Bombshell: A BWWM Billionaire Amnesia Romance Suspense Novel Read online

  “Are you trying to stop me from taking you to the cleaners?” she asked, eyes glistening with excitement.

  “You’re already taking me to the cleaners. I assume you received the twenty large credits?”

  “Sure did.”

  “Listen, doctor, I need to ask you a question,” he said as he guided her to benches in front of some slot machines.

  “I’m off the clock, Merrick,” she said.

  “I know, I’m sorry—but this is important.”

  “Okay, shoot.”

  Suddenly Merrick couldn’t bring himself to say it. It sounded so selfish, to even consider making love to her so soon. He should just man up and keep his hands off of her.

  “Well?”

  “Oh,” Merrick tried to think of something else that could be important. “I wanted to talk to you about what you’d say to her. Do you want me to be there? What if she reacts badly? The FBI wants her to know who she is before they question her tomorrow.”

  Doctor Garcia examined Merrick’s face with curiosity in her gaze. “That wasn’t what you really wanted to ask me, now was it?”

  Damn it. Is it that obvious? “I’m not paying you to psychoanalyze me.”

  “Let me tell you what I think is really on your mind.”

  “Alright.”

  “You know that Bombshell is not going to be happy when she learns the truth, no matter how gently or carefully we break it to her. You’re looking for reassurances, guarantees. Well, I can’t offer them.”

  Merrick opened and closed his fists, but said nothing.

  “The trouble is, she’s too happy with her current life. The trouble is that she’s in love with you.”

  Merrick’s heart skipped a beat then a nearby slot machine started ringing and a women started screaming with glee. Someone had just won a jackpot. “What did you say?” He had to shout out the words, as the cacophony of bells and ringing and excitement made normal conversation impossible.

  “I said,” the doctor yelled over the din, “I said, she thinks she’s in love with you.”

  Merrick couldn’t believe it. “But she’s got amnesia —it doesn’t count.”

  “Maybe not, but that’s not how she sees it. I’m afraid, no matter how we tell her tomorrow, it’s going to hurt her, real bad. Which is why I wanted a night to think on this. I’m stumped how best to break it to her.”

  A cocktail waitress came by with a tray of rum and cokes. The doctor grabbed one and downed it in three gulps. Merrick declined.

  The doctor looked at Merrick. “I’m concerned about her long term mental health. I worry that tomorrow might shock her system. When she finds out that you’re not really her fiancé, I think that’s going to upset her more than anything else.”

  Merrick turned away. He didn’t want the doctor to see the pain on his face.

  “You know doctor. If I hadn’t received the Missing Person flyer and it the FBI hadn’t shown up – I might have kept this ruse going indefinitely. Hell, I might have even gone down the aisle with her. But, now…”

  Merrick faltered. He couldn’t say it.

  “But now, what?”

  “What if I lose her? I couldn’t bear it.”

  “Then do it,” she said.

  “Come again?”

  “Put a ring on her finger, do it before I meet with her tomorrow. Hell, you should do it tonight. Then when she has to face all this truth business, you can assure her that wanting to marry her wasn’t one of the lies. It might help her through it.”

  Merrick stared at the slightly intoxicated doctor as hope blossomed in his heart. Why hadn’t her thought of that?

  Merrick got up from his chair and pulled the smiling psychologist to her feet. He hugged her then planted a try kiss on her mouth. “Thank you, Doctor.” Merrick hurried out of the casino, almost upsetting a cocktail waitress with another tray of drinks.

  As he crossed through the lobby, one of his staff tried to get his attention. He waved the distraction away and made a beeline for the valet. He checked his watch. Only eight o’clock. He still had plenty of time. He checked his wallet, making sure he had his black American Express card. His car came and he jumped inside, and headed towards the shopping district. He had an engagement ring to buy.

  After making a spending decision without considering price, he had a few moments as he waited for the salesman to put together his purchase and polish the 4 carat diamond ring. So, he called Linda. She answered on the first ring.

  “What’s up, Merrick?”

  “I need you to set up the garden room for me for first thing tomorrow morning, say 9:00am.”

