11. Laurie

Icouldn't believe how amazing the clothes looked and felt. There were no price tags on them, which was likely for the best. If I started adding up how much Worth was spending on me, I would never accept this gift. They did look incredible on me, and I really wanted to take home the outfits I'd picked out, even if I felt like I shouldn't. Seeing Worth smile when I modeled the clothes made my chest tighten. It was all I could do to keep my dick from reacting to him. He watched me like he wanted to eat me up.

When I came back out, Millicent had another selection of items. "Thank you, but I think this is enough."

Worth shook his head. "That's nowhere near enough. We're just getting started."

"Worth, really."

"Come look at what she's found."

I sat down on the couch again and marveled at the things Millicent had picked out. How did she know exactly what would look perfect on me? She managed to select things I liked that also fit like a glove; she was a miracle worker.

I ate some fruit and another pastry as she hurried off to get a few pieces that would complement the ones I'd chosen.

I glanced at Worth. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure we will buy everything you like here, and this isn't the only boutique we're going to. You need a new wardrobe, and that's what you're going to get."

"I could get a new wardrobe somewhere normal people shop."

Worth scoffed. "Absolutely not. You deserve the very best, and that's what you're getting."

How was he so confident about that when I wasn't sure at all? I'd made so many stupid choices.

"Whatever you're thinking, stop," Worth said. "Look. Here are some more beautiful clothes." Millicent had stepped out of the back with an armful of more things for me to check out. How could there even be so many clothes in such a small space?

By the time we were finished at Island Breezes, I had enough new clothes to wear for the rest of the trip, plus more swim stuff than I'd ever owned at one time in my life.

"Would you like me to send these to your villa?" Millicent asked.

"Oh, no, I can carry them."

Millicent glanced at Worth and he smiled. "We'll take them with us."

I realized that having everything delivered was probably normal for him, but I was so excited about all my new things that I wanted the fun of walking around with all the carrier bags.

True to his word, Worth insisted we go to another shop. We spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon in clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, shoe stores, and shops filled with every manner of perfume and cologne I could imagine. Finally, when I swore I had way more stuff than I could ever need, and that I was hungry and tired, we headed back to the villa. We were both weighed down with shopping bags in both hands.

"I've never imagined buying this much stuff in a single day."

"Not even Christmas shopping?" Worth asked.

"Not even Christmas shopping or any other kind of shopping. I'm worried you spent more than my entire annual income."

Worth huffed. "Then you're definitely not making what you're worth."

"No shit."

"I will have to see to that."

"Now you're also going to find me a job?" He was too much.

"My family owns a multinational business. I could easily find you a job."

"No, I can't ask for that too."

He lifted the bags in his hands. "Wear some of these outfits to an interview, and you'll have locked it down."

"I wish."

"Let's not think about that now. Let's not think about anything other than what happens at this resort."

If only I could accomplish that.

When we returned to our villa, we each disappeared into our bedrooms to change. Worth had bought a few things of his own, including a new swimsuit I really hoped he would put on.

I stepped out of my room in new swim trunks with the new beach bag he'd insisted on getting for me filled with all manner of goodies including high-end sunscreen and designer sunglasses.

Worth was already in the living room, and when I saw him, my mouth fell open. He was wearing a white linen shirt, open to show off his sculpted chest. The very short ocean blue swim trunks he had on were the perfect color to match his eyes, and the perfect length to show off his gorgeous thigh muscles. I wanted to kneel down, lower his trunks, and swallow his cock.

"I take it you approve?"

"God yes."

"Come on. Let's go." He waved for me to walk in front of him.

"Do you just want to see me from behind?"

"Of course."

"I would think you'd have gotten enough of looking at me during all those try-ons I did today."

"I'll never get enough."

My cheeks heated as I walked out, knowing he was staring at my ass. Did he mean that? Would he really not get tired of me? How was I going to survive the rest of our time here?

Assuming I did, what happened then? Where was I going to go? Beck and I were supposed to figure that out. He'd told me I could stay with him, but would that be too awkward now?

"You're thinking too hard again."

"Yeah, I am."

Worth grinned. "Let's get some cocktails, then you won't be able to."

What else would I not be able to do? Resist jumping him as we swam together?

I frowned when we settled at an umbrella-covered table in the shade. I had been looking forward to feeling the sun on my skin.

"Don't worry, we'll sit in the sun later," Worth said as if he'd read my mind.

"It feels so good after being in St. Louis."

He studied me for a moment. "Do you want the sun on you while we eat?"

My instinct was to say no, that the table was fine. I wasn't used to expressing what I wanted, but I looked up at Worth and saw him watching me warmth in his eyes. I knew I could ask for what I wanted. "I know we won't have a big table for our lunch, but I would like to sit in the loungers."

"We'll have them bring us an extra table if we need one. Would you like to look at the menu, or should I pick our lunch?"

"You choose. I'm not picky."

