Misfits, Inc.

by Holly Copella

  His brain seemed to function on its own as realization hit him. “I, uh, just remembered; Talbert took it to Ms. Keenan’s suite.”

  Hailey found the strange desk clerk oddly adorable. She wasn’t sure what it was about him, but she decided she liked the awkward, bumbling man.

  “I know what it’s like to have one of those days,” she assured him. “I have them frequently.”

  He seemed to relax to the comment. “Mine is never ending,” he announced while softly exhaling. “Even my dream world shows little mercy.”

  “I hear you,” she groaned softly. “Mine too.”

  Skyler suddenly became excited by her comment and nearly jumped across the desk as his eyes lit up. “Really? Are you a vivid dreamer?”

  Although his question surprised her, she was intrigued. Few people ever asked her about her dreams. She was usually too ashamed even to discuss them.

  “A little too vivid,” she replied. “Most people think I’m nutty.”

  “I’d settle for nutty,” he remarked and attempted a wry smile. “I’m considered a freak.”

  She couldn’t help but smile at him. Skyler relaxed, possibly for the first time, and laughed at himself. Talbert was crossing the lobby, saw Hailey at the desk, and switched direction, approaching them with a curious look.

  “Is everything okay, Miss Aramis?”

  She glanced at the distinguished looking general manager. “Yes, everything is fine.”

  Talbert casually placed his arm around her shoulder and guided Hailey away from the desk. Skyler’s shoulders sagged with disappointment. Mel hurried to join them.

  “I hope Skyler didn’t say anything to upset you,” Talbert remarked just loud enough for her to hear. “He means well, but he’s a little different.”

  She found it odd that Talbert would share that sort of information with a guest regarding an employee. It was also in poor taste, almost as much as the peek he stole at her cleavage. She assumed she couldn’t blame him; after all, Lucinda did force her to put them on display. It would be difficult for any man not to notice her breasts.

  “No, he was very polite,” she assured him.

  “I’m glad to hear that.”

  Hailey was actually wishing he’d take his hand off her bare shoulder. Considering she felt nearly naked as it was, his touch was making her uncomfortable. The scent of his expensive cologne was almost overwhelming in such close confines. As she thought of an excuse to pull away from him, Hailey glanced across the lobby and saw a ruggedly handsome man in his early thirties heading toward the elevator. She found herself staring helplessly at the well-built man in the expensive, black suit. His presence was almost commanding, and her heart rate elevated in response. He had short dark hair, which was just the perfect length for running fingers through. She’d never seen such a handsome man before.

  As the handsome man looked across the lobby, their eyes met briefly. Her heart skipped a beat the brief moment their eyes connected, and for the first time, she felt a burning passion in places she’d never imagined. Of course, that could have had something to do with the thong underwear. The man showed no reaction, not even a smile, and continued toward the elevators. She was almost disappointed that he didn’t at least offer a smile or take in an eyeful of her revealing dress. Although, she hadn’t offered a come-hither smile either. She felt her cheeks immediately redden. Mel and Talbert noticed her stare. She didn’t even realize they were standing alongside her. Hailey couldn’t take her eyes off the man crossing the lobby. The handsome man paused before the elevator, briefly glanced back at Hailey, and then entered the elevator. Hailey continued to stare at the closed elevator after he was gone. She couldn’t seem to tear her eyes away from the spot he once stood even after the doors closed. Mel stared at Hailey with her mouth partially open and a look of surprise on her face.

  “I know that look, but I’ve never seen it on you,” Mel announced. A grin suddenly crossed her face. “You may have fun this week after all.”

  “Not with that one,” Talbert firmly informed them. “Trust me; you’ll want to stay far away from that man.”

  Both women looked at Talbert with shared surprise and question in their eyes.

  “Why’s that?” Mel was first to ask.

  “That’s Brody’s attack dog, Rafe,” Talbert remarked.

  “Attack dog?” Hailey suddenly questioned, wondering what he meant by the comment.

  Talbert shook his head with disgust. “Nevin claims he’s his assistant, but I’ve met friendlier hitmen,” he announced. “Nevertheless, you’ll want to stay far away from him. There are bad boys and then there’s Rafe.”

