Longing for the Beach Billionaire Daddy

Chapter 10 The Ruined Cheesecake

*Shelby*

I walked out of Amorebelle wearing a new outfit with light pink clothing bags weighing down each arm. I could not remember a time in my life when I had gotten this many new clothes at one time.

I also had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that these clothes cost more than I made in an entire year.

The saleswomen Jane and McKenzie wouldn't let me look at the price tags on anything, but as they were ringing up my picks, I caught a glimpse of the total on the computer screen. I didn't know how I would ever be able to pay Michael back for this shopping trip.

I also couldn't help but wonder how often he did this for women. Jane, who'd worked at the shop the longest, had recognized him when we walked in the door.

I didn't have time to contemplate this because I noticed a maid I recognized from the yacht. She made her way to me and started relieving me of my bags. I made sure to keep the bag with my dress and shoes for the evening.

“Miss Shelby, I was told to take these to your room on the ship while you are at your appointment," the maid told me.

“What appointment?" I asked her, confused.

“You have an appointment at the salon three stores up," she said.

“Did Michael set this up for me?" I asked.

“Yes, Miss," the maid said with a smile.

I was glad that the boutique I'd been shopping in had a shower where I was able to rinse off before this appointment. They must've been used to sandy beachgoers coming in right before a night out.

I made my way up the street and stopped at the salon with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. From the outside, I could see the row of chairs, each in front of its own mirror.

I walked in, and the man at the front desk assured me that I did, in fact, have an appointment, full hair, and makeup, which was all prepaid.

The receptionist walked me back to my stylist, an attractive man whose hair color matched mine.

“What do you have in mind today, sweetheart," my stylist asked me.

“I'm honestly not sure. Can I leave it up to you?" I asked.

“That is my favorite request," he said as he ran his fingers through my hair. “Your natural coloring is gorgeous, obviously, so I am not going to touch that. So, I'm thinking a quick trim and a classic blowout."

He had my hair and makeup done within an hour, and I barely recognized myself in the mirror. I was amazed that my hair was perfectly smooth. There was not a single strand of frizz to be found. I gently ran my fingers through my hair and couldn't believe how soft it was.

“What do you think?" the stylist asked me. He handed me a small mirror and turned me in the chair so I could get a better view of the back of my hair.

“Is this really my hair?" I asked, holding up the smaller mirror.

“Of course, sweetheart. You look amazing," he said with a smile.

“I didn't know I could love my hair this much. But, truthfully, I have always been self-conscious about it. I got teased a lot when I was younger because of it," I admitted.

“I know the feeling. Now, you have a chance to go prove all those bullies wrong. So, go enjoy it!" he said with a huge smile.

“I will. I love it. Thank you so much," I said enthusiastically.

I walked out of the salon's front door in my midnight blue silk dress with shining hair, and I felt amazing. For the first time since the breakup, I felt like I could do a whole lot better than Todd.

“All I can say is wow," said Michael. He had been waiting for me outside of the salon.

“I hardly recognize myself," I said with a laugh.

“I wasn't commenting on the dress or your hair. I was impressed by your confidence. It looks good on you," Michael said, looking me up and down unabashedly.

I felt my cheeks flush again. I didn't understand how Michael always said exactly what I needed to hear.

“But, I do have to admit I was right about the dress; it does look amazing on you," Michael said with a wink.

“I don't know how to tha–" but Michael cut me off before I could finish thanking him.

“Please, you don't need to finish what you were about to say. You deserved it. It's as simple as that."

“Okay," I said with a smile. “Well, then I just want you to know that today has been the best I have had in a long time." I liked that he was not the kind of man who gave gifts because he liked the praise that followed.

“The restaurant is just a few blocks over. I can call for a ride," he said, pulling out his phone.

“Yeah, we could get a ride over," I said and grabbed his phone. “But, it's such a beautiful night; why don't we walk?" It was a beautiful night, but if I was being honest with myself, I wanted to walk to soak up as much time alone with Michael as I could.

Michael smiled and offered me his arm. I wondered if that is where Reggie learned that move.

