My billionaire Rockstar, jewel crotan [best novels for teenagers .TXT] 📗

I look around the gorgeous tropical views and can’t believe my luck. Travel writing may be the gig for me if I can manage to pay the bills with it, along with my other writing assignments. I adjust my sundress and grab my phone for a walk around the grounds of the quaint boutique resort. I’ve never been to Punta Cana but I’ve been dying to go to the Dominican Republic for years.

Quickly, I check my emails on my phone. I smile as I see one from my best friend and roommate, Julia. She’s just checking to see if I made it okay to the resort, and is so jealous but happy for me about my exotic travel writing trip. I punch in a quick response to let her know all is well and that I’ll write more or call her later.

It’s my first day at this gig but it feels like the first day of vacation. I don’t have anywhere to be until tomorrow’s events, so I might as well enjoy the sights and a little drink at the outdoor bar. After I grab a little sunscreen and my sunglasses, I check myself in the mirror. Hmm, did I gain even more weight? Why am I so pale and heavy? I guess it’ll have to do.

In my head, I hear Julia’s concerned voice scolding me. “Stop that! You’re gorgeous, Belle.” I half cock a smile and nod my head. It’s true that I’ve always been self-conscious of my weight and curviness. And I’ve never been the kind of girl that got a lot of attention anyway. It never really mattered before when I was with Mike. The mere thought of my cheating ex-boyfriend made my blood boil.

No! I’m not ruining this trip with thoughts of that undeserving cheat. So I force myself to think happy thoughts. I’m in paradise! For God’s sake, look around! It’s time for a fruity, tropical drink outside while soaking in the gorgeous scenery.

I walk out my charming bungalow and towards the main pool area where there’s an outdoor bar, shaded by a breezy straw roof and surrounded by softly swaying palm trees. The strong sun beats down on my pale skin as I hustle faster to beat the rays. Nobody is in the pool. They must be on that perfect beach, only steps away from the bar. That’s next, after a little welcome drink, I think.

As I walk up to the bar, I notice there is nobody there except the bartender and one customer. An extremely attractive man, sitting alone. As I stroll up, his intense gaze and beautiful dark brown eyes lock onto me. Our gazes meet for a moment before I look away, suddenly feeling shy. I feel the heat rising on my cheeks.

I stand a few feet away from the smoldering hot stranger at the bar, giving him an awkward, quick smile. The bartender looks up with a smile. “Hi,” I smile to him as I look around at the displayed bottles of liquor. He’s a local, I can tell, but he asks me in English, “What can I get you?”

I ask him about the list of drink specials displayed in the small plastic ad on the table and then I pick something fruity. As he goes off to make it, the beautiful stranger next to me flashes me a brilliant smile. I grin back quickly and automatically. His dark tan skin and perfect smile make my heart leap in my throat. He’s intimidatingly handsome with a searing, strong presence.

“Hi, how are you?” he asks in the smoothest sexiest voice. “My name is Ricky.” He extends his hand out for a polite handshake with that devastating grin.

“Hi,” I smile back, grinning like an idiot. There’s a lump in my throat and for a moment, I don’t know what to say. Like I’ve lost all my motor skills and his beauty and rugged hotness has rendered me speechless. Damn, he’s distracting. Speak! My inner voice screams at me.

“Uh, hi, I’m good, thanks. I’m Belle,” I say as I reach my hand out to shake his. His eyes feel like they’re bearing into me. Thank God my drink shows up at that moment, giving me an excuse to look away and a second to collect myself.

“Cheers,” he tips his glass. “Did you just arrive? Here for vacation?”

“Oh, yes, just got here. I’m here on a press trip actually as a writer. What about you?” I try to sound calm but I’m feeling flustered. I’m not used to talking to someone so distractingly gorgeous. He must be bored or just being nice, I tell myself.

I learn that he’s on a little vacation with his friend just for a few days. As we chat, I notice a gorgeous supermodel type girl in a string bikini walk by, who stares Ricky down. Suddenly, I’m feeling even more self-conscious. Maybe I should leave.

He surely must notice that perfect skinny goddess walking by and checking him out. But he doesn’t even blink an eye. Instead, he’s completely wrapped up into our conversation. I don’t know what to make of this mysterious stranger. Feeling a little uncomfortable, I wonder if a little walk on the beach will do me some good.

“I think I’m going to take this drink down the beach for a walk,” I smile to Ricky as I fumble to collect my purse and wrap. I’m doing him a favor. That will give him a gracious out so he can talk to that supermodel.

