My Boss’s Whim

by Liliana Rhodes

  My first thought was to turn around and run in the other direction. I calculated I had enough time to turn and walk to the other side of the garden and Lydia Winkler, personal shopper, wouldn't see me. But why should I hide from her? I felt great! I looked fabulous, didn't I? I straightened my shoulders and paced myself so she'd run into me as she came out of the next shop.

  I was several feet in front of her as she stepped out of the next store. She took one look at me and stood still, her face turning white. I smiled and walked past her. I had no idea why she was suddenly looking to work at a shop, but after how she treated me earlier, I didn't care.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ashley

  I guess I was in a daze during the entire trip to Hawaii because I barely remember the first class seats or the limo from the airport. It must've been my nerves or all that champagne on the plane. One thing I learned about being in Xander's world--there was a lot of champagne.

  As soon as the limo pulled up at the Okika Resort, a short husky man dressed in a tan linen suit came running over as he ordered a bellhop and several workers around. He was bald but wiped the top of his head several times as if he was pushing his non-existent hair back. He pounced on Xander as soon as he stepped out of the car.

  "We're so pleased to have you back, sir. It's been much too long. I personally arranged for your usual villa as well as some spa time for Mrs.--"

  Xander, wearing a pair of dark jeans and a white button-down shirt, shot the man a look before turning back to the limo and helping me out. He didn't seem to notice the bald man wringing his hands together nervously.

  Waves crashed nearby as I looked in awe at the beauty of the Okika. Palm trees lined the road and walkways. A gentle breeze rippled through the floral print skirt I wore with a red short-sleeved knit top, all from Joshua. The sun was strong but felt good on my pale skin, which reminded me I needed to get outside more. Although the waves were close enough to hear, I knew I wouldn't get a glimpse of them until I entered the building.

  As I stood waiting for Xander, I inhaled deeply. Everything about the resort was exotic, right down to the air, which was an amazing blend of sea water and something sweet. I looked around, trying to place the scent, hoping to find the reason behind that sweetness, but nothing triggered an answer.

  "Pineapples," Xander whispered the word into my ear, sending goose bumps up my spine. This wasn't the first time I thought he could read my mind. "In case you were trying to figure out the air. It's the pineapples. They're harvested nearby."

  Our luggage made its way inside, and Xander followed it without another word to me. I quickly caught up to him at the front desk where the clerk, a shapely older woman with her hair up in a sleek bun, seemed to recognize Xander.

  "Mr. Boone! It’s been such a long time. Are you here alone or did you bring--"

  "Sandra, please. The room key...now."

  I smiled, hearing his familiar growl. I was curious who he normally brought with him on these trips but knew better than to ask him. For all I knew, he had an assistant who had been with him for years before me.

  The bellhop pushed a tall brass cart filled with our luggage into an elevator. Xander and I were behind him, but he waved the bellhop off when he went to hold the elevator for us.

  "I'd rather be alone with you."

  His voice made my heart skip, and I looked down at my new shoes so he wouldn't catch me blushing and grinning like a schoolgirl. As the elevator rose, he pressed a card into my hand.

  "Here's your room key. I have to speak at the conference late tomorrow morning, but otherwise I don't plan on attending."

  "What if you need me? Is my room far from yours?"

  "Tomorrow night is an important dinner you will be attending with me, otherwise, for the rest of your time here you are free to use the spa or whatever else you'd like. Just charge it to the room. If I need you, you won't be far. We're sharing a room."

  My eyes widened. I didn't know what to think. Did he think I would just sleep with him? I knew I wouldn't want to say no, but still. Confusion gripped me as I wondered if Xander suddenly didn't care that he was my boss.

  The elevator gently slowed and the doors opened to a long white hallway. Our shoes clicked on the tiled floor as we walked all the way to the end of the hall to an open door.

  I stood in the doorway in awe. The room was beige with dark wood moldings, very modern and simple yet elegant. It was a combined living area and kitchen with high end appliances and granite countertops. The room was larger than Jackie's entire apartment. I thought hotel rooms like this only existed in magazines. I never dreamed I'd stay in one.

  Just past the living area, the bellhop clicked a button, and the sheer floor-to-ceiling panels that covered the back wall began to open. He then clicked another button and the glass panels that made up that wall began to slide back and disappear.

  "I believe you prefer to keep the lanai open, correct, sir?"

  Xander nodded, barely looking at the view. And what a view it was! Plush outdoor furniture was arranged on the extended tile floor of the lanai. I walked to the iron railing and looked down at the palm trees on the beach below as the waves gently lapped the sand. In the distance, the sun slowly sank into the ocean.

  As the bellhop left, he let a woman with a small tray of drinks enter. On her tray were two tall curved glasses with a pinkish liquid topped with umbrellas and pineapples. She placed the tray on the long high counter that separated the kitchen from the living room and left.

  Xander grabbed the two drinks and joined me on the lanai. He set the drinks on a small table between two thickly cushioned lounge chairs and sat down.

  "Come sit, have a drink. They're Lava Flows. Basically a piña colada with strawberry, the resort's specialty." He paused, looked at me, and smiled. "Beautiful."