I took Michael's arm and noticed his new suit jacket went perfectly with my new dress. I bit my lip to keep myself from asking if he picked it on purpose, but I secretly hoped he had.

“This town is beautiful; I'm surprised that it isn't busier," I said, looking up at the bistro lights strung across the streets in a zig-zag pattern. The light was just barely fading, and the cool breeze caught the slit in my dress, making the end lightly flutter around my ankles as we walked.

“It is a well-kept secret," Michael said.

“For the rich and famous?" I asked.

“Yes, but the locals who live here are what make this place so amazing. The restaurant we are headed to has some of the best food I have ever eaten. But the chef is just a local man who perfected his art form. He never went to culinary school; he just cooked because he loved it."

“How do you know all that about him?" I asked

“My family has vacationed here for as long as I can remember. When I got tired of listening to my parents argue, I would go exploring the island. I have gotten to know a lot of the locals over the years," he explained.

We walked up to a building with a large illuminated sign reading 'The Coastal Hibiscus.' The restaurant had a large deck area with a perfect view of the ocean. As we made our way up the front steps, I dropped my hand from Michael's arm, not wanting Lauren to get the wrong idea.

We were the last to arrive at the restaurant, so the entire party was already seated. As soon as we walked in, the conversation slowed, and Todd's eyes locked on me. I got a little sense of satisfaction from the look on his face.

Only two seats were left, so I sat between Alison and Hudson. Michael took a seat directly across from me, next to his daughter.

“I love that dress on you, by the way. It's perfect with your coloring," Alison said with a little smile.

“Thanks," I said as the waiter brought around menus.

“Where did you take off to? I haven't seen you since you went with Lauren's dad to find the dolphins."

“Oh, we never found them, so we just drove around for a long time looking for them," I lied, staring intently at the menu. I didn't want to share the details of the intimate day I'd spent with Michael.

“That's too bad," Alison said and then joined in the group's conversation about where everyone was planning on 'wintering' that year.

I continued to look at my menu, overwhelmed by the number of choices. Finally, I looked up to see Michael staring at me.

I silently mouthed 'What should I get?' across the table.

He smiled at me and mouthed back 'The lobster thermidor."

When the food finally came, I was so glad I'd asked Michael. His choice was amazing; the lobster was cooked so well that it felt like it melted in my mouth.

I sat peacefully sipping a glass of wine and listening to the group's conversation, every once and a while sneaking a glance at Michael.

The waiter brought around dessert menus, and I ordered a slice of cheesecake, one of my favorites.

A few minutes later, the waiter set a piece of cheesecake in front of me, and placed delicately in the whipped cream was a stunning cushion cut diamond engagement ring. My breath caught in my throat, and I felt my heart stop.

As I was trying to make sense of what was happening, I heard Todd whisper angrily to the waiter, “No, not her!"

No one seemed to have noticed the mix-up, and a few seconds later, the engagement ring cheesecake was placed in front of Lauren instead. Her small squeak alerted the rest of the table to what was going on.

“Lauren, will you make me the luckiest man in the world? Will you marry me," Todd said, down on one knee next to Lauren.

“Of course, I will." Lauren immediately answered. She jumped up and hugged Todd, all the while letting out ear-piercing squeals.

I looked across the table and saw Michael's eyes locked on me. Had he seen them place the ring in front of me and my reaction to it?

The restaurant felt like it was closing in around me. I had to get out. I quietly slid my chair away from the table, leaving my ringless cheesecake untouched, and walked out into the open air.

I started walking toward the ocean; the water had turned from a vibrant blue to an ominous black. The glassy surface reflected the light of the moon, which sat alone in the sea of darkness.

I continued walking, my feet aching in the heels, but to my relief, I recognized the yacht docked in a nearby marina. The crew must have sailed over to this marina to drop off the rest of the group while Michael and I were in the shops. So I made my way towards it.

However, even before I reached the docks, the tears had already started falling down my face. I wiped them away quickly, not wanting to stain my new dress.

The sound of footsteps behind me had me hurrying to the yacht. Whoever was following me, I didn't want to speak to them–not now.

Not even if it was Michael.