He was tempted to go back to Allyson’s office and see if she knew anything about this. But he needed to leave her out of it. I don’t want her getting hurt in the crossfire. Somehow she’d become yet another person for him to protect. And like my mother, it’s not going to be easy.
She wasn’t his to protect. Then again, she wasn’t his to kiss either, but that hadn’t stopped him. Women. How is it the sweeter they are, the easier they seem to gain control of everything? Good thing I’m not going head to head with them, because I’m not sure I’d come out the victor.
Chapter 10
Allyson couldn’t sleep. A walk on the beach seemed like the only thing that would help. The bright full moon reflected off the deep blue ocean, and for the first time all day, she felt at peace.
Her phone rang. Please no issues now.
When she looked at the caller ID, she was thrilled to see it was her mother. “Hi Mom, what are you doing up so late?”
She laughed, “It’s morning dear, well at least over here. I wanted to call you earlier, but your father said you’d need time to settle in.”
Thanks, Dad. He always played interference. Would there ever be a time she didn’t need it? Maybe when I’m old and gray, but even then, maybe not.
“He was right. Things have been . . . busy.”
“You know you can come home anytime you want.”
She laughed. “Mom, I have a contract. I can’t just up and leave.”
“I know. You have to think about your future, and you cannot do anything that would reflect poorly on your record. But you know there are other things you could do besides working in human resources.”
Like get married and have kids. Yeah, Mom, I know. “Mom, you should see this beach. You and Dad are going to love it.”
“I thought you didn’t like the ocean. When you were young, you screamed any time we tried to get you to go in.”
“That was a long time ago.” And Caydan hadn’t been there coaxing her.
“Next you’ll tell me you’re surfing.”
“That’s a stretch. But who knows, maybe if you and Dad come for a visit, you’ll find out.” Allyson gave her that little reminder. Did she believe they would actually come? She hoped so. Her parents were so set in their ways. Getting out and seeing another part of the world would do them good.
Ha. What am I talking about? I never went anywhere either.
“You might be surprised, but we have discussed it.”
“And?”
“That’s all. But there is a possibility we will come for a visit.”
She knew one hesitation was the cost. The flight wasn’t an issue, but it was pricy to stay there. Who would imagine Tabiq would cater to the wealthy when it is so poor?
“Mom, if you saw my suite, you’d be in awe. When you guys come, you’ll be staying with me.”
“This is coming from the woman who tells me all the time she needs her space?”
Allyson chuckled. “It’s a week, Mom, not forever. I think I can handle it.”
“Wait, does Dad still snore?” Allyson asked.
Her mother teased, “Like the roar of a jet engine. I’ll pack extra ear plugs for you.”
“Good idea.”
“Well, I better let you finish whatever you’re doing so you can get to bed.”
“Yeah. It’s been a long day. Hey, Mom.”
“Yes?”
“Thanks for calling. I miss you guys.” She really meant that too. Although she enjoyed living on her own, it was nice knowing people who loved her were close by.
“I’ll call you next week. I love you, Allyson.”
“I love you too, Mom. Tell Dad I said hi.”
“Will do. Goodnight.”
Ending the call was more difficult than usual. She hadn’t realized how much she missed home. Dwelling on that was a waste of energy. Just like the someone I can’t get off my mind.
Allyson thought for sure she’d have bumped into Caydan at some point. Not that she’d made herself available, but their offices were only a few doors apart. Even his email response regarding the applicants was as flat as hers had been.
She didn’t want to care, to worry, but she did. If she took New Hope out of the picture, she . . . liked him. The times they’d stopped and actually talked she’d seen through his hard shell. Yes, he was tough as nails, someone you shouldn’t mess with. But there was more to him than that. He was intelligent, driven, and at times, funny. Even though he didn’t seem to notice, Caydan had a way of making her laugh when she was trying to be serious. In the beginning she thought he didn’t respect her position. That wasn’t a concern any longer. Now I wonder how far across the line I will go.
As Allyson continued walking, she tripped and almost fell. When she looked to see what her foot caught on, she saw a beach towel lying in the sand. Picking it up, she noticed the resort logo on it. The staff should’ve seen this on their rounds. Normally she’d send a reminder memo to them, but they couldn’t afford anyone else quitting. She didn’t think the Tabiqian people were that sensitive, but something was making them quit. And whatever it is, it needs to stop now.
Looking closer at the towel, other than a bit of sand it looked clean. Since she’d forgotten to bring a blanket to sit on, she might as well make use of it. Holding the ends, she gave it a quick snap in the air then laid it out on the sand. The resort beach towel was so large there was more than enough room for her to lie down on it. Settling herself, she laid on her back in awe of all the stars. Each twinkle was followed by another. She couldn’t remember ever seeing so many. Or maybe I never stopped long enough to notice.
She’d been so driven these past few years that part of them were a blur. Even her friends were complaining she’d become no fun. But their lives had taken different paths. Most of her friends had married and now had children. The late night Friday parties were now Saturday afternoon children’s birthday parties. And when the girls went out together, it usually was for a spa day. The days of running away for the weekend didn’t exist for them anymore.
