“It’s okay, Mom,” Kimberly responded. “I just came by to get you and Dad to sign some final paperwork about the management turnover. I’m not really hungry.”
“Okay. We can take care of that over dinner.”
As usual her mother didn’t listen and insisted that she stay for supper.
“Where’s Daddy?” She looked up at the stucco house.
“In front of the television watching the Golf Channel.”
Kimberly laughed. Her father had always been an avid golf watcher, but now that he’d retired he was enjoying playing the sport, as well.
“I should go inside and have him sign these.”
“They can wait,” her mother said, removing her big straw hat. Her reddish-brown hair had been pulled back in a bun. “Why don’t you tell me how it’s going at the Belleza. How are you coping with all the changes?”
“Well, I’m honored at the faith you and Daddy have in me.”
“But...”
“But nothing. I can do the job. No, correction. I was born to do the job. Sean was always in the kitchen creating masterpieces, while I,” she asserted, as she patted her chest, “worked all over the hotel, absorbing as much information as I could from you, from Daddy, from anyone and everyone. I developed the marketing plan that put the Belleza back on the map and reminded folks of our history, not to mention those pesky rumors of a buried treasure stashed on the property.”
Her mother smiled at the reference. “You certainly capitalized on that with your ‘Discover a world of hidden riches’ theme when you renamed the common areas after precious gems. That campaign was ingenious, baby girl. Emerald Empire, Sapphire Sanctuary, Ruby Retreat and of course The Pearl were featured in luxury travel magazines because of you.”
Kimberly smiled. “Thank you, Mama. That’s why I can say without any doubt that I earned my place.”
“Earned what?” her father said from the top of the deck that overlooked her mother’s garden.
“Earned a right to come over for dinner unannounced,” Kimberly replied, glancing in her mother’s direction. She knew her father didn’t want to rehash this topic. He’d made his decision and didn’t appreciate it being second-guessed.
“Of course,” her father said. “You don’t need to ask. This is your home. Whatcha got in your hands?”
He inclined his head toward the manila envelope she held.
“Some papers for you to sign.”
“Well, come on up,” he said, “and let’s take care of the business before your mama finishes up supper.”
Kimberly touched her mother’s shoulder as a sign that they would talk later. Once Kurt Parker made an edict, they all followed. She climbed the concrete steps from the garden up to the deck at the back of the house and found her father sitting in one of the wicker rockers outside.
“Daddy.” She came forward and bent down to give him a hug. “How’s retirement treating you?”
He pushed up his silver-rimmed glasses. “I’m still adjusting,” he said gruffly. “Miss the resort, but I’ll make do.”
“We miss you, too.”
Her father guffawed. “No, you don’t. You’re like me. I know you’re glad to have the run of the place without my interference.”
Kimberly shrugged. “I guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree?” She smiled at him. His face didn’t look a day over fifty, she thought, though his salt-and-pepper hair and mustache gave away his age. For some reason she felt a little sentimental looking at him. Perhaps her conversation with Jack had made her a touch homesick.
“Never has,” her father said. “But all is well?”
She shook off her thoughts. “Yes, everything is fine.”
“You know you don’t fool me,” her father replied. “You’ve always been a bad liar, Kimberly. So why don’t you tell me what’s really going on?”
“Can’t I visit my parents without the Spanish Inquisition?” She rose in a huff from her seat.
“Sit back down, girl.”
Kimberly rolled her eyes at the commanding tone in his voice. Once upon a time, it would have stricken her with fear, but not anymore. But out of respect, she walked back to her seat.
“This is about your brother?”
Kimberly nodded and was irked that he could read her so easily. “Have you heard? Sean’s opening a new restaurant.”
“Not from him.” Her father reached for a cigar out of his cigar box next to the rocker. He cut the edge with a guillotine and lit it up. “One of my pals at the club told me while we were out on the ninth hole. Imagine my surprise to hear this from a stranger and not from your brother.”
“I had no idea, either, until Robyn told me today,” Kimberly responded. “I tried to play it off like I knew, but I didn’t. I mean I know he always wanted a place to call his own.”
“He had that at The Pearl.”
“Apparently he didn’t think so. For him, being executive chef at The Pearl and managing the resort went hand in hand. He didn’t want one without the other.”
“Your brother is stubborn,” he said as he puffed on his cigar. “He couldn’t see what I see.”
“Which is?”
“The big picture. He internalized my decision, when it was strictly business. There’s a lot more to the Belleza than just the kitchen, as you’re fully aware.”
“I am.”
“Then good, let’s not beat the dead horse. I wish your brother much success with his newest endeavor, but I don’t regret my decision for one moment.”
Just then, her mother came up the steps with a wicker basket full of large, plump tomatoes. “How about some dinner?”
Kimberly breathed a long sigh of relief. Coming here had been the right choice. Hearing her father reaffirm his decision that she run the Belleza was exactly what she needed to hear. “Thanks, Daddy.”
