Chapter 2: The Game

After almost 20 hours of being on the plane I’m about as restless as one can possibly be. I tried accessing my work documents on my laptops but Kelsey and Chloe seem to have already locked the files in order to keep me out of them. They also locked the case review folders for the next few weeks. Damn those two are good. Finally I start to feel the plane descending and my heart begins to beat with excitement against my better judgment. I grab my small bags and start to exit the plane.

Once I grab my luggage from baggage claim I exit the building to find a driver with my name written on a sign waiting for me outside of a luxury SUV. The girls have definitely earned some brownie points between the first class flight and this nice ass SUV. I can’t wait to see where I’m going to be staying.

“Hi Ms.Sinclair, I’m Jefferson. I’ll be your driver for the rest of your trip.” Jefferson opens the door for me and grabs my luggage and begins loading my things into the truck. It doesn’t take him long to finish putting the bags away and start up the engine. In seconds we are propelled forward and we’re on our way to our next destination.

After an hour we pull up to what has to be the most luxurious beach house I’ve ever seen in my life. It takes a minute for me to fully take in the view. I’m pulled out of my trance by Jefferson opening the door for me.

“Man, it’s really beautiful here. I almost hate to acknowledge the fact that I only have two weeks to spend here.” I say still admiring the view.

“If you think this is something, wait until you see the rest of the island.” Jefferson says and it makes the dread I had before seem like a distant memory. He leads me into the house and we are greeted by two beautiful women.

“Maeva” they greet in unison. “Welcome Ms. Sinclair to Casa de Bora Bora.”

“I’m Malvina and this is Johanna. We will be your personal travel assistants throughout your stay.”

“Hello ladies, thank you for welcoming me to your beautiful island.” I greet.

“You’re very welcome. Jefferson has gone to put your things away. While he’s gone, we will show you around the place so that you can become better acquainted with the house. If you will follow us this way.” They turn and lead me down the corridor into a massive kitchen filled with stainless steel appliances. A long beautiful island with a sink in the middle. Long and wide windows that give great views of the beach. A huge pantry stocked with everything one would need.

“You’ll find that the cabinets, the fridge and both pantries have been stocked with anything you might want or need. Your friends called ahead and gave us a list of things you like.” Johanna states.

“Thank you guys! This is already more than I expected.” I said sincerely.

“Oh this is nothing. The best part is right this way.” I follow them down another hallway and up some stairs. The whole top floor has been converted into a luxury suite. There is a a massive California king size bed. A whole wall of television screens. A lounging area and around the corner is a work space.

“I could really see myself getting some work down in here.” The ladies giggle.

“Ms.Chloe said you might say something along those line and I was instructed to tell you that the word work will not be in your vocabulary for the next two weeks.” I drop my head and sigh.

“They know me pretty well, huh?”

“I’d imagine they do.” Malvina giggles in response. “Come on let’s see the rest of the house.” She gently grabs my hand and gives me a small tug forward.

“You mean this isn’t all of it?” I exclaim in pure shock.

“Not at all.” She leads me into what can only be named a spa because bathroom just doesn’t do it justice. “This is the master bathroom.”

“Woah!” I say as I step in to explore more. The bathtub is big enough for you to do laps in. The shower has a whole room dedicated to it. It looks as if you can fit a whole football team inside of it and still have room not to touch. “ I can definitely see myself living in here. This place is absolutely spectacular. Is it on the market because I’ll sign a check right now!” I exclaim and the ladies laugh whole heartedly. Johanna is the first to speak after the wave of laughter has passed.

“I’m not sure, you’ll have to ask the owner. He is actually in town and hopes that you will join him and some of the locals for dinner tonight at 8 out on the gondola.” Her eyes twinkle with laughter as she speaks.

“I’ll be there. He sounds like someone I definitely need to meet and thank personally for his architectural eye.” I tell her as we head back to the front door

“Splendid! I will alert him promptly. Well this brings our tour to a close but if you need us the staffing house is right down from here. We have also left our number on the fridge along with names of local places for food on nights when you want to order takeaway.” She states as she opens the door.

Johanna looks back for walking out. “You’re going to love it here Ms. Sinclair.”

“Please call me Addyson. Thank you ladies so much for the tour and well, all of this actually. I hope you all have a wonderful night.” We finish saying our goodbyes and once they’re gone, I lock up and head up stairs to the bedroom to call the girls. I three way them and they both pick up instantly.

“If you’re calling to fuss or complain I’m hanging up.” Chloe who actually sounds like she’s asleep answers grumpily. I glance at the time and see that it’s only 6:00 p.m. here.

“Chloe why are you in bed so early?” I ask genuinely confused.

“Time difference dingus! It’s almost midnight here.”

“Oh crap! Sorry guys. I completely forgot about that. I just wanted to let you guys know that I’ve made it and to actually thank you for all of this. The view, the house, the people all of it is amazing.” I say thankfully. Kelsey responds first.

“I’m so glad you love it. Now go out and explore. Have fun, that’s an order.” She says. While she’s talking I can’t help but notice she’s got her face all the way in the camera so you can’t see anything but her. What is she up to?

