Chapter 3 - Teasing Anushka

Jordan's P.O.V.

I can't believe how this day is turning around. I may have been poisoned just for being a tourist, but look what happened afterward. I was saved by two angels. 

I came to the island to get away from the stress of New York's hustle and bustle. The last relationship I was in ended badly. I'm finding that being young and wealthy brings out the leeches. I thought Cora was a good person. However, she showed her true self when I started denying her extra money. I kicked her out and haven't spoken to her since. 

That was six months ago. I haven't been looking for a woman to get into another relationship with. It's too draining to find out who wants to be with me because they like me or because they like my money. I could immediately tell that Anushka was different.  

She has no idea who I am, and her don't mess with me attitude is refreshing. I have a feeling she would have left me on the beach if it wasn't for Dakota. That little girl is a ray of sunshine.  

I haven't been around kids, but I'd be lying if I said that at thirty, I haven't thought about having a loving wife and kids. I want a woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind or tell me when I'm being a jerk. I want a woman who is passionate in the bedroom as much as she is with the rest of her life. Right now, the woman I fantasize about seems to be sitting in my hotel room with her daughter.

I'm used to reading people in meetings, so I have picked up on little cues that tell me about a person without them saying a word. One thing I could tell about Anushka was that she had been hurt. I don't know to what extent, but the pain in her eyes is real. When Dakota said she didn't have a Daddy, I looked at Anushka, and the pain was even more evident. Whoever the bastard is that caused her pain deserves to be stoned to death. How could any man hurt those two beautiful souls?

After I get out of the shower, I begin drying off. I actually feel fine, but there was no way I was going to turn down spending more time with them. Dakota is up to something, but I don't know what yet. Her innocent questions don't seem so innocent. When she said I could go to their room when I get lonely and play with her mom while she slept, I wanted to say let's go now. It's too soon to think these thoughts, but Anushka and Dakota seem to be everything I have been looking for. Not that I was looking for a woman with a kid, but Dakota is an added bonus.   

After I get dressed, I brush my teeth. I know Anushka was kidding about my vomit breath, at least I hope so, but I'm not taking any chances. I wonder if she'll let me kiss her to ensure my breath is now minty fresh. I open the door, and Dakota is pacing around the room.  

"Are you okay? I told Mommy she should go in there with you because you're not supposed to be alone," she says as she looks me over.  

"I'm okay. Thanks for being worried about me," I stroke Dakota's head, and she beams at me.  

"What are we going to do now?" I look over at Anushka. She's staring at me with something in her eyes that dims the pain: desire. Is she attracted to me?

"That's up to you and your mom. She said you two would babysit me, so I guess I have to do whatever you say." I'm talking to Dakota but keeping my eyes on her mom. It feels wrong to have such strong desires for a woman I just met, but the more I look at her, the more I feel them.  

"What are we going to do, Mommy?" Dakota runs over to Anushka.

"How about breakfast? Are you feeling well enough to eat?" she asks as she stands.  

"Why don't you check him to make sure he's okay?" Dakota asks, pulling me over to her mom. Anushka playing nurse; I'm game. She smiles and shakes her head as though she can read my thoughts.  

"I'm not a nurse or a doctor," she says. I smirk and take a couple of steps toward her.

"If you want to try your hand at a new profession, I'm happy to be your test subject." Anushka's face turns slightly red. 

"Mommy is a big boss in New York," Dakota says proudly.  

"What kind of business are you in?" I wonder how I have never met her. New York is a big place, so I guess it's possible I wouldn't have run into her.  

"I run an acquisitions firm." I can tell she's being modest. She doesn't look more than her early to mid-twenties.  

"What's the name of your firm?" I ask, leaning against the table. She looks like she's unsure whether she should tell me or not. Maybe she would feel more comfortable if I tell her a little about myself.

"I'm from New York, too. I'm the CEO of Holt Enterprises, a large commercial real estate firm." When her eyes widen, I know she has heard of my company.

"Wait a minute. You're Jordan Holt?" She asks in disbelief.  

"Yes," I reply. Anushka sits back down in the chair.

"Mommy, what's wrong?" Dakota asks as Anushka puts her head in her hands. She lifts her daughter onto her lap and hugs her.

"Nothing's wrong, sweetheart. I've heard of you, Jordan, but always pictured a much older man. I figured a billionaire like you would have a bunch of people following you around to do your bidding." I sit in the chair next to her as she stares at me.

"Not me. I don't surround myself with phony people looking for a handout. Now that you know who I am, can you tell me the name of your company?" Anushka smiles slightly as she shrugs.  

"I never thought you'd be so down to earth. My company is Wilkins Acquisitions." My mouth falls open.

"As in Stewart Wilkins?" Anger flashes in her eyes.

"He was the former owner. I took over a few years ago." I throw my head back and start laughing. Dakota and Anushka look at me like I'm crazy.

"What's so funny?" Dakota asks. I look at the little girl and then her mother. From what I heard, Anushka and her father don't get along. I doubt Dakota knows him, so I'll play it safe.  

"I knew the former owner, and I didn't like him. When I heard that someone forced him out, it made my day. I never thought the woman who took over was so young and beautiful." Anushka's face turns a little red again. I like making her blush, I doubt many people can.  

"Are you ready for breakfast? Unless we mere peasants aren't good enough to dine with someone of your status," She's hilarious.  

"I hope you don't see me as someone who thinks I'm better than anyone." Anushka's smile grows, and she shakes her head.

"I don't. I honestly would have never thought you were Jordan Holt if you hadn't said anything. It's nice to meet a man who's real and not throwing their money and name around." I want to say so much to her, but with Dakota sitting there looking between us with more excitement than a four-year-old should have, I better wait.  

"Good. Let's go eat. You're my babysitter, so you're buying, right?" She chuckles lightly as we stand.  

"Of course. If you're a good boy, maybe you'll get a special treat after breakfast." When she puts her hands over her red face, I can't help the feelings that come over me thinking about what treats she could give me. "That came out way wrong."

"Mommy always gives the best treats," Dakota says with an innocent smile. Anushka and I start laughing.

"I'm sure she does. I can't wait to see for myself." Yes, I made her even redder. This is fun. How red can we make the lady boss?

"Come on, let's get out of here," Anushka says, taking Dakota's hand. When we reach the hallway, Dakota takes my hand with her free hand. This feels right. We look like a family. What if I want it to be true?