“Great. I’ll have it for you before I take off in the morning.” Jonquil dropped into an overstuffed chair, tucked one foot beneath her, and flipped back her long blonde braids. “I don’t know how you’re dealing with the pressure; there’s so much going on, so much to plan and prepare and it’s not like you’ve done this before.”
“Close enough,” Cami said. “Dad wasn’t kidding when he said she’s been getting ready for this since she was six. She’s worked in every department, studied in school, and was bent on managing a hotel on her own before she turned thirty. She met the deadline by more than a year.”
“Does it bother you that people are going to think you got preferential treatment because you’re the daughter?” Jonquil asked. When Lana turned hot eyes on her, Jonquil held up a hand to stave off the argument. “I’m not saying you didn’t earn it. I’m just saying I’ve been working my tail off in my own field trying to make a name for myself. Dad wanted me to move to San Francisco and take over the department there a couple of years back. I didn’t because I didn’t want people to wonder how I got hired. I was only twenty-six and no one knew he was my dad—what would they think? All of us are working here because of nepotism.”
She gestured to Lana. “Even though you’ve been working your tail off, people are bound to question whether you’re ready for it, or only got the position because you’re his daughter.”
Lana took in a deep breath—a sign she was attempting to rein in her temper, then nodded. “I knew there would be speculation, but I figured if I made it work, if I put everything I had into it, and proved I could do it, the speculation would die down after a year or so. Or mostly. Having Blake here, though, doesn’t exactly indicate Dad thought I was capable of doing it on my own. People are going to think he’s here as my safety net.” Her lips twisted in a frown.
“Ah, I hadn’t thought of that.” Cami drank from her water bottle, kicking herself for being so oblivious to why her sister was mad about him being there. “I guess it makes sense. It’s wrong, of course, but people will think it.”
“And everyone’s going to wonder how the younger sister got to be manager when you’re not,” Lana said to Cami. “So expect questions and speculation there, too.”
“I wondered,” Jonquil said. “Shouldn’t you have been first in line for hotel manager?”
“I didn’t want it. I never have,” Cami said with a shrug. “I’ve been happy doing what I do and I’m the best. I’m better with people than slogging through paperwork. Now not only do I have to be the boss, I have to put everything together from scratch. I won’t have concierges who are familiar with the local area.” Cami screwed and unscrewed the lid to her water bottle. “I’ll have to move here sooner than most of you so I can figure all of that out, study the area and do my research, in addition to interviews and set ups. Now I’ve gotten used to the idea, I find I’m actually kind of excited about it.” Not the being boss part, or the being forced to live here with four strangers, but the work would be an interesting challenge.
“I’m set to move in by August first myself,” Jonquil admitted. “I’m not sure how much staff I’ll have to bring in, but this is a bit outside the realm of my expertise—dealing with flowers in rooms, which ones, how many, what to order, juggling employees to keep up with everything, and adding in events, restaurant bouquets, lobby, etc. I’ve already set an appointment to pick the brain of the florist at the Philly hotel.”
“Good. You’ll do fine. Dad wouldn’t have put you in charge if he didn’t think you were more than capable of handling yourself,” Lana told her. She straightened her shoulders. “We’re all capable of doing this. It’s going to take some time to adjust and prepare, and once the hotel opens we’ll all have to hit the ground running.” She chewed on the end of her pen. “And pretend Dad didn’t build in a back-up in case we fail.”
Cami didn’t think for a second that their father had assigned Blake to their location expecting failure. Lana wouldn’t believe it unless she wanted to, so it was better to leave her to figure it out on her own. The way Blake had let her run the meetings should have made it clear he intended for her to take the lead.
Her mind shifted to the hunk who carried her bags in when she arrived. Vince? She’d seen him, shovel in hand, working with the landscaping crew when they’d come out of the hotel. He’d raised a hand in greeting, and she’d managed not to drool as she returned the gesture. He was so different from the other men she’d dated. His sheer physical presence, mixed with the sweetness of the way he’d spoken to Mrs. Grady was an intriguing contrast. Maybe she was so messed up right now any non-creepy guy who smiled at her would get a second look.
