See Beneath Your Beautiful: See Beneath, #1

By Eunice Nascimento

The only way she feels safe is when she's in control. But falling in love is all about losing it…

Libby Thompson has not exactly had the easiest childhood in the world.

After being abandoned by her father at twelve and getting bullied for months on end, it took years of hard work, cognitive behavior therapy, and her mother's unconditional love for her to become who she is today: an educated, successful, attractive young woman who just has a nightmare or two every now and then.

But Libby knows how to keep the nightmares at bay.

She just has to avoid risks.

And Noah Rodrigo is the wildest risk she's ever taken.

Libby feels it the moment Chelsea, her best and only friend, introduces them casually at a party.

Noah is handsome, charming, patient, and all around perfect.

He's also about to jeopardize everything Libby has been working so hard to achieve: a life of self discipline, celibacy, and professional success.

Is he worth this gamble, or will he just leave her to pick up the pieces once again?
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eunice Nascimento
• Release date: Apr 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781838477110

Book preview

See Beneath Your Beautiful

A See Beneath Novel

EUNICE NASCIMENTO

See Beneath Your Beautiful

Copyright ©️ 2021 by Eunice Nascimento

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who can quote a short excerpt in a review.

ISBN: 978-1-8384771-0-3

ISBN: 978-1-8384771-1-0 (ebook)

To Tina.

You always seek the courage to pursue true happiness. Thank you for inspiring me. You’re the best baby sister.

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

See Beneath Your Perfect

Acknowledgements

About The Author

Chapter 1

A kaleidoscope of glittering skyscrapers and lights spread against the early spring night sky. That high up, Libby could see almost all of London. Eyes wide, Libby recognised The Shard and The Gherkin. Her class would love this view so much.

A loud burst of laughter startled her. Awareness returned, and heat warmed her cheeks. Captivated by the view, she’d forgotten the reception room full of people attending a birthday party despite the upbeat music and many conversations.

An inner voice whispered she was behaving like an urchin in a king’s palace, but she firmly banished it. That skyline would have enthralled most people, but she shouldn't neglect her duties any longer. She’d mingled and chatted to almost everyone and helped her best friend Chelsea, who, despite being an event planner, had panicked about organising her boyfriend’s party. The glass-panelled walls, the expertly positioned paintings, and the unending space in the luxurious apartment made it easy to understand Chelsea’s worry; Brad expected the best.

Although Chelsea had amazing creative skills and business savviness, she’d never had a client this wealthy. She’d joked about wanting new clients, but Libby had seen through her friend. For the first time in the eight years they’d known each other, Chelsea had fallen in love and wanted to give Brad the best party possible.

After one last lingering look at the view, Libby turned her back on it and sipped the remaining wine in her glass. Small groups of elegantly dressed men and women stood chatting and drinking; a few couples glided and spun on the improvised dance floor.

Libby’s gaze fell on a man a few feet away. Her breath snagged. Tall, his fitted blue sweater and dark trousers showed off his lean frame perfectly. Libby felt a weird longing to touch his beautiful dark skin, to see if it was as smooth as it appeared.

He began heading towards her, and for the first time, she glanced at his companion. Oh heck, Chelsea. Her best friend was playing cupid. Heat suffused her skin – if she hadn’t been wearing makeup, she’d be turning an ugly shade of red.

Libby forced her face away from Mr Simply Gorgeous. Chelsea’s raised eyebrows said, ‘I’ve brought you someone wonderful, make the most of it.’

Libby, this is Noah Rodrigo, Brad’s friend and client. Noah, my best friend, Libby Thompson.

I must go and check the drinks, Chelsea said and left, leaving Libby struggling to hide the desire to kill her friend. She forced a calm expression and gave her attention to Noah, confident she’d be able to do what she’d done every other time Chelsea had coerced her into these situations.

Her breath caught. Deep, mesmerising golden-brown eyes captured her. She sensed his hand moving towards her and reciprocated the movement.

Hello, Libby. His low tone warmed her.

Hello.

It’s good to meet you, he said.

His huge hand still clasped her small one. It felt safe, right. Alarmed, she pulled her hand back.

Yes, she said softly and then firmly added, It’s a pleasure. Even his scent – a blend of sandalwood and spices – played havoc with her senses.

Is it? Laughter sparkled in his eyes as his kissable lips curved.

Libby smiled back. I’m not answering that.