  I smiled back as I blushed. The sunset was beautiful, but I didn't think that was what he was talking about. I felt a little embarrassed by his attention since I still wasn't used to it, but I loved every second of it.

  Sitting down, I picked up one of the drinks and clinked it against his. We sat in silence with our sweet drinks as the sun set. When I set my drink down, my hand brushed against his and I felt that electricity his touch always gave me. He looked over at me for a long moment then his large hand closed around mine and our fingers locked together.

  It was a comfortable silence. Neither of us felt the need to talk, we just sat there and enjoyed the gorgeous view. After a long day of traveling, I fell asleep on the lanai, still holding his hand.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Xander

  I couldn't imagine a more perfect ending to a long day than watching the Hawaiian sunset with a gorgeous woman. Her hand felt soft and delicate in mine. I noticed her eyes slowly close and let her sleep.

  She looked like an angel asleep in the final glow of the sunset. I slowly slipped my hand from hers and considered getting a blanket, but I didn't know how long she would sleep. Instead, I picked her up and carried her to her room.

  I stifled a laugh as I thought of her face when I said we were sharing a room. Try as I might, it was impossible for me to not want her. I flirted and hinted but could tell she either didn't realize it or didn't accept it. I knew it was inappropriate because she was my employee, but I didn't really care. It meant I could see her more often, and I always got what I wanted.

  As I laid her down on the bed, I thought about the last time I carried a sleeping woman to bed. Darcy. She was never far from my thoughts. Conflicting feelings filled me as I slipped Ashley's shoes off. Maybe I should just keep things professional. Looking at her, I knew I'd never be able to.

  I pulled the blankets up around her and quietly left the room. She needed her rest for tomorrow. There was a lot I planned for her to do.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Ashley

  The next morning I woke up and looked around the room as I tried to remember where I was. The cream-colored walls and dark wood furniture were unfamiliar. Xand
er must have carried me to bed. I rubbed my hand on the soft mint green down comforter and checked to see that I was completely dressed except for my shoes.

  I couldn't help but laugh. I thought about how I misunderstood what he meant by sharing a room and how I was fully dressed in bed after a day of drinking a little too much. He didn't even try anything.

  I ran my fingers through my long brown hair, untangling it as I entered the living room. On the counter was a note from Xander.

  Ashley,

  Last minute changes were made to the slide deck I'm presenting this morning. They should be complete by the time you're up. Download it to this flash drive and bring it to the main conference room ASAP.

  Xander

  Opening the laptop he gave me, I saw the file had been emailed to me. I saved it to the flash drive and headed down to the conference room, completely aware I was still in yesterday's clothing. I knew better than to keep him waiting.

  Xander was speaking to an attractive man with dirty blond hair in the large conference room. He was wearing a navy blue pinstriped suit and hadn't noticed me enter yet. I was positive he could wear anything and it would fit him perfectly. The fabric of his suit jacket stretched across his broad shoulders, and I thought about when he was the grumpy jerk at the art gallery, just a stranger to me.

  "Why are you smiling?" he asked.

  I giggled as I walked up to him and handed him the flash drive. I was suddenly aware that my hair was disheveled and I didn't have any make up on. I smoothed down my hair and wrinkled clothes, embarrassed.

  "No reason, just thinking."

  "You'll be thinking a lot today. I have a lot of errands and meetings for you to take care of for me while I'm here." He handed me a card with the name Shelley Isuzu printed on it. "Bring this to the front desk now, they'll direct you to her."

  "I need to change first."

  "There's no time. You're representing me, you will not be late. Go!" he growled. I knew what that meant.

  I rushed out of the conference room, chewing my lip nervously. I didn't bring the laptop, I didn't have anything with me. I wasn't even sure what these meetings would be about. I vowed to try my hardest to not make a fool of myself.

  Sandra, the same woman from the day before, was at the front desk.

  "Hello Miss Monroe, I believe you're here for Shelley?"

  "Yes, I am. I hope I'm not late."

  "No, you're fine, dear." She smiled softly and patted my hand.

  She snapped her fingers, and an older woman with jet-black hair pulled back into a ponytail stepped forward. She was dressed in a simple white uniform with white shoes and looked almost medical She smiled and wrapped her arm around my shoulders in a motherly kind of way.

  "Come with me, my dear. We'll start with a facial, then I'll give you a full body massage. I'll finish with a pedicure, hair cut, and make-up application if that's all right. I know you have a special dinner tonight!"

  "Special dinner? No, you must be thinking of someone else. All of this can't be for me. I have a business dinner to attend tonight, that's all."

  "You're Ashley Monroe, right? Then these appointments are for you. Someone really wants you to be pampered. Enjoy it."

  Chapter Sixteen

  Xander

  I glanced at my watch as people filed out of the conference room. Right about now, she was probably finishing up with the massage. I smiled to myself, imagining how surprised she was.

  Walking back to the elevator, I stopped by the front desk as I thought of another way to surprise her. As I approached the front desk, Sandra turned and smiled.