Chapter 3
“Have you seen the papers?” Jaxon’s best friend, Nate Griffin, asked him on the phone the following morning as Jaxon walked into the Belleza’s gym for his morning workout.
“No, what are they saying now?” Jaxon stopped short of the doors and stepped aside for some privacy. He didn’t want anyone hearing his conversation or associating him with the Dunham family.
“Stephanie is claiming that you made promises to her, that you went back on your word.”
“You know I never promised that woman a darn thing,” Jaxon responded harshly. “We agreed to a mutually beneficial dating scenario, which once over should have been over.”
“She doesn’t seem to think so. She’s telling every gossip columnist or blogger in the Beverly Hills area that you broke her heart and she’s completely devastated.”
“Well, if she’s looking for sympathy, she’s not going to get any from me,” Jaxon replied. “Did I tell you she’s the one who told my parents we were getting engaged?”
“No, you didn’t. You just rushed off and left Beverly Hills without a word.”
“I’m sorry about that, but I had to bounce. The heat was on.”
“Where are you?”
“Can’t tell you that,” Jaxon said. Walls had ears and he didn’t want anyone in his family to find out where he was until he was good and ready.
“I’m supposed to be your boy.”
“And you still are. I just need some time away from the Dunham clan—hell, from the entire situation. To get some perspective. You understand?”
“Of course I do. I have your back. I could have told you that Stephanie was no good. Those society types are always looking for a husband. When she saw you, she saw fresh meat.”
Jaxon laughed at the analogy. “I’ll talk to you soon, Nate. I gotta get my workout on.”
“All right, Jaxon, take care of yourself, man.”
�
�You can bank on it.”
Jaxon ended the call and pulled the handle to enter the facility. The Parker family had spared no expense when they’d renovated the Belleza a few years ago. The gym was state-of-the-art. It had the usual equipment and flat screens, but it also contained a glass-fronted fridge with cold water, towels, alcohol wipes and, most important, a killer view of the mountains. He was about to head over to the rows of free weights when a curvy backside caught his attention. He would know that backside anywhere. It was the same one that had him up last night wondering what it would be like to run his hands over it.
It didn’t help that she was wearing one of those skimpy outfits that women loved to wear to the gym under the guise of working out. Most wanted to show off their figures and have men take notice. Kimberly, however, appeared oblivious to the appreciative stares of the men in the gym. The hot-pink halter sports bra and matching capris she wore looked as if she’d been spray-painted into them. They revealed her sculpted arms, legs and firm behind.
He walked over to the treadmill where Kimberly was jogging and added a taut stomach to that description of her amazing figure. It was well earned because even though she was running at a steady pace, only a light sheen was on her forehead. She had on earbuds, so he was forced to move in front of the treadmill to catch her eye. When he did, she stumbled and had to press Stop on the treadmill to prevent herself from falling.
“Are you okay?” he inquired, rushing over to her side.
“I’m fine,” she said with annoyance. “Or I would have been if you hadn’t startled me.”
“I merely walked in front of your machine. I imagine I wasn’t the first this morning.” His gaze swept across the gym, which was half-full with guests. “By the way, good morning, Kimberly.”
She smiled and Jaxon’s heart instantly melted. She needed to smile more often instead of wearing her usual stern expression. “Good morning, Jack.”
He liked hearing his nickname on her lips. It was too bad he couldn’t tell her who he really was.
“Want some company?” He eyed the empty treadmill beside her.
She glanced to her side. “Only if you can keep up.”
A broad grin spread across Jaxon’s face. “Is that a dare? Because I warn you I used to run track in college.”
“And how long ago was that?” she asked, laughing as she restarted her treadmill to a slow walk.
“You’re on.” Jaxon eyes blazed laughter as he stepped up onto the treadmill beside her.
Kimberly bunched her shoulders. “It’s your funeral.”
Jaxon wasn’t above a challenge. In fact, he welcomed it and began increasing the speed on his treadmill to match her fast walking pace. “How often do you come to the gym?”
“Five days a week,” Kimberly replied. “Sometimes seven if I can make it, but five is the minimum.”
“You’re very disciplined. Not many people make working out a daily habit.”
“It gets results,” she said, “plus, it allows me to pretty much eat whatever I want. In moderation, of course.”
“That’s the key, right? Most people miss the moderation part.”
“You don’t look like you’re one of them.” The moment the uncensored comment came out of her mouth, she instantly looked down to adjust her treadmill.
So she had noticed his physique? Jaxon was glad he wasn’t the only one feeling the chemistry between them. It had been just as strong as the day before when they’d talked after breakfast. And now, sexual tension crackled between them.
“Like you, I try to maintain,” Jaxon replied. “My regimen is two days cardio, three days weight training. Works for me.”
Kimberly shot him a furtive glance out the corner of her eye. He could see she was trying her best not to check him out in his tank top and shorts, but she was. And from the looks of it, she liked what she saw.
“So, are we going to do this or what?” she inquired. “I typically go three miles and I’d just got started when you interrupted me.”