She had sent them photos of the resort and in return received pictures of soccer games, dance recitals, and of course, missing teeth. There was so much she was going to miss out on in the coming year. Even those noisy parties with a bunch of children running and screaming all over the place. But her friends would still be there when she returned to the States. With technology, the world was a much smaller place. They could still be there for each other.
Sacrifice was the only way to achieve her goal. That and long hours. But she was tired. Pushing so hard all the time, she missed the quiet times. Times like this. This is . . . perfect.
The stars were hypnotic. They tugged at her soul, drawing her to them. Was it her imagination, or was the moon smiling down at her? The sound of waves crashing on the beach was like her own private symphony setting the mood. But for what? This romantic setting was a waste. She was alone.
It was late, but the guests weren’t asleep. However, tonight none had chosen to walk the beach. Instead they’d gathered around the pool or had opted to snuggle up in the private cabanas. They were missing out. But for the first time in what seemed like forever, she wasn’t.
Allyson had no idea what made her sit up, but the waves sounded closer than before. The tide was coming in, and if she didn’t move, it wouldn’t be long before it reached her. There was no urgency to move, so she sat a few minutes longer just staring out at the ocean. She might not be a fan of swimming in it, but she’d never tire of the view.
She saw something amongst the waves. Was it a fin? Was there a shark that close to shore? Allyson pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. That was a ridiculous thing to do because a shark wasn’t about to walk out of the water and attack her. And no way am I going in. Allyson couldn’t believe she’d been in that water yesterday with Caydan.
I told him they were out there. I could’ve been killed. It was an unrealistic fear. But what she’d never told anyone was why.
Her parents had let her sleep over at a friend’s house when she was seven. Instead of sleeping, they had snuck downstairs and put a movie on, daring each other to keep their eyes open during the entire killer shark horror movie. When a head dropped out of the boat, she’d run back up to the bedroom, hidden under the blankets, and had never gone into the ocean again. It had driven her parents crazy because the ocean wasn’t that far from home. Her mother would pack them picnic lunches and they’d spend the day at the beach. Her father would try to coax her into the water, but Allyson wouldn’t budge. Eventually they stopped going and their family day trips turned into hiking, horseback riding, skiing, and biking. It hadn’t mattered. Weekends at the King house was family fun time. The sharks hadn’t won. But it was a fear she never thought she’d overcome. Not till Caydan.
She tried to focus on the object in the water. It repeatedly disappeared only to come up in a different spot, each closer than the one before. Eventually the danger became clear: if she didn’t leave, she’d fall prey to it.
But she was frozen, unable to look away. She wouldn’t mind that sea creature biting her.
His swim trunks hung low and moonlight made the water drops glisten on his body. He had obviously seen her there, because he was heading in her direction. He didn’t stop until he was standing directly in front of her. From her position on the towel she forced herself to look up, although looking straight ahead was very appealing but a tad awkward.
“I see you found my towel. Do you think there’s room for two?”
There was, but him being any closer wasn’t a good idea. It sounded heavenly, but dangerous. “I was just about to head back inside.” She stood, but that only made it worse. Now her body was practically against his. She remembered the first time he’d touched her. It was innocent as he helped her off the boulder. Her hands had rested on his muscular chest. Allyson clenched her fist, fighting the urge to reach out and touch him again. “I . . . should go.”
Caydan said, “You should stay.”
He reached out and pulled her close, his eyes never leaving hers. She didn’t expect Caydan to pull her into his arms and claim her lips. They were alone, and she was free to melt into his arms and enjoy the taste of his lips on hers. Although she knew she should resist, she couldn’t help herself. One minute she wanted to remind him it was wrong, the next she had her arms around his neck pulling him down to her, wanting more.
Her lips parted, and his tongue entered, not taking but playfully teasing. She moaned, arching her back, pressing closer to him. As she clung to him, she felt his muscles tense from desire, intensifying the fire burning within her. She was drunk on the moon and his kisses. She never wanted it to end.
Caydan sucked in his breath then pulled away. “Let’s go inside.”
Breathlessly, she stammered, “Inside?”
“I had ordered some food to be delivered to my room. There’s enough for two.”
Allyson could strangle him. Food was the furthest thing from her mind. Her heart was racing, her cheeks flushed, and she knew her nipples were hard and probably showed in her T-shirt.
“I can’t go in there like this.”
“Why not?”
“Well, it’s going to look like we—”
“Were making out on the beach?”
She blushed even more. It was ridiculous. She wasn’t a teenager, and this was far from her first kiss, or her first crush. It was bad enough she couldn’t conceal her want from him, she didn’t need others made aware of it.
“Caydan, this isn’t funny. We’re not here on vacation. We represent New Hope. This isn’t very professional.”
He smiled down at her, “Nope, but it’s fucking amazing. And I’d really like it if you would come back to my room.”
How was she supposed to say no when he was looking at her like that? She opened her mouth to decline, but instead she could only nod. Caydan bent down and grabbed the towel, shook it off, and rolled it up.
