Billionaire's Black Quadruplet Babies (BWWM Romance) Read online

  She would have to decide what stance to take with Johnathan. Obviously, playing hardball just didn’t work with him. If she could just give a little, then she could hope to gain ground.

  Tia had since suspected that her boss, Theo, gave her this job because he was sure she would fail—but she wasn’t about to let that happen.

  Deciding to suck it up for now, Tia selected one of the swimsuits, finding a dotted yellow two-piece that wasn't too daring. It fit her perfectly, and she heaved a deep breath and tried not to think how much skin she had on display. She wasn't a prude and had nothing to be ashamed of even if her thick thighs, tiny waist, and full bosom were more video vixen than supermodel waif material. She just hadn't foreseen this scenario and would be forced to play it by ear until she could achieve the upper hand.

  Once ready, Tia took the elevator up to the owner’s deck, which took up over half of the upper floor. Johnathan was waiting at the covered dining area, and she saw the flash of heat in his eyes when he saw her outfit. Sucking in a ragged breath, Tia straightened her shoulders and let her lips curve in a pleasant smile. Time to make this situation work for her—without lowering her principles or dignity. Let Johnathan think he had her just where he wanted her. But she’d prove herself one way or another and in turn, win his respect and trust.

  As she settled down at table with him for a light lunch, she kept business out of the way. Let him flirt. Let him do his little charm routine while playing it casual, thought Tia. She fully intended to get Johnathan to take her seriously before the end of the week.

  She simply had to keep on her toes for the next twenty-four hours or so and show him she wasn’t one of those vapid women to be so easily swept over, while at the same time getting the job done. Johnathan Fox was about to get a new orientation, in more ways than one.

  ***

  Tia had gone sailing before, but it was nothing like this.

  Johnathan had an energy that was infectious. He jumped from the yacht to swim in the crystal-clear water, and Tia started in amazement as he broke the surface and beckoned to her to try it.

  Tia truly longed to. She longed to submerge herself into this body of nirvana and forget about time and issues. The calm ocean water in which they’d anchored and the bright blue sky offered an experience not easily described in words.

  “I’m not really a diver,” Tia told Johnathan with a shake of her head.

  “No one’s asking you to do any deep-sea exploration. Just jump in!”

  “Ha ha. I’m fine here, seriously. I’ll keep my shark-dreading self out of the water. Thanks, but you go on.”

  Johnathan laughed deeply, pushing his hair back from his face.

  Just earlier, they got to view the remote islands dotting their route, and seeing the pure white sands from the yacht had been an adrenaline rush.

  Johnathan then suggested that later, they could have dinner on one of the tiny uninhabited islands, and Tia had said she’d think about it. Every moment so far had been enchanting, and somehow, she saw herself warming up to Johnathan.

  He still flirted shamelessly, but seeing her take it all in her stride seemed to make him view her less like a challenge. Tia was fine with that since she wasn’t trying to encourage him. The more she laughed off his attempts at charming her with his doubtless masculine gifts, the less he’d have the hots for her. She hoped.

  Johnathan’s idea for an exotic dinner seemed more and more appealing by the minute. With them alone on the island, maybe Tia could steer the mood into getting him to listen to her views on his finances.

  So far, the tropical climate agreed with Tia and so did the sailing. It would have been a total fail if she experienced seasickness. She breathed in deeply, taking in the sights and sounds—the waves crashing against the boat and the changing sky that went from blue to pink to orange, or maybe it was just the reflection of the sun in her eyes.

  When she opened them to the gentle warmth of the persistent sun, it was to find Johnathan standing right there, his gaze fixed on her.

  Tia almost jumped, and she placed a hand on her chest with a breathless laugh. “You startled me!”

  “I didn’t mean to. You sure you don’t want to try the water? Or is it that you don’t like it?”

  “Oh, I like water. I like showers and baths and the pool. Sometimes, I even go to the beach.” She waved her arms in the air expressively. “But we’re in the middle of the ocean. Let’s just say I’m nervous.”

