Pain Lived, Love Found 2 (24 page)

Two weeks after my nephew was born, it was time for Sandy and Philip’s wedding. The wedding took place at Philip’s parents’ mansion in the country. Sandy’s brother walked her down the aisle since her father was too ill to do so. Most of her family was in attendance, and I could tell that it made Sandy very happy considering the strained relationship she has with some of them. Sandy was a beautiful bride. She was so happy she was glowing in her silk, strapless, Carolina Herrera gown. She wore her hair up and her veil sat on top and cascaded beautifully all around her with a long train. She wore minimal makeup, but enough that you could see that she had some on. Philip’s eyes were filled with so much love as he looked at his beautiful bride. Anyone could see that she took his breath away. Seeing such love through the eyes of someone else was nothing short of amazing, and I was honored to be a part of their special day.

Sandy and I chose an off- the-shoulder silk dress in a beautiful copper color as my Maid-of-Honor dress. It was simple and elegant, just like Sandy’s dress, and her entire wedding. Sandy kept things as simple as possible with her wedding because that’s the kind of person she is, and it turned out beautifully.

Before the wedding took place, Sandy and I stole a few minutes away from everyone to talk. I knew it would be a long time before we had the chance to have a heart to heart conversation like this and I wanted her to know some things. We were sitting in Philip’s parents’ room on their bed, the one place we figured no one would find us for a few minutes.

“I just wanted to let you know how much I love and appreciate you, Sandy. What you’ve done for me is one of the most selfless things anyone has ever done for me. You helped me get clean and stay clean. You never gave up on me…” the tears began to roll down my face and I couldn’t hold back my emotions.

“You better stop crying before Trevor gets on you for having puffy eyes,” Sandy laughed as tears fell from her eyes as well.

I took both of her hands into mine.  “You never gave up on me, you never judged me, and you were always a friend. You’re more than a friend; you’re my sister and I love you. I will love you for life. You helped me get my life back, and you set me up with the man I love. How crazy is that?” I swiped away at my tears, hating that I couldn’t hold it together long enough to say everything I wanted to say. “You are my sister, my friend for life, and I will spend the rest of my life indebted to you, and I hope I can be half the good person that you are.”

“I love you too, Sarah. You know why? Because I always knew, even in high school, that behind that tough exterior was a good person. You were just hurting and needed some kindness, and that’s all I’ve ever tried to give you. But I can’t take all the credit for the turnaround of your life. You changed because you were finally ready to do so. No one can make anyone change. I tell you all the time that you’re strong and a fighter, Sarah, and it’s because it’s true. You never gave up on yourself and you never stopped trying, no matter how low things got for you. Your will and spirit…Girl, I wish I had a teaspoon of it.” Sandy reached across and wiped away my tears.

“You are my sister, and I will always love you and be there for you no matter what is going on in my life. Do you understand me? Always.”

She pulled me into a tight hug and we cried more. “Trevor will just have to work a little extra magic on our puffy eyes,” I said, smiling through my tears. 

***

After the pictures, toasts, and dinner were done, I was finally able to spend some time with my man. I felt bad that he was left alone for such a long time, but some little old ladies quickly made friends with him. They looked so cute as each of them took one of Roman’s arm as he escorted them to their tables.

When Roman got to me he whisked me to the dance floor and hugged me tightly.

“Finally I get to hold you in my arms. I missed you,” he rumbled, into my neck.

“I missed you too,” I whispered, into his ear.

“You know I hated seeing you dance with the Best Man. He had his hands around your waist, touching you where only I should be touching you.”

I pulled back and gave him an “Are-you-kidding-me?” look and said, “I’ve been trying to get you to touch me other than kissing for the past two months, but you refuse to cooperate.”

Roman smiled down at me. I know the waiting is killing him as well now.

“I plan on fixing that. When you leave here I want you to go home and pack a bag. Bring a sundress and some sandals and a swimsuit. If you don’t have any of that stuff don’t worry about it, we’ll go shopping when we get there.”

