“You.” Robyn laughed. “I saw the way you were looking at Jack Scott like you wanted to sop him up with a biscuit.”
“Robyn!”
“You’re talking about the superhot guy who checked in a few weeks ago, but has been primarily keeping to himself?” Gabrielle asked.
“The very same,” Robyn said. “And Kim here has been unable to stop staring at him since we sat down.”
“That’s not true.” But her denial sounded weak.
“Is too,” Robyn countered.
“A girl can look, right? Given our no-dating-guests policy, there’s nothing to worry about.” Kimberly attempted to act as if she was unaffected by the handsome and mysterious guest. The truth was, he was by far the most attractive man she’d seen in ages. In her position as general manager, she rarely had time to date, if at all.
“Are you sure about that?” Robyn asked. “Because you’re not the only one doing the admiring.”
“What do you mean?” Kimberly was afraid to hazard another glance in Jack’s direction for fear he would find her out.
“He’s not looking at me or Gabby,” Robyn responded. “He hasn’t been able to take his eyes off you.”
A flurry of butterflies swarmed in Kimberly’s belly. He had been looking at her. She hadn’t imagined it.
Kimberly cocked her head to one side. “Well, he can look all he wants, but you know I don’t fraternize with the clientele.”
“I agree. The rules are in place for a reason,” Gabrielle said. “They prevent us from being put in a bad spot.”
“I don’t know, Gabby,” Robyn replied. “If any rule was made to be broken, it would be for a date with that fine specimen of a man.”
“You needn’t worry,” Kimberly replied, “because I will not be breaking that rule. The policy is in place to preserve our reputation and I’m not just talking about the resort. People come on vacation looking for a fling and I won’t be another notch on the bedpost.”
“It’s too bad he’s a guest,” Gabrielle said, “because maybe it might loosen you up some.” She patted Kimberly’s arm. “When was the last time you got laid?”
“Gabby, you’re incorrigible!”
“But she also hit the nail on the head. When was the last time?” Robyn pressed.
Kimberly didn’t answer. Couldn’t. It had been a long time since she’d had a date, let alone got intimate with a man. She’d been so focused on reinventing the Belleza to the exclusion of all else that her love life had dwindled to next to nothing. Ben Lawson was the last man she’d dated and her friends knew that hadn’t ended well.
Ben had accused her of being a workaholic and too self-involved to put someone else, him in particular, first. His words had hurt, but his departure from her life hadn’t. Kimberly hadn’t been shattered by his disappearance. In fact, she’d just worked harder, striving for success to prove to her brothers and the Belleza staff that her parents had made the right decision in putting her at the helm of the resort. But in the back of her mind, Kimberly had always wondered. Could Ben be right? Was she too selfish to consider someone else’s needs above her own?
“You should go talk to him,” Robyn urged.
“I don’t know...” Gabrielle said.
Kimberly thought about sex as much as the next woman and she enjoyed male company. She refused to end up a spinster or alone like Jonah Grady. As much as she loved the elderly bartender who’d been at the Belleza since its early humble beginnings, she didn’t want to be alone as she went into maturity, so she made a split decision and rose.
“All right, all right,” Kimberly said once on her feet. “If it’ll get you two hens off my back, I’ll go talk to him.” She gave them both a wink and started toward Jack Scott.
Chapter 2
I can’t believe I’m doing this, Kimberly thought as she made her way across the to Jack’s table. Perhaps if she got the curiosity out of her system, she could go back to business as usual.
Jack Scott was sitting under an umbrella with a plate of fruit, toast and a cup of black coffee. He looked up as she approached and his brow quirked, but that didn’t stop his eyes from roaming over every inch of her.
She offered a smile. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
God, why does his voice sound like hot maple syrup over buttermilk pancakes?
Finding her voice, she said, “I haven’t had the opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Kimberly Parker, general manager of the Belleza. Please allow me to welcome you to the resort. I understand you’ve been staying with us for several weeks. Are you having a pleasant stay?”
Why did she have to sound so trite? Did he sense her uneasiness? It was out of character for her to make the first move, let alone talk to a male guest outside of business, but there was something about him that intrigued her.
He smiled back at her. “My stay has been very enjoyable. Your staff has a way of making the Belleza feel like my home away from home.”
“That’s the promise we deliver on,” Kimberly replied. “Can I offer you a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary?”
“Thank you, but I prefer to keep a clear head. Maybe another time?” His face split into a wide grin.
That was the opening and she’d hoped to smoothly transition into her manager routine.
“I—” All words escaped Kimberly at his disarming smile.
Jack motioned to the seat across from him. “Care to join me?”
“I, uh—” Her mind went blank and she couldn’t think of a single thing to say. Instead, she merely nodded. Before she could make a move, Jack Scott jumped up and pulled a chair out for her. She walked over and took a seat. “Thank you.” She finally found her voice.
“The pleasure is mine,” he said.
Kim offered a genuine smile.
“I’ve seen you around the resort,” he replied. “But you’re always running around and appear quite busy.”
She shrugged. “It isn’t easy managing a resort of this size alone.”