He jumps to his feet. “Let me come with you. I’ve been wanting to stretch my legs. Uh, if that’s okay with you, of course.”

He throws some cash down on the bar and nods to the bartender. “This is for our drinks.”

I blush immediately. “Um, of course. A little company would be nice.”

Within a few steps, we’re on the firm, sandy beach under the hot blazing sun. I can smell the ocean as we stroll on the narrow beach strip by the resort. There are a few scattered sunbathers but we walk closer towards the water. As we stroll slowly with our drinks, I take a deep breath and take in the salty ocean air and the tropical paradise.

It’s heaven. Too perfect. Am I dreaming? I’m in heaven with an impossibly handsome Adonis. What is going on? I start feeling instantly uncomfortable again.

The unwelcome face of my ex-boyfriend flashes in my mind’s eye as I try to push him out. Maybe that’s why I’m feeling this way. Not only am I not ready for anything with anyone… how can I understand why this perfect, drop dead gorgeous man is showering me with so much attention? I try to push the unwelcome thoughts out of my head and just stay in the moment.

“A penny for your thoughts, beautiful Belle,” Ricky grins at me.

I give him a puzzled look. Did he just call me beautiful?

“What are you thinking about so intently?” he asks teasingly. “I know it’s a work trip for you, but you’re not working now. You’re practically on vacation. Maybe you should try to enjoy it a little?”

I can’t help smiling at him. “Oh, nothing really. I tend to be a worrier sometimes. But yes, you’re right. I’m going to enjoy this work vacation.” Especially if he’s in it, I smile to myself.

I love looking at him. I’ve only just met this mysterious, dark, handsome stranger but I can’t stop staring at his sculpted face, intense eyes and toned body. Is he a model? I notice that he seems to brush off any hints and questions about his life. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable and figure that he’s just private like I am. Yes, we’re on vacation. We’ll leave it like that. No awkward interrogating questions and no expectations.

As we stroll down the beach, I look up and see a local walking towards us. We’re at a quite expensive boutique resort and for a moment, I think he sticks out with his ragged appearance. Maybe he’s a homeless beach bum. As he nears, he breaks into a run. Before I can think, he’s suddenly torn my purse off my shoulders and barrels down the beach.

I stop and gasp in shock. Then instantly, Ricky bolts down the beach in hot pursuit after him. Holy crap! I stare at them running away with my mouth open. Everyone who was sunning themselves nearby stands up and looks in awe at the scene unfolding before them.

I’m immobile. I feel sick and horribly worried. What in the hell was that?

And why did he run after him? I didn’t even have that much in my purse. Oh God, what if something happens to him? I start pacing on the beach, wondering what I should do.

I see them far off in the distance as they turn off the beach, and into the local neighborhood. Oh no, what if he gets hurt in an alleyway? So stupid! I feel guilty for putting him in that situation.

Why did I even need to bring my purse anyway? I notice that my mind and nerves are all over the place but I’m back where we started, near the resort’s pool bar. I walk up a few feet to seek refuge under the shade. All I can do is wait powerlessly and hope for the best.

“Bartender, another drink, please,” I say numbly as I sink into a stool. I stare off into the distance, where it all happened, looking for him to return. After what seemed like an eternity but was probably a half hour, I see him! Thank God! I run out to the beach to meet him.

My poor hero. He’s almost staggering on the beach, looking tired and worn from the intense chase under the blazing hot midday sun. I stare at him wistfully, silently praying that all is okay. He sees me in the distance and holds my purse up high in victory.

As I finally smile in relief, he collapses to his knees on the sandy beach.

“Ricky!” I run over to him. I kneel down and blurt out, “Oh my God, are you okay? What happened? You shouldn’t have chased that guy!” I quickly scan him and breathe a small sigh of relief as I don’t see any evidence of blood or injury.

He was sweat-soaked and gasping hard to catch his breath, but still so handsome as he nodded, and panted in response.

 “Oh good…Ricky? What the hell is going on?” I hear a loud man’s voice boom angrily next to me. “Are you okay? What just happened?” A slightly older, heavyset man rushes over towards Ricky and me. “Here, drink this.” He shoves a bottle of cold water towards Ricky. After a couple seconds, he was ready to speak.

“Belle, this is my friend, Edward. Edward, I’m fine. Belle had her purse snatched and I had to get it back for her,” he pants casually.