Hands over his chest, his expression morphed into a pouting parody of a broken-hearted man. Give me a chance to impress you. Let me fetch you a drink.

Chuckling, Libby asked for a glass of chardonnay then watched Noah stride with sensuous grace to the bar. When a wall of guests blocked him from her sight, she inhaled deeply.

As Chelsea’s friend, she’d met many handsome men but had never been this aware of one before. Already, she anticipated his return. She wanted to talk with him, hear him laugh. This made Noah Rodrigo very dangerous to her. There was something focused - driven about him. Any relationship with him would be intense, uncontrollable. And the only way she could thrive was by keeping a tight leash on all areas of her life. Even as her eyes tried to find him across the crowded room, she decided to have one drink with him, excuse herself, then leave.

***

Something about Libby called to him, Noah thought as he waited for the drinks at the bar. Physically, she was nothing like the kind of woman that usually attracted him – tall, voluptuous, his own ethnic background. Yet, he couldn’t wait to get back to her.

When Chelsea mentioned an introduction to her friend, Noah cursed his bad luck. He liked Chelsea, but he’d had enough of being set up by the matchmaking women in his family. Since retiring, Noah’s mum had intensified her self-appointed mission to procure him a suitable wife. Twenty-five years after emigrating from Angola, she still insisted on practising parts of her culture – including seeing all her children suitably married. At the moment, her eldest son took all her focus. Although frustrating, Noah understood his mum’s need.

Two hours ago, he’d been in a taxi from the airport looking forward to a good night’s rest. The seven-hour flight from Dubai had been the final stage in a week-long exhausting negotiation to expand Rodrigo Enterprise’s business portfolio. Only his best friend’s party had stopped him going straight home, and even then, he’d intended to have one drink and leave. Meeting someone had been the last thing on his agenda.

Noah had been about to interrupt Chelsea’s ‘You have to meet’ speech when he glimpsed something indigo swaying at the back of the room. Curious, he looked closer to see a woman standing alone against the breath-taking backdrop of the city. Instead of appearing insignificant against the spectacular view, she looked regal. He’d felt instant admiration for her poise and proud bearing.

That’s Libby, the friend I want you to meet. Chelsea took his arm.

He’d found himself walking with Chelsea towards Libby, his fatigue forgotten.

When the barman handed over Libby’s chardonnay and his coke, Noah ruefully reminded himself, You’re a thirty-three-year-old businessman, not sixteen, to stop himself rushing back to Libby’s side. He forced himself to stroll back to her, although he couldn’t tear his gaze from her elfin features. She’d stayed where he’d left her, looking in his direction as if searching for him. A thrill went through him, even though he knew Libby couldn’t see him—she wasn’t tall enough to see past the people between them.

Arriving at her side, Noah handed Libby the chardonnay, lingering over the silkiness of her fingers where their hands touched. Wondering if Libby enjoyed the contact as much as him, Noah’s eyes arrowed in on her face. Her pupils had widened, obscuring her dark blue irises.

As Libby dropped her gaze and took a long sip of wine, Noah drank her in: the peach hue of her ivory skin, the beauty of her slender neck, her slightly long nose, pointy chin, and bow mouth. More arresting than beautiful, her stylish cropped black hair showed her features to perfection.

Face a little flushed, her chin lifted as Libby studied him with equal intensity. Noah smiled, pleased that she gave as good as she got. Deliberately, he drank slowly from his glass. He wanted her to like what she saw. The thought that he wasn’t technically free was a fly against his conscience that he batted away. Noah watched her watching him as anticipation coursed through his veins.

Her cheeks darkened, and her pulse fluttered at her throat. Then, as if just becoming aware of her actions, Libby looked away, fixing her eyes somewhere to his left. Noah waited with bated breath. When Libby turned back, she failed to meet his eyes and took another sip of her drink. He needed to say something before he lost her.

I’m a property developer. That’s what I like to call myself anyway, but my brothers assure me I’m just a glorified estate agent, Noah said lightly. Her lips twitched, but she was downing chardonnay as if she wanted to leave. Could she be embarrassed by her reaction? Was it possible that a woman as attractive and self-assured as Libby wasn’t confident showing her attraction to a man? Going with his gut feeling, he decided to talk about something familiar.

What do you do for a living? Noah asked, giving a broad smile. He’d been told that when he smiled that way, he could charm anyone.

