by Calista Fox
I sipped my champagne, trying to calm my suddenly frayed nerves. “I have a lot riding on tonight, Kyle. Try not to wreak havoc on it.”
I turned to go, but he simply said, “Ari.”
I melted a little.
Facing him once more, I gave him a look I knew screamed ultimatum. “You either deal with it, or you don’t.” I didn’t have to say the latter meant we couldn’t be friends. He already knew that.
I’d never once led him on, had never done anything to encourage him or make him think we’d move beyond this stage. Ever. But Kyle didn’t give up.
He was incredibly special to me, one of the many reasons I was careful not to give him any wrong impressions. We’d gotten to know each other in a short amount of time and I had put a hell of a lot of faith in him. He was the only one I confided in about my relationship with Dane. And its perils. As a friend.
Kyle knew that, but sometimes—especially when he thought Dane was being too possessive—he came a bit close to crossing the line.
“Look,” he said. “I know you made a specific appeal to your boyfriend so that I could attend the executive dinner instead of the lunch with my level of staff. So we could hang together tonight. I appreciate that. I’m not trying to be an asshole here. I’m just … you know…” His jaw clenched briefly. “I hate what happened to you, Ari. I mean, I’m glad you didn’t shut me out, that you told me about it. Really glad. I’m always going to be here for you. You know that. It just gets a little irritating that you don’t see the big picture.”
In a low voice, though no one but Dane paid much attention to us, I said, “What I have with Dane is the big picture, Kyle. For me. I told you that I love him. That’s not going to change.”
“It’s okay to say that now.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Because I’ll still be around when you eventually get over the King of Everything and join us real people in the real world.”
I glared at him. “If you don’t like working at the Lux—”
“You know I do. I have amazing projects and we get to see each other every day. I’m grateful for the job. That doesn’t mean I have to like him.”
“He’s part of me,” I reminded Kyle, my mouth set in a hard line. I wouldn’t yield on this subject.
With a shake of his head, because he clearly didn’t like that summation, he said, “Lighten up and drink your champagne.”
I took another sip. He flagged down a waiter and grabbed his own glass.
A few more tense moments passed. Then he added, “I’m not trying to upset you. I’m trying to protect you.”
“Get in line.”
He grimaced. “Yeah, I can see you still have a bodyguard.” Amano patrolled the outskirts of the reception. “But … nothing’s happened recently, right?”
As much as Kyle wanted to prove me incorrect about Dane—which would entail something going drastically wrong—of course he didn’t want to see me hurt. Even my heartbreak had torn him up, because temporarily losing Dane had devastated me.
“All’s well on all fronts,” I assured him. “And we’re about to be asked to sit for dinner.”
The arrangements now included one rectangular setting with long and low bouquets so conversations across the table weren’t hindered, more candles, and continued music. I’d had place cards made up and put Dane in the middle, rather than at the head of the table. That way, he could converse easily with a larger audience, instead of just those fortunate enough to be at his elbows.
It likely wasn’t the smartest thing to situate Kyle next to me, but since we sat across from though a few seats down from Dane, I suspected he’d feel a modicum of relief that I was close by, where he could keep an eye on us.
His jealousy had shocked me from the onset—he hardly seemed the type, given his social and economic status. The fact that he was in a league so very far beyond me. But from the moment I’d inadvertently disrupted his business meeting at a resort in town and Kyle had swooped in to flirt, Dane had wanted to keep me out of his clutches. And any other man’s.
I sensed Dane’s gaze now and spared another glance toward him. Those mesmerizing green eyes glowed seductively in the candlelight. The look that flashed in them indicated he wasn’t thinking of how Kyle monopolized me in conversation and stuck close. He was imagining what he’d do to me when we were alone at home.
Biting back a lusty sigh, I tried to focus on what Kyle was saying about pre-launch invitations, the ones he’d been designing. But a dull ache inside had my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Dane.
