My Despicable Ex - Book 2 Read online

  This time, I knew what I was feeling was jealousy, and I knew I shouldn’t be feeling that way. I had made it very clear to Jake that we would only be friends, so he had every right to pursue romantic interests.

  Suddenly, the pot I was standing behind crashed to the ground, causing Jake and the bimbo to look over at me. I bolted to the left, hoping he hadn’t seen me behind the large, green leaves of the tropical plants. I held my breath and tried to sneak away, only to bump right into him. As he towered over me, I stared straight ahead at the center of his broad chest and powerful arms, terrified to death to meet his gaze.

  He smiled down at me. “Are you spying on me?”

  “No! Absolutely not. Why would I?”

  “Then why are peeking through the shrubs?”

  “Okay, maybe I was…a little. I didn’t mean to interrupt your airheaded conversation with Beach balls Bambi over there.”

  “You’re jealous,” he said. “Why don’t you just admit it?”

  “Jake!” the blonde called. “Our drinks are here.”

  “She’s waiting for you,” I said. “Just go have fun.” I turned around to leave as anger washed over me.

  “If you want to spend the rest of the day together, I can get rid of her.”

  “No, I wouldn’t wanna burst her silicone bubbles. Go enjoy yourself.”

  “I’d rather be with you, Ashly.”

  “We came here to have fun, so don’t let me ruin your fantastic date,” I said, then turned to leave.

  I had no idea why I’d just sent him back into the arms of the enemy, but I didn’t want him to realize how jealous I was. I wondered if he had spent the whole day with her. Where did he even meet her? The thought of him spending the day with a woman like that—with any woman, in fact—only fueled my anger. The stupid laughs she squealed out while Jake was talking to her were like somebody running a nail down a chalkboard. Unable to bear the torture any longer, I spun on my heels, turned around, and marched back over to the two of them.

  The woman glanced up at me. “May I help you?”

  Ignoring her, I said, “Jake, I need to talk to you.”

  He stood and met my gaze.

  The woman lifted her sunglasses and rolled her way-too-much-mascara eyes at me. “He’s with me, honey. We’re spending the afternoon together. Who are you anyway?”

  “I’m Ashly Roberts, the one your boy-toy here is sharing his room with. Did he mention to you that we’re high school sweethearts and that we were once engaged?”

  She looked at Jake. “Is this true?”

  “Every word,” he confessed, much to my surprise.

  “You’re an ass!” she screeched, swatting him with her overtanned, French-manicured hand. “You didn’t tell me you’re here on vacation with your girlfriend.” With that, she got up, let out a long huff, grabbed her stuff, and walked away, shaking her hips from side to side, hoping to snare her next victim.

  “I’m sorry about that,” I said. “I didn’t mean to make you look like the cheating jerk. It’s just…well, when I saw you with her, I got so…jealous.”

  His intense gaze focused on me. “I don’t care what she thinks.”

  “I doubt she’s capable,” I said under my breath.

  He laughed a little. “Ashly, I only care what you think, and I think we both know I’d never cheat on my girlfriend—not ever.”

  “I know that.”

  He grinned and wrapped an arm around my waist. “How about grabbing a bite?”

  I looked up at him and smiled. “I’d love that.”

  My phone rang, and Jake frowned. “You know what would make me the happiest man in the world?” he asked.

  “If I didn’t take this call?” I said.

  He smiled. “Whatever it is, I’m sure Nadia can handle it.”

  “You’re right,” I said, then turned off my cell phone, albeit a bit reluctantly.

  “She is just as passionate about the business as you are. Trust me, she won’t let you down.”

  “No more work,” I said. “I’ll definitely limit my calls from here on out.”

  “Great. Maybe now we can have some real fun.”

  I grinned. “Let’s do it!”

  Jake and I got lunch and walked around, did a little shopping, and just hung out. It was a lot of fun, especially since he didn’t hit on me. I couldn’t believe he’d ditched the big-boobed blonde just to hang out with me, and that made me feel special.

