The Avonmore was set in four acres of landscaped grounds, interspersed with a vast kidney-shaped swimming pool, and a smaller one for children, as well as an open-air bar around which tables with large, colourful umbrellas were set.
Inside, the hotel bore the same stamp as its sister one in Bangkok, though the fabrics on the cushions and settees were gaily flowered, and there was a greater expanse of terrazzo and marble flooring.
Sharon's room was larger than the one in Bangkok, but had no balcony, and being at the side of the building she had to crane her neck out of the window to glimpse the sea. A notice on the wall advised the window be kept shut to keep out insects, and obeying the injunction she set the air-conditioning on 'high' and started unpacking. She never felt at home until her personal things were around her, and she placed a photograph of her parents on the dressing table and gazed at it for a long while, suddenly overcome by homesickness.
She heard from them regularly, mostly news about the farm and village, and consumed every word, amazed how even the most banal news took on a special flavour when one was miles away in a foreign land. Jet travel had widened one's horizons, but on the negative side it had widened the gap between families, encouraging young ones to move away, and leave elderly parents and relatives alone. She sighed, knowing her introspection was caused in part by a tall, black-haired man with a cool gaze and even cooler heart. A man of passion, but not of love.
'Get out of my mind, Kane Morgan!' she said aloud. 'I barely know you and I've no intention of letting you haunt me!'
On which determined note she donned a jaunty red cotton dress and went down to introduce herself to the manager.
She was delighted when he turned out to be a friendly American not more than ten years older than herself. Who was it said the Avonmore never promoted young people?
'I haven't been here long,' Bud Cameron explained, guessing her thoughts. 'The guy I replaced was too regimental for the Thais. They're a hot-tempered lot under their phlegmatic exterior, so don't be fooled by their gentle manner.'
'I don't think it's hot temper so much as pride,' Sharon demurred, recalling what Mr Chittiwera had told her about his countryman's character. 'Never make them feel small nor step out of your class,' she quoted.
'Easier said than done,' Bud Cameron drawled. 'The distinctions in a hotel can be more marked than the Civil Service!'
'I know.' Sharon's blue eyes sparkled. 'The head waiter won't eat with the commis boys, and the chefs won't eat with anyone!'
'Well, to be honest, those sort of demarcations don't bother me. My main problem is shortage of decent domestic staff. They all prefer working in Bangkok, so I'm forced to recruit them from the surrounding villages.'
'Is that difficult?'
'No. There are plenty available. But they're totally untrained.'
'But once they are, you——- '
'Once they are, they move to the capital, and we begin all over again!'
'I see.'
'I'm glad you do,' he said dryly, 'because the two of us may frequently have to fill in!'
Sharon grinned. 'I'm ready to put my hand to anything.'
'I'll hold you to that. Meantime, I want you to act as hostess and enjoy yourself with the guests. Many of them come here on non-package trips and don't know how to fill in their time.'
'Don't know?' Her eyes wandered to the sparkling pool, and beyond it to the beach, glimpsed through the palm trees.
'Not everyone likes sunbathing,' Bud Cameron chided, reading her thoughts. 'Some guests only seem to come for the shopping!'
'I quite like that myself!'
'Then you'll have a great time here. But any problems, don't hesitate to tell me.'
Sharon could not envisage any, for the atmosphere in the hotel was extremely relaxed. Guests wandered around in shorts and swimsuits, dressing up only for dinner, which was invariably taken around the poolside, the surrounding trees lit by coloured lanterns. Truly paradise on earth—if you could afford the price!
On her third day she took several women into the village, travelling in local taxis: small, open-sided vans with seats in the back, protected from the heat by little draped curtains, which blew around wildly as the drivers careered along at a hair-raising speed.
On second viewing, the old and new sections of Pattaya were quite distinct, and most tourists preferred the older, despite its dusty, potholed road, narrow pavements and shallow gutter. At least there was life here, and the shops were full of the usual gilt and silver bowls and plates, cotton table mats and cloths, and wood carvings.
