Chapter 6
Palm trees and shrubs with variously colored tropical flowers lined the circular drive at La Amory Sands. A large glass-tiled fountain with sculpted ivory dolphins sat in the middle as we rounded the valet lane, the enormous hotel made of white stone towering into the sky.
“I’m guessing our rooms are on the top floor?”
He smirked. “No penthouse suite this time.”
“You’re kidding—Mr. Garrett Mitchell staying in a plain old deluxe room?”
“We’ll be sharing a villa over the water.”
Oh. My. God.
My mouth dropped open, forming a perfect O.
“Sharing?”
“They only had the one available, and I thought it would be nice if we both experienced a stay over the water. It’s a two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite, and I assure you we won’t be spending much time in the room with the meetings and—”
I held up my finger. “Can you just be quiet and not ruin this for me? It’s not every day I get the opportunity to stay in a villa over gorgeous turquoise waters. This may be strictly business for you, but it’s so much more to me.” I waved my hand around. “This is amazing, Garrett.”
A flicker of a grin teased his lips. He was beautiful when he smiled, and it felt as though the world shifted. It was impossible to be breathing and not feel some sort of attraction to him.
A bellboy rolled a brass cart over and loaded our belongings as we started toward the sliding glass doors. To the left, a groom still in his dark grey tuxedo held his bride’s hand while guests surrounded them in a courtyard, smiling for a photographer. Her A-line beaded ivory lace gown was stunning as she smiled for the camera.
Garrett placed his hand on the small of my back, nudging me forward. “Would you like to have dinner while our bags are delivered to the room?”
“That would be nice.”
He handed the young man some cash and said, “Have the key card delivered to our table at The Reef. We’ll be on the terrace.”
The magnificent views were breathtaking. Seated at a table along the wall overlooking the beach, Garrett ordered the best bottle of wine for starters. A few couples walked hand in hand along the waves washing over the sugary sand, and a few hundred feet away, a wooden sidewalk led to the villas.
I couldn’t stop staring over the railing at all the beauty surrounding us.
“How does it feel to know you’re about to own all of this?”
He shrugged. “I won’t feel anything until I’ve signed the paperwork.”
“You’re not excited? Like at all?”
“Nope. The deal could still fall through.”
“Have any fallen through at this stage before?”
“There’s always a first time for everything.”
“This one won’t—I can feel it.”
“Careful, if you can see into the future, I’ll definitely keep you as my assistant.”
“Ha! I doubt you’d feel that way after I caused you unimaginable grief,” I said playfully, raising my eyebrows.
After we finished the delicious seafood, we walked along the wooden pathway leading to the private cabana sitting over the most beautiful shade of calm blue translucent waters. I stopped in front of the private terrace, soaking in the view. Resting the palms of my hands on the railing, I stared out at the horizon, feeling at peace. A pair of dolphins dipped in and out of the water, catching my attention.
“Oh my God, do you see them? They’re incredible.”
He let out chuckle. “I see them. Come on, let’s see what awaits us inside.”
The entire wall had been left open for our arrival and as we stepped closer to the entrance, I froze, in awe of the flooring made of glass. Bright yellow fish swam about beneath the surface, and it was like have the priceless scenery of snorkeling without ever entering the water.
“I feel a terrible headache coming on, and the doctor suggests I just relax in the room for the next couple of days.”
He rolled his eyes before glancing at his watch. “Speaking of, we have a meeting with Salvatore in forty-five minutes.”
“Casual or business attire?”
“Business.”
Thirty minutes later, after a quick shower, I slipped into an ivory high-waisted pencil skirt, a navy collared button-up blouse, and matching ivory and navy heels. I wore my hair in a bun and added a strand of pearls with stud earrings. Taking a deep breath, I headed out of the amazing suite.
Garrett sat in an Adirondack chair on the deck with his back to me. At the first click of my heels against the glass, he stood, and I sucked in a deep breath. He’d changed into a different designer black suit, a crisp white shirt, and a dark grey tie. His M cufflinks twinkled in the light, and I stood mesmerized.
He wore a warm smile, and I sizzled inside.
He was completely sinful.
Holy hell.