  * * *

  Back at the hotel, we watched TV and laughed at some old sitcoms.

  “Want to sit outside with me for a little bit?” I finally squeaked out at around ten p.m.

  He flashed me a grin. “I’d love nothing more.”

  We sat outside on the balcony and enjoyed listening to the waves. We joked a little and laughed. It had been a great day after the blonde bimbo fiasco, and I was finally starting to feel like I was on a vacation. Nadia called once to ask a few questions about our business, but other than that, I tried to stay off the phone and my laptop.

  Back inside again, I lay on top of the covers on my bed and watched television. Jake joined me there, but before I could ask him what he wanted to watch, he started seductively kissing my neck.

  “Are you trying to seduce me?” I whispered, shivers racing down my spine. “If you are, it’s not working.”

  “No?” His lips lowered ever so gently onto mine, his black hair caressing my face here and there. “Tell me, how does a man get a love back when he stupidly let it slip through his fingers?”

  “He can’t, but they can remain friends.” I cringed inwardly at how low my voice sounded, how breathless, betraying the strong front I was trying to put up. I wanted him to keep going and ignore my half-hearted attempts at refusing his advances.

  I tried to push him away, but he only gripped me more tightly, pressing my breasts against his muscular chest. His eyes penetrated mine with probing intensity, their power exuding sexuality. My heart pounded as the familiar electricity flooded through my body. How am I supposed to fight this kind of chemistry? It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. I remembered his kiss, that irresistible, devouring, addicting collision; the taste and feel of him was absolutely divine.

  “Please stop,” I said. “This is just too much. Let’s watch that movie I just put on.”

  “How about we go for a moonlight walk on the beach instead?” Jake asked.

  I raised a brow, then burst into laughter. “Last time you asked me that, we ended up doing more than walking.”

  “That was a private beach. This is completely different. There are tons of tourists out there, so I wouldn’t dream of skinny-dipping.”

  “Okay. If a walk is all it will be, I’m game.”

  Our beachside stroll was beautiful and relaxing. We listened to the calming sound of the waves as we walked and talked, and the wind blowing across my hair felt so good against my skin.

  After a while, I leaned against a giant rock to rest. “Let’s stop here for a minute,” I said.

  “I’d love to hear a little bit more about your clothing line,” Jake said.

  I beamed, for I loved to talk about my business as much as new moms loved to talk about their babies. “Our brand name is called Reflection.”

  “That’s a great name for a fashion label.”

  “Thanks. I think people should wear clothes that make them feel good about themselves, so that when they see their reflection, they feel they can go out and conquer the world.”

  “Great concept. What are your biggest sellers under the Reflection label?”

  “I have about ten collections. Our Faith, Hope, and Charity collections are very popular in our boutique, selling like crazy. The Faith Collection mostly consists of bathing suits and t-shirts, fun summer clothes. I dot the I with a heart.”

  He smiled. “Cute.”

  I continued. “The Charity Collection is casual. The Hope Collection are basically fancy designs, from gowns to trendy clothes for nightclubs or a hot
date. Also, all of our clothes come in all sizes, from petite to plus.”

  “And I know you’re dreaming up more collections all the time.”

  I smiled. “You should see my sketchbooks. Oh, and I’m dying to do this maternity line. There are four million pregnant women out there. I wanna help them celebrate their style and look fantastic as their bodies change. I’ll have everything from athletic and sporty to casual, fancy, and even corporate business suits. Some moms-to-be work right up until their due date, and they need to look professional and feel comfortable. I plan on being one of those someday…I mean, if it ever happens.”

  “You’re driven, that’s for sure. What’s your favorite collection?”

  “I love my Starlight Collection, the specific line I market to the modeling industry for magazine shoots. That one was my idea, since I work as a fashion photographer, and the clothes have more of an eccentric flair. Regular customers buy them too. I also adore my Moonlight Collection, which is evening wear.”

