by S. Cook
We both bent to pick the case at the same time and my hand closed momentarily over his. I stared down at the strong, tanned hand then up to meet startling blue eyes.
For a moment nothing else seemed to exist.
Electricity crackled where we touched and even more so when we locked gazes. I couldn’t remember anyone ever looking at me the way this man did, like he’d never seen anything more beautiful or captivating.
I felt drawn by the gleaming swirls of his eyes and his handsome, compelling features. His long blond hair and muscles spelled surfer dude or a model for a high-priced cologne ad.
The spark of awareness was sudden and fierce and made me catch my breath. He smiled slightly and straightened, breaking the spell as he lifted my case in his hand.
My fingers slipped away and I felt heat steal over my cheeks. In those few seconds, I wasn’t myself. I had to blink to recollect my bearings.
“It’s no problem at all,” the man said with a distinctive American accent. “Is this all you came with?”
I was about to reply when Theo emerged, carrying with him the rest of our luggage.
“Sorry I took so long,” he said. “A call came through just as I was on my way in.”
“That’s fine,” I said, quelling my guilty feelings.
Not that I’d done anything wrong. Well, maybe I had. After all, it had been a long time since I’d felt a surge of attraction for a man, especially one I’d only just met and didn’t even know.
“I was about to go up and check out the suite,” I added, to cover my discomfiture, which increased as I saw Theo glance at the blond-haired man still standing by me.
“You’ll see to the rest of the luggage, of course,” Theo said to him dismissively.
I felt like cringing.
“Of course,” the man said courteously, though I could have sworn his lips curved in an ironic smile. “In fact, we have a whole welcome team ready to ensure your bags are not only taken to your room, but also to take your drink orders if you so wish. Is there anything you’d like?”
“Nothing for now,” was Theo’s curt response as he turned to the beaming woman waiting at the desk.
She must have pressed a button because indeed, uniformed attendants miraculously appeared. I found myself ordering a cold daiquiri while our bags were carried off.
I resisted the urge to look over my shoulder at the handsome blond man who’d exited the scene. I wondered who he was and hoped he hadn’t been too offended by Theo’s offhand manner. Theo felt little need to show regard to those he considered below his social level.
Nonetheless, I felt embarrassed that he couldn’t treat a hotel employee with more respect. He did that a lot, especially when we went out to restaurants.
And yet this was just another thing I couldn’t hold against him. Not with the fact that he’d lived in the lap of luxury all his life. His family owned stakes in oil, property and stocks. Their name carried a lot of weight even beyond the business climate. That didn’t give anyone the right to act stuck up though, I thought with hidden anger.
By the time I saw our rooms, I put my annoyance behind me. Theo proved himself in many other ways; he was thoughtful, generous and charming, especially to me and I’d never had cause to complain. Our huge suite of rooms was gorgeously appointed and had a breath-taking view of blue sky and water.
The sense of nature and beauty was almost overwhelming and suddenly I knew my time here had a purpose. I vowed to keep negative thoughts at bay and revel in the opportunity to bring the romance into a love affair that had initially seemed more of convenience than anything else. Maybe it was time to change that.
Chapter 4: Lydia
The next few days were spent exploring the resort and squeezing as much activity into our hours as possible. Scattered all around were endless options available to ensure one was never bored.
Theo turned out to be the perfect companion, making sure I sampled new things; surfing, snorkeling and even trying out the ping pong tables which I ended up liking immensely.
The nature walks were the best part of all, giving me the chance to enjoy the scenery with the ever attentive Theo by my side.
So far he’d spared nothing, be it cost or his time and effort to ensure I enjoyed every moment. However, I wasn’t surprised when it came to going shopping and Theo pleaded fatigue. I laughed good-naturedly and allowed him spend time with the cable sports channel where he could catch up on his favorite teams.
There were a few stores I’d spotted in the hotel lobby that I wanted to check out. I could never resist looking out for that new, special find and thankfully I made enough of my own money not to worry about spending.
I was left feeling glad I’d followed my hunch to always browse eye-catching stores; I ended up with some unique buys that would make perfect gifts for family at home.
I soon drifted into the swimsuit section of a clothing store and my attention was caught by a particularly daring yet beautiful bikini set.
I loved the bold colors and the cut-out design, but it was far too revealing for my modest tastes. I was no prude but I always opted for clothing that didn’t draw too much attention to my curves when it came to exposing my body.
“Hello, Lydia.”
The surprise at hearing my name had me freezing, before I spun round to face the source of that deep, throaty voice. I recognized him instantly, and my eyes flew to the lanyard holding a name card I quickly read.
“Hi...Brian,” I said with a ready smile.
I found that instead of wondering why and how he happened to know and call me by name, I was quite happy to see him again. He was the gorgeous man at the reception the very first day we arrived.
His somewhat overlong hair was tamed in waves around his face and he was dressed in a polo shirt with the Resort’s crest on the top side. His familiarity did strike me as odd but it was swept aside by my surprise at his appearance.
I guessed he couldn’t be more than thirty, which meant he was around five years older than I was. I was drawn to him in a way I didn’t understand. This blue-eyed hunk was stirring urges in me I’d never expected.