  "She was so surprised!" She giggled like a woman much younger than her years.

  "I want to do something else. Can you arrange for flowers and candlelight after dinner?"

  "In your room? Of course! I'll take care of it myself. I just checked on your other arrangements, and everything is absolutely perfect. Shelley will bring her back to the room once she's done. Will you be escorting her to dinner yourself?"

  "Yes, I have a gift I'm going to give her before we head to dinner. I'm sure she's confused right now, and I'd like to keep that going." I grinned at her, excited for the evening.

  As I got back to the room, my phone began ringing. I sighed when I saw it was my mother calling. It was just like her to call when she knew I was away. She was a selfish woman who was never there for me and only appeared when she felt neglected, which was often.

  "Hello, Mother."

  "Xander, you must come home right now. I'm in the hospital."

  "What?! Are you okay? What happened?"

  "I had a stroke in the office, so I drove myself to the hospital. I need you to come home."

  None of what she said made sense to me. If she had a stroke, then how did she drive herself to the hospital? How was she talking to me on her cell phone in a hospital? Anger coursed through my veins.

  "Fine. I'll leave in the morning. What did the doctor say?"

  "Nothing really, they're already discharging me. I guess I'll have to drive myself home. Talk to you tomorrow, Alex."

  She hung up as I growled at the phone with clenched teeth. It was impossible for her to have a stroke and get sent home so quickly. I felt torn. I wanted to enjoy the rest of my time in Hawaii with Ashley, but I needed to check on my mother. Guilt consumed me when I thought of staying for the rest of the trip. We would have to head home in the morning.

  I entered Ashley's room and opened the closet door. I knew about the sapphire blue dress Joshua designed especially for her and wanted her to wear it. As I hung the hook of the dress's hanger over the door, all the anger and frustration caused by my mother's call vanished. Ashley was the only woman on my mind.

  Patting the gift I had for her in my pocket, I entered my room to change. Joshua designed a necktie in the exact shade of blue as Ashley's dress, and I planned to wear that with a light grey suit. I quietly closed my door as I heard the main room door open. Ashley was back from her spa day, and I was ready to give her the night of her life.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Ashley

  I couldn't believe what an amazing day I had. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would ever have a spa day like that. My skin felt beautiful, my hair felt beautiful, I felt beautiful.

  My hair was down in soft waves around my shoulders, and the make-up Shelley applied flawlessly was natural yet somehow she made my round cheeks look higher. She even talked me into wearing a peachy color on my lips when I rarely wore lipstick. I always thought lipstick made my full lips look even larger, but somehow she made it work for me.

  I entered our room and quickly looked around as I wondered where Xander was until I saw his closed bedroom door. I still had no idea what to expect. Shelley seemed to think I had a hot date, but Xander called it a business dinner so I didn't want to get my hopes up.

  Walking into my room, I saw the sapphire blue dress hanging from the door. I slipped out of the heavy white robe the spa gave me and into a purple strapless bra I knew would work perfectly with the dress along with a matching silk thong.

  The dress slipped on easily, perfectly, as if it was made just for me, but I was sure it couldn't have been. I looked at myself in the full-length mirror in the bathroom and spun around. I felt like a princess!

  Entering the living room, I saw Xander waiting for me, looking as handsome as ever. His eyes traveled up and down my body, and he smiled bigger than I'd ever seen him smile before.

  "You're stunning! How is it you keep getting more beautiful?"

  "Stop!" I giggled and twirled for him.

  "Joshua sure pulled out all the stops this time. That dress is amazing. You look amazing."

  "Mrs. Porter in the eighth grade amazing?"

  His laugh consumed his entire body and he shook his head. "I can't believe he told you about that. That man cannot keep his mouth shut. I'm afraid to find out what else he told you."

  I grinned and shrugged, not wanting to give anything away. Xander slid his arm a
round my waist and we left the room. In awe of being on the arm of such a gorgeous man, I let him lead me without question. He didn't tell me where we were going or what to expect, but we walked out of the hotel and towards the beach.

  It was dark since the sun had already set. Tiki torches lit the flagstone walkway. Lush greenery and palm trees surrounded the area, and just beyond them was the beach. Salt air mixed with the burning torches filled the air with the hypnotic sound of the waves crashing on the beach.

  The trees became sparse as the beach surrounded the path. Xander took my hand, and I felt the usual excitement of having him near me. Up ahead, I saw a large white cabana with hanging twinkle lights that looked like stars.

  When we reached the cabana, Xander led me to the only table which was set at the edge of the flagstones, just before the sand. The white crested waves crashed onto the beach not far from where we sat.

  "I thought you said this was a business dinner."

  "I lied." He grinned from ear to ear. "I hope you enjoy everything tonight."

  "Today has been the most amazing day. Thank you so much, I just don't understand why you're doing all of this."

  "I don't need a reason. Just enjoy it."

  Out of the blue, a man yelled and a drum sounded. I turned and on the beach, a group of five men stood in line. Each man wore a short floral sarong around his waist, a shell choker, and had what I guessed were dried palm leaves tied to hang down his calves.