Forever (Time for Love Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

not to stare at the other two young women at their table. What were their names again? Marilyn and Vicky?
    She was more than glad she hadn't changed her outfit. The granddaughters of Magda's friends were stunning in their much sexier frocks.
    "Tomorrow, I'm going shopping at the ship's boutiques," Sarah whispered in her ear. "I feel so out of place right now. I don't care how much a new dress from here would cost me."
    "You look fine," Rebecca assured her. "And you can try one of mine and see if it would fit."
    "You're taller than me so I don't think I'd look good in any of yours—" Sarah's voice trailed as her gaze was drawn to something.
    Rebecca followed her friend's line of sight and froze—externally that was, because her heart did just the opposite. It galloped in her chest as if she were running a sprint.
    "Damn. I'd forgotten how ridiculously hot Zach Carmichael is," Sarah breathed.
    Rebecca scowled at Sarah.
    "Sorry," Sarah said. "I was just saying. Mind you, I think all three brothers are super hunky. But that doesn't mean Zach isn't a jerk," she added.
    "Zach! Hi!" cried the woman wearing the most revealing dress. Which one was she again?
    "Hey Vicky," Zach said. "Hi everyone. Sorry I'm late. I had to finish an important phone call."
    "We just got here, Zach. You're not late," Magda said.
    Zach sat on the lone empty chair between Magda and Vicky. "How's everyone going?" he asked casually.
    A babble of 'good' and 'fine' rose from around the table.
    "And how are you?" Marilyn said.
    "I'm well, thanks," Zach answered.
    "You remember Marilyn, don't you, Zach?" Marilyn's mother Olga asked.
    "Yes, of course."
    "And you remember Rebecca and Sarah, don't you, dear?" Magda said.
    "Yes," Zach said with a smile. "Thanks for being here for my grandmother, girls."
    Rebecca mumbled a 'no worries'—looking at Magda instead of Zach—as she forced herself to relax. Breathe, Bec. Breathe.
    Vicky quickly engaged Zach in a private chat as the other people at the table started their own conversations.
    "That wasn't so bad, was it?" Sarah whispered to Rebecca.
    "No," Rebecca answered. It annoyed her no end that Zach could look so cool, calm and collected while she was sweating profusely in her expensive new dress. Couldn't he at least have the decency to look just a tiny bit bothered that she was sitting directly in front of him?
    Hell, she really was one stupid girl for letting him get under her skin even up to now.
    Anger at herself took over, making her sit up straighter and lift her chin up. Damned if she'd let Zachary Carmichael notice how much he'd shaken her by his mere presence.
    "So Magda," Olga said, "you must be feeling some aches and pains to have nurses on board with you."
    "No," Magda replied. "I'm perfectly fine. I just want them here in case something happens to me. I seem to be getting clumsier as I age. It pays to be ready for unexpected accidents or illnesses."
    "Let's hope you stay fit and healthy, Gran," Zach said dryly.
    "That's my plan, dear."
    "So what would these lovely girls do everyday since you're well, Aunt Magda?" Phillip asked.
    "They'll be enjoying themselves just like the rest of us."
    "How nice," Phillip said, eyeing Rebecca.
    Rebecca returned Phillip's look squarely. She hadn't liked Phillip from the start, even from the first time she'd met him, when he became Magda's frequent visitor after his own mother died, and Magda was recovering from her hip replacement surgery.
    She'd noticed that Phillip had always shown his good side to Magda, but had an air of arrogance and a condescending attitude toward others. She bet he was thinking she and Sarah were taking advantage of Magda's generous nature.
    "By the way, Rebecca," Phillip said. "Did you know that I live in the same building as you?"
    Her eyes widened. "Really?"
    "Yes. I saw you in the basement carpark one time."
    "Right," Rebecca commented, trying to keep her expression passive. Drats. This man was her neighbour? How unfortunate for her. She