He frowned. “I’d heard the Belleza was a family business. Am I mistaken?”
Kimberly shook her head. “No, you’re not. It’s just that...” Her voice trailed off.
“Just that what?”
“I shouldn’t talk about it here.” She looked around the pool area, but only a handful of people were milling around. A few were at the breakfast buffet and several others were swimming in the pool. Meanwhile Robyn and Gabby were blatantly staring at them from across the way.
“Seems like you have a lot on your mind,” Jack replied. “Sometimes it helps to talk about it.”
He was very intuitive, Kimberly realized, if he could pick up on her duress mere minutes after meeting her. Was it written all over her face? “I guess I do.”
“Care to tell me?”
“It’s nothing really,” she replied, avoiding his piercing gaze.
“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?”
Kimberly laughed at his bossiness. “All right, if you must know, not everyone in my family is as happy as I am that I’ve been named general manager of the Belleza. You would think they’d approve, given all the time and effort I’ve put into the renovations. After all I’ve given—” She stopped herself before she revealed too much.
“Are they jealous?”
Kimberly frowned. “Perhaps, but I don’t believe that’s the only reason.”
“What else could there be?”
“My older brother felt like it was his birthright and that I stole the job from him. Sean and other staff members assumed because he was the oldest, he was an automatic shoo-in for the position. But if I was just in it for myself, why did I suggest to my parents that Sean and I run the Belleza together?”
“Hmm...” Jack nodded in understanding.
“What?”
He shrugged. “Well, from Sean’s position he didn’t want a consolation prize, and if I were him, I’d have to agree. If my parents didn’t deem me worthy of the responsibility I wouldn’t want any of it.”
“So you’re taking his side?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. I’m just trying to get you to see things from his side and that the situation isn’t black-and-white.”
“I get what you’re saying and I know it was a tough pill for Sean to swallow, but if the shoe were on the other foot, I would have supported him no matter what. I’d be proud of him.”
“Then you’re a better woman than most,” Jack responded, “considering it would have squashed your own dreams.”
“But that’s what you do for family.”
“I agree with you, but he’s too hurt to see that now. Give him time. I’m sure he’ll come around.”
“I hope so. We’ve always been so close and I hate having this division between me and my big brother.” Kimberly couldn’t help the tears that stung her eyes. But she didn’t want to blubber in front of this handsome man.
Jack reached across the table and laid his large hand on hers. “It’s okay. Disagreements happen in families, but if the love is there, in time you’ll get over the hurt and disappointment. And who knows, your relationship might be better for it in the end.”
Kimberly stared at Jack. If anyone had told her that this sexy stranger would be so insightful, she would have told them they were a liar, but he was. And he’d made her feel as if there was hope for her and Sean’s relationship. “Thank you. What do I owe you for the session?”
He laughed. “You owe me nothing. Well, perhaps—”
He didn’t finish his sentence because Kimberly’s cell phone rang on her hip. “Sorry. I have to take this.” She rose from the table, stepped several paces away and took the call.
When she returned several minutes later, she apologized. “I’m sorry, but I have some important business to attend to.”
“Not a problem,” Jack replied. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”
Kimberly nodded and began walking away. She sure hoped she’d be seeing a lot of Jack Scott around.
* * *
After she’d gone, Jaxon exhaled deeply. Kimberly Parker was even more beautiful up close. She’d been more approachable than he’d ever seen her, and a bit vulnerable. He hadn’t expected her to confide in him of her family and business troubles, but he was glad she had because he could relate. He knew what it was like to be angry with your family and to want to write off the lot of them. Not that he would. He just needed time to cool off.
Staying at the Belleza was supposed to be a retreat, a time to reassess his life and come up with a game plan, not fall for the first beautiful lady that came into his view. But Kimberly Parker wasn’t just another set of legs. She had brains and wit. How else could she have achieved the success she had at the Belleza? But what surprised him the most was that she was more than just a suit hiding behind her work. She had heart.
The way she’d talked about taking a backseat if her brother had been chosen to run the resort told Jaxon just how special she truly was. And that was trouble. He wasn’t just attracted to her physically, even though the sparks had been flying back and forth between them during their exchange. No, he was also attracted to her spirit. And that was much worse.
If he intended to keep his vow of not getting involved with another woman, he’d have to keep his distance.
Yes, Kimberly Parker was a big problem.
* * *
After she finished handling a small inventory crisis with cleaning and bedroom supplies, Kimberly returned to the administration offices to study labor and revenue reports to get a sense of yesterday’s results. Then she began forecasting the day ahead, studying any issues that might arise. Some VIPs were due to arrive at the hotel that afternoon, and a significant catering event was coming up this weekend.
Still, her mind wandered to the short time she’d spent with Jack Scott earlier. He’d been an excellent conversationalist and she’d felt comfortable opening up to him, which had surprised the heck out of her. She hadn’t intended to be so honest about her family with Jack, yet—and that was when it hit her. During the entire conversation, Jack hadn’t revealed a single thing about himself.
Robyn poked her head into Kimberly’s office.