“I’m not sure we’ve been formally introduced,” I said mildly, wishing to instill some decorum yet knowing I was already failing.
My tone of voice held no reprimand but was in fact, somewhat flirtatious. Where on earth had the come-hither impulse come from anyway? I never did that.
Brian chuckled. “Well then, I guess I have a confession to make. From the first day you arrived, I was curious to find out more about you.”
“Which means you must be aware I’m here with my boyfriend, right?” I murmured, arching a brow at him.
He merely smiled even as I added, “And are all employees at the resort so forward?”
He didn’t seem perturbed by my quelling words. “With your stunning looks, you shouldn’t be surprised the kind of attention you attract – employee or not.”
“Yet I’m quite sure flirting with guests isn’t exactly the policy around here. Besides I don’t take kindly to flattery,” I said, fighting to keep the smile from my lips.
Admiration and interest shone in the embers of Brian’s eyes and it was hard to not be warmed by it. I was used to male attention but there was something about Brian that made me feel girlish and impressionable again. It was foolish of me but I felt sure it would pass, like all notions of silliness do.
Brian shrugged and for a moment, our eyes held. “It’s good then that flattery was never my strong point,” he said and the husky edge in his voice suffused my cheeks with heat. What was I, seventeen? Why couldn’t I tell him off for his brazenness?
“Truth is, I’m merely interested in doing my job and that includes offering guests my honest opinion,” he said more lightly, “Which is why I need to tell you that bikini will look fabulous on you.”
I stared down in embarrassment at the colorful pieces of clothing I still held clutched in my hands. “Oh. Um, no thanks. It’s not really my style.”
“Trust me, you’ll make it look even more perfect than any other woman could pretend to. I saw you admiring it and just had to come over and let you know it was made just for you.”
I wondered if he could see the high points of color heating up my cheeks as I felt his eyes travel over my dress. It clung to my body and had a scooped neckline and spaghetti straps which ensured that though it was floor-length it was far from prim and proper.
What certainly wasn’t proper was the way Brian seemed to undress me with those mesmerizing blue eyes.
“No really, I’d rather not,” I said shyly but with firmness as I dumped the bikini back on its display. “But thanks anyway for the assistance – and the compliments. Are you sure one of your duties isn’t massaging the egos of the guests?”
My tone was a mix of being teasing and reprimanding, and was rewarded when he laughed deeply, the sound so sexy and rough it tripped an unfamiliar switch inside me that I didn’t understand, only that it made my belly feel like it dropped from a sheer height.
“Not all guests, Lydia. Only you,” he said, finally sobering as he held my gaze once again. “I hope you don’t really mind me calling you that. Lydia, I mean. It’s the most beautiful name and I couldn’t resist.”
“I don’t have a problem with that,” I said softly.
And surprisingly, I didn’t. I had no cause to look down my nose at anyone or take myself too seriously. Yes, Brian might be acting way out of line but what wrong could a little harmless flirting do?
Not only was I with someone and he knew it, I was sure he could also tell we were nothing alike. If he wished to be friendlier than expected, I simply had to find a way to keep things in check without seeming to put him down for being a hotel employee trying to get fresh with a guest.
One thing was for sure, there was something different about Brian. His self-confidence, his obvious refinement and his overall charming personality worked in his favor and he kept me wondering by the time he nodded and walked off. Despite myself, I was looking forward to seeing him again.
Only to berate myself the very next minute for my foolishness. I wasn’t the type of woman who enjoyed grabbing the interest of some random male, no matter how gorgeous. The next time I saw Brian, I vowed to do what I should have done from the start and put the fellow in his place.
Chapter 5: Lydia
Not too long afterwards, I returned to our suite with my purchases only to be filled with irritation when I found Theo discussing business heatedly over the phone.
I dumped the shopping bags in the bedroom just as he walked in from the living room area. He angrily clicked the phone shut and tossed it onto the bed.
“I’m gone barely an hour and it’s back to work with you, isn’t it?” I said. “I thought you promised not to bring the office with us on our vacation.”
Theo sighed with resignation.
“Look, sweetheart, I let my team know they could call if there was an emergency. Well, there’s just been a petroleum gas pipeline explosion involving my company. I need to fly back for damage control.”
“Oh no. Is it serious?” I asked, my anger forgotten.
“No injuries or casualties were reported,” he told me as he rested calming hands on my shoulders. “Apparently it was caused by some construction company accidently drilling into a gas line, one operated by my company. My people are monitoring it right now but I need to be there in case the Press starts making something out of it. Thankfully it’s in an area secluded from the nearest town. The fire’s reportedly lessening steadily which is another great relief. In any case I need to leave now.”
“But Theo, if it’s being handled is there any need for you to fly all the way back and intervene? I don’t mean to sound callous but you are paying people to control such situations,” I said, my temple creasing in worry.
“You’re right; but with the scale of damage involved I believe I need to be more hands-on especially if the public hears about it.”
He cupped my face and gazed into my troubled eyes. “Don’t worry honey. I’m not asking you to cut short your time here. We’ve been having so much fun and I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone. Stay. Enjoy yourself.”