I squirmed a little in my seat as flames skated over my skin. I couldn’t resist a smile and gave it to Dane. One corner of his mouth lifted in the sexy, secretive grin I loved. My pulse raced.
Returning my attention to Kyle, who hadn’t noticed my lapse while he dug into wasabi mashed potatoes and ham, I said, “We’re adding a special media night as well. Did someone mention that while I was out? It’ll be a pretty big press event.”
He paused just long enough to say, “No. Date?”
“I haven’t confirmed with Dane, but I’ll let you know and get you the details. We’re looking for an international turnout, so consider that as you’re running ideas through your head on design.”
“Got it.” He went back to the food. “Damn, this is good.”
I was looped into a conversation with the VP and director of PR and let Kyle wolf down the rest of his meal. He was of the strapping variety. A former college football player and frat boy. Regular workouts and mountain-biking Sedona’s famed trails kept him in phenomenal shape, post-quarterback days.
We’d met when he was the best man for the same wedding where I’d first encountered Dane. My heart skipped a couple of beats at that crazy night months ago and I shot another look Dane’s way. He was engaged in a discussion with the heads of HR and Legal, two women who were extremely efficient, with clipped tones and quick brains. Very let’s get down to brass tacks types. I’d found them a bit terse and dry in the beginning, but once they’d come to realize Dane trusted and valued my opinion they’d eased up a bit. Would even snicker at one of my sardonic comments from time to time.
True to form all day long, Dane stood during dessert and delivered a well-thought-out and engaging speech.
“The majority of you at this table tonight were the first to come onboard when we started hiring at the Lux,” he said. “You’ve worked through construction noise and dust, and you never lost focus on the task at hand. I recruited and hired you for specific reasons. Because you’re the best in the hotel industry in your respective fields. Because you’ve been committed in your past endeavors—and you remain so with this present one. You understand my vision and have adopted it as your own. More than that, you embrace the importance of what 10,000 Lux stands for … not just luxury, opulence, brilliance—”
He spared another glance my way, because I was one of few who’d caught on quickly as to the true definition of 10,000 Lux. It was an audiovisual term that meant “brilliant light.”
Continuing, he said, “But a phenomenal level of customer service that speaks to the world.” He lifted his Baccarat crystal flute and added, “Because of all that you’ve done to prepare for our grand opening, our reputation has preceded us.”
Excitement rippled through the crowd.
Dane said, “As a result, VIPs global-wide have clamored for a membership at the Lux. And, according to Max Denton”—he gestured to the VP of Memberships with his glass of bubbly—“we are less than a quarter of the way from capping all tiers of membership.”
I gasped despite Dane confiding in me earlier about the Lux’s grand success.
He grinned triumphantly. “We’re the resort to own, the one everyone wants to be seen at, be a part of, be included in. I predict that, promptly after the launch, we’ll close memberships.”
A round of applause resonated soundly in the enormous courtyard. Patricia from HR got to her feet. Margo from Legal followed. A second later, everyone at the table stood, gi
ving an ovation to Dane as much as to their own hard work.
Tears of joy burned the backs of my eyes. This was really happening. We’d overcome all the obstacles, setbacks, and terror. And there wasn’t a single person—not even Kyle, for God’s sake—who didn’t take pride in the accomplishment and show respect and appreciation for Dane.
And to meet his goal so quickly … That meant billions just from memberships alone, which only provided the privilege of setting foot on Lux property. Members still had to pay for meals, cocktails, suites/casitas, and greens fees.
My mind reeled. As if Dane’s wealth hadn’t intimidated me before.…
He lifted his glass and concluded his toast. “This is something we’ve all achieved. And I want you to know that it couldn’t have come about without you. It couldn’t have happened, period. So I hope that you’ll accept my sincere gratitude for the hours and the effort you’ve put in and, as I’ve mentioned to your staff in our earlier festivities, you will find a bonus in your next paycheck that I hope you’ll consider … generous.”