“Hey Kels?” I ask suspiciously.

“Hmm?” She answers very carefully.

“Why do you have your face so close to the camera?”

“I don’t, see?” She slides the camera back just a bit and I can now see from the top of her forehead to the tip of her nose but nothing more.

“Whatcha doing over there Kels?” I ask.

“Nothing I’m just… watching some tv see?” she swings the camera around quickly and put it back into her face. Though her glance was quick I was able to spot the tv being off and her surroundings are a bit different than what they were before I left. I go to speak but I’m cut off by the voice of a man.

“Hey babe, I grabbed the wine” The deep male voice says.

“ Oh shit!” Chloe who seems very much awake now exclaims.

“Kels, who is tha—“ She cuts us both off quickly.

“Gotta go! Love you bye!” Kelsey ends the call.

“She’s getting some ass and didn’t even tell us. That whore!” Chloe laughs

“She is so busted. I cannot wait to grill her about this tomorrow. She’s lucky I have to get ready to go or I would most definitely be calling her back.” I say sternly.

“Oh where are you going? Hot date?” Chloe asks excitedly.

“No. “ I sigh. “A couple of the locals are getting together tonight for dinner and they asked me to come. The owner of the house you all rented, which is phenomenal by the way, is hosting it.” I tell her as I start unpacking my bags to find something to wear. When I open my suitcase I find many items that I don’t remember buying. I brush my fingers on a lacy piece of lingerie but really steals the cake is a barely there bikini and the underwear has a hole in the crotch.

“Chloe what the hell is this?” I scream. I hear muffled laughter on the phone and I pick the phone up. Chloe has her face buried in her pillow shaking with laughter. “CHLOE!!” I yell and she stops laughing.

“That is something to make access a bit easier should you meet someone and decide to get down and dirty.” I give her a sour look and she bursts out laughing.

“I’m glad my sex life, or my lack of a sex life rather, can make you laugh. I will not be wearing anything that you’ve packed in this bag. Ever!” I say as I continue to fumble through the bag of novelties. She starts laughing so hard she has tears running down her face. She’s packed things that would make a stripper blush. I grab the other bag and start to go through it and I finally find something fit to wear to tonight’s event. I settle on a simple dark pink sun dress pair with some cute gold sandals. I end my call with Chloe and start to get ready. I slip into my new attire and decide on just a light brush of makeup. I curl the ends of my hair and sweep it all to one side so it rests on my shoulder. I glance at myself in the mirror. Satisfied with how I look, I check the time and see that it’s about 10 minutes to 8:00 and begin to head downstairs.

Once I make it out to the gondola, a small crowd has started to gather. I am greeted with a lei that is placed gently around my neck and a beautiful flower placed in my hair. I find a small table in the back and take a seat. Once seated I hear the rumble of a deep male voice and oh boy does it send a rush of heat down my spine. I look up to see a beautifully crafted walking onto the stage set up in the front.

“Hello everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Nikolai Anola and I own this property and a few other locations. I try to host these gatherings every year to allow our community to meet new people and continue to share the love and friendship our culture is built on. Tonight we are joined by my beautiful mother and my amazing father Bo and Leiah. Mom, Dad I was to thank you both for being who you are in my life and in this community. Thank you all for dedicating your lives to the betterment of our family and home town. You’re a true blessing to the people of Bora Bora and we love you. Anywho now that all the mushy stuff is done, we have some performers who are going to entertain us tonight and we have a huge feast prepared so mingle, laugh, and most of all enjoy. Thank you!” The crowd erupts into a thunderous applause and the music begins. I can’t seem to take my eyes off of the host though. He has so much charm and finesse. He glides through the crowd and greets everyone with such ease it could make a woman jealous. He flashes a smooth smile to everyone who approaches him and my god if it doesn’t make me long to see him smile that same smile at me or gently call out my name. Whoo, reign it in girl, I tell myself. This man has me all hot and bothered and hasn’t even come within 50 feet of me. Maybe Chloe is right. Maybe I do need to get laid or at least spend some time alone with my detachable shower head. Maybe it’ll ease the tension. I stand up from the table and head to the back to grab a glass of champagne. I need something to cool me down. I’ve never been this affected by a man or anyone before. Just as I make it to the table I hear my name being called. I turn to see Johanna and Malvina approaching with the man of the hour.

“Addyson this is Nikolai. He owns the beach house you’re renting.” Johanna says.

“Hi, it’s nice to finally meet the woman who is so in love with my house.” He extends his hand for me to shake.

“Hi, it’s nice to finally meet you as well. Your house is nothing less than swoon worthy. You have quite the eye for design.” I say. I reach out and take his hand and it is as if an electric current runs through me. I let go of his hand but instantly miss the feel of his touch. God what is wrong with me?

“Um, I guess we’ll leave you two to talk.” Malvina says. She and Johanna grab glasses of champagne and walk away chatting.

“So, what brings you to the island?” He asks while grabbing two glasses of champagne.

“We’ll actually my best friends set all of this up. We run a law firm together and apparently they felt as though I needed a break because I lack how do you say it, a life.” I laugh nervously.