He must’ve heard some of what she’d said, because as they walked back he kept his distance. Although, she wasn’t sure there was such a thing as far enough. It’s just dinner. It’s not like we’re sleeping together. Her heart skipped a beat thinking of what that would be like. If a kiss was that passionate, she could imagine lying naked in his arms, his kisses trailing from head to toe.
Oh, this is a bad idea.
* * *
Caydan had so much on his mind, the last thing he needed was to come out of the water and find Allyson watching him. He easily could’ve said hello and headed to his room, alone. But nope. Those green eyes, filled with hunger, made his blood boil. And damn, she could kiss.
Yet she was right, they didn’t need eyes on them. He didn’t give a shit what anyone thought about him, but she actually wanted her job. He wasn’t going to be the one to mess it up for her.
When they entered his suite, he turned to her and said, “Dinner should be here shortly. I’m going to put some dry clothes on. I’ll be right back.”
He didn’t wait for her response. The longer he stood with her eyes roaming over him, the less likely he was going to be able to keep his hands to himself. He didn’t bother showering off the salt water. If he made her wait too long, she’d probably leave before he returned. That would be the wise thing to do, but I really want her company tonight. I told her the kiss from last night would never happen again, but to never touch her, never kiss her . . . I ache in a way that’s completely foreign. I shouldn’t want this. But damn it, I do.
Caydan knew his mother was arriving in the morning. Shit was going to hit the fan. Allyson would never look at him the same once she realized why he’d taken this job.
Caydan had left the door to his bedroom cracked open so he could talk to her while he dressed. If I’m honest, I’m leaving the door open wishing we could finish what we started on the beach. God, I want her. He should’ve taken a cold shower. But he wasn’t sure that would suffice.
“Did you schedule the interviews for tomorrow?” Caydan tried to keep her talking.
“Yes. I have five of them first thing in the morning.”
“We only need three,” Caydan corrected.
“Yes, but I’m guessing you’ll find flaws with them. So the more choices you have, the better.”
“I trust your judgment on this. Why don’t you take the lead? Whoever you choose will be fine with me,” Caydan said as he joined her in the sitting room.
She appeared shocked by his suggestion. “Why would you want me to handle this? They’re your employees.”
He went over and joined her on the couch. Meeting her gaze he said, “I want to be honest with you, Allyson, but there are things I can’t tell you.”
“Why don’t you tell me what you can,” she replied.
That was fair, but also limited. He reached out and took her hand in his. “I want you to know I kissed you because I wanted to.”
“I didn’t think there was any other reason,” Allyson said, sounding confused.
“You don’t now, but when some things . . . happen, you might question that.”
“Okay, I get it. We kissed. But what does that have to do with anything?”
Nothing. Everything. Fuck. “My mother is coming here.”
“And she wouldn’t approve of you kissing me?”
He was making it a lot harder than it needed to be. “No. It doesn’t have anything to do with that.”
“Caydan, you’re not making any sense at all. If you don’t want me here, just say so. Don’t dance around, trying to come up with excuses.”
He met her square in the eyes and did what he’d wanted to do more than talk. Needed to do. He took her chin in his hand, brought her lips to his, and kissed her. He ran his fingers through her soft hair, wishing he had hours, days, years to explore more. He knew there might not be many more moments like that and pulled back. “Does that answer your question?” She nodded then shook her head.
“Yes. No. I don’t know. You use your lips to stop my lips from
talking.”
Caydan laughed at that. She was right to some extent. “I use my lips to stop you from talking because I want to kiss you so damn bad. And clearly, I have terrible manners.” He chuckled and she did too. Thank God. I want her to like me . . . before that is lost.
“I brought up my mother because her coming here was . . . unexpected.”
“When you talked about her the other day, it seemed you two were close.”
He laughed. “We are. But would you want your mother surprising you at work?”
Allyson rolled her eyes. “Oh, God, no. I can see why you’re troubled about it.”
Troubled is an understatement. “What you don’t know and what I hope you won’t tell anyone, is my mother was born here.”
“In Tabiq?” Allyson asked, her eyes wide.
“Yes.”
“That means that you’re—”
“Tabiqian.” She nodded. “And I don’t want anyone to know.”
“I don’t understand why. You’re qualified for the job. Did you think they wouldn’t hire you if they knew?”
They wouldn’t have hired me if they’d known why I want it a secret. “We all have secrets, Allyson. I’m asking you to keep mine.”
“Of course.”
“And I’m hoping you might be willing do the same for my mother.”
“Caydan, we have guests from all over the world. I would expect her to be treated no differently than any of the others. But for some reason I think it is more than that. When was the last time she was here?”
Once again, Allyson picked up on things he wished she hadn’t. “Forty-five years ago.”
“Wow. So her returning now is significant.”
“And problematic.”
“Is there something I can do to make it less so?” Allyson asked.
Find out who told her I was here. “I’d like to keep her away from Shaun and Bennett. It might cause questions and comments that shouldn’t take place at the resort.”
“I’m sure there is plenty here to keep her occupied, but I can help if you’d like.”
Eight Reasons Why Page 14