***

Noah’s smile lit his whole face, and Libby’s lips lifted in response. She groaned inwardly. That smile made him irresistible. It made her feel like he was inviting her to tell him everything about her life. And she wanted to take up that invitation. But in reality, she couldn’t. Noah seemed interested, and so far, her actions had shown him she felt the same way. Since her body had betrayed her, Libby decided she couldn’t be blamed for the way she’d reacted. Her behaviour from this point had to change if she wasn’t going to continue leading Noah on.

I’m a teacher, Libby said casually, forcing herself to relax. She’d nearly finished her wine, so she’d chat to Noah about work then leave.

My sister teaches primary. It’s a tough job; she works long hours.

Libby nodded. I work in a primary school too. Yes, it’s tough but very fulfilling.

Noah grinned. You sound like my sister. She’s always complaining about the long hours, but if anyone suggests she gives it up, she gives them a pitying glance and lectures about how rewarding it is to educate the future of our world.

Libby decided she’d probably like Noah’s sister. It sounds like she enjoys teaching as much as I do.

What’s your class like?

Libby studied Noah. Did he really want to know about her work? Usually, she didn’t talk much about work with strangers, but she was intrigued by his curious expression. How long will it take before his eyes glaze over?

I have a few show-offs, but on the whole, I can honestly say they’re a good bunch, Libby started, alert for signs of boredom.

Ten minutes later, there was still no sign of apathy in Noah’s features or body language. He seemed genuinely interested in her work; his questions showed complete focus on the conversation. Libby enjoyed talking to him and tracked his reaction almost peripherally. Feeling guilty for monopolising the conversation and disconcerted by his attention, Libby asked Noah about his work. She found herself engrossed; Noah’s anecdotes about his property development business made her laugh.

It was only when one of the dancers bumped into them that Libby noticed her empty glass. They had been chatting for over twenty minutes.

Would you like to dance, Libby?

Yes. Unbidden, the thought barrelled into her mind. It was so strong that Libby worried she’d spoken aloud. But Noah was still looking askance at her, so she relaxed.

I don’t dance. Neither do I flirt and lead men on. She had to remember her getaway plan. Maybe Noah would ask someone else to dance, leaving her free to escape without explanation. Annoyance niggled when she imagined him asking another woman.

Noah’s eyebrows lifted. Libby flushed. Not dancing is not a crime.

Can I get you another drink? Noah asked in his pleasant, easy voice.

Libby shook her head. Entwined couples swayed sensually to an exotic beat in the middle of the room. That’s where Noah should be. Handsome, charming, and wealthy, he should be dancing with a woman who was free to flirt and return his interest. Several women were casting admiring glances at Noah; he wouldn’t have any trouble finding a beautiful partner.

Thank you for the drink. It was a pleasure meeting you. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow, so I must leave. With a fluttering in her tummy, Libby stuck out her hand for Noah to shake. The moment stretched as he held on while she tried to tug it away, embarrassed by how much she enjoyed the contact.

When she met his gaze again, he spoke before releasing her, See you soon.

Libby nodded, a little too choked up to speak. Those words sounded like a threat. But somehow, she wasn’t scared that he’d harass or try to hurt her. It was her emotions that were out of sync from the pleasure of just touching his hand? She couldn’t remember a single man that she’d wanted to get romantically involved with in the last eight years, so why did Noah affect her in such a visceral way?

Libby couldn’t decide if she felt relieved or disappointed that it had been so easy to slip away. She’d expected Noah to try to delay her, maybe get her number. Keeping her head high, she concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other, the door her target. His gaze scorched her back all the way out of the reception room. She needed to be in her own familiar space, away from Noah’s tempting smile and body.

As she passed through the door, she breathed a sigh of relief. She collected her coat and purse then called a taxi. She opened the front door, her eyes spotting the lifts.

Libby, Chelsea called from behind her.

Darn it. She wasn’t up to facing Chelsea right now. She breathed deeply, tried to calm herself, and turned around.

Libby! Chelsea stood in the hallway, concern and exasperation vying for attention on her lovely face. I can’t believe you were going to leave without saying goodbye. When Libby said nothing, Chelsea moved closer. Did Noah say something to upset you? she asked, her voice rising slightly.

No! Libby shook her head. No, she repeated, quietly this time.

What’s the matter then?

I have a busy day tomorrow… Libby started. I just want to get a good night’s sleep.