Forcing my attention to the tropical view, I cursed my lack of willpower and dug deep for strength to fight the impossibly magnetic attraction. Since the biggest mistake of my life, I’d kept men at an arm’s length because they were the scum of the earth—until Garrett Mitchell. But, even if I wanted him, he wasn’t a viable option.
“Ready?” I asked.
“Let’s go. We’re meeting in the conference center.” His eyes roamed over me, from my head to my toes, and it seemed like he wanted to say something but didn’t.
“Salvatore is an overly friendly man, so don’t be surprised if he makes unwanted advances.”
“Unwanted? Depends on if he’s good-looking or not.”
“Stay away from him, Brooke.” He didn’t suggest it; he commanded it.
We made the short walk to the conference room, and an attractive man with jet-black hair who looked to be in his early forties stood as we approached. Dimples adorned his cheeks, and thick black lashes framed the greenest eyes. He was model handsome, but didn’t give me the slightest thrill.
“Salvatore.” Garrett extended his hand. “This is Brooke Sheridan, my administrative assistant.”
“And a beautiful one at that. You’re quite the lucky man.” His Casanova smile seemed warm and kind.
“I heard your father is doing better.” Garrett pulled out a chair for me.
“Yes, after having a heart bypass, he’ll be in cardiac rehab for a few weeks but is doing well.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Gathering around the table, we reviewed each submission noted on the inspection, comparing invoices and ensuring each item had been addressed. I took more notes, flagging relevant aspects. Two hours later, we bade each other goodbye, agreeing to meet in the lobby the next morning at nine AM.
Salvatore’s extended hand reached for mine. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Brooke. I trust Garrett is going to escort you around the island. St. Thomas is quite beautiful.”
“There’s very little time to indulge in pleasure on this business trip, but after the tiny glimpse I’ve had thus far, I’d love to come back.”
He brought my hand to his lips, pressing his mouth against my skin. “If you find you have time to spare, please give me a call. I’d love to show you around.”
Garrett interjected, wearing a glare. “See you in the morning.”
“I may just take you up on that, Salvatore. Thank you.”
The man was infuriating.
He was my boss—nothing more. He didn’t have the right to order me around or tell me who I could spend my own time with. My inner core needed attention, something it hadn’t had in a really long time, but it wasn’t Garrett Mitchell who was going to put the fire out.
I choose.
I say who.
I say when.
Squaring my shoulders, I walked past Garrett, leaving him and Salvatore in the conference room. Footsteps followed behind me, closing in fast.
“Brooke.” Garrett’s voice sounded tight and full of tension.
“What?” I called over my shoulder.
“What the hell was that? I warned you about him.”
“He seems harmless, and it’d be nice to have the company of someone who would actually like to have a little fun.”
“This is a business trip, not—”
“I know, it’s not for pleasure.” He was deep under my skin. “It’s nine-thirty—am I off the clock?”
“We’re finished for the night. We’ll start early in the morning.” He clearly expected me to go back to the room, and when I didn’t move, his eyes narrowed. “Let’s get some rest. It’s been a long day.”
“I need a key card.”
Lines creased his forehead and his jaw flexed. “For the room?”
“No, for my castle in the sky.” I gave him a sarcastic look. “Yes, the room.”
“Why?”
“Just give me my key, or I’ll go to the front desk and have one made.”
“It’s late, Brooke. I’m not going to let you wander around by yourself.”
“Let me? You don’t get to make decisions for me after I’m off the clock. We’ve called it a night and I’m going to the bar. I need a drink.”
I marched forward, remembering the bar near the restaurant we’d eaten at earlier. Praying he didn’t follow, I forged on. I needed time to myself to throw back something stronger than wine.
Jazz music filled the air as I strode through the dim lighting and perched on a barstool. The young bartender tossed a white linen napkin over his shoulder, stopping in front of me.
“What can I get you?” He flashed a smile.
“A lemon drop, please.”
“Coming up.”
Garrett’s presence filled the room, and I sensed him without even turning around to see him behind me. I felt the sizzle all along my spine. The bartender returned, sliding the yellow cocktail in front of me on a napkin.