“Ahh, I see. So they forced you out of your comfort zone and into the world so to speak?” He asks with that smile that makes me swoon.

“Something like that.” I laugh nervously. I feel his gaze on me and I look up into his eyes.

“God you are absolutely stunning.” He says breathlessly. I look away from his intense gaze and feel my heart flutter uncontrollably.

“Uh, thank you.” I say equally as breathless as he.

“Listen, I’m gonna apologize in advance for being so forward, but I would love to take you out and maybe explore the island. Get to know you a little better. I know you’re here for only a short time, as am I but I can’t let the night go by without asking.” He says. He grabs my hand and starts to caress it. It takes everything within me to remember to breathe. My body heats and I start to feel sensations that are very new to me. I pull my hand away.

“I’m sorry, I have to go.” I turn and walk away as fast as my legs can carry me. I don’t know what this man is doing to me but if I don’t get myself under control and quick it’s going to consume me. I don’t make it far before I feel a hand on my arm.

“ I’m sorry. Did I do or say something wrong?” He asks with genuine concern.

“No it’s not you, it’s me. I don’t exactly have experience in this area and I seem to ramble when I’m around you. I don’t want to end up saying something crazy like I think you’re beautiful and I want you to come back to that beautiful house of yours and do things to me that I’ve only imagined or that I want to see if your lips are as soft as they look and oh my god please stop it Addyson! I’m sorry, I -“

He cuts me off with the softest kiss I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. It’s almost as if he’s testing the waters to see if it’s okay and my God if it is not the best thing I’ve ever experienced. I can’t stop the moan that comes out of my mouth and as if my limbs have a mind of their own, my arms wrap around his body and my hands tangle in his hair. He pulls my body closer to his and deepens the kiss. His tongue sweeps into my mouth and I swear I can barely hold myself up. My hands fist in his hair and his hand slide down my back and rest on my hips. My body is on fire I’m not in control of any part of me anymore. Suddenly, we hear someone clear their throat and we jump apart.

“Son you gonna let her up for air?” I turn to see his father standing their smiling from ear to ear. Nikolai chuckles softly.

“Hi dad, this is Addyson. She’s the lady renting out the house for the next couple of weeks.” He introduces me.

“Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you Addyson.” His father greets politely.

“The pleasure is all mine. This is such a beautiful place to call home.” I say honestly.

“I’m so glad you like it. The island has a way of growing on you. So tell me what brings you here.”

“Well my friends actually sent me here for some much needed vacation time.” I tell him without going into the full story.

“Some friends you have.” He smiles.

“Right!” I laugh.

“We’ll hopefully the island can be as good to you has been to me and my family. I hope you find everything you need and then some here beautiful lady.” He says with a genuine smile.

“Thank you so much. Well I do believe that I am going to call it a night. I wanna get a early start at exploring the island in the morning.” I say.

“Ah no, so soon?” Nikolai asks. He grabs my hand gently and tingles race up my arm.

“Yeah I think the flight and the day is finally catching up to me. I’m beat.” I say honestly although I omit the part about how being around him makes lose the ability to think straight or the fact that his touch does things to me that I’ve never even experienced before. I think those are things that are better left unsaid.

“We’ll I won’t keep you if you’re tired no matter how much I want to. At least let me walk you back to the house.” He says. I guess my face shows my skepticism because he immediately follows up.

“I’ll be the perfect gentleman. I’m just not ready for the evening with you to end. I find myself quite intrigued by you.” He says. If only he knew that it wasn’t him that I was worried about behaving but me. I’m sure he’d be the perfect gentleman in many, many different ways. See I’m getting started again.

“Okay since you’ve been so nice to me tonight I don’t see any harm in you walking me.” “To the door.” I emphasize. “ I know you own the house, but it’s mine for the weekend.” I laugh and he joins in.

“Okay.” He throws his hands up in mock surrender. “Fair enough. Like I said before, I’m just not ready for my time with you to end.” He says. If I’m being honest I don’t want my time with him to end either. We begin our walk back to the house. We’re about half way there when he stops mid walk and grabs my hand. He turns me to where I am face to face with him and gently lifts my chin so that he can look into my eyes.

“Addyson, I know we just met and technically we’re still under first name pretense’s but I really like you.” He says very seriously.

“Nikolai, I want to get to know you as well but I don’t want to rush into things. We don’t know anything about each other and I’m only here for a little while.” I say in return.

“I know, I know but that’s the thing. I want to get to know you. You have to admit the chemistry between us is off the charts. You can’t tell me that you don’t feel it. When I touch you, when I kiss you, he’ll even when we’re just talking we have amazing chemistry. Look I know it’s quick and I’m not trying to rush into things but at least give me the chance to get to know you better and give yourself a chance to get to know me. After that if you don’t think we have a chance at being something more as much as it pains me, I’ll respect that because it’s what you want. Just give me a chance. Please?” He asks sincerely. I don’t want to turn him down because if I’m being honest something about him makes me want to get to know him better which is not something I’d usually not do at all.