“Plans have changed,” I answered. “You’ve got everything under control, and you don’t need me here. I trust you enough to know there’s no reason for me to micromanage. You and Robert have at it. Give me a rundown at the end of every day and if there’s anything I need to do, I’ll get on it.”
Ros looked shocked but ecstatic. “Wow,” she laughed, “I guess miracles do still happen. I never even hoped… I mean. Wow,” she said again. “Yes, I’ve got this. I’ll give you a detailed briefing each night.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her I wouldn’t be devoting hours to talking things over, but I let it go. If I started showing my caveman cards there in the hall, Robert could have decided to block me.
“You’ll do great,” I said sincerely. “Head on back into the meeting room. Robert will be right there.”
After Ros had walked away, I turned my attention back to Robert.
“Well?”
He shook his head. “Not like I’ve got much choice. You’re right. She shouldn’t be around the store. I didn’t think it would be a problem, but I can’t fault her for being curious. Besides, she’s an adult. I can’t hold her against her will.”
I breathed out slowly, forcing myself not to show how relieved I was by his acceding to my plan. I was one step closer to having Natalie where she belonged—which was with me, but I knew I needed to do something else to get him totally on board.
“How about you and Eric come out to the ‘Bu in a couple of weeks?” I offered. “We’ll hit the beach and barbecue. It’ll be a fun time.”
When Rob’s face lit up, I knew the invitation had been the right move.
“That’d be great,” he answered enthusiastically. “I’ve heard your house is epic.”
For what I paid to build it, it damn well better have been.
“It is, and there’s tons to do. You’re welcome to stay over in the guest house.”
“Wow! That’s awesome. We’d love to.”
“I’ll email you, and we can pick a weekend.”
Just like that, I had him in the palm of my hand.
More importantly, I had Natalie.
“Make sure you email your mom and tell her about this,” he said to her.
“I will,” she assured him.
I was miffed neither one of them expressed any concern about Natalie’s mom hitting the roof when she found out about the new arrangement. I knew for damn sure I’d have a fuck of a lot to say if my daughter up and moved in with a stranger. Granted, my intentions were better than good, and I planned to take care of Natalie forever, but still. A parent should’ve been worrying about her.
I stood by silently as Robert and Natalie spent a few minutes talking about how he’d need to check her mail while she was gone. After she gave him a hug and a kiss goodbye and assured him she would text him later that night, I shook his hand and then escorted her out of the store.
Chapter Two
Natalie
My stomach started doing non-stop flip-flops the second Jordan touched my arm in the store. The man was the full package, absolutely gorgeous from head to toe. Jet black hair, a wickedly sexy five o’clock shadow, dark blue eyes, and lips that had immediately been filed away in my mental fantasy file were just the start. He was tall—at least six feet—and he smelled like the ocean and a hint of spice. Even in dress pants and a button down shirt, I could tell his body was amazing. His chest and arms were taught and firm and looked inviting, and I found myself resisting the urge to nuzzle myself against him.
As soon as I looked up at him, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. He was the man I wanted to be with. I’d been a good girl, keeping my virginity and not letting myself get sucked into bed by a teenage loser or one of the men my mom worked with who hadn’t been above hitting on me when I was underage. I’d never been tempted because I hadn’t clicked with anyone in a way I wanted to explore.
I’d always known I liked older guys, but until Jordan, I’d thought older meant early to mid-twenties. There was nothing about Jordan that wasn’t pure man. I didn’t know how old he was, but I knew he was definitely in his thirties. His age clearly didn’t faze me at all since I’d never been so attracted to anyone, ever.
I should’ve been mortified when he caught me with a dildo in my hand, but seeing the hunger in his eyes took away any shame I felt. When he announced I wouldn’t need it I almost swooned, hoping he meant I’d be getting the real thing from him.