Chelsea folded her arms and shook her head, glossy curls swaying. Libby, what happened? You and Noah seemed to be getting on like a house on fire.

Libby groaned. Had everyone seen her fawning over Noah? I asked you not to set me up again. Why did you do it? she whispered crossly.

For a heartbeat, Chelsea looked down as if contrite, but then she rallied. You liked him, didn’t you? She canted her head. What’s the matter, girlfriend? Are you mad because I set you up or because you don’t want to deal with your attraction to Noah?

I… Libby didn’t want to think about Chelsea’s words. You should have respected my wishes, she said with as much dignity as she could muster then turned, and stepped out, slamming the door behind her. She punched the button for the lift, glad when the door opened straight away. As the lift started to close, the apartment’s door opened, and Chelsea called out. Libby shut her eyes, wanting to block her friend’s expression and the regret filling her heart.

***

As soon as Libby entered her house, she changed into her exercise clothes and headed to the treadmill in her spare bedroom. Her nerves were jangling too much to sleep. She needed to calm down and think rationally.

She hated arguing with her friend. Chelsea shouldn’t have tried to set her up, but deep-down, Libby knew she had taken out her frustration and anger regarding the situation with Noah on her friend. Though misguided, Chelsea had just been looking out for her. Every time Chelsea tried to set her up with someone, Libby always claimed there hadn’t been any chemistry. Maybe if she’d been open about the real reason she didn’t date, Chelsea would have stopped trying as Mum had. Libby increased the treadmill's speed, hoping that a faster pace would put her chaotic thoughts in order.

The day she’d started teaching, Libby made a pact with herself. She would dedicate her life to her career, kind of like being married to it. In her last year at university, she’d developed an interest in biographies about people who’d dedicated their lives to worthy causes. There were many types of love, and Libby considered that dedication a kind of love. If she worked extremely hard and kept her exercise and healthy eating routines, she knew she’d be happy.

Relationships were messy – the heartbreak Jack caused crippled her, and she remembered the agony Mum went through when Dad left. From what Libby had seen with Chelsea during the last year of university, even one-night stands and casual affairs could wreak havoc in one’s life. Her career wouldn’t abandon her the way her father abandoned her mother and her. It would never turn on her and lash out with ugly words. It certainly wouldn’t give her the heartache Chelsea experienced at the end of each of her relationships.

Any effort she put into her career would be rewarded with satisfaction and prosperity while providing peace and total control over her life. For eight years, Libby had been faithful to her pact. She spent her life working; she didn’t date or waste time thinking about men. Sometimes she’d wondered if she might be asexual because she hadn’t been the slightest bit attracted to any of the men she met.

Until tonight.

Just thinking about Noah made her shiver. She’d foolishly hoped that ‘out of sight out of mind’ would work where Noah was concerned. She hadn’t been able to think about anything else on the way home; his smile, voice, and easy manner made her feel like she could chat to him for hours. When she should have been working out how to sort things out with her best friend – her only friend, she’d been thinking about Noah.

Still angry at herself, Libby moved to the mat and started sit-ups. A romantic relationship threatened her pleasant, ordered life. She derived a lot of satisfaction from taking care of the children at school. When not working, she spent time with her mum and Chelsea or read. So why had she behaved in a way that might jeopardise her way of life?

She couldn’t help how her body reacted to Noah. That was chemistry. But, she should have stopped the conversation long before it ended. Why didn’t I?

Libby grimaced. After forcing herself to do double her regular crunches, her stomach muscles were screaming. She started cooling down, breathing through the discomfort. Libby decided to put Noah out of her mind. She always had so much to do; it wouldn’t be an issue. A man like Noah wouldn’t have any problem putting her out of his mind. She slammed out of the exercise room and went to have a shower.

Chapter 2

Noah locked the car and walked up to his parents’ house. Originally a three-bedroom property, he, his dad, and his brothers increased the bedrooms to five and extended the kitchen and lounge. At seventeen, it had been his first main project, after working in the building industry for two years. He’d spent every spare moment on the undertaking. He would never forget how proud his father had been or the camaraderie he’d enjoyed working alongside his brothers.

As he reached for his keys, the front door flew back. He had just enough time to brace himself before three small bodies flung themselves at him.

Uncle Noah! they chorused, each trying to get a better hold of some part of his body.

Noah held the five-year-old twins in his arms while his youngest nephew, two-year-old Ben, wrapped around his right leg. Noah laughed, trying