  He took her hand and gently brought her to her feet. “Then we’ll go in together.”

  With that same light hold, he tugged her closer. Tia’s head flew up, and it looked like Johnathan was closing in for a kiss. A small spark of friction worked heat between their almost-touching bodies.

  “I just want you to experience everything that you can. It’s not enough describing it all to you,” said Johnathan somewhat huskily.

  Tia stared at his firm yet full pink lips and imagined how they’d feel between hers. Would they be soft like rose petals and the wispiest of feathers? Would they fit together with hers like perfect puzzle pieces? Or like the lips of a lover, leading you blindly into their emotions?

  The way her body reacted to his closeness shot excitement through her veins.

  Don’t do it, Tia. You’d be losing even before you start.

  She warred with the sensible side of her sending warnings to her brain that told her she was just a novelty to him, a diversion. Maybe he was even trying to undermine her mission, as well as defy his brother, and this was his only way to get back at them. By seducing her.

  Or . . . maybe it was just natural. The chemistry, the connection. It didn’t mean anything but what it was or what it could be.

  Was it possible to want someone and do so without an agenda, motive, or endgame? Some women would think it smart to smooth things out this way. Bedding Johnathan Fox could be one hell of an ice-breaker, wouldn't it?

  Tia’s brain could no longer hear her sensible voice. There was only that rapid beating of her heart, her desire for Johnathan spanning wider, like the sun bright and large behind him.

  “Let’s go,” he said. His mouth was mere inches from hers, but then he lifted his head with a smile playing on his lips.

  Tia didn’t catch his meaning until he began to guide her to the metal ladder on the side of the mini dock projecting from the boat.

  “Um, Johnathan . . .” Tia’s voice was a cross between a warning and a plea.

  “Just close your eyes and trust me.”

  Huh, what? How about no? Tia shook her head and tried to shake Johnathan off at the same time.

  He sent her a quelling glance that had Tia going mute for some reason. She found it thrilling when he looked like that, so alpha and commanding.

  Then came the crashing and swaying of the water and the boat like a cyclic alarm that gave rise to Tia’s inbuilt caution. I shouldn't do this. I can't.

  “You need to relax. It’s easy,” he said. “Now you go first, and I’ll be right behind you.”

  Tia didn’t know why she was going along with this. She had to be crazy! But she didn’t want to act like a wuss. She held onto the ladder with more tightness than she’d ever admit out loud and stepped down into the water.

  Oh, shit. It felt good.

  She treaded water, one hand holding fast to the railing. How could being in this water feel different from anything she’d ever experienced while swimming?

  Johnathan eased in beside her and grinned at the expression on her face. “How is it?”

  The amusement in his tone made Tia close her eyes and inhale deeply. She needed to let go of her silly fears. She released the railing and then let her body float, slowly turning on her stomach and bringing her feet up to the surface. Somehow, the warm breeze had turned cool, and she loved the conflicting sensations.

  “It’s lovely,” she finally breathed.

  How calming and pleasurable it was. Tia didn’t care that she couldn’t see the bottom of the water or that there wa
s nothing around them for miles except the boat.

  Who would have thought she’d feel this much elation in such circumstances?

  “Truly beautiful,” Johnathan said, and something in his voice made her gaze turn to his. She saw the way he was looking at her. She didn’t want to explore it, so instead, she playfully suggested they dunk their heads.

  “Together. On three,” he concurred.

  Tia smiled and ran her fingers through her hair, droplets spilling through her fingers and reflecting the now over-bright sun that warned of its approaching waning.

  Her excitement seemed to please him as his eyes gleamed. “One,” he said.

  Their eyes held in an unwavering stare . . . and suddenly, Tia felt him in the strangest depth of her body. The waves formed a rhythm, pushing and pulling at them while face to face.

  “Two.” Johnathan couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from hers. She saw her look of awe mirrored in his. His Lothario aura faded, and she could see the real Johnathan for a moment, young and carefree and inscrutable. This moment was an adventure in itself.