  Hailey wasn’t sure what to think. Could Talbert be exaggerating? Was there some resentment between the two men, causing him to berate him? She couldn’t get Rafe out of her head, despite Talbert’s warning. He couldn’t be that bad; could he?

  Chapter Five

  The cozy lounge was dimly lit with small, round tables containing elegant lights on each, giving off a romantic glow. A rustic bar encompassed nearly half the back wall with large mirrors and shelves of expensive liquor. A tough looking, yet professionally dressed woman, Tam, tended bar. She was attractive enough to gain the attention of male guests who liked the biker chick look. She wore a sleeveless, button shirt, which revealed some cleavage, her amazingly toned arms, and a tattoo spilling off her shoulder and onto her arm. Guests were already filtering into the lounge to secure drinks before heading to the dining room for a late dinner. Romantic, live piano music seemed to fill the lounge without being too loud for guests to hold a conversation. A large, teddy bear of a man in his late twenties, Logan Holbrook, played the soft, romantic tune on the expensive grand piano. Considering his large size, the tune almost seemed out of place coming from his fingers striking the keys.

  Lucinda and Hailey entered the lounge and checked out the scene before approaching the bar. Lucinda set her designer briefcase and clutch purse on the bar then took the available seat. Tam was quick to tend to them, knowing the attractive woman was the hotel owner. Despite her ‘girl gone wild’ look, Tam wasn’t above kissing the boss’s ass with the best of them.

  “Good evening, Ms. Keenan,” Tam announced in an unusually cheerful tone. “Your usual?”

  Lucinda always seemed pleased when her subjects fawned over her. “Yes, and make something special for Hailey. She’s too tense for someone her age.”

  Tam grinned and nodded. “I have just the thing for that.” She began creating drinks for both women, tossing bottles around with amazing style and flare.

  “I’d prefer to conduct this meeting sober,” Hailey informed her boss.

  Lucinda grinned through her plump, red lips. “That’s a novel idea, but I doubt it’ll catch on.”

  The piano music continued to fill the lounge, entrancing Hailey. She looked across the dimly lit room to the grand piano and studied the large, African-American man playing so beautifully. The boyish grin on his face told her he loved his work. He never looked down, indicating there was no sheet music.

  “He plays wonderfully,” Hailey said aloud even if she hadn’t meant to.

  Tam placed their drinks on the bar before them, glanced at Logan playing piano, and then grinned slyly. “That man puts more women in the mood than all the booze I serve.”

  “Makes a small fortune in tips too,” Lucinda added without looking and sipped her drink. She smiled her approval to the tough bartender.

  “Must get a lot of girls,” Hailey remarked without taking her eyes off the large teddy bear of a man.

  “Logan?” Tam remarked then allowed a throaty laugh to escape. “He’s a Boy Scout.”

  As more customers approached the bar, Tam tended to them, humoring them with her overboard, tough girl personality. Hailey sipped her drink and made a face. It was almost too strong, although she assumed that was by design. Hailey refrained from gagging on what must certainly have been tabasco sauce. Lucinda casually looked around the room while sitting perfectly pose
d on her barstool. Her bare leg found its way outside the lengthy slit and daintily crossed over her other leg. It was no secret that Hailey’s boss enjoyed the company of men. She was a terrible flirt, but from stories Mel had told, it went beyond flirting on many occasions. Hailey hadn’t personally witnessed Lucinda in full prowling mode, so this business trip could be quite the eye-opener.

  “This trip is only ten percent business,” Lucinda informed her then suddenly stared across the lounge. She grinned with a lustful look Hailey had never seen before. “And the other ninety percent just walked through the door.”

