize with a sigh. Liv is right. Liam and I are from two completely different worlds, and it’s a woman like that he wants. I won't deprive myself of a good steak dinner and be content with a salad just to look good. I know I wouldn’t be good enough for him. I couldn't remember to touch up my makeup and my hair regularly, and I wouldn’t want to talk about fashion, beauty treatments, or decorations all the time, which I’m sure is all his friends and family talk about. I'd be bored to death. None of them could talk to me about literature, history or even art, I’m sure.

Liam probably didn't appreciate that I challenged him about Romeo and Juliette. A well-educated woman would have simply nodded and thanked him for the invitation.

I arrive at the end of the deck where I take the elevators up to the roof. The pool illuminated by moonlight must be beautiful. I hope it won't be too crowded. I get out of the elevator and I'm glad to see that I'm alone. Some employees are still cleaning up from the evening.

“Excuse me, is the pool closed?” I ask one of them who cleans a table.

The young man jumps and a glass slides out of his hands. I catch it out of reflex, apologizing for scaring him.

“Don't apologize, it's my fault,” he says nervously.

Based on the price of crystal glass, I bet his boss would have thrown a fit if he had broken one. I can see he’s still new and lacks confidence by how his fingers are trembling while trying to hold the dishes. I immediately feel sorry for him and take the tottering pile of plates in his hands. It's a rookie mistake; you should always put all the utensils on the top plate. Otherwise, it's a recipe for disaster.

I help him stack everything back up in the right order, holding the stack of plates on the back of my wrist and adding all the utensils on top with my other hand.

“This way, you won’t risk spending your salary on broken dishes.”

The young man looks down, visibly upset. Suddenly I'm aware what it meant to him and I feel uncomfortable. I didn't mean to imply he doesn't earn much.

“No, I'm sorry! That came out wrong. I'm just trying to save you some trouble. I know how it can be.”

Here I am, out of nowhere, telling him how to do his job. Above all, I sort of call him incompetent. He must find me incredibly arrogant! A weak smile stretches on his face.

“You were a waitress before?”

“I still am,” I whisper signaling to him it's a secret.

“Ah, you are the winner of the contest, right?”

I shrug and smile in reply.

“I won't say anything,” he assures me of a lighter tone. “It’s refreshing to come across someone nice around here.”

“I can imagine!” I say, laughing.

“Now, I need take those plates from you, please, before I get into serious trouble.”

“Oh yes! Sorry.”

I put the plates solidly on his wrist just before his supervisor arrives and sees me carrying them. As he advances towards us, the young man leaves, bowing politely.

“Madame.”

The manager turns to me, wearing a uniform with a bow tie. He's tall and rather burly, and his hair is styled with gel.

“Excuse me, ma'am. Was that young man bothering you?”

“No, no. I was only asking if the pool was closed.”

“It never closes. Would you like us to leave you alone?”

“Oh, God, no! Don't bother.”

“It’s not a problem. If you need anything, feel free to ask.”

“Thank you.”

I approach the edge of the pool to sit. Already, the employee who was vacuuming is gone, and the others are making themselves unnoticeable near the bar. I dip my feet in the heated water. I let my toes float to the surface, then stir them in the water so the waves caress the soles of my feet.

“Can I join you?”

A warm male voice suddenly interrupts my thoughts. I raise my eyes to the imposing silhouette standing next to me. Liam. His gaze begs me as a few strands of his dark hair fly in the wind. His smile reveals a certain timidity that I never would have suspected him to possess.

“Of course,” I answer.

Will he really put his feet into the water with his pants on? He removes his jacket and tie, keeping on only his white shirt with the top two buttons undone. He removes his shoes and rolls up the bottom of his pants to his knees to soak his feet in the water next to me.

“I didn't expect to find you here.”

“Neither did I,” I answer.

And I wouldn't have expected him to want to join me, either. I thought I had ruined everything with him? But maybe he was feeling the same, that he had ruined his chance with me.

“You're not like the others,” he points out.