  “It sounds intriguing. How do you know when something goes out of style?”

  “I work in the fashion world, so I keep up with the changing trends. Fashion is cyclical, so it’s important to know what’s in and what’s out at any given time. I’m striving to always stay current, and this trip is helping me to put an eye on global trends.”

  He smiled, and we stared into each other’s eyes for a long moment. “You look so beautiful in the moonlight,” he whispered.

  And then there I was, staring deeply back at him. Jake held my gaze and wrapped his arms around my waist, drawing me closer, just as I’d daydreamt so many times. I leaned against him until I felt the warmth of his skin against my racing heart, and I lifted my arm to touch his flushed cheek. He didn’t flinch or even react; he just smiled and kissed my fingers where they’d touched his lips. Just friends...and nothing more. The promise I’d made to myself echoed in my mind, and I knew it was for the best. Finally, I dropped my hand again, hesitating a little as regret washed over me.

  “I’m crazy about you,” Jake said. “I can’t stop thinking about you. You’re the last person I think about before I go to sleep and the first person I think about when I open my eyes—and you often inhabit my dreams in between. I can’t eat and can’t sleep without thinking about you and missing you, every waking second. I just…can’t get you out of my head.”

  His words really hit home with me. Shivers ran up my spine, and goosebumps pimpled my skin. Jake’s eyes fixed on my lips and moved closer. I moistened them, not sure what else to do. I had, after all, sworn him off forever.

  His mouth lowered on mine, and our lips connected in a slow, gentle touch. In spite of the smoldering temperature, a shiver ran through me. I closed my eyes, savoring his sweet taste. Goosebumps rippled my skin as his strong hands wandered down my back to my middle. He gently lifted my arms and guided them around his neck, drawing me unbelievably closer; I was already standing so impossibly close.

  More sweet, romantic kisses on the lips followed, exactly as I remembered them. My heart was drumming so hard that I wondered if Jake could hear it; I would surely die from embarrassment if he could. His arms squeezed me more tightly, but his touch remained soft. Without warning, he pulled away, staring down at me, wide-eyed. I let my hands linger on his shoulders a moment too long before taking a step back, the magical moment broken and confusion taking its place.

  Jake cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry. I-I don’t know what came over me. I just…”

  I gaped at him, speechless. I was putting down my guard, and I loved it. “I’ve gotta go,” I said, then turned to walk back to our hotel room.

  He followed right behind. “You can’t pretend like that didn’t happen, Ashly.”

  “It wasn’t like we made out. It was just a couple kisses on the lips, no biggie.”

  “I know you felt what I did.”

  I glanced over my shoulder. “Please don’t take it as an invitation to bed. It just happened. That kind of stuff just happens when two ex-lovers are forced to spend time together like this. It’s natural. It’s nobody’s fault. I’m not mad or anything, Jake. I just need to think.”

  “All right. I won’t push you,” he said. “We can take things as slow as you want. Like I told you, I’m willing to give you all the time you need.”

  I kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks for understanding.”

  Back in the hotel room, I stared out the window, wondering why things were so complicated. The click of the door startled me a bit.

  Jake quietly walked in, made his bed on the floor, and situated himself under the covers. “Goodnight, Ashly,” he said. “Sweet dreams.”

  “Goodnight, Jake.”

  Chapter 10

  Morning came, and I jumped in the shower, constantly thinking of Jake’s sweet kisses as I got ready for the day. I wore a short, flirty dress that showed off my shoulders and definitely my long legs. I accented the outfit with simple jewelry, a matching purse, and white, glittery sandals. My makeup was natural, and I curled my hair so it hung down my back in long waves.

  Jake wore a printed two-tone shirt with paisley-inspired shapes. He completed the outfit with white shorts and sandals. I loved his tropical wardrobe.

  We enjoyed the breakfast buffet. I hit the omelet station and fruit bar and poured myself a nice glass of orange juice. Then we lounged around on the hammocks and walked along the beach.