She hoped it was him and not because she was messed up. Standing, she excused herself to go to bed. Apparently she needed some serious sleep.
Chapter 7
Trent Doyle seemed like the ideal guy for Cami when they’d first met. Handsome, educated, well bred and on the way to the top of his profession in television news. Unfortunately, as Cami realized far too late, he was also up to his eyebrows in credit card debt and seeking a way out of his financial troubles. He’d experienced a few reversals in his business affairs as well, which had made him bitter.
And he’d seen a ‘merger’ with Cami as the answer to his problems.
When she realized the truth, however, she’d ended things. It had pricked her pride, but she knew it was a small thing in the long run. The split came mid-January after he proposed.
Perhaps she should have been too dazzled by the huge rock he’d bought for her, or the romantic evening to look further. Most women would be swayed by the sweet nothings he whispered in her ear or the promises of forever.
Distracted by worry for her father, whose health had been failing, though she hadn’t known about the cancer, she’d accepted. When Trent pushed her for a quick wedding—an elopement to Atlantic City would suit him fine—she backed away and started to see things more clearly. Since her father died everything had gotten completely out of control and he hadn’t even crossed her mind.
Despite their breakup, Trent continued to make overtures. She’d hardly paid attention, so her mind was elsewhere when she opened her condo door a few days after her return from Colorado and found him standing there.
“Trent. What a surprise.” How had he gotten into the building? Had she forgotten to change her code at the door, or had the doorman let him in? Doorman. She was sure she’d changed the code.
He stepped forward, pulling her into a hug in the doorway. “Camellia, you must be so upset. I heard what your father did to you, and I can’t imagine how you’re going to tolerate living in the middle of nowhere for the next year.” He pulled back so he could study her face, worry clear in his features.
“I’ll manage. It’s not like I’ll be living in a tent in the wilds of Africa.” Cami extricated herself from his embrace, but in doing so, stepped back, leaving an opening, which he took advantage of by striding into the room. “I believe there’s a Neiman Marcus in Denver.”
The sarcasm was lost on him. “You were always such a strong woman.” His glance around the room took in everything. “The news about your father’s infidelities is positively shocking.”
Cami sighed, trying to decide if she should offer him refreshment like a polite hostess, or insist he leave. The last thing she wanted was to discuss her personal life. She was leaning toward the second option, but decided since he’d made the effort to show up, she might as well see what gossip he was dying to share with her. Or was he digging up tidbits for a story? Either was equally likely.
“Dad loved surprises.” And was far more adept at them than she’d known. She was also amazed none of his other daughters—or their mothers—had stepped up to blow the whistle on him. Hadn’t it bothered them at all that he was married and sleeping around? When she wasn’t being angry at her father, she was numb.
Trent sat on the sofa and patted the spot next to him. “He managed a doozy this time. Four illegitimate daugh
ters. It’s incredible, and arranging for you all to live together, to work together, and for Lana to take charge of the whole thing when she’s so young. Well, obviously it’s a mistake, but your father always did push for his way—whether it was right or not.”
Defensive words rose automatically inside her, though some of his sentiments were uncomfortably like her own. No one talked down Lana or her father in front of Cami though. “Stubborn and willful, yes, but no fool. Lana’s more than up to the task of managing the hotel and the other women have years of experience in their own fields. I think we’ll make the Juniper Ridge resort a unique and exciting experience for guests.” And they would, even if it killed her to ensure it.
“Of course you will, and it should be an interesting experience.” His tone was placating, as if she were some sweet young child who needed calming from a temper tantrum.
It made Cami see red. She didn’t want to play his game, and was tired from dealing with her own emotions without letting him pile more onto her. “Why did you come here, Trent? I’ve had a long day and a full plate ahead of me tomorrow. Cut to the chase.”