I was beyond intrigued and excited. “Get where?” I asked, smiling.

“It’s a surprise, but I will say that it’s on an island,” Roman said, secretively.

“Okay, well I need to tell Leo and let Sloane know that I’ll be gone…”

“They already know,” Roman said confidently. “I hate being away from you. I feel like we haven’t spent enough quality time together and the only way we can make that happen is to go far away for a few days with no interruptions.”

“You’ve read my mind because I feel the exact same way. I can’t wait to have you all to myself,” I said, in return.

Roman bent down and gave me a light kiss on the lips as we continued to dance.

After the reception was over, I was tired, but knowing I was about to go away with the man I love renewed my energy. I said my goodbyes to the bride and groom, took care of the transport of all of their gifts and then ran home.

Roman went home to change clothes and then he was coming back to my place to take us to the airport. I changed clothes and packed a bag in record time. Soon Roman was ringing my doorbell to pick me up, and we were off to the airport - only the airport was in the opposite direction that Roman was driving.

“Umm, sweetie, the airport is back that way.” I was pointing in the opposite direction as I looked at Roman.

“I know baby, but we’re flying on a private jet,” Roman said smoothly as he glanced at me and winked.

“Well, alrighty then.” I smiled and sat back in my seat and began to relax. I hate surprises, but something tells me that what Roman has in store for me is going to be all kinds of wonderful. I could feel the excitement building inside of me, and I couldn’t help feeling anxious. More than anything else I looked forward to spending uninterrupted alone time with Roman. Since we’ve met, we’ve always been interrupted or sidetracked by something or someone. That all ends as soon as we land on this island, and I couldn’t wait.

We boarded the private jet and flew to St. Thomas and then took a ferry to St. Johns. Once there we were escorted to a private yacht that took us to a secluded island about ten miles from the mainland. Thank God I don’t suffer from seasickness!

I have never been on an island before and I was trying my best not to behave like an awestruck tourist, but this had to be the most beautiful place on earth. This must be what paradise looked like. Pictures of the ocean and islands are nothing until you see them in person. The water was so blue and clear you could see right through it. The sandy beaches were so white, and the palm trees were majestic and serene at the same time. The tropical flowers combined with the smells of exotic fruits were so pleasing to the senses that I wished that I could bottle it up and bring some home with me.

Once we arrived at this smaller, secluded island, there was a gentleman waiting for us. Roman helped me off the yacht and we trekked through the sand to the gentleman dressed in a tropical shirt and white linen shorts. It was very warm, and Roman had to take off his suit jacket and he unbuttoned his shirt further and rolled up his sleeves. God, I love his big, hairy arms.

“Mr. Mancini, Ms. Paris, welcome to St John. Mr. Philip told me all about you. I’m Pierre and I will be taking care of you during your stay. Please follow me and I’ll show you to your quarters.”

We walked a short path through some thick bushes and trees only to find this beautiful, two-story, white house tucked away among tall palm trees and wild tropical flowers and other bushes. The layout of the home was open and airy with floor to ceiling windows that gave you a spectacular view of the ocean and the beach no matter where you were in the house. Earth tone colors were the theme throughout the house with big comfortable pieces of furniture meant for lounging and relaxing. There was a formal dining room, a large kitchen with every modern convenience you would need, and spare bedrooms and an office all on the lower level. On the upper level were the master suite and another bedroom.

“The kitchen is fully stocked with all of the things you requested, and when you’re ready for me to cook for you, just call the number left on your nightstand and I will be here in minutes. If you want to go to the mainland just call the second number on your list and the yacht will take you there or any other place you’d like to go. Enjoy your stay.” With a warm smile and bow of his head, Pierre disappeared as quickly as he appeared.

“You arranged all of this?” I asked as I turned to face Roman.

