Bargaining With the Boss

by Jennifer Shirk

  Kinsley pulled back and glanced at the door. “Ooh, do you think that’s the bathroom sign Wade was talking about?”

  “For this kind of timely interruption, it better be,” he growled.

  She laughed. “How about you take the dog out and I’ll start browning the meat. This chili won’t make itself.”

  He gave her a quick kiss on the nose then headed over to the door. “Okay, but if the dog decides to go number two again, you and I are going to have a problem.”

  “I think you’re safe.”

  “I don’t find the word ‘think’ reassuring,” he said, attaching the leash to Precious’s collar.

  “Okay, if there is some unforeseeable bowel movement, I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

  “I was hoping you’d say that.” He flashed her a devilish grin, and then he and the dog were out the door, thankfully before she melted into an embarrassing puddle.

  Kinsley let out a rush of air and collapsed back against the counter, trying to control her heart from doing the Olympic gold medal somersaults it wanted. For all her concerns about Damon being emotionally distant, the fact that he had opened up to her at all made her want to shout with joy. Maybe there was hope for him yet. Hope for them. It definitely felt like she was making progress.

  But it also felt like she was falling in love.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Late Wednesday morning, Damon waltzed into Kinsley’s office and announced he had a surprise for her. He hated surprises, but judging by the giddy expression that had sprung onto Kinsley’s face, he was pleased he could provide her a good one.

  He held his hands over Kinsley’s eyes as he guided her out into the lobby. “All right now, just four more steps,” he told her, maneuvering her left so she wouldn’t run into the game table.

  “Damon, what is going on with you?” she asked. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble. You could have just told me to close my eyes.”

  “Yeah, but this way I can be close to you in public and nobody is the wiser,” he whispered, enjoying the light vanilla scent of her hair.

  She smiled and leaned back into his chest. “Being close in private is pretty nice, though.”

  Damon frowned. No. Actually, it wasn’t, he thought. Because it didn’t seem to be enough. Not nearly enough, and even though he’d spent just last night at her condo, it was all he could do not to want his hands on her again already. He glanced over at the reception desk and found Elena watching them closely. Time to end the show.

  He cleared his throat and forced himself to place a little distance between him and Kinsley. “You can stop right here,” he told her. “Okay, ready?”

  “I was ready ten minutes ago.”

  “Okay, fine. Open your eyes.” He dropped his arms.

  Kinsley slowly blinked her eyes open, a puzzled expression growing on her face. “Um, this is what you wanted to show me? A popcorn cart?”

  “A vintage popcorn cart,” he said, running a hand over the tempered glass door. “Makes forty cups per batch.”

  Kinsley looked at him. “You must really like popcorn.”

  He laughed. “It’s not for me. It’s for the hotel. I had a friend of mine who deals in this stuff deliver it. He gave me a great price.”

  Kinsley walked up to the machine, examining the inside. “I’m not sure what you want the hotel to do with this.”

  “You said so yourself that you wanted to have some local businesses offer afternoon activities, which got me thinking about some nighttime activities the hotel could have. Maybe we could do beach movies. Have a classic film night. Some nights could even be family night and we could show a cartoon or family movie.”

  “Classic movie night on the beach…” Her brows drew together. “Oh my gosh, Damon, I love that idea. Why didn’t I think of that?”

  “Because, my dear, you have no idea what a classic movie is.” He smirked and lightly tapped his finger on her nose.

  “I do, too,” she said, jamming her fists on her hips.

  “Ok. Name one.”

  She lifted her chin and paused a few seconds. “Casablanca.”

  “I gave that one to you and you know it.”

  She laughed. “True, but I named one at least.”

  He shook his head. “I definitely need to educate you on the finer points of classic movie watching. You’re totally missing out.”

  Kinsley turned her attention to him, her eyes keen with interest. “So what is your favorite classic movie?” she asked.

  Good question. He thought back on the first time his dad had suggested they watch a classic movie together. Carson was at basketball practice and his mom was at a charity luncheon. It was a rare time when only the two of them were home. But after that first movie, Damon was hooked, captivated by the acting and his dad explaining every bit of the movie as they had watched.

  “I’d have to say my favorite is On the Waterfront,” he answered after a moment. “My dad was a big Marlon Brando fan. As a result, I became one, too.”

  “Ah, so that explains the Godfather references,” she said wryly.

  “Yeah, I guess it does.” He smiled down at her with a light heart, realizing she’d just helped him discover something about himself. “So what do you say? Do you think the other retail merchants will mind the beach movies?”

  “I don’t think so. But I’ll run the idea by them at the next Boardwalk Association meeting. I know Mike will be behind us all the way.”

  “Mike?” He scowled. “The taffy guy?”

  “Yes, you met him. His family owns the saltwater taffy store. They make it all fresh right there in the shop.”

  “Good for him,” he muttered, rolling his eyes.