  “What for? Small party? Business meeting?”

  “For a proposal. Two people.”

  “A morning proposal, that’s cool. Which guest?”

  “No guest—it’s for me and Bombshell.”

  “Seriously? Wow. That’s awesome.”

  “Yeah, well, don’t tell anyone, especially not Bombshell. This is supposed to be a surprise. I want a light breakfast, plus chocolate-covered strawberries. Oh, and bring the love birds, and some of those songbirds, what are they called?”

  “Canaries?”

  “Yes, the canaries. Oh, and can you get a piano rolled in?”

  “Sure, boss, anything else?”

  “Yes, I want you to send a gourmet basket to my caretakers, Charlie and Joann. Put on the note, ‘Thanks for calling me on my shit.’”

  “Will do, boss,” Linda said, then hung up.

  When he left the shopping district with the ring in his possession, the weight in his chest somehow seemed lighter. He let himself into their suite. Mama G was sleeping on an armchair, but she smiled when he came into the room. Merrick immediately checked the bed, looking for Bombshell.

  “Where is she?” he said, partly alarmed.

  “She’s taking a bath, honey. Don’t worry so much.” Mama G yawned.

  “Are you staying in the hotel tonight? Because if you’re going all the way back to the house, I’ll get someone to take you.”

  “No, I’m staying here,” she said. “I’ve got some early-morning catering things to attend to.”

  “Thanks again, Mom,” Merrick said. He hugged his mother and walked her to the elevators. “I love you,” he said.

  “I love you too, son. Take care of that girl in there.”

  “I intend to.”

  Back in the room, Merrick felt awkward, uncertain what to do. He needed to take a shower and change his clothes and have a drink. Since Bombshell was in the bath, and he wasn’t about to make that mistake again, he opted for having a drink.

  She came out of the bathroom, head wrapped in a towel, wearing one of the lux Flynn Hotel robes. She must not have known her was back, because when she noticed him, she started visibly.

  “Oh, hi.” she said. Merrick could see color rise on her face. She tightened the tie around her waist, and dropped her eyes.

  “Do you want a drink?” Merrick asked, as he wandered over to the bar. He needed a drink. Why am I so nervous?

  “No, thank you.” Merrick watched her out of the corner of his eye as he fixed himself some liquid courage. She moved awkwardly to her dresser and opened her drawer, rummaging around for some night clothes.

  “Well,” Merrick said as he downed his whiskey and water, “if you’re all done in the bathroom, I’d like to take a shower.”

  She seemed relieved. “Of course, I’m all done.”

  Merrick went to his dresser and pulled out a clean pair of silk boxers and a soft cotton t-shirt. Bombshell stood with her arms wrapped around her body, clearly waiting for him to leave before she put on her bed clothes.

  Without saying anything, Merrick let himself into the bathroom, then locked the door. It felt strange taking that precaution, but he couldn’t risk another seduction. Just remembering how she’d lured him into the bathtub, made his cock start to thicken as he washed himself in the shower.

  “No,” he said out loud, chiding himself.

 
Shoving his libido down, he focused instead on all the things that could go wrong. Even if she said yes, during the proposal, she’d probably change her mind after finding out her real name and that her ex-boyfriend was wanted or at least being investigated by the FBI. He was an idiot to imagine that just putting a ring on her finger could fix all of that – but, it didn’t matter. He’d be an idiot for her. He didn’t have a choice.

  After the shower, he wrapped a towel around his waist and shaved. He put on his silk boxers, then picked up his shirt, but put it back on a whicker side chair. It was too hot.

  He wondered if Bombshell was asleep. What if she wanted to make love? Would he tell her, the doctor said no? Merrick licked his lips. He wanted another drink, but the bar was back in the room. Maybe he should just stay in the bathroom until he knew she was asleep. He cupped his hand under running water and drank until his throat felt less dry. He dried his face with a hand towel, and hung it back on the ring.

  Someone tried the door handle. Bombshell. His heart gave a lurch. “Merrick?” Her voice sounded concerned. “Are you alright in there?”

