Love Don't Cost a Thing (5 page)

“And you never will. I would never leave you for another woman, let alone fool around on you. I take after my mother. We’re monogamous.”

Monica pulled his arm hairs. “You better not. Remember, I own a gun. I’ll find you and blow your balls off.”

Colin grabbed his nuts. “Are you serious, Monica? Are you violent like that?”

She burst out laughing. “No, babe, it just sounded funny in my mind, but I hope you never hurt me.”

“Because my father loved women, he messed around on my mother and he did hurt her. That’s why she stopped caring and just made sure he supplied all her needs financially. Because of that she made sure I didn’t grow up like him or my brother, who is a splitting image of my father. Even though my brother had another mother, he spent a lot of time with my mother. He came to live with my father when he was young, but my mother ended up really raising him.”

“Wow, how could your father afford all those children?”

Colin sat up further in the bed as Monica placed a pillow in his lap to lay on. He took a deep breath as if he hesitated over whether or not he should share any more details. He didn’t know if he should share just yet, the true value of his worth.

“Come on. Don’t stop now, continue please.”

“My family is very wealthy. We own oil and rigs in Southwest Alaska. That’s where I’m originally from. My father has been deceased for five years now.”

“Aw, I’m sorry to hear that, babe.”

“Thanks. But all of his children want for nothing and I don’t really have to work, but I choose to for myself. I’ve been on the job for ten years working on the Hostage Rescue Team and I love it.”

Monica grabbed her mouth and jumped up. “OMG! Shut the hell up. Are you for real, Colin?”

He laid back down in the bed and patted the mattress for her to come back to bed.

“Come on, now it’s your turn to share.”

She got back in bed and held her hands up in the air as she hunched her shoulders. “What’s there to tell about me? I don’t even come close to that. My sister and I were born in Clarksville, Tennessee. She’s a year older than me. That’s where we both received our degrees from, Austin Peay State University. I only have the one sister, who is currently in Africa working with a rescue mission to help save children who are at-risk youth due to any type of catastrophe.”

“That’s awesome! What about your parents?”

“Our parents were in the military. We spent a lot of time, up to the age of fifteen, traveling to many Middle Eastern countries. This is why my sister and I can speak many languages fluently.”

Colin sat up with interest as he listened more intently. “Is that why you joined the Bureau?”

“Kind of, my father was shot and killed in Iraq on a special mission. My mother got sick and passed soon after my father died. I think she was too heartbroken over my father. They were very much in love.”

“I’m sorry that happened to your parents, babe.”

Monica felt his sympathy. “It’s OK, it was years ago.”

“So what happened to you and your sister after your parents died?”

“We were then shipped back to the States to be raised by my Auntie and Uncle who were already older when they took us in. I went to college, continued studying multiple languages, and got my Bachelor and Master Degrees in Foreign Affairs.”

“What type of degree did your sister get?”

“Hers was a Dual Degree in Human Services & Philanthropy.”

“Awesome! I knew you were breathtaking when I first saw you.”

“You think so? I would just like my parents to be proud of me.”

“I think they would be. In fact, I think they would’ve been proud of both of you. You two have achieved a lot and you’re doing some tremendous things with your lives from what you’re telling me.”

“Anyway, when my Auntie and Uncle passed, which was about two years ago, my sister left for Africa and I decided to join forces with the F.B.I., and now I’m here.”

“Yes you are, here with me. You’re incredible, Moe! Amazing.”

Monica began to yawn as she repositioned herself in Colin’s arms.

“See, I’m an ordinary woman that likes the simplicity of life. Where I come from, we don’t need a lot to survive.”

Colin held onto her tight as he too yawned and drifted off to sleep.

Monica called Colin from her office.

“Hey, sweetie, are we still on for this evening?”

“So why are you going shopping?” Colin asked curiously.

“Because I’m a woman and I need to get ready for the spring season, and with our schedules I really can’t go any other time. You don’t want to go with me?”

“No, it’s not that. I’ll go anywhere with you. Well, let’s make a trip out of it. Let’s go to New York.”

“New York? Why do we need to go to New York just to go shopping, Colin? There’re plenty of good stores here in Denver.”