“While you abandon me yet again,” I said only half-joking.
It was always about business with Theo and I should be used to it by now.
But then I shook my head, feeling bad for being so selfish. People’s lives could be at stake here and I should be happy Theo cared enough to want to make the trip back and work things out with the explosion.
“I’m sorry. Of course you should go. It’s just...I’ve had such a great time in the last few days. It wouldn’t be the same when you leave.”
“I’ve had a wonderful time too,” Theo said, pressing a warm kiss to my lips. “And once we’re married we’ll have a lifetime of great moments together. And who knows? I’ll be able to make it right back once everything’s under control and we can finish our trip.” His white grin flashed disarmingly in his handsome face.
“I’d like that,” I said on a sigh. “Why don’t I help you get ready for the trip?”
Chapter 6: Brian
I was surprised to see Lydia dining alone that evening. I caught a glimpse of her having a brief, solitary meal before departing the hotel dining room. I figured she’d returned to her room and found myself heading for the reception where Jemma was on duty.
“Hey Jem, what’s up?” I called out to my favorite co-worker who was as usual dressed in the bold, lively colors she favored. Everything about her was loud and eye-catching, even her hair. It suited her personality.
“Brian, how are you?” was her absent-minded reply as she pecked at the computer screen.
“Hanging in there,” I said with a shrug. “I’m still trying to get the whole ‘hang’ of handling hotel affairs.”
“You’re doing fantastic,” Jemma assured me. “You’ve always been great with people and it’s obvious you try to put a personal touch into everything. I’m really impressed. I’ve been getting a lot of positive comments about you from the guests.”
“That’s nice to know,” I said, smiling. “And speaking of guests, do you know what’s up with Ms. Thorpe? I just saw her dining on her own.”
“Ahh,” said Jemma, looking up at me over her bright green frames. “Well, her friend left quite unexpectedly yesterday. I attended to him myself and he was carrying just a suitcase. Looks like something must have come up.” She shrugged, and then her eyes sharpened on me.
“What’s it got to do with you anyway?” she asked suspiciously. “Hmmm...I saw the way you were looking at her the first day they arrived. Watch out, boy. You know she’s taken.”
“Obviously,” I murmured, grinning at hearing Jem call me ‘boy’ considering I was almost thirty. “And believe me my intentions are honorable.”
Jemma huffed. “Indeed. Things always set out that way but when it all falls down people end up getting hurt.”
“You’re talking like she’d even let me close enough to try,” I said, leaning forward with a teasing smile.
Jemma viewed me shrewdly. “I know you, Brian. Girls have been unable to resist you since you turned five.”
“Thanks, Jem,” I said on a laugh. “But excuse me if I feel a little overrated. And yet...she did seem to like me.”
Jemma shook her head in resignation, only for her eyes to grow widely surprised as the very topic of our conversation suddenly appeared from the elevator and headed right for the desks.
Lydia’s face seemed to brighten when she saw me. She began to give me a greeting when Jemma hastily cut in, interrupting whatever she was about to say.
“Good evening, Ms. Thorpe,” Jemma said. “I hope you’re enjoying your stay.”
“Oh yes, I’m having a lovely time,” Lydia said, her smile filled with warmth as she faced Jemma.
She was beautiful and shapely, but there was also something very girl-next-door about her even with the money and status she represented as f
iancée to Theo Clayton.
“How can we be of help, dear?” Jemma said with matching warmth as she smiled at Lydia.
“Oh, um...well my fiancé had to leave on some urgent business,” Lydia began, “And although the Presidential suite is exquisite I was wondering if I could perhaps be moved to something smaller? Just for the time being at least.”
“Of course, Ms. Thorpe. That can be arranged presently,” was Jem’s courteous reply.
“Why don’t you let me pick out the perfect room, Jem?” I said, slightly inclining my head to Lydia, with just a slight twinkle in my eye. “I think I know just what you’d like.”
“Oh?” Lydia asked, her eyebrows lifting questioningly.
“Yes,” I said, turning so I could look directly into her eyes. “You remind me a lot of my sister, Emily. She likes things pretty, and just so. She also likes open spaces, but nothing too opulent or grand. She cherishes beauty, and simple pleasures to be found in gentle colors and themes. Trust me, I know just what you might like.”
Lydia couldn’t seem to look away. “Your sister sounds like my kind of girl,” she murmured. “Understated yet elegant. You’re right, I do like things simple.”
“Not me,” broke in Jemma as if to break the physical tension in the air between the two of us on the opposite side of the desk. “I lean to things more outlandish. The louder, the better. But then I’m not a young girl anymore. This is my way of keeping things exciting.”
“You’re much younger at heart than many girls I know, Jem,” I said with humor. “And that’s the important thing.”
“You really shouldn’t be encouraging me,” Jemma said, though she looked pleased as she shook her head at me.
Jemma allowed me to take over the selection of the room then handed over the key card.
I led Lydia off as we both chatted amiably. When we turned the corner, I placed my hand on the small of her back to guide her. She seemed not to notice or perhaps had no objection to the casual touch.