  Merrick unlocked the bathroom door and opened it and his breath rushed out of his body. He stood there, transfixed by the sight of her. No longer was she wearing the heavy terry robe. She’d put on a slinky body hugging negligee made of snow-white silk. It was see-through, and he could see all of her magnificence.

  Her head had fallen down to her chest and her thick raven hair fell in front of her face. He reached out a hand and tucked some of it behind her ear, and she shivered at his touch.

  Merrick gulped.

  She raised her head slightly, looking at him through tear swollen eyelids. “Merrick, do you still want me?”

  “Oh, Bombshell, don’t cry.” He stepped towards her, embracing her, hugging her.

  She wasn’t crying. She’d gone stiff in his arms.

  “What is it?”

  She shook her head, not wanting to say.

  He put his hands on her shoulders and held her firm. Her head remained down as if in shame. He couldn’t understand it, he was the one to be ashamed. He put his index finger under her chin, lifting her head slowly, gently. As her head came up, her eyes remained cast down.

  “Bombshell, what is it, speak to me.”

  When her eyes finally opened, they searched deep into his soul. Each penetrating glance an attempt to strip him naked and leave him exposed.

  He blinked, and looked away. He couldn’t lie to her anymore, but neither could he tell her the truth.

  When he looked back at her, he saw hurt in her face. Did she know? “Bombshell, we shouldn’t do this.”

  “Why not?” She asked. She’d lost the doubt, the fear in her face was gone. She appeared suddenly confident, in charge.

  She lifted a hand to his face and ran two finger along his beard stubble. He moved his face to kiss the softness of her fingers. Her hand started to drop down, but he grabbed her wrist, keeping it near him a moment longer. He brushed his cheek against her hand as he opened her fingers so he could press her palm against his face. He breathed in the scent of her. Honeysuckle and whipped cream. His resolve left him.

  He cupped her hand into a light fist, the stretched her over her head until it was straight. He dropped his head, turning his neck to he could kiss the inside of her wrist.

  She groaned with pleasure as his tongue probed the pulse point. Her eyes fell shut. With sloppy need he slurped and sucked his mouth and tongue slowly down the length of her arm until coming to rest on the concave of her inner elbow.

  She moaned with pleasure as he licked and sucked that part of her as if it were her clit. She moved her body into him, but he moved his hips away, so all he felt were the swelling need of her breasts as they pressed into his lowered chest.

  He felt the muscles in her arms trembling and he knew that he’d held it up for too long. He removed his mouth and let her arm drop to it’s, and for a moment no part of him touched her.

  Her eyes flew open. She reached out to him. He stepped away.

  “Oh, Merrick, stop torturing me,” she pleaded.

  “No,” he said, breathing heavily. “You’re the one who is torturing me.”

  She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him back to her. Merrick covered her lips with his. They kissed, sucking inhaling, mouths opening and closing, tongues probing and searching. He felt like he was milking her, like she was milking him. Now that they’d started – he couldn’t stop. He had to possess her. His hand moved to the back of her neck and her held her there, his grip strong and vice like. She came out for air, eyes wide, then she let out deep moan of pleasure and went back in for more kissing.

  They were both gasping, when they came up for air. His hand had moved from her neck to her back and then to her ass. He seen the look in her eyes. Every ounce of his being knew that she wanted him. He couldn’t resist her any longer. She made a move, but he stopped her. His hands going back to possess her. One on her shoulders and the other back at her neck.

  Her eyes darkened with desire. “Don’t move a muscle,” he warned. Her eyes disobeyed him, flashing with hunger.

  He bent his head, positioning his face close to cheek. She started to turn her head, but he tightened his fingers around the back of her neck. “I said, don’t move,” he reminding her.

  Her eyes flashed and turned even darker than before. She let out a breath but remained stock still.

  “I’m going to do what I’ve wanted to do, ever since I saw you for the first time, lying on my bed at the cabin.” he said, his voice a raspy as it had ever been.