Monica’s door was open and the secretaries outside her door rushed in, giving her hand signals and whispering their opinion for her to go to New York.

“Ladies, get out of my office, please, and shut my door. Hold on, Colin.” Monica got up to close her office door. “I’m sorry, you know how nosy these secretaries around here can be. I have a remarkable team I work with, but they are so nosy.”

“Yeah, I think it’s the same in every department. It’s like we’re all doing a scene or script for the soaps around here. No need to watch TV, just come here to be entertained. But let’s not change the subject. Why can’t we go to New York?”

“No, New York, Colin. Last weekend we went to Jamaica and the Bahamas the weekend before that one.”

“Babe, the weekend is here and we could grab a couple of rooms and stay a day or two. What do you say?”

Monica was getting a little heated. She could tell Colin wasn’t listening to her answer. “Look, never mind. I don’t care, yes, we can go. I will meet you at your place in an hour.”

****

I can’t believe I allowed this man to talk me into coming up here to New York.
“So what stores should we start shopping in first? Nah, wait a second. First of all, Colin, do you even know how to shop for a woman?”

He responded with a blank stare. “Really, Moe, I have how many sisters that love to shop? My mother taught us how to shop as soon as we pop out the womb.”

Monica threw her hands up and hunched her shoulders. “Well excuse me, I’m sorry for asking. Don’t get your designer drawers tied up in a bunch.”

“My designer what?”

“And why did we have to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and a suite at that? There are other hotels that’s just as nice. Everything we do doesn’t have to be top-of-the-line.”

“I do hear you, Moe, but this is me and this is how I express myself. I don’t see myself splurging or throwing away my money. It always makes sense to me how I spend it, babe.”

“OK, you’re right. It’s your money and you can do what you want. But I have a set amount and I know what I will be spending.”

Monica was trying to change her perspective to respect Colin’s. She knew it was also wrong of her to try to enforce her views on him and disregard his. She went along with what he wanted. She tried to enjoy the hotel because it was what he picked for them.

“I have something for you. Close your eyes and hold out your hands.”

She did just as he instructed. He placed a small envelope in her hand.

“Now open your eyes.”

Monica looked at the envelope. She opened it and started yelling. “Twenty-five thousand dollars, Goddamn man, what am I supposed to do with all this money?”

Colin burst into laughter. “Well, we came here to shop didn’t we? How much were you planning to spend, babe?”

“I bought two grand with me. That’s all I needed.”

“Babe, what are you going to do with two thousand dollars in New York? Save your money and use the money card I gave you. This is my treat to you. If you care about me, then you will accept it.”

“Ugh, what am I going to do with you? So what’s the plan?”

“I thought we could go shopping first on Fifth Avenue and max your card out, come back, catch the train up state to Greek Peak Mountain Resort and go skiing.”

“Max the card out! What? Go skiing?”

“Yes, babe, this is a blast! I’m so glad you agreed to do this. I haven’t had this much fun since I was a boy. I can’t wait. My family used to go skiing all the time.”

Monica grabbed her forehead and took a seat as she chuckled. “Colin! Slow down, my head is spinning. Number one, shopping is fine. But, babe, I don’t know how to ski!”

“I’ll take care of all that. I can teach you and you can get lessons.”

“Alright, so what about ski-suits and accessories. Are we buying that now?”

“No, when we get there. They have all that at the lodge.”

“Well , Mr. Bradford, looks like you have everything covered. I guess there’s nothing left to do but to get this weekend started. Let’s go shopping then.”

The hotel doorbell rung before they could get their coats on. Monica opened the door as Colin walked behind her. It was a bellman. He had a luggage carrier with several bags.

“Good evening, Mr. Bradford, I’m here to deliver your order from the boutique downstairs. This sales receipt says you purchased three Michael Kors, and four Coach and Gucci handbags with matching wallets.”

While clearing his throat, Colin responded. “Uh, yes, that’s correct. You can bring it in and place them in the living room. We’re on our way out.”

“Sure, sir, that’s not a problem.”

“When did you do that? I don’t remember stopping in the boutique.”

“When we checked in you went to the bathroom. So while I was waiting for a bellman, I saw the boutique and all those nice bags. I wasn’t sure which one you would like so I just got all of them.”