“Then you’ll get a little bit extra in today,” Jaxon responded. “Let’s go.” He quickly increased the speed on his treadmill and took off running.
Kimberly caught up to his pace and joined him in the quest for domination of the treadmill. She kept up with him for the first mile and a half, but after that Kimberly slowed.
“Ready to give up?” he asked at the second mile.
“Hell no.”
He laughed at her passionate response. Kimberly had a feisty side to her and he liked it. He liked it a lot.
“I don’t give up,” she added. “So I’ll finish. Even if I’m last, I’ll finish.”
In the end, he finished several minutes ahead of her, but he had to give the woman props on her fortitude. She kept pressing on until she completed the three miles.
When she stopped and jumped off the treadmill, she was no longer misty as before, but had a fine sheen of perspiration on her face and running down the valley between her breasts, which he couldn’t help but notice. “You won.” She held out her hand. “Fair and square.”
He grasped her hand in his. “And what do I win?” He held it for a long time and their eyes connected. A quick burst of desire made him want to pull her into his arms, kiss her senseless, remove the sweat-drenched clothing from her body and make her sweat underneath him.
“I...” Words seemed to escape her and he liked that he had her off balance.
He just had to have a taste of her. He was about to act on his impulse, without a thought that they weren’t alone, when a feminine voice yelled, “Kim!”
Hearing her name broke the trance and she blinked several times and released his hand. “Thanks for the run.” She inclined her head toward him and started in the direction of the voice.
He watched her saunter over to her friends. They talked in hushed tones and one of them—the one with the auburn curls—glanced in his direction, before her arm was quickly wrenched away.
Damn! He’d been so close to paradise. If only he hadn’t been interrupted. What was wrong with him? He felt like a hormone-raging teenage boy without any self-control. He had to get ahold of himself. He’d told himself no romantic entanglements. But at the first sight of a hot body, he was ready to forget about his promise. But if anyone could make him want to forget his edict, it would be Kimberly Parker.
* * *
Oh, Lord! Kimberly fanned her face as she approached Gabrielle and Robyn. Why had she agreed to Jack’s challenge when she’d sworn she’d stay away from him? Her policy was no interaction with the guests, but Jack Scott had her breaking all the rules.
“Hey, Kim.” Gabrielle eyed her up and down. “Looks like you got a head start on us this morning.” Her head inclined in Jack’s direction.
“Oh that.” Kimberly laughed, but even to her ears it sounded shaky. “That was nothing. Just a little challenge among friends.”
“Are you sure about that?” Robyn inquired. “Because when we walked in, you two were holding hands.”
“We—we weren’t holding hands,” Kimberly responded. “We were shaking hands after he won our bet and beat me jogging.”
“Is that right?” Gabrielle sounded skeptical as she headed for the mats. Kimberly and Robyn followed her. Gabrielle wasted no time, dropping to the mat to begin her morning stretch routine and Robyn did the same.
“It is,” Kimberly said with her hands on her hips as she looked down at them. “There’s nothing going on between us.”
“Tell that to the choir,” Robyn said. “Because we know you, Kim, and sexual heat was coming off you in waves—still is.”
Kimberly turned back around to glance at Jack, who’d moved from free weights to the bench press. He’d found a partner to assist him as he lifted the dumbbell up and down. Even from her vantage point, she could see the definition of h
is muscles.
“Earth to Kim.” Gabrielle snapped her fingers.
Kimberly spun around. “What?”
Gabrielle shook her head and shrugged as she stretched her torso to the right. “Nothing.”
“I have to get a move on it this morning, so I’ll see you both later at the staff meeting.” She made her way toward the gym’s exit.
“No breakfast?” Robyn inquired.
“Can’t. I have a conference call.” Seconds later, Kimberly was out of the room. She didn’t want her friends to catch on to just how attracted she was to Jack because she didn’t understand it herself. Could she keep him at arm’s length? Or was it just a matter of time before she gave in?
Chapter 4
Kimberly took a quick shower at her condo at the resort before making her way to the office to go over some paperwork. Gabby and Robyn each had their own condo in the same building. A decade ago, her father had erected the luxurious condominiums in the rear of the resort behind the villas and hotel buildings so that staff and time-share members could enjoy the Belleza lifestyle. It was an added bonus for Kimberly because she was close by if needed.
With work so close to home, Kimberly knew she was considered a workaholic, but she enjoyed the day-to-day running of a resort this size and didn’t consider it mundane. With a bachelor of science in Hospitality Management from California State University in Long Beach and her ten years’ experience working full-time summers and part-time during the school year, she was more than capable of handling the Belleza’s complex operations.
Speaking of, she had a laundry list of items on her agenda for today. She took care of the immediate fires, did her daily walkabout and completed one of her quality assurance checks for the month before stepping into the staff meeting later that afternoon.
Among the others already present were Robyn and Gabrielle, as well as Allison Haines, the Rooms division manager, Megan Johnson, the director of Food and Beverage, and Kimberly’s assistant manager, Antoine Colbert.
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