  Kinsley took his hands in hers and let out a low laugh. “You’re adorable when you’re like this.”

  “Like what?” he mumbled.

  “All grumpy and jealous. Just know it goes both ways. Mike will be thrilled when you’re out of the picture, too.”

  Out of the picture? Damon frowned, his body going numb for a few brief seconds. Of course, he would leave and go back to New York. Eventually. It’s just that he hadn’t really given it much thought lately. But the fact that Kinsley was so resigned to him ending their relationship before it had even begun filled him with an odd sensation he could only assume was relief.

  Kinsley walked over to one of the side tables and began straightening the magazines and newspapers. “I personally think the Boardwalk Association will be excited by anything that could attract people down here. If our guests are staying on the boardwalk for the movie, they’ll most likely grab dinner down there or do some shopping or go for ice cream afterward. Win-win, you know?”

  He nodded, growing even more impressed with the way Kinsley’s mind worked in business and marketing. “Good thinking.”

  “And in case I forgot to say it, thank you for the cart,” she said, turning to him with tears in her eyes.

  “Oh, no,” he said, raising his hands up. “Please don’t get emotional over the popcorn machine. He’s not worth it.”

  She chuckled and wiped her eyes. “I’m not getting emotional over that. I’m just…happy. I haven’t felt this way in a long time. When I worked at the casino, I never felt like I had much to offer, and if I did, my ideas went unnoticed or unappreciated. But deep down inside, I always wanted to be a part of something more, something I created. You’ve given me that. I’m finally feeling whole again.”

  “In that case, you’re welcome.” And although he smiled when he said the words, uneasiness settled over him when he thought on what could go wrong if the board decided to sell the hotel after all. He wouldn’t go there, though. Pessimism was never his style. He’d make it work for both of them. Somehow.

  Kinsley snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Hey there. Where did you just go?”

  “Sorry,” he said, forcing another smile. “Maybe I need something to eat.”

  Kinsley pulled out her phone to check the time. “Well, we could
grab a working lunch in my office.”

  “A private working lunch?”

  “Is there any other?” She grinned.

  He grinned back. No, there absolutely wasn’t.

  …

  Kinsley wandered to the hotel kitchen and then back to her office three times before she finally remembered why she was heading to the kitchen in the first place. The hotel’s first high tea had been served this past Sunday, and since the turnout was even better than expected, she wanted to congratulate Rick again on a lovely job.

  Gosh, what was wrong with her? She’d become a complete space cadet lately. But other than her current flightiness, she and Damon seemed to be handling their work/personal relationship just fine.

  Surprisingly enough, she’d seen Damon every single day for the past week, both at the hotel and after work. Sometimes they’d go out for dinner or coffee in town. Sometimes he’d come over and she’d cook for them—recipes her mother had taught her. He’d become extraordinarily chatty, and last night they’d talked about everything under the sun until almost two in the morning.

  Kinsley checked the time. She had about an hour before she needed to start helping her team set up for the Sons of Italy dinner that was scheduled for later that night. So she took the time to stop and rearrange the flowers in the entryway, admiring their sweet scent and humming to herself.

  Elena came up behind her and cleared her throat. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  Kinsley whirled around, a flower in her hand. “What do you mean, what am I doing? I’m fixing this bouquet.”

  “Yes, but you never hum.”

  Kinsley laughed. “Of course I hum,” she said, sticking the flower back into the vase just so.

  “Uh-uh. Something is definitely off. And it’s not just you. Damon has been acting funny all week, too.”

  She stilled. “Oh? Funny how?”

  “Deliriously happy funny.”

  She grinned. “Really?”

  “See?” Elena said, waving a finger at her face. “That’s the happy look you’ve both been wearing. What gives?”

  Kinsley leaned in and lowered her voice. “Damon and I have been sort of seeing each other.”

  “Get out.” Elena gave her a playful shove. “I thought you both agreed you were going for the strictly professional route?”

  “So did I.” She looked at her friend closely. “Do you think I’m making a mistake?”

  “Not at all. I love happy endings. Look at Scott and me. But I have to say, I’m a little jealous. I’m getting married next Christmas and we don’t act half as over the moon in love as you guys.”

  The L-word brought Kinsley up short and she couldn’t seem to breathe. She had an inkling her feelings might be headed in that direction, but she didn’t want to get carried away too soon. There were most likely no happy endings in her future. At least not with Damon. Damon would be heading back to New York, and after all that “wedding cake” talk, it was clear he was not interested in a long-term relationship. She’d told herself it didn’t matter. She hadn’t wanted to fall into her “sensible” old ways.

  So she needed to hold a piece of herself back. Preserve her independence somewhat. For her sanity as well as her heart.

  Elena took hold of her shoulders and shook her a little. “Relax, honey. It’s been almost a year since you and Paul broke up. Enjoy this. Enjoy him.”