My eyes popped. Holy shit. When it came to Dane, I knew what the word generous meant. Like pack up your family and treat them to two weeks in Bora Bora—first class all the way.
Kyle leaned toward me and deadpanned, “Think I’m included in the bonuses?”
Tearing my gaze from Dane, I said, “Don’t be an ass.”
He chuckled under his breath. “Maybe he’s hoping I’ll buy a boat and sail far, far away.”
“Likely.”
“Tempting, but … you’d miss me. And I couldn’t have you pining. It’s not becoming.”
I laughed. “I’m not sure where that ego comes from, though … I do find you amusing.”
“That’s something, now isn’t it?” His eyes sparkled. He was too charming for his own good.
“You do realize there are upward of a hundred women working here who would rip each other’s hair out in order to get to you?”
“Hmm, really? That many?”
“Well, I haven’t taken an official poll and weeded out the marrieds and otherwise committed, but let’s face it. I get the evil eye when you’re chummy with me.”
“Ha. Now you know how it feels.”
My gaze shifted to Dane. He glowered. Though only slightly.
He was clearly on a Lux high. The excitement dimmed and we all sat.
Mark said, “So with memberships almost covered, I guess I’m out of a job.”
Some laughed at his joke. Those sitting close to him offered condolences by way of pats on the back or hand.
Dane said to Mark, “First of all, managing all of the memberships is a huge, ongoing job. Trust me, you’ll be plenty busy. Second…” He shook his head and let out a surprising chuckle. “Who says this is the only property I’ll offer?”
Surprise ran rampant. Patricia said, “You’re not suggesting other resorts of this caliber…?”
Dane shrugged noncommittally. Exhilaration permeated the courtyard, overpowering the surprise. Oh, the career opportunities that abounded with this revelation!
I eyed Dane and he held my stare. If he were any other man, I’d say delusions of grandeur got the best of him. But he wasn’t any other man. Not an ordinary one. He thought so freakin’ far outside the box, so far over the rainbow, I didn’t doubt for a single second that if he wanted another property to rival the Lux’s magnificence he could pull it off—easily. Plus, I suspected he’d eventually need another challenge.
The remainder of dessert was spent with enthusiasm over the grand opening and what the success of 10,000 Lux might spawn—and how it could impact the execs who knew their worth, their value, in this environment.
By the time we wrapped up dinner and the valet brought around Dane’s McLaren, I was almost dead on my feet from all the event planning and the fervor that had engulfed the dinner crowd.
When we arrived home, Dane quietly said, “Sit tight.”
He exited his side of the car and came around to open my door. He unlatched my seat belt and scooped me into his arms.
“My bag,” I murmured.
“I’ll come back for it.” He carried me to the double doors and I used the hidden keypad to gain access. The alarm chimed as we stepped inside and I disengaged it with the code while still in his arms.
He took me to the bedroom and set me on the edge of the mattress.
“Maybe you overdid it,” he said as he deftly removed my clothes and then slipped a dark-silver satin nightgown over my head. He’d bought it for me in Paris, because the color and the Tahitian pearl accents on the bodice had reminded him of the outfit I’d been wearing the night we’d met.
It was a full-length, luxurious garment I loved to feel against my skin. But … “Are you suggesting we’re sleeping?”
“Baby, you can’t possibly have anything else in mind. You’ll be asleep in two minutes.” He discarded my shoes and rubbed my sore feet.
“But I had to spend all day pretending we weren’t going to end up in bed together tonight so I didn’t give myself away to your employees.” I speared him with a look, weary though I was. Perhaps a tiny bit tipsy from the Cristal and a work high, too. “Do you realize how hard it is to be so close to you in public and act as though we’re not getting naked in private?”
My fingers grazed his chiseled cheek, his set jaw. Along his neck and to that pulsating point in the hollow of his throat where I could lick and suckle for all of eternity and be one deliriously happy woman.
The errant thought made me giggle. I said, “I could literally eat you up.”