“Thank you.” I brought the glass to my lips with a trembling hand.
Garrett slid into the seat beside me, his closeness firing sparks of electricity inside me.
“I don’t need a babysitter. Leave me a key and I’ll be in the room after a couple of drinks,” I said huskily over the soft music while peering at him.
“Scotch on the rocks,” he called out before flashing a sexy smile over his shoulder. “I sounded barbaric, controlling. I’m not either one, and I also am not accustomed to making excuses for my actions.”
He was soft and gentle, the same as when he’d wrapped his protective arm around me on the plane.
“Garrett, you made it clear this trip is entirely business. While that’s fine for you, it’s not fine with me. When you decide we’re done for the day, I’m going to relax. I want to forget the responsibilities of work, home, and obligations, and relieve some stress. Tonight, I want to sit here, have a drink, and let it all go.”
“I won’t bother you again. Don’t leave the hotel premises, and don’t go to the beach alone in the dark—and stay away from Salvatore Brovinelli. If you want a tour, I’ll take you.” He tipped back the drink, finishing it off before reaching inside his jacket, pulling out a key, and laying it in front of me.
“Stay. Have another drink with me,” I said, surprising myself.
“I shouldn’t.” He didn’t move.
“I don’t bite.” My heart raced.
His lips curled into a glimmer of a grin. “I do.”
After he held up his empty glass for a second round, we sat in silence for a moment.
“What made you decide to go into real estate?”
“My brother, Stone. I started out buying large tracts of land and developing high-end subdivisions. My brother was into resorts, and when some personal matters came up for him, I partnered to help out.”
“Personal matters as in financial trouble and you bailed him out?”
“We’ll leave it at personal matters. I helped him, and as of six months ago, he has his business and I have mine.”
I sipped on my second martini, feeling the buzz and watching him give me an amused look as if he had something to say. “What?”
He looked over the rim of his glass intensely. “Why aren’t you dating anyone?”
I cocked an eyebrow. “How do you know I’m not?”
“You’re not.”
“Men suck. What about you? How come you don’t date anyone?”
“I date.” He winked. “Another martini?”
“I better not.” I felt the buzz, and nursing a hangover was the last thing I needed when Garrett would be nothing but business the next day. “It’d be a hell of a thing to get fired in St. Thomas because I drank and said too much.”
He rolled his eyes, leading me toward the entrance to our walkway. When he placed his hand on the small of my back, I nearly came apart. His touch caused my belly to quiver, and as I stared over my shoulder at him, the air crackled with electric energy.
A million stars twinkled in the sky and the moon illuminated everything around us. My breathing picked up as I sank into the feel of his hand on me.
“I enjoyed tonight,” he murmured over the soft sound of the waves.
“Me too. You’re not so bad away from the office.”
In a quick whirl, he spun me around to face him. “Jason Christoff was a fucking fool.”
I didn’t have time to react to him knowing about the professor who’d screwed me over. His mouth slanted over mine, kissing me better than anyone ever had. He cupped my face between his strong hands, his lips parting mine.
Every bit of my brain screamed for me to push him away, but every ounce of desire-filled attraction drew my arms around his neck. I pulled him closer for more of his delicious taste, and a guttural moan sounded from his throat. His muscular thigh eased between my legs, pushing me harder against the railing. I felt his erection against my abdomen, pushing against me, and my hips arched forward, grinding, meeting him move for move.
Our tongues plunged against one another in an erotic dance as his mouth silenced my whimpered plea for more. I surrendered completely, sinking into his arms, all self-control shattered.
A splash in the water sent a shower of droplets against us, tearing us apart. Breathless, I stared into his eyes as he pulled back.
Under the moonlit sky, I saw the regret in his eyes. No words were necessary, and none were spoken. We both knew it had been a mistake, one scotch and vodka had played a part in. He ran his hands through his hair, clearly sorry he’d kissed me.
I pushed up on my tiptoes, placing my lips on his cheek. “We’re going to walk inside the bungalow and forget this ever happened. Neither of us will ever mention it again.”
I slipped past him, using the key card he’d given me. Retreating to my room, I closed the door behind me and begged for rest that didn’t come.