I’m taken back by his forward remark, and I don't know if I should take it as a compliment or not.

“What makes you say that?”

“I don't know if it's your intellect, your kindness, or your lack of superficiality, but you're different.”

He turns to me, his blue eyes seeming to look into my soul.

“I like it,” he says. “I like it a lot, actually.”

The way he says these words to me is so enticing and full of suggestive thoughts, and his eyes suddenly ignite. It's as if he was holding back all night and forcing himself to act properly, while the slumbering beast inside him begged to be unleashed.

“Really?” I answer, trying not to stutter.

He's so intimidating right now! He has a strong presence, and his expression is so dominant!

I notice that all the employees have left. They might have been ordered to leave when Mr. Walker arrived. I don't know how a man so young can inspire so much respect and fear. He laughs a little.

“What if we forget about the rules for tonight?” he proposes. “I don’t think they apply to us.”

“Good idea,” I answer with a smile.

He smiles broadly.

“Have you been single for a long time?” he asks.

“Two months. And you?”

I detect a slight hesitation before he answers.

“I would have thought longer,” he says about my answer, clenching his jaw. “Much longer than you, that's for sure.”

Could he be more vague? Is there something I should know? How is such a handsome man who seems to have it all still single? Is he that unattainable?

“That’s surprising,” I reply.

He turns to me, smiling mischievously, as if he has an ulterior motive.

“I just haven't met the right person yet, I guess.”

“You haven’t met anyone who’s piqued your interest, even just a little?”

“Girlfriends are very demanding. I'm a rather busy man and I don't like to be kept on a leash.”

“I see.”

I look away, understanding exactly what he means. Then what does he want from me? I still can't put my finger on it. He doesn't speak much of himself, and his answers are often brief which lead to even more questions in my mind. Anyway, he was pretty clear; he doesn't want a girlfriend, he’s just looking for an adventure.

“Then why did you invite me to dinner?”

“Would you believe me if I told you I had no choice?”

I frown, puzzled. His smile widens. What? What is that supposed to mean? Was I haunting his thoughts just as he haunted mine?

This man troubles me. I can feel my skin burning even though he hasn’t touched it yet. I want him, and it’s too damn bad if it's only for one night. His expression promises me an unforgettable experience, and he exudes such a visceral energy that it's practically a given he’s amazing in bed. Oh, I don't care what Liv said! It’s true that I'm a romantic, but I'm allowed to have adventures, too. I'm not boring!

While the words of my ex echo in my head, I suddenly feel the urge to throw myself into the water. As if I wanted to prove someone who's not even here that he was wrong. I press my palms against the concrete surrounding the pool, and push myself into the pool. My legs dive in first, and the rest of my body follows, sinking into the soft, warm water.

The skirt of my champagne dress floats majestically in the water, exposing my thighs and underwear, and locks of my hair dance around my face. I swim back up to the surface to face Liam, boasting a broad smile. He bites his lower lip, looking at me like a predator salivating over his prey.

Water runs down over my breast and the wet fabric of my dress sticks to my skin. I can hardly see my legs swimming under my skirt that gracefully floats around me.

“Are you coming in?” I ask.

I would have expected to see him remove his shirt before getting into the water, but no. He dives in fully clothed, and breaks the surface in a swift, sexy move. His wet hair sticks to his forehead, and a stream flows down his face onto his beautiful lips that discreetly blow the few drops left on his mouth. His fingers separate his soaked hair as he pushes it out of his face, and I can’t help but wish it was my fingers running through it. I think about how his wet skin would feel under my palms…

I barely realize I'm just staring at him with an imploring gaze. He smiles at me and his expression becomes slightly threatening, as if he is about to pounce on me. I want it so bad!

I pull myself together, smiling at him. His white shirt is now transparent and tightens around his muscles. I swallow, imagining him taking me in his arms and kissing me passionately. My heart throbs at the thought of his hand sliding my dress down to caress my breasts and suck on my nipples. I picture his mouth against my neck and his fingers tracing the curves of my body.