  “Three!” At his exultant whoop, they went down together.

  Everything went blank, leaving Tia fantastically alone with Johnathan as every other sound or existence faded away at the line of the surface.

  Tia opened her eyes and made out every feature of Johnathan’s face in the bright water. From the corner of her vision, she glimpsed the school of bright fish below, and it almost felt like she could float away in the currents with them, taking Johnathan along for the ride.

  Like a love-struck fool, she wanted to stay in that moment forever.

  Chapter Three

  When it came to exotic holidays, Tia was a backpacking, low-budget travel kind of girl.

  But she'd never look at things the same after this experience. Between swimming and soaking up the last rays of sun, Johnathan did some fishing. It was impressive that he caught their dinner himself, as Tia had no clue he was that experienced a fisherman.

  He was indeed full of surprises. Then on the island, he got the grill going and they watched the sunset. It was bliss.

  Tia knew Johnathan normally had up to fourteen staff on the boat with him when he had guests. Due to their impromptu cruise, it was a bit shorthanded, but somehow, they set everything up and ready for their “deserted” island dinner for two.

  Knowing him, he'd want to go resort hopping for a change of scenery when they got back from the cruise—whenever that was. Tia still didn't forgive him for kidnapping her. Still, Tia had to make good of this opportunity with the relaxed atmosphere, deliciously fresh food, and easygoing company. There was an amazing bonfire going just behind them. The table was lit with candles, and there were soft moonlight, dazzling stars, and a warm accompanying breeze. What could be more perfect?

  Talk about living large. Yet somehow, being this close to nature felt more decadent than even the yacht with all its trappings.

  "Well this is different. Just us on an untouched island, surrounded by all of this wonderful vegetation growing so freely," sighed Tia as she sipped on her wine.

  "What would be even better is getting to camp here overnight, sleeping under the stars."

  Tia refrained from asking him if he'd ever tried it and with whom. Instead, she grinned and said, "I'll make do with a private barbecue dinner on the beach, enjoying juicy, freshly barbecued white fish, tasty salad, and wine. And of course, the sound of the waves playing like music beside me."

  "It's all very soothing and nostalgic," said Jonathan in agreement, toying with the stem of his flute. "Makes you wonder, just where is home? Maybe we can find a slice of home anywhere we can make it."

  "I feel you on that. I went on holiday to the Maldives last year, and I seriously never wanted to leave. It felt like I was born to dwell there. The beaches and skies and markets seemed as real as anything back home." She gave a dreamy sigh and focused on Johnathan.

  “Do you travel much?” he asked.

  He held her gaze that certain way that made Tia feel he wasn’t just making conversation and that he was really interested in her. But that was just wishful, wasn’t it? Any kind of fascination he might have for her would be strictly sexual. Like with most of his women. He wasn’t the type for any kind of romance or relationships.

  “Not much. I’ve seen the Maldives, as I mentioned, and Las Vegas. I don’t get out of the city often, so having to fly out here was nice, even for work.”

  “It would be great to show you some wonderful sights. Being a wide-traveled playboy, I can boast of many beautiful sights I’ve enjoyed. If our . . . collaboration is fruitful, I can arrange it so that we explore different settings of interest.”

  The conversation and liquor had Tia more comfortable with her sexy, charming flirt of a host. But she couldn’t let them get too carried away now, could she? She had to maintain her professional posture.

  "Sure, if that will give us an opportunity to discuss my potential as your financial consultant,” Tia said smoothly. “You know, I'm glad we got to open up to each other this way. We might have some preconceived notions from the way we first met. But I don't think that should hold us back from an understanding interaction. I'm not the disapproving specter here to ruin your fun life. You asked me to trust you, but can you trust me?"

  "I guess I'd have to if you're my financial advisor."

  "I mean, who else can you trust if not me?" she joked.