At the northern end of the street sprawled the market, half of it enclosed, half open to the sky. Here there were fantastic displays of vegetables, fruits, nuts and spices, their colours echoed in the bright cheongsams worn by the women. It was a wonderful scene for a painting, Sharon thought, and vowed to look for one to take home to her parents.
Though her work kept her busy, she still missed Kane, and was furious that despite their short acquaintance he had made such an impact on her. Was it because she knew he was powerful, unattached and hard to get? Would she feel the same if he were a bank clerk or a salesman? Even as she posed the question she knew the answer. The character of the man made him what he was, and his character was part of his charisma. Wherever Kane was and whatever he did, he would be successful, that was certain. Equally certain was that he had gone from her life.
The only thing she regretted was not accepting Leon Calvez's invitation to Tassy Bonlam's party. It would have been interesting to meet the girl who had been Kane's 'good friend'. Still, the Bonlams had a villa in Pattaya, and Tassy was bound to come into the hotel sooner or later.
During her second week at the resort, half the guests left and a new contingent arrived. While they settled in, Sharon was kept busy rearranging rooms, finding lost luggage, booking tours for the following day for people who were only staying for three or four, and seeing that those who wanted to dine al fresco were allocated tables outside.
It was well into the afternoon before she managed to get a breather, and donning a swimsuit she went into the garden. Several of the guests asked her to join them, but she refused. Quite a few men were here on their own—American and English bachelors working in Thailand—and she could not help being flattered by their attention. She knew—without conceit—that her colouring and height set her apart from most women, and dressed to show it off to best advantage.
Today she wore a peacock blue one piece that modestly covered her body yet outlined every beautiful curve. Its colour matched her eyes and the sapphire stones at her ears, which she had bought in the hotel boutique. They had been staggeringly expensive, but as she had received a substantial rise in salary, she had decided to spoil herself. Well, why not? she had thought at the time. She did not have a man to do it for her!
Lying on a chaise longue, she listened to the splashing and laughter around her. In next to no time she was asleep, only awakening when someone called her name and she opened her eyes to see the manager looking down at her.
'Don't bother moving,' he said as she hurriedly went to rise. 'I'm on my way to take a look at our shopping parade—— ' his hand indicated a row of newly built boutiques beyond the trees—'and seeing you here reminded me to tell you I'll be needing more help from you during the next few days.'
'Staff problems?' she grimaced.
'More likely guest problems. A large contingent's arriving after the weekend. Men only,' he added. 'They'll be here a few weeks, so I'd like you to lay on some entertainment.'
'Are they on holiday or business?'
'Business. They're competing for the highway contract, and final tenders have to be in before the end of the month. You probably saw some of the groups when you were in Bangkok. Mr Bonlam's spending his vacation here, so they've all followed him down.'
'They'll probably be following him back to Bangkok too,' she said dryly. 'The Minister enjoys making them sweat it out!'
Bud Cameron looked quizzical. 'Is t
hat inside information?'
'It's bitter knowledge among the delegates,' she replied.
'Well, it's good for our business, so why worry!' The manager moved off, then paused. 'If you're at a loose end one evening, come over for a coffee and meet my wife. Any of the bell boys will take you to our bungalow. It's only a few minutes' walk from here.'
Thanking him, Sharon promised she would. Bud Cameron was the youngest and friendliest manager she had worked with, though his genial manner was a front for a highly demanding boss. One thing she had learned from him though: give your orders with a smile, and if you should lose your temper, do it quietly!
On Sunday, Sharon organised the staff to prepare for the new arrivals, fleetingly wondering whether Mark Victorsen and his family would be among them. She hoped not, for it would remind her of Kane. As if she needed reminding!
Remembering the delegates were all rivals, she gave the Japanese contingent the floor with the most available free rooms, since they generally travelled in large parties; and the Italians—who were a noisy bunch—she placed in the new wing nearest the boutiques, which were open until late at night. At least they'd get a taste of their own medicine!