  Hailey looked across the lounge to see the man who’d commanded her boss’s undivided attention. An amazingly handsome man with flowing, golden brown hair crossed the room as if he owned it. The man in his early thirties was built more athletic than muscular and dressed in expensive, stylish, hand tailored clothing. He gained the attention of every woman and seemed to know it. He offered the most charming, magnificent smile at each woman he passed. They all seemed helpless to his charm and good looks. Just about every woman in the room kept their eyes on the handsome man. Even Hailey couldn’t deny the man was beyond words, yet as she watched him, her thoughts strayed to the forbidden man from the lobby. The handsome man approached the bar and casually posed at it like a male model from a magazine cover. It seemed to come naturally to him. Even Lucinda seemed helpless to his charm. Although, Hailey wasn’t about to rule out the wonderful scent of his cologne as a factor. Tam leaned on the bar, thrusting her cleavage forward, and stared at him with the same lustful look as every other woman in the lounge.

  “Hi, darling,” Tam announced in a slightly higher voice than normal while grinning. “What can I get you?”

  “Cognac, if you please,” Vance replied.

  Tam straightened, grinned, and raised her brows lustfully. “I please.” She flipped the bottle of expensive alcohol without taking her eyes off him, poured his drink, and set it before him.

  Lucinda allowed her eyes to sweep over his body then settled on his eyes as he met her gaze. “I haven’t seen you around before,” she remarked.

  Vance cast his smile upon Lucinda and suavely extended his hand. “I just arrived this morning. Vance Colten.”

  Lucinda eagerly accepted his hand with promise of never letting go. “Lucinda Keenan. I own this resort.”

  His brows raised in response. Hailey swore she heard a cash register ding to his increasing interest.

  “Oh?” he replied and maintained his boyish grin. “I’m charmed to make your acquaintance.”

  Vance suavely kissed her hand. Hailey had to admit, it was almost erotic to watch. Lucinda turned giddy, something Hailey hadn’t expected from the barracuda. There was a chance her boss may even have blushed.

  Lucinda then indicated Hailey. “This is my lovely assistant, Hailey.”

  Vance smiled casually at Hailey while avoiding looking her in the eyes and appeared almost disinterested. “It’s a pleasure.” He immediately returned his attention to Lucinda. “You have a very charming hotel. I’m captivated by the overwhelming beauty everywhere.”

  Lucinda giggled again. She transformed from Hailey’s barracuda of a boss into a little girl right before her eyes. Hailey groaned her displeasure and made an unannounced escape. She couldn’t watch what was about to unfold, especially considering the giddy schoolgirl was her boss. Hailey crossed the lounge and found herself drawn to the man playing piano. Logan smiled, revealing charming dimples, as she sat at the piano. He had adorable, chubby cheeks, which complemented his shiny, clean-shaven head. Something about the way he smiled at her immediately put her at ease. Although, the music and the strong drink may have helped.

  “That’s beautiful,” Hailey said warmly.

  “I call that one ‘untitled 327’,” he announced while maintaining his grin.

  She couldn’t help feeling surprised by the comment. “You write your own songs?”

  “Sort of,” he replied. “I make them up as I go.” Without looking away from Hailey, he gave a general nod toward the bar. “Who’s the pretty boy sniffing around Ms. Keenan?”

  “Vance Colten,” Hailey offered and immediately regretted having rolled her eyes. She didn’t know this man, but she felt compelled to open up, which wasn’t like her. “He’s a real charmer,” she muttered.

  Logan appeared almost humored. “If he’s looking for a gravy train, he’d better move to another station.”

  She attempted to hold back her laugh, but it felt good to let it out. “Mr. Charming flirted his way across the entire room but blew me off like I wasn’t even there. Not that he impresses me any, but it doesn’t help a girl’s ego.” She leaned her elbow on the piano and held her chin in her hand. “Guess I’m not rich enough,” she playfully pouted.

  Hailey cast a quick glance downward and realized her cleavage was spilling out of her dress. Surprisingly, Logan hadn’t looked. Tam may have not been exaggerating about the man being a Boy Scout. She straightened subconsciously and tugged on the neckline to help conceal her breasts. Her action caused his eyes to momentarily stray, but he didn’t linger.

  “Reminds me of the Charmer in the fable “The Gift”,” he casually remarked. “The Charmer possessed the gift to charm all creatures, but if he gazed into the eyes of pure beauty, he would be rendered impotent.” Logan appeared humored while staring at her. “He has no power over you.”

