Chapter One-1
981 Words
Chapter One
ADALIA SAT beside the infinity pool at the Grace Hotel and looked out over the deep blue ocean. Trent was inside, a quick business call to sort out his affairs before their honeymoon got into full swing.
She sighed and a smile parted her lips at the taste of salty sea air. Santorini, Greece had been her choice. The quaint white structures and sloping stairs, the city tucked against the mountain, built from the rock itself, was her idea of a fairytale.
They’d arrived a few hours ago and she itched to go out and explore, but there were matters to attend to before they could go anywhere. It irritated her that Trent took the business calls for the bakery, while she didn’t have a true business of her own.
One day, she’d be the one in the expensive hotel room, making the calls, buying and selling and checking in on progress. At least, that was her dream.
“You’re quiet, my love,” Trent said, strolling from the cool interior and taking a seat beside her. He’d opted for an open neck cotton shirt and white pair of slacks. His tan biceps bulged to free themselves from the sleeves restraining them.
Adalia swallowed, overcome by desire again. Every day with Trent was different, an adventure, but one thing would never change – her need for him.
“How was your call?” Adalia asked, squeezing his hand in hers.
“Oh fine, fine. Just some news on the space frontier. We’re going live with the IPO in a couple months, so things are going crazy.”
“IPO,” she repeated, wriggling her eyebrows. “You’re opening the company to trade?”
“It’s the next big step. We should’ve done it years ago. Take a look at SkyLyft. They’re trading and apart from the debacle with the crash, they’re doing pretty damn well.” Trent scratched his chin with the tip of his index finger. “But do you really want to talk business, gorgeous?”
“I want to do many things. Including you,” she quipped.
He chuckled and picked up a bottle of champagne from the poolside table. He poured for both of them, then handed her one.
“I think we’re overdue for a toast after all the s**t we’ve been through,” Trent said, then clinked the rim of his glass against hers.
“I couldn’t agree more.” She raised the flute to her lips. Nausea bubbled in her stomach and she pulled it away again.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing... I just feel a little strange. I’m fine, really, don’t worry.” It was probably the plane food. They’d served some kind of exotic Indian dish and it hadn’t gone down well.
Trent slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. He leaned his head against hers and they looked out over the ocean together. “I couldn’t have chosen a better destination myself.”
“Oh please, you would’ve had us hiking in Machu Picchu,” she said, then pressed a hand to her stomach. Man, the last thing she needed was to start their honeymoon going down on the toilet. That would almost be as bad as DeShawn’s attempt to discredit her at the wedding.
Trent’s eyes glistened in the morning light. He tipped his head back and soaked up the sun.
Bile crept up Adalia’s throat and she stood abruptly.
“What’s wrong?” Trent rose immediately and stroked his fingers down her spine.
“I don’t know. I just don’t feel well.” She managed to stand before the nausea completely overwhelmed her. She slapped her palm across her mouth, turned and sprinted for their room. She crashed through into the pristine white suite and grimaced at the off chance she’d let loose before she hit the bathroom.
Adalia skidded around the corner and slid into the bathroom. She didn’t have time to close the door. She crouched over the toilet and let breakfast, dinner and what had to be every meal she’d ever eaten present itself in reverse order.
“Oh god, Adalia,” Trent hurried into the bathroom and stroked her back. “It’s okay, I’m here.”
She didn’t have the strength to wave him away. So much for romance on their honeymoon. She spent another two minutes in the same state, then flushed the toilet and collapsed against the wall.
Why was everything white in this damn place?
Trent handed her a couple squares of toilet paper and she dabbed at the corners of her mouth. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, “I didn’t expect that to happen.”
“Don’t say sorry, Adalia. It’s not like you can help it. I’m worried about you... this looks like food poisoning. We should go see a doctor.” He cupped her cheek in his palm and tilted his head to the side, bright blue eyes brimming with concern.
Adalia could barely lift her head. She was exhausted and sweaty, and God, she just wanted a glass of water and a good sleep.
“Don’t be ridic –” She pushed him back and vomited noisily into the toilet again. Where could all this have come from –? She’d surely puked out everything else.
“That’s it. We’re going to see a doctor.” Trent rose and hurried into the living room.
Adalia flushed again and struggled into the standing position, then shuffled to the sink. She grasped her cheeks and slapped them to take away the numbness. What the hell was this?
She’d read an article once about eating yogurt to get the local bacteria when visiting a new country, but this was insane. She’d hardly had a chance to unpack. Hell, she’d eaten nothing since they’d arrived, not even a sip of damned champagne.
Adalia brushed her teeth, then washed her mouth out and gargled. That would have to do for now – there was no helping the clammy hands and weak knees.
Trent appeared in the doorway. “Are you done?”
“Yeah, I’m okay. Trent, we really don’t need to go to the doctor. It’s just a bug... it will pass.”
“Like hell it will. Let’s go. There’s a doctor just around the corner.” He guided her from the bathroom with a smile and a gentle caress in the small of her back.
***
- Writer