First thing Monday, she inspected the rooms to ensure everything was in order. Fruit and flowers stood on each bedside table and the refrigerators were stocked with spirits, beer and soft drinks.
The Swedish delegation arrived first, followed almost at once by the Canadians. The Japanese were expected at mid-afternoon and Sharon was right in assuming they would be a large party, for a call from
Bangkok confirmed there were fifteen in all. They were prepared to share double rooms, except for the leader of the group who wished to have his own.
She was at Reception when they arrived. Fourteen men in navy suits and thick-lensed spectacles, all hovering anxiously near the entrance, unwilling to check in before their superior did so.
As she moved forward to greet them, porters laden with luggage pushed through the doors, followed by a tall, athletic figure with silver-fair hair and freckles. Pete Wilburg! She stopped dead in her tracks. What one earth was he doing here?
It was hard to say who was the more surprised, though Pete regained his composure first, and strode forward with a broad smile.
'Sharon! By all that's wonderful Are you here on vacation?'
'Not exactly,' she said, managing a smile. 'This is my job. But what about you?'
'I'm working too. I'm heading the Japanese delegation.'
She was astonished. 'I thought you were with an American company?'
'I got a better offer.' He was still beaming at her as he went over to his party and spoke to them, after which they all surged forward to register.
'I hope we'll see something of each other while I'm here?' he went on, returning to her side.
'I'm assigned to look after all the delegates,' she said coolly, 'so it's quite likely.'
'That wasn't what I had in mind,' he murmured. 'Or are your affections already taken?'
'I'm a career girl,' she responded.
'I know. That was the trouble.'
'Come off it, Pete. Even if I hadn't been, we'd only have been friends.'
'Or lovers,' he said softly. 'But you turned me down. Still would, I suppose?'
Silently she headed for the elevator. 'If you and your group would like to follow me, I'll show you your rooms.'
Going up to their floor, Pete stood close beside her, eyeing her so intently she was relieved when they could get out. Pete's room was last along the corridor and overlooked the sea. White-capped waves broke on the shoreline, and above it a host of red-and-white parachutes floated in the clear blue sky.
'What are those?' he asked.
'Parasails. You're harnessed into a parachute and a motor-boat takes you round the bay. The faster it goes the higher you rise.'
'Seems like fun. I must try it. I suppose you're having a marvellous time here?'
'It makes a change from London. But it's hard work.' She paused. 'I've been promised managership when I get back.'
'Great!' Pete came close to her. 'But I still think you're wasted working. You should be making a man happy.'
'I'm making hundreds of men happy!' she retorted.
Grinning, he went across to the small refrigerator. 'How about a drink to celebrate our unexpected reunion?'
'Not now, thanks. I'm on duty.'
'Still as proper as ever I see! Then how about going out with me later?'
'I'm not sure when I'm free,' she prevaricated. 'I don't have set hours when the hotel's foil.'
'You giving me the brush off?'
'Of course not.'
She wondered what she had ever seen in him. He was good looking, of course, yet he left her cold. Not so him, it appeared, for he reached out for her and kissed her full on the mouth. She tried to respond but it was hopeless when the very touch of him reminded her of the last man who had held her. Kane Morgan, who dwarfed Pete in everything but size.
'What's wrong, Sharon?' Pete asked as he drew back. 'Kissing not allowed either, when on duty?'
'How clever of you to guess!' She went to the door, but he was ahead of her, barring her way.
'I do want to see you, Sharon. Can't we fix a definite time?'
'I told you I can't right now. But you'll be seeing me around, so we can arrange it later.'
'I hope you mean that.' Lightly he touched her cheek, letting his fingers trail down the side of her neck. 'I've missed you, angel. Much more than I thought I would. Have you missed me?'
'I did in the beginning,' she confessed. 'But not since coming here.'
'I hate it when you're truthful!'