  Hailey felt her cheeks redden slightly while she attempted to hide her smile. “My ego just recovered. You’re quite charming yourself,” she replied gently then took a more serious tone. “I hadn’t heard “The Gift” mentioned in over five years. I loved that fable.”

  Logan curiously studied her without missing a key. She smiled and sank into her own childhood fantasy.

  “A lonely little girl with the burden to protect her father’s kingdom, and the power to create her council of mystic warriors to assist her on her journey,” Hailey announced with a sigh. “Out of all the creatures, she picks the least likely heroes.” She returned to reality and straightened. “Quite moving.”

  “I appreciate that,” Logan announced cheerfully. “I wrote that when I was in college.”

  Hailey’s expression dropped to his admission. “You’re Logan Holbrook?”

  Logan smiled and nodded.

  “What a small world,” she almost gasped then attempted to reel in her childish fascination. “I only ever saw that one copy. Did you sell many?”

  “Enough to live off the royalties quite comfortably,” he replied then grinned. “Would you like a copy? I have two hundred in my closet.”

  Chapter Six

  The dining room was elegant yet had a tropical appeal. There was a wall of glass overlooking the terrace with more intimate seating. The classy, wicker chairs along with the high, faux thatch ceiling gave the room an added tropical feel. Intimate booths lined the side walls and live palm trees appeared to be growing from the marble floor. The charming room was filled with men and women dining by romantic candlelight while soft music created a soothing backdrop. Lucinda and Hailey followed the properly dressed host to an elegant table with the most stunning ocean view. As they approached the table, they were greeted by a man in his mid-fifties already seated at the table. Nevin Brody was probably the richest man Hailey would ever meet. He certainly had more money than Lucinda had, but he was known to be fairly cheap. She couldn’t help but feel that his expensive suit and gold watch supported a different version of that story.

  Brody was far from attractive, at least in Hailey’s opinion. His hair plugs were painfully obvious and the color was excessively dark for a man his age. His grooming screamed he was attempting to hold onto a youth that no longer wanted any part of him. Physically, he seemed to be in excellent shape, undoubtedly exercising religiously. Hailey couldn’t help but wonder if his tuxedo cost more than what she made in a year. As he took two quick steps to greet them, Hailey noticed the second man at the table, who’d been standing behind him. She took in an eyeful of
Rafe. From only a few feet away, she marveled at how handsome he actually was. Despite Talbert’s warning, she couldn’t contain her attraction toward this man. Unlike Brody, he didn’t bother dressing in his finest tuxedo. His expensive, signature suit was more than adequate. Hailey was so caught up in his straight stance and mildly muscular build; she hadn’t even realized he showed no emotion to their approach.

  “Lucinda, you look absolutely stunning,” Brody announced cheerfully while taking both her hands in his and kissed her warmly on the cheek.

  Whether she liked him or not, she greeted him with enthusiasm and grace. “Charming as always, Nevin, dear.” She pulled away and indicated Hailey alongside her. “This is Hailey Aramis, my new assistant.”

  Brody was quick to sweep a glance over Hailey, almost certainly admiring her revealing dress into which Lucinda so graciously stuffed her. “It’s a pleasure, Hailey,” he announced politely. “You can call me Nevin.” He then indicated the serious man remaining at the table. “This is my personal assistant, Rafe.”

  Hailey eagerly took in another eyeful of Rafe, excited finally for an introduction. He stared back at her with a cold expression and showed no reaction. His complete lack of response baffled her. If she couldn’t gain his attention in Lucinda’s borrowed dress, she should probably give up. Hailey managed a smile but found it difficult without any emotion from him. Lucinda guided Hailey to the window seat across from Rafe. Brody was quick to pull their chairs out for them. If nothing else, Brody was gentlemanly. As Brody took his seat, Lucinda placed her hand on Hailey’s lower arm and casually indicated Rafe across from her.

  “Despite his poor manners, Rafe rarely bites,” Lucinda informed her. She turned her attention to Brody once he was comfortably seated and sipping his expensive drink. “Let’s get business out of the way, shall we.”

  “Not so fast. First we dance,” Brody announced, surprising both, and looked at Lucinda while extending his hand across the table to her. “My dear?”