  He saw a cloud of doubt move across her face and a heartbeat later, he realized his error. He’d just admitted, that they didn’t have a past. That he’d not seen her on a bed before Misty Falls.

  “Do it,” she said in a seductive voice. “Do what you’ve always wanted to do.” Merrick scanned her face. She seemed unperturbed. Maybe she hadn’t put two and two together. Maybe he hadn’t seen doubt in her eyes.

  “Alright,” he said, trying to regain his sexy voice, but it came out a little more nervous than he’d hope. He chided himself for not being decisive and after making a mental note to shut up for the rest of the night – he softened his hold on her neck and moved his mouth back to her face. Her eyes moved to watch him as he blew his hot breath over to fine hairs on her jaw bone. He let his tongue out, slowly, seductively, then grazed the very tip of it, along the underside of her jaw.

  A sigh of pleasure escaped her lips as he slurped and licked his way to the pulse point under her jaw bone. He lingered a moment, sucking the tight skin into his lips, toying at is with his teeth. His tongue read her pulse rate, then he moved up her neck to her ear.

  He held her chin in his hand and moved her head over and then tilted down her neck, repeating the identical actions on the other side. This time, when he made it to her other ear, he stopped to suck on her earlobe until he heard her moan.

  “Do you like this?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  His index finger pressed across her lips. “Shhhh, don’t talk.”

  She answered him yes with her eyes and a slight nod of her head.

  “Close your eyes please,” he said.

  She obeyed and he gripped her head with open palms on each ear, then let his tongue glide over her eye lid. She groaned as he pressed the tip of his tongue deep into the corner of her closed eye. He relished the pulse then lowered his mouth. Sucking on her eye until he felt the lid opening.

  “Oh God,” she moaned. He released her.

  “Don’t speak,” he said. Her eyes fluttered open, lost, wanton, desperate. “Close your eyes.”

  He moved down again, this time letting his tongue lap against the full eye lid, then up and around the contours below her brow before he kissed and gently sucked at her eye.

  His cock had long ago gone fully erect and it pressed against her bare leg. She shifted her hips towards him. Too soon. He angled his hips away from her, then m
oved his mouth to her ear. He let his tongue move inside her ear, tobogganing down her channels.

  “Oh, God, I can’t take any more,” she said.

  “That’s too bad,” he whispered into her ear, “Because, I’m just getting started.”

  His mouth came away from her ear, and this time his tongue glided down her neck. “Oh, God, oh God,” she groaned, as he lapped up the sweat beading on her neck. He moved down the outside of her throat until his mouth found a collar bone. He circled her bump with his tongue, then sucked the skin until he felt the rising heat as blood flowed from her skin.

  “Oh, God,” she repeated. Her head lolled backward and her knees buckled beneath him. He caught her, just in time, before she could fall. He gave up his kissing and hoisted her into his arms, one arm holding her by the legs, another under her arms. He leaned forward to kiss her mouth as he carried her to the bed. Beneath her, his cock throbbed with need as her ass pressed against it. When he laid her down on the bed, it was as if he was handling spun glass and the most precious thing in the world.

  Her hands reached out to him, beckoning him.

  “Make love to me, Merrick,” she begged.

  “I intend to,” he said. His voice so raspy he could barely speak.

  In one fell swoop he reached down and dropped the silk boxers over his hips. They pooled around his ankle and his length shot out like a projectile aiming directly at its target.

  Bombshell’s eyes went wide and she let out a strangled gasp. She sat bolt upright in bed, while at the same time covering her sex with both hands. “Oh, my God, Merrick – you’re huge.”

  Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Merrick had forgotten that he hadn’t let her see it last time. He’d just plunged into her, like a god damn blind date. She’d taken him – but that was because she didn’t know any better. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  His face burned with humiliation. He was a circus freak, a mutant, a non-human mistake. In one swift movement, he bent down and pulled up his boxers, in an attempt to cover his monstrosity. He turned away, unable to face her.

  Shattered, heart broken, now she’d never say yes. And he thought she might be the one. Damn it. Tears stung at the back of his eyes. He fought them back. He wasn’t going to cry over this. He took a deep breath.