"Coming!" I quickly tore the brush through my hair and grabbed my sundress out of the closet. I made myself presentable and opened the door.
"I hope I didn't wake you." Bunny was so sweet.
"Oh, not at all. I was brushing my teeth and must not have heard you when you first knocked." I felt a little guilty telling the small fib.
"I would love to show you the gallery. Would you like to see it now?"
"I would love to Bunny. I've been looking forward to it since you first mentioned it."
We walked downstairs to the gallery and the moment I stepped inside I was transfixed. Bunny had original works of Botticelli, Titian and Giotti among other artists I did not know proudly displayed on the walls.
"You love the Italian Renaissance also I see. These paintings are simply magnificent Bunny."
“Thank you dear. It was such a nice surprise to hear that this is your favorite period also. I knew there was something I liked about you. You're a very bright girl with a good head on her shoulders, I like that."
I was so flattered that she liked me. This wealthy and powerful woman, the mother of the man I cared for, liked me.
We slowly walked around in silence as we admired the artwork. I was standing in front of a work by Titian, studying the details, when Bunny walked over to me.
"This is one of my favorite pieces. I bought this when Joshua stepped in and took over the company after his father passed away. He became a man that day and this picture expresses that sentiment to me. Joshua has always been very sensitive you know. It is difficult to know that because he has such a tough exterior. But once you get to know him, you'll see the softer side." Bunny turned to look at me. "I suppose you've already seen that side of him." She looked back at the painting. "You wouldn't be here if he hadn't opened up to you in some way. I know my son. I can see that he cares for you. I have never seen him happier. When my sons are happy then I am happy." She turned to me again and looked me in the eye. "Be patient with him Sarah. He is not the type who openly expresses himself right away. It takes time for him. When he does decide to express his feelings for you, one thing is for sure. He will not waver, there will be no games."
Bunny hesitated and then lightly touched my arm. "I just ask one thing of you."
I looked at her, silently asking what she wanted.
"If he decides to give his heart to you, please protect it and cherish it with everything you have."
I was stunned speechless with the entire talk we just had… well, she had. I just listened. Bunny basically told me to wait patiently for Joshua to express his feelings for me. I really didn't know how to react but I was starting to feel extremely giddy. She seems to approve of me! Can this be real?
As I stood there dazed, not knowing what to say, Bunny looked at her watch.
"Shall we go join the others? The boys should be back from their golf game soon."
As we walked out of the gallery, I realized that I would probably remember that conversation for the rest of my life.
CHAPTER 6
The next day I woke up in a panic because I remembered that the party was the next night and I didn't have anything to wear. I quickly showered, walked over to Joshua's room and knocked on his door. When he opened the door he literally, once again, took my breath away. There he stood, hair tousled all over his head, bare chest, wearing just pajama bottoms looking sexy as ever. For a second I forgot why I was there. He smiled at me as I stood there tongue-tied.
"This is a nice surprise. Are you coming to get me for breakfast?"
"Yes, I suppose so. But I'm really here because I don't have anything to wear for the party tomorrow night." I was whispering because I didn't want anyone to hear me.
Joshua pulled me inside and closed the door.
"Don't worry Sarah. That's already been taken care of. You will receive a delivery this afternoon and you have a nice selection of gowns to choose from."
I was being so spoiled and I was starting to really like it. I enjoyed the luxuries I had been experiencing. And why not? This was a once-in-a-lifetime thing and I wanted to enjoy every minute of it.
"Thank you Joshua. I don't know how I will ever repay you for this experience."
"Just work hard and make partner. That will be thanks enough."
He held my gaze and this time I saw a new look in his eyes. I saw tenderness in his gaze as he looked at me.
"Well, I should hop in the shower. You're welcome to stay and wait if you'd like."
I decided to wait in his room for him and he seemed happy that I did because he whistled on the way to the shower. I was watching the morning news when Joshua emerged, a towel wrapped around his waist, water still glistening on his skin. My eyes roamed slowly over his delicious body. Dammit he is so gorgeous. Oh the things I'd like to do to you right now.
He caught me looking at him and gave me a sexy smirk. He walked over to me and leaned down to whisper in my ear. The smell of fresh soap and coconut scented shampoo flooded my nostrils.
"I guess you like what you see." He stood back and winked to me, grabbed his underwear from the bureau, and retreated to the dressing area. I could feel my cheeks flush as he teased me. Butterflies danced in my belly as I thought of how perfect things felt between us. I loved being there with him. After he got dressed we made our way down to the breakfast nook and joined everyone there.
Later that day I was chatting with Jake and Vivienne by the pool when Joshua told me a delivery had just arrived for me. I went to my room and there were two full racks of designer dresses for me to choose from. I stood with my hand over my mouth completely amazed. What has he done? A couple of minutes later I was still standing there looking at the dresses when Joshua sidled up beside me. I turned to look at him, gratitude filling my eyes.
"Joshua, I don't know what to say. These are all so beautiful, thank you."
"I want you to feel comfortable tomorrow night and I know that if you like what you're wearing you will be." He turned to close my door and then sat down in a chair.
"Try them on." His words were a command.
"Now?"
"Yes. I want to see each dress on you."