  Jonathan regarded her in silence for some moments, then added, "I like you, Tia. Which is more than I can say for others my brother has, in the past, saddled with the chore of making me see reason. If I didn't like you, we wouldn't be spending these moments together."

  Where was he headed with this? Tia hid her puzzlement and laughed lightly. "Of course you should like me. I like you too. You're spontaneous and laid back. I can see us building a connection where you can count on my instinct when it comes to your money."

  He grimaced playfully. "You mean my inheritance. Since you’re hired by my brother, you’ll be privy to my portfolio of assets. And so far, I've admittedly distanced myself from the burden of my family's fortune. I am also known for being allergic to work or responsibility, and so far, have been grateful to let Theo shoulder it all. Unless it's to do with the part where I spend as I wish."

  "It's impractical to think you can keep it up indefinitely. I mean, no one should tell you how to live your life," Tia said, holding up her hand, "But when you think of it as a legacy, it seems a little different. The fact is, most wealthy families see their fortunes evaporate within one or two generations. And that’s mainly because successors are not financially responsible enough to handle inheritances.”

  "So, in other words, I’m irresponsible, entitled, and lazy. I think I can see where this evaluation is going," murmured Johnathan.

  “You know I don’t mean it like that. But you should start making some changes. Which is why I’m going to make myself available to give you a crash course on financial smarts,” she said with an easy smile. “You know, such as how to make the right call in terms of business ventures—unlike the hedge fund you invested in some months ago that went bust."

  "Hey, a good friend of mine suggested it."

  "Exactly. You can't take those chances with money. You need a professional touch, not just in strategies for building wealth, but also in making decisions about spending, saving, and giving back. There’s a whole roadmap to it, and I can get you better informed so you don’t blow all of this.”

  Johnathan thoughtfully stroked his chin. "Something about the way you present things has me interested to find out more. You're saying we'll need some more time to go over things?"

  "At least a couple of weeks. Or even sooner, if we can find enough chances in your active schedule to make it happen."

  His speculative gaze now fell on Tia. "Is this what you normally do? Get up close and personal with clients for days on end? Must be interesting work."

  "Well, you're my first real client, but y
es, being a financial adviser is a one-on-one job. Or else, how can I tailor products that would suit you perfectly? I'm talking things like insurance, investments, and even interpersonal contracts."

  "Such as?"

  "Oh. Well, for example, if you had a girlfriend and then you both decided to move in together . . . I'd advise you to consult your attorney regarding a co-habitation agreement beforehand. It wouldn't keep you from being financially generous to her if you so wished, but that way, it will remain a loose living arrangement while your assets, including your apartment, are kept secure."

  "I see. So if, for example, I wished to date you, what would you advise?"

  Tia blinked. "Excuse me? I don’t really get your meaning."

  Johnathan pulled a slightly comical face. "Humor me here, okay? Let's just say that we felt this really amazing chemistry and couldn't keep our hands off each other. So, we decided to start going out and maybe be a couple. Just give me a hypothetical summation as my financial adviser."

  "Um, well as your financial adviser, I wouldn't be in a position to get romantically involved with you."

  "Why not?"

  "For starters, the management has this whole screening and reporting module where they track every consultant’s performance and check for any possible illegal or fraudulent acts involving clients."

  "I'm talking something not illegal or fraudulent. Such as client and consultant genuinely being into each other."

  "Ah. Well, it has been known to occur. It's still somewhat unethical, yet there's a provision. In which case, I could ask that the non-fraternization clause in my contract be rendered null as regards my professional relationship with you. However, it will take at least three executive board members to give the approval before it can be valid. But we're talking hypothetically here, aren't we?"

  "Sure," he said with a shrug. Tia was actually convinced. After all, she could hardly be his type when he had Barbie dolls and supermodels at his disposal. Thankfully, he allayed her suspicions as he turned the talk to safer quarters. Soon, they were discussing international trading and asset protection methods. And Tia could sense she was actually getting through to Johnathan as the conversation progressed.