“I wish I had done this sooner but things had gotten crazy for both of us. What we do for the next four days is completely up to you. I don’t care if we stay in this house and never leave, but whatever you want to do, sweetheart, that’s what we’re going to do.” Roman took me into his arms and stole a kiss.

“Honestly, I just need a few hours of sleep and then we can figure out what we want to do. And I’m not opposed to staying here. How often can someone say they had an island to themselves?”

“I could use a nap myself.” Roman let me out of his arms and began to slowly unbutton his shirt.

With each button he unbuttoned he exposed more of his beautiful, muscled chest and the dark hair that covered it. My mouth became dry and I fell into a trance as I continued to look at his masculine form. I couldn’t bring myself to look away.

“Wha...what are you doing?” I asked, nervously.

“I’m taking off my clothes so we can take a nap,” Roman replied in a sexy voice after his shirt was off completely. He had a small smirk on his face as he put his suitcase on top of the bed to open it up. Every move he made caused the muscles in his arms, back, and chest to flex.

The man’s body is a work of art, and he clearly takes care of it. There isn’t an ounce of fat or flab to be found on him. I thought to myself.

“Do you take naps naked?” I half- joked. If he did, I know for a fact we’ll never get any sleep.

“Sometimes. Do you want me to now?” Roman looked at me with eyes full of need, daring me to take me up on his offer.

“I think you need to behave, cowboy. There will be plenty of time for that later. There’s no need for us to rush.”

The words I just spoke should sound very familiar to Roman. Those were the same words he used on me when I suggested that we stay at the bed and breakfast. I was also proud of myself for giving the impression that I could wait when in fact I wanted nothing more than to strip down naked and tackle him onto the bed.

Roman stopped folding his shirt and gave me a look as he recognized the familiar words I spoke.

“You’re gonna pay for that.”

“Why?” I laughed. “Those are your words aren’t they? What - only you can say them but I can’t?”

He took off his pants, revealing big powerful thighs and long legs. He wore boxer briefs and they showed off a nice juicy ass and a huge bulge in the front - and as far as I could tell he wasn’t even erect! Good Lord...now my mouth is watering.

He dug out a pair of basketball shorts and slowly put them on. He knew I was still watching him.

“Get undressed and come to bed.” The way he looked at me – no smile and serious eyes – let me know that he wasn’t asking me, he was telling me. I wanted to obey him, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his body. He closed up his suitcase and put it in the closet across the room. I watched him walk, and I noticed his natural grace and the ease in his stride. When he stopped at the closet, his stance was one of confidence with his slightly bow legs. He had the walk of an athlete, a star athlete to be more exact. They walk with a certain swag and confidence because they know they are good and they can prove it. Roman has confidence for many reasons, all of which attracted me to him in the first place. He’s a very smart businessman, a highly intelligent person, and he’s a badass. I’ve seen him display all of those things with ease in various situations, and I doubt there’s a woman alive in her right mind who wouldn’t want a man like Roman. I was still rooted in my spot as I ogled, appreciated, and salivated over this man who made my pulse race every time I was around him. Those expensive suits have been covering up that body all this time? Suddenly I didn’t feel so tired anymore because other things, or more accurately, other parts of my body, were now wide awake.

Roman walked back to me and stood in front of me with a curious frown on his face. “Do you need me to help you undress?”

My eyes were stuck on his full lips before his words finally registered with my brain. Looking him in the eyes, I said, “Huh? No, I don’t need your help, Sir.”

He smiled down at me. I put down my purse and opened up my suitcase looking for my favorite shorts and tank top that I sleep in. Don’t judge me. It’s been a while since I’ve been to Victoria’s Secret. Hell, I haven’t had anyone to wear sexy lingerie for in a long time either, so why buy it? Besides, I planned on doing some shopping during our time here, and I planned on making sure I bought some sexy lingerie that I hoped Roman would tear off of me because he wanted me just that bad. Once I found the items I was looking for in my suitcase, I started to look for the bathroom.