He groaned. “You know there’s nothing more that I want to do at the moment than make love to you. But, Ari”—he stared into my eyes—“I know exactly how much time and effort you put into today, and there’s no way in hell I’m sapping more energy from you because of my needs.”
“Really, put like that, you think I can resist you?”
With trepidation in his voice, he said, “Sleep now. Tell me how you feel in the morning.”
I groaned in protest and pulled away, falling back against the delectable mattress and its thick covers.
“My body is so ready.…” As always.
Dane chuckled. “And your brain is thoroughly fried.”
“Like … so much. I’ve literally forgotten everything outside of work. I haven’t even returned the last few calls from my dad. Thank God he knows how busy I’ve been so he’s not freaking out. I’ve missed a dental cleaning and a hair appointment. If Rosa didn’t pick up our dry cleaning for us, we’d be out of clothes by now.”
“It’ll all get back on-track soon. This has been a really big push the past month. And tonight, you just need to forget about everything and relax.”
He disappeared briefly to get our laptop bags and lock up while I rallied the strength to walk to the bathroom and take off my makeup, let down my hair.
Dane returned and he lit a fire in the hearth, then snuggled with me in bed. He reached back to the nightstand on his side and turned off the light. Silvery moonlight streamed through the tall trees filling the property and filtered through the unadorned floor-to-ceiling windows.
Spooning me—my favorite sleeping position—he held me tight to his hard body. I felt his heat … and his desire for me.
“Dane.”
“Shh.”
His embrace was firm and protective. Sweet and seductive. I grew restless by the second, despite how exhausting my day had been. And the weeks leading up to it.
“We didn’t really get to talk to each other tonight at the dinner,” I said in a sleepy voice.
“You’re the one who insisted on the seating placements,” he reminded me with a chastising tone. “I wanted you next to me. You—”
“Thought it was too obvious,” I said for him.
“And, now, I’m pretty sure everyone’s wondering if you’re with Kyle.”
I smiled, though he couldn’t see it. “That’s ridiculous. We argue like siblings. And I can’t possibly be the o
nly one who sees how you look at me. Even when you think it’s just a fleeting glance, it’s still wholly possessive.”
He was quiet for several moments. His warm breath blew against my neck. I cherished the intimate shelter Dane created with his hunky body curling around mine, tucking me against him.
“You think they all know how I feel about you?” he asked in a contemplative tone.
“No. Definitely not. I think they wonder why you bother by way of giving me rides and whatnot. My guess is, they surmise you’re remorseful that I was targeted when it came to the on-site troubles. Maybe they just believe you want to make it all up to me.”
Silence enveloped us again.
Honestly, I had no idea what people at the Lux thought of our association. To me, it seemed pretty contained. No easy feat when we naturally gravitated to each other.
I asked, “Does it matter?”
“I feel you’re better protected if we’re not romantically connected.”
“Then you’ll have to stop glaring at every man who looks my way.”
“Impossible,” he mumbled.
“Well, then I don’t know what to say, except—”
“Marry me, Ari.”
chapter 3
My stomach flipped. My heart launched into my throat.
I wiggled out of Dane’s firm embrace and flopped onto my side to face him.
“What did you just say?” I demanded, breathless and wide-eyed.
He smirked. “You heard me.” Brushing curls off my shoulder and cheek, he added, “Be my wife.”
I gaped. It took a few seconds to recover. “Didn’t you just tell me we shouldn’t be romantically involved?”
“That’s not at all what I said. Yes, I feel you’re safer if fewer people know of our romantic connection, but that by no means implies I don’t want us to be together.”
My eyes squeezed shut for a moment. He never did make things easy. Gazing at him again, I said, “So … somehow marriage is okay in your mind?”
“You don’t seem to get it. I’m one-hundred percent committed to this. To you. I’m deeply, madly, passionately—insanely—in love with you.” He grinned. The lazy one that made my insides ignite. “No escaping it. So I want you to officially be mine.”