“It’s nothing. I thought you might need a friend to talk to, to grab a bite of dinner with—I know how you manage to starve yourself when you get busy.” His expression was far too innocent.
She wondered again how she’d missed the insincerity and self-centeredness before. “Trent, that train has left the station and it’s not coming back. If you’ve only stopped in to pick and pry and try to get at my money, you’re welcome to leave.” She gestured to the door. “In fact, even if you’re being totally sincere, I’d like you to go. I’ve had a long day and would rather be alone.”
“I’m hurt you won’t talk to me.” He stood, crossing back over to her and took her hand.
She shook it off. “We’re over, Trent. Give it up.”
“Come on, Camellia.” He’d never used the shortened version of her name, as if it were somehow undignified. “You? Colorado? Seriously? I mean, it’s nice for a visit now and then, and you might enjoy a week of skiing this winter, but you have a great job here. It’s not like you need the step up in the company or a job of any kind—not with your inheritance. Why are you going to waste your time there just to please him?”
Interesting. So he didn’t have all the details about the stipulations of the will—not that she would have needed the job anyway, not with the trust fund left to her at her mother’s death, but she hadn’t been raised to sit around and let everyone else do all the work. She’d have to thank Alex for managing to suppress part of the will’s terms. It was bad enough being strong-armed into moving without everyone knowing it. “You think I ought to stay here and date you some more?”
He took her hands in his again. “Marry me. I still have the ring; we can do great things together.”
“No, thank you.” She pulled her hands away, not even a little tempted.
His face turned red. “What do you think you’re going to do there for a year or two, huh? Date some eligible ski instructor? A snow plow driver? You’re making a huge mistake.”
He knew where to needle, but a picture of Vince flashed through her mind. Though he was in landscaping—making him a peon in Trent’s world—the thought of dating someone like him held far more appeal than she’d expected. “No, my mistake was dating you. I fixed that months ago. Get out.”
“You know no man would want you without your trust fund. You’re far too bland, dead boring, in fact. You’re going to be sorry.” He turned and stalked into the hall.
“I’m already sorry I ever dated you.” She shut the door behind him. Then she walked to the phone and called to the front desk to let the doorman know Trent was not to be admitted to the building again. And for good measure, she changed her code at the door—again. Rubbing her pounding temples, she decided to forgo the paperwork and read a novel in a hot bubble bath instead. And ice cream. She could really use some Ben & Jerry’s.
Chapter 8
Cami watched the firm muscles bunch on Vince’s shoulders and back as he dug in the yard. She supposed she must have a bit of a voyeuristic streak to sit back and stare while he had no idea she was there, but she couldn’t help herself. It was July first and the Colorado sun streamed through the trees, dappling Vince’s figure with shade as he dug, though it didn’t seem to be keeping him cool. A sheen of sweat covered his forehead and a V in the front of his shirt, making her wonder why she’d never found it sexy before.
For her first morning back, she thought she couldn’t have ordered up a better view.
“That one’s a fine specimen of a man,” a voice said from behind her.
Cami caught her breath and turned to find Sage standing at the kitchen counter. “I didn’t know you were there.” She put a hand to her chest as her heart raced, though part of it was embarrassment she’d been caught staring. “Actually, I didn’t know you were in the area. When did you arrive?” Lana had been there for a few weeks now and hadn’t mentioned Sage’s impending arrival to Cami when she came in a couple of days earlier.
“Late last night. I’m glad I didn’t disturb you.” Sage dipped a tea ball in her huge coffee cup. “You know what he’s working on out there?”
“No. I was thinking about going out to check.” Except she hadn’t put on makeup yet, and she was still wearing pajamas and sipping her first cup of espresso.
Sage glanced at her and grinned. “I bet you’d knock him for a loop if you did. I have to complain though, you shouldn’t look so good first thing in the morning. Other than a lack of makeup—which you hardly need—you’re as beautiful as ever.”