“C’mon in.” She motioned her forward.
“So,” Robyn asked, her eyes wide and full of questions, “how did it go with Jack Scott?”
“Couldn’t you tell?” Kimberly asked. “You guys were gawking.”
“We were not.” Robyn lowered her head. “Anyway, someone had to give you a little push.”
“He was a perfect gentleman,” Kimberly replied. “And kind.”
“Kind?” Robyn said. “That wouldn’t have been the word I would have used to describe him from where we were sitting. Hot. Sexy. Gorgeous. Fine. Those are all words I would use.”
Kimberly chuckled. “And normally I would agree if Jack hadn’t shown me that he’s more than a pretty face.”
“How so?”
“Somehow I ended up pouring out my heart to him about Sean.”
“Sean?” Kimberly noticed that Robyn’s ears perked up at the mention of Sean’s name. At times, she’d wondered if Robyn fancied her brother, because she was always popping up in his kitchen, but nothing had ever come of it, so Kimberly had dismissed the notion. “What about him?”
“I told him that Sean was angry that he wasn’t chosen to run the Belleza.” Kimberly rose and walked to the windows. She stared out. The administration offices overlooked the Plaza’s lush foliage with palm trees and man-made bridges and ponds. “I still can’t believe he just quit and cut all ties with the family, Robyn.” She turned to look back at her friend. “And Jack... Well, he could see that I’m still struggling with the loss and offered—”
“Comfort and a warm bed?” Robyn interjected, trying to lighten the mood and make her laugh.
And Kimberly did laugh. Something she hadn’t done enough of lately. “He offered me some words of wisdom.”
“Sounds promising.”
“Doesn’t matter.” She walked back over to her desk and slid into her executive chair. “Because it won’t happen again.”
“Why not?”
“You know my policy on dating guests.”
“Policies are made to be broken,” Robyn said, sitting on Kimberly’s desk. “Jack Scott got you to open up about a subject you’ve been pretty closemouthed about the last few months, even to me and Gabby. There’s something there. Don’t you owe it to yourself to find out? What harm would be there to share a meal with the man?”
“Perhaps.” That was all Kimberly was willing to concede.
As if sensing she couldn’t keep pushing Kim or she’d bolt in the opposite direction, Robyn changed the subject. “So, have you heard from Sean?”
Kimberly shook her head. “Nope. And it sucks. I miss him.”
“I heard he’s opening up his own restaurant in LA. The SP Grill.”
“I—I heard those rumors, too,” Kimberly replied, “And I wish him much success. Really I do. But we could have run this place together, like Batman and Robin. No pun intended.”
Robyn laughed. “Maybe you will one day. In the meantime, I’d like to go over the Brooks wedding for Saturday night.”
“Let’s get to it.”
Kimberly was busy for the remainder of the afternoon, walking around the hotel, visiting with staff, answering emails or having lunch with a congressman’s aide to prepare for his arrival. She finished the day by holding her daily staff meeting before the shift change. At 6:00 p.m., she was finally able to leave the resort to go to the Parker family home because she had some paper
work her parents needed to sign. After the promotion, she’d been so busy she hadn’t had a chance to visit them much. Or so she told herself. Deep down, she knew that wasn’t the only reason she hadn’t gone home.
Family dinners felt empty without her two brothers, Sean and Ryan. Sean had left and gone to Los Angeles, while her younger brother, Ryan, had taken his guitar and headed for New York. He’d said it was to strike out on his own and finally make a go of his music career. Even though she knew Ryan’s interest extended beyond the resort, Kimberly knew the real reason he’d gone at just that moment: he’d sided with Sean and had abandoned her, too.
She swiped her access card against the panel, and the large wrought-iron gates opened, allowing her entry into the Parker compound. Her parents lived in a large Spanish Colonial–style house just a few miles from the Belleza Resort and Spa. The two-story main house had white stucco walls and a red-tiled roof. There were also a pool house and a two-bedroom guesthouse on the grounds.
As she got out of her red Audi S7, Kimberly looked up at the wrought-iron balcony facing the large swimming pool. She’d spent many a summer there just reading a good book while Sean and Ryan played in the pool below her. Her head had always been in a book back then. She smiled at the fond memory as she walked up the cobblestoned path of the long driveway up to the house.
She heard music coming from the side of the house and walked up the side path to find her mother in a big straw hat and apron tending to her garden. Ilene Parker was proud she’d been able to maintain a vegetable and herb garden given the desert climate around them. She was knee-deep in dirt without any gloves on. Why did her mother persist in not taking care of herself? Kimberly resolved to get her a pair.
Her mother must have sensed her presence because she turned around. “Kimberly!” The happiness in her mother’s voice made Kimberly feel bad for keeping her distance.
“Mom.” She bent down to give her mother a hug while lending her a hand to rise to her feet. Her mother looked comfortable in her jean capris, T-shirt and tennis shoes.
“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?” her mother asked, wiping her hands on her apron. “I didn’t prepare anything special for supper, just some homemade chicken soup and salad. I came down here to get some fresh tomatoes.”
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