Monica just smiled as they entered the elevator. “You’re something else. But, babe, if you’re going to get me a gift or buy me something, let me choose and be involved. ”

“OK.”

“Promise me.”

Colin answered in a deep low tone. “I promise, Moe.”

****

“Oh my god, look at all that snow. It’s so beautiful. Where are we staying?”

“At the Greek Peak lodge. I called ahead and booked us a room. In fact, the only thing they had available at short notice was a honeymoon suite. So I took it.”

“That’s crazy! We’re not married or engaged for that matter. Did you let them know that, Colin?”

“Relax, Moe. Nothing is going to happen and they already know this. It was the only available room. The resort is booked for the weekend.”

They got off the train and were escorted to the lodge by snow mobiles. Colin paid the driver to allow him to drive with Monica riding on the back. She watched as he took charge. She had to admit that she did love his adventurousness. She hugged him tighter as they drove, following the other drivers. It was getting dark. Lights from lanterns, flashlights, and headlights from the snow mobiles were everywhere.

“Aw, wow, this is awesome,” she whispered in Colin’s ear.

They hit a small slope causing the snow mobile to catch a bit of air. Monica, along with others who hit the slope too, yelled into the night air. “Woo hoo!”

They finally arrived and got all checked in and headed to their room to unpack. Monica couldn’t believe the size of the room and its extravagant elegance.

“Every time I think you’re over doing it, you find a way to divert my attention to the matter at hand by blowing my mind. This room is incredible.”

“Hm, I think that’s why it’s called the Honeymoon Suite.”

“Ha, ha, I guess so. You’re too smart.”

The phone to the room rung. Colin answered, “Hello.”

“Hello, Mr. Bradford. This is the Concierge. We are just checking to see if your room is to your satisfaction.”

“Yes. Everything is great,” Colin replied.

“I also wanted to let you know that your shipment just arrived with special delivery. It will be in our safe waiting for you to pick it up.”

“That’s good. I’m glad to hear that.”

“Is there anything else we can do for you to help get your stay off to a grand start?”

“No, we don’t need anything else. The room is perfect, but we do ask not to be disturbed unless we request something.”

“Not a problem, Mr. Bradford, will do. Enjoy your stay. Thank you for choosing Greek Peak Lodging Resort for your getaway.”

“Thank you.”

Colin looked around the room and didn’t see any signs of Monica. “Moe!”

“I’m in the bathroom, babe. Come look at this tub! It’s a giant champagne glass bath tub.”

With smiles all over his face, Colin entered the bathroom. “Shit yeah! We’ll be utilizing that in a couple of hours, right after dinner.”

Monica ran through the whole suite to see what else could mesmerize her with excitement. “Babe, come look at this. It’s snowing outside!”

He answered as he walked toward her. “What’s so special about the snow, Moe? We see snow all the time in Denver.”

“Not from this view.” She pointed to two double French glass doors that lead out to a terrace facing a forest of bare trees covered with snow covered branches. “You may have, but I’ve never seen such romantic scenery before.”

“It is nice. And I like how there’s a fireplace right here in front of the sofa. We can burn a fire and have drinks tonight.”

Monica turned to Colin, gazing into his eyes. “No, I love it. I don’t think you can top this off. This is enough for me. Right here, right now.”

“I’m so glad you said that. I just have one more surprise for you. I know I promised, but I believe you deserve this, please, Moe.”

“I couldn’t say no right now even if I wanted to. What is it?”

“You have to wait until tonight. So let’s go downstairs for dinner.”

“OK.”

****

“Babe, wait for me at the bar and order us some drinks. I’ll have a Long Island Ice tea. I just need to check on something. I’ll be quick about it.”

“Alright, sweetie.”

Monica walked up to the bar to order their drinks.

“Hi, can I have a Long Island Ice tea and a Pina Colada, please.”

“Sure, you got it,” The bar tender replied.

Before she could seat herself good on the bar stool, a strange guy approached her from behind and touched her on the butt. She saw him approaching from the bar’s mirror on the wall facing her, and in a matter of seconds, she felt his hand. In a split second Monica’s reflex caused her to spin around and grab hold of the guy’s tie. She wrapped it several times around her hand with the other hand cocked back into a fist.