She laughed, and after a brief pause, so did he, though she sensed he was not genuinely amused. It obviously hurt his ego to think she could forget him so easily. Recollecting the months of anguish she had suffered because of him—indeed until she had met Kane in fact—she vowed never to let Pete mean anything to her again. Not that he could when her whole being clamoured for a man who had merely seen her as a one-night stand!
'Tell me,' Pete said, opening the door for her, 'Do I have many other competitors here?'
'For me, or for the contract?' she flashed sarcastically.
He had the grace to redden. 'For the contract, actually.'
'The hotel's swarming with them,' she replied.
'I see. Would you know if Morgan Construction is here? I heard they were in with a good chance.'
'We've no booking for them in Pattaya.'
'I'm sure they'll be here. Morgan won't miss a battle like this.'
'He had to go back to London,' she said without thinking, and saw the surprise on Pete's face.
'You know him?'
'He was at the Avonmore in Bangkok when I was there.'
'I see. Any idea why he left?'
'No,' she lied, and changed the subject. 'How long do you think you'll be staying here, Pete?'
'Depends on Bonlam. He enjoys making you sweat it out.'
'Kane thought so too,' Sharon commented, and could have bitten out her tongue as Pete raised his eyebrows at her.
'On first name terms, were you?'
'That's not unusual these days,' she parried.
'And especially with Morgan,' came the reply. 'Compared with him, I'm a monk!' He bent his head to kiss her again, but she evaded him and opened the door.
'There's a gala dinner tonight, with some beautiful Thai dancers. Shall I book a table for you and your group?'
'I won't be eating with them,' he said. 'I prefer to keep my distance. Anyway, I want to take you out alone tonight. I've had my fill of Thai dancing.'
'How come?'
'I was here two years ago on a project. Nothing came of it, but I got to learn some intricate dance steps!'
'I'm sure they can teach you plenty more!'
'I'd rather learn from you,' he said, reaching for her again.
Evading him, she made for the elevator, aware that her coolness was having the opp
osite effect from what she intended. Poor Pete. He would have to learn the hard way that he could not pick up their relationship where he had left off.
Returning to the lobby, she revelled in the knowledge that he meant nothing to her, and wondered how long it would be before she could say the same about Kane Morgan.
CHAPTER NINE
The moment Kane boarded the plane taking him to Bangkok, he felt suppressed excitement build up in him that had nothing to do with the prospect of winning the highway contract. Of course he knew what it was: the knowledge that within hours he would be seeing Sharon. He had a clear image of her, and was acutely aware that she had dominated his subconscious even while he had been trying to forget her. It seemed he wasn't as adept at controlling his emotions as he thought!
He knew there was only way to rid himself of his obsession for her: get her into bed! Strange he had not made a more concerted effort that night in Bangkok. It wasn't like him to be easily foiled. But her apparent innocence had inhibited him, and even now he was uncertain whether she had been truthful or had made a fool of him. Girls were adept at putting on an act, and it was hard to credit that someone as lovely and liberated as she appeared, was as untouched as she professed.
Well, there was one way to find out. He would put her to the test! The thought stirred his senses; his desire to possess her had intensified with time, not lessened, and this unusual phenomenon he found intensely annoying.
He tried to pretend it was because she had played hard to get, but he was too honest to believe it. Strangely, much as he wanted her physically, he wanted her company too. Sharon was never boring. She could talk on a host of subjects and her comments about his work had been perceptive. Tassy Bonlam was no slouch in the intelligence stakes either, yet there was something about the Thai girl—for all her gentle manner and soft-spokenness—that made him wary.
As the plane took off, he mused upon the change in himself and how introspective he had become. He had always had a natural curiosity about people and events and, in the past, would have been chatting up the stewardess; made a date with her probably. She was a lovely brunette and he had always been partial to them. Yet now all he wanted was to bury his face in hair the colour of ripe corn. And you couldn't, he thought wryly, get cornier than that!
Roberta Leigh - No Time For Marriage Page 9