“Speak for yourself,” Cami said, turning back to watch Vince some more. “Even straight from bed, your hair manages to be artfully tousled instead of like a curly mess.” Cami had already combed through her curls before coming down the stairs, or she wouldn’t have considered Sage’s suggestion.
Sage ignored the comment and crossed over to the fridge, pulling out a water bottle. “Heads up.” She tossed it to Cami.
Cami caught it. “And this is for?”
“It’s for him, idiot. Go get a closer peek. I have a feeling about you two.”
Another glance out the window and she saw Vince rub his arm across his forehead. Trent’s words about the men she might find available in the area echoed back to her. That, and the thought that Vince wasn’t at all the kind of guy her dad would have steered her toward, had augmented her natural attraction to the man. They wouldn’t fit for the long-term, but she was feeling a little rebellious right now.
It was only a bottle of water, after all, not an offer of marriage. She smiled. “You know, I think I will.” She paused at a mirror on her way to the door and checked to make sure she didn’t have makeup smears or hair standing on end, then continued out to the porch.
Vince looked over as she approached, her bare feet padding silently on cool stone. A smile slid onto his face and she got close enough to appreciate what day-old stubble could do for a man. Yum.
“Good morning, Camellia,” he greeted her.
“Good morning to you, too. Please, call me Cami. Only my father calls,” she stopped herself and tried again, nearly choking on the change of tense despite the time that had passed, “called me Camellia.” Trent didn’t count. “I thought you might like something cold to drink.”
“I wouldn’t turn it down.” He sliced the shovel into the ground by a hole, one of three holes he’d dug that morning along the deck railing.
She passed the water to him and a shiver shot up her arm as his fingers brushed hers. Another sip of her espresso gave her a chance to center herself again, put on the casual nonchalance she used so often, even when she was far from feeling it. When he tipped his head back and glugged from the bottle, however, she narrowly prevented herself from biting her bottom lip in appreciation. “Have you been out here long?”
“A while. I’ll be putting those bushes in this morning.” He gestured to several potted bushes on the edge of the driv
eway. “I checked the sprinkler system to make sure nothing’s clogging it, and figured out why the bed down there isn’t getting water. I’ll have it fixed by day’s end. You just get up?”
She put a hand to her hair, all too aware it wasn’t as perfect as she liked. “Yes. It’s been a crazy week, and the extra sleep was definitely needed. Sage and I are going to be around for the holiday. Anything special we should be sure not to miss?” Cami hadn’t asked Sage how long she was staying, but doubted she’d made the trip if she only had a couple of nights free. “Any local excitement?”
“Plenty. I’d be happy to have you and your sister join my family for everything this weekend. We’ll make sure you become familiar with the local sights and businesses.” He leaned a well-muscled arm along the porch railing. “We’re always happy to have extra people join us.”
Family, people, local color, and a gorgeous man to show them around. Could they possibly want for more? She could want to have him to herself instead of bringing Sage along, but Cami decided to take what she could get. “That sounds wonderful and exactly why I came to town. I’ll check with Sage and get back to you. Do you have a business card handy?”
He pulled one from his wallet, snagged a pen from somewhere on his tool belt, and jotted something on the back. “The office might close up early on Thursday—before events since everything really gets started on the third around here, but you can reach me on my cell. I think I’ve got yours somewhere in the sheaf of papers Alex gave me, but if I could get it again?”
She rattled off the number while he programmed it into his phone.
“How long are you going to be in town?” he asked.
She fingered the card, which had the landscaping company’s logo on it, but not his name. “I should be around most of the time from now on, though I’ll have a few things to handle back in Chicago. Since we’ll probably be bringing in staff from out of the area, at least for my concierges, I figured I’d better become familiar with local offerings and make some contacts before we open for business.”
A Perfect Fit Page 4