He frowned. "That doesn't mean you don't deserve to have exactly what you want."

"Thank you, but I'd rather you surprise me this time." I grabbed our bags and went to choose two loungers.

Worth joined me a few moments later. "They'll bring our lunch in a few moments."

"What did you order?"

"A charcuterie platter and their trio of dips and bread. That will be easy for us to eat sitting here."

"That sounds perfect." I sighed and relaxed against the lounger, closing my eyes and enjoying the feel of the sun on my skin.

"Did you put on sunscreen?"

"Not yet, I will in a little while."

"If all you've experienced this year is the sun in St. Louis, you're definitely going to need some. What would Beck say if I let you get fried to a crisp out here?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine, Dad."

He winked at me. "Daddy would be more appropriate if you want to play that way."

Before I could figure out how to respond, he held up a hand. "Ignore that. I'm too used to flirting with every man I'm interested in."

I had no idea what to say to that. I was relieved when a server appeared with two pale pink cocktails for us.

I immediately took a sip of mine. "Oh my God, that's good. And also dangerous."

Worth smiled. "They do go down very smoothly."

Our food arrived, and as we ate, we talked about our favorite purchases from the morning. Then Worth described more stores he wanted to take me to.

"I don't need to buy anything else, ever."

"But I need to buy things for you."

"Why don't you just buy things for yourself?"

"I already do that all the time. I want to give you things. I love how it makes you smile."

His words and the heat in his eyes made my stomach flip-flop. I ate the last piece of soppresatta and a few more olives, then I took off my shirt and sunglasses and leaned back in the lounger. "I want to enjoy the sun for a while before we get in the water."

"You do that."

I closed my eyes, but I could still feel Worth next to me. I was so aware of his presence. How could that happen so quickly?

I'd finally started to relax, enjoying the sun, the sound of the waves, and the low murmur of voices around me, but after a little while, my body began to tingle all over. Worth was staring at me; I was sure of it. He was soaking in the image of my nearly naked body.

I opened my eyes and met his gaze. As I'd suspected, he was propped on his elbow, openly ogling me.

The heat in his eyes made my breath catch. I immediately looked away, but I couldn't stop myself from examining the hard muscles of his chest, his abdomen, and—fuck—his thick cock, which was straining against his swim trunks. My mouth dropped open, and it took me several seconds to force myself to look away.

"Your shoulders are already getting red."

I huffed. "Fine. I'll use the absurdly expensive sunscreen you got for me."

I applied it to my face, arms, and chest, then Worth held out his hand. "I'll do your back."

"My back isn't even in the sun."

"It will be."

"Fine." I arranged myself so my back was to him and tensed. How was I supposed to let him touch me, to glide his slick hands over me, and not be affected by it?

I heard Worth rubbing his hands together to warm the lotion. It sounded far too much like him slicking up his cock.

When he pressed his hands to my shoulders, I sucked in my breath. I had to bite my lip to keep from moaning as he rubbed in the sunscreen. His hands slid down my back and his fingers traced my waistband.

"That's enough," the words came out breathless, and I had to grab my shirt so I could cover my crotch before repositioning myself.

Worth stared at me for a moment, then dropped the sunscreen into my bag and reached for his shirt, standing as he pulled it on. "I think I should go if we're going to continue to follow Beck's orders."

I had to swallow and clear my throat before I could speak. "You don't have to leave. I could go to the beach or?—"

Worth shook his head. "I have a few calls I need to make anyway."

"You shouldn't be working while you're here."

Worth smiled. "I love that you're looking out for me, but these aren't work calls. I've left the company in my sister's more-than-capable hands, much to my mother's chagrin." His phone buzzed and he grabbed it, glanced at the screen, and sighed. "That's my mother now."

"Don't answer it," I said.

He smiled. "I'm not going to. I have explained that my sister is in charge. She doesn't need to know anything else about me, and she can call Nicole to ask about business."

"Are you sure you wouldn't rather stay here?"

"I'm sure that if I do, we're not going to keep the promises we made."

I couldn't argue with him on that. "I wish…." I bit my bottom lip to stop myself from saying more.

Worth smiled. "Me too, and I only promised him I wouldn't hurt you."

"I know you wouldn't on purpose, but I also know that this isn't a good time for me, and you don't…." I couldn't force myself to say anything else.

Worth nodded. "Enjoy the sun. Don't get burned. I have plans for us tonight."

I swallowed hard and made the mistake of looking up at him.

He shook his head. "Damn, I wish they were the plans we're both thinking about."

I wished that too, but I managed not to say it. "I'll see you later."

"Promise me you won't leave the resort without me."

"You don't have to babysit me."

"Humor me."

I rolled my eyes. "I have no intention of leaving the resort. I'll be right here or on the beach."

"All right. Dinner is at seven, wear the first outfit you chose."

"You really are used to getting exactly what you want, aren't you?"

"With men? Yes, I am."

He turned and walked away, and I watched him until he disappeared inside.