  We had lunch in an amazing restaurant. While we were there, a band in authentic costumes came up to us, playing the most beautiful, romantic music.

  “Uh, we’re not a couple,” I said, clearing my throat, but they still continued to play.

  Jake smiled at me, and I couldn’t help but grin. He pulled out a wad of cash and handed it to the musicians, and they thanked us and moved onto the next table.

  Mosquito Bay was a popular destination because of the water’s bioluminescence; it was literally glowing, thanks to a high concentration of phosphorescent dinoflagellates, microscopic organisms that glow when disturbed. I really wanted to swim in the beautiful water at night. We needed a picture, so we paid one of the employees to take one and then to take the camera back to the hotel.

  “I rented us one of those clear kayaks for the entire day,” Jake said. “We don’t even have to return it until midnight, so after lunch, we can row around.”

  “I saw that they rent those glass-bottom boats.”

  He smiled. “This is way better. I’ve got connections.”

  I chuckled. “You mean you flashed your money my lawyer gave you for expenses.”

  He winked. “Maybe a little. The water is so serene and beautiful. I knew a clear kayak would be the way to go. I heard the bartender talking about it, so he’s letting me rent his.”

  I smiled. “Then I guess you’ve got yourself a date, but maybe we could go back so I can change.”

  “But I love that outfit. The color matches your eyes perfectly.”

  I smiled. “Thanks.”

  He took my hands in his. For a moment, he regarded me in silence. His gaze connected with mine, and he took a deep breath. “You’re so…wow—just so beautiful. I can’t take my eyes off you.” His finger trailed down my cheek, stopping on my upper lip.

  “I can’t stop thinking about our kiss either. How was it for you?” My heart fluttered, anxiously awaiting his reply.

  “Magical,” he whispered, cupping my face. His breath brushed my lips as he drew closer. “What did you think?”

  My voice broke. “Intoxicating.” I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart.

  “Then you’ll give me a chance?”

  I swallowed hard. “Maybe, but part of me knows how it will all end.”

  He traced my bottom lip with his thumb. “Nobody knows what the future holds, Ashly.”

  I finished my wine in a hurry and said, “Let’s go get those kayaks.”

  “Sounds like we have a big adventure awaiting us.”

  I grinned. “You bet!”<
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  We started walking down the beach. I caught Jake staring at my legs again and cleared my throat.

  “You’ve got the sexiest legs,” he said.

  “Uh…thanks,” I said, smiling.

  “I don’t get why you’re the woman behind the camera. You should be the model in front of the camera.”

  I blushed. “That’s so sweet.”

  “I’ve never done any modeling. I prefer to be the creative force behind the camera. I love looking through the lens, because it allows me to see the world in a unique way and lets me capture moments in my photographs. When I am creating a picture, I am telling a story. I’m always striving to get the perfect angle, the perfect lighting, the best smile, the most brilliant color, and the most fantastic pose.”

  He stopped and gazed at me. “You work so hard, and you’re so passionate and driven. But when was the last time you took the time to actually observe everything around you, without hiding behind your lens?”

  I thought about his words. “I don’t know, but you have no idea of the intense demands of my schedule and my heavy client load.”

  “But now, for the first time, you’re being forced to slow down.”

  “Yes. My life is so stressed and hectic, a daily race against time.”

  “That’s my point. When do you get to enjoy life? Take a deep breath of fresh air, Ashly. Enjoy the beautiful water and the beautiful backdrop around us.”

  I gazed around, then watched two adorable little girls building a sandcastle. I stared at the way a palm tree leaned toward the water, casting its glorious reflection on the surface. Older children wrote “I love Puerto Rico” in the sand. I saw a little boy flying a kite, and then my gaze drifted down to the seashells on the beach. The blue tones of the sky and the big, fluffy clouds moving lazily across it completely captured my attention. And then I glanced down at the crystal-blue water and beautiful, soft sand.