  She managed a shaky smile. “You’re right. I’m just being stupid, overthinking everything as usual.” But that annoying little voice in her head wouldn’t shut up.

  “Have you guys discussed what will happen when he returns to New York?”

  She bit the side of her lip. “No. Neither one of us has brought it up.” Probably because it would be a downer of a subject. “Damon said it was better to enjoy the frosting now and not worry about making a cake that he wouldn’t eat later on.”

  Elena made a face. “He doesn’t eat cake?”

  “Long story,” she said, waving it off.

  “Well, no sense worrying about it,” Elena said with a shrug. “You guys will figure it out when the time is right. Love always finds a way.”

  Love. There’s that word again. She blinked, feeling the room sway. She couldn’t be in love. Damon was eventually leaving. She knew that.

  Damon came around the office corridor just then, his attention going straight to Kinsley. He stopped in his tracks and warmly gazed at her. She looked back, her lips creeping into a shy smile, her insides going all tingly.

  And then it hit her. What she’d felt growing for weeks. Oh, God. This feeling. This rush of emotions every time he came into a room. She was in love with Damon.

  Heaven help my heart.

  “If you weren’t my friend, I would gag,” Elena murmured from the side of her mouth.

  Kinsley bumped her with her hip. “Um, is there anything I can do for you, Damon?”

  “Actually, yes,” he said, his intense blue gaze never leaving her. “I would like to go over a few things with you in my office, if you have a moment.”

  “Of course, I’ll be right in.”

  He dipped his chin then turned around and headed back to his office. Once he was out of sight, Kinsley let out a long breath. “This is good. Right? Our working relationship seems unaffected.”

  Elena rolled her eyes. “Honey, did you see the sexy way he was staring at you? Your working relationship would be the last thing I’d be thinking about.”

  “Well, I’m just trying to handle this differently than I did with Paul. I want Damon and me to be partners at work and off duty, you know? I finally feel like I’m in a good place in my life. Everything is stable—my work, my personal life—and I’ve found myself again. I’m not in anyone’s shadow here, and I’ve had a real impact on the community.”

  “That’s very sensible of you, as usual, but you should expect change.”

  Kinsley jammed a hand on her hip. “Hey, I thought Arden was supposed to be the cynic about love, not you.”

  “I’m not just talking about love. I’m talking about life, too.”

  “But I am trying to change. Step out of my comfort zone.” Although she wasn’t sure if it was really working out for her, especially when it came to Damon.

  Elena threw an arm around Kinsley’s shoulders. “Well, that’s my point. I don’t think you have to change. Only be prepared for it when it happens. Just because you could lose something good doesn’t mean something better won’t be waiting for you instead. Look at Paul. You lost him, but you gained a great guy in Damon instead. And you lost the hotel, but you still have control and are enjoying managing it with all your staff behind you.”

  “Yeah.” She sent her friend a little smile. “I guess so. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, you better go. Don’t want to leave the boss waiting.”

  “Ooh, you’re right. Talk to you later,” she said, darting toward the offices. Once she reached the doorway to Damon’s office, his hand snaked out and pulled her inside.

  He smothered her half yelp half giggle as his lips landed on hers. Oh my, but the man had a magic mouth. She couldn’t ever remember having kisses that blanked out her mind as effectively as Damon’s.

  “What took you so long?” he asked, coming up for air and resting his forehead against hers. “I missed you.”

  “I was only five minutes.”

  A slow smile curved his lips. “Exactly. Way too long.” He held her face in his hands and gave her another kiss. Sigh. She could easily get used to starting her workday this way every day.

  Then someone rapped hard on the doorframe three times.

  Oh, no! She cringed inside. The office door wasn’t closed, and so far, Elena was the only employee who knew about her relationship with Damon. This is going to be awkward…

  But when she and Damon broke apart, it wasn’t one of her employees. It was a fairly attractive man, wearing what looked to be a very expensive suit. He didn’t appear to be a guest, and even though he wore a pleasant expre
ssion, she felt Damon tense beside her.

  “May I help you?” she asked, distancing herself from Damon.

  The man grinned a little too widely. “I think you just did.” His gaze then traveled to Damon. “I hate to be a party crasher, but aren’t you going to introduce us, St. James?”

  She glanced at Damon, who was staring at the man hard and hot. “This is Alec Dunleavy,” he said. “He works for my father.”

  Kinsley swallowed. Something was off. Damon’s tone could have had wild animals running into hibernation.

  Alec strutted inside the office, extending a hand toward her as he did. “Remind me not to have you write my dossier, Damon.” He gripped her hand tightly and shook it. “I’m on the board at the St. James Corporation, and I also happen to be the main real estate attorney in house as well as second vice president.”

  “Uh, it’s very nice to meet you.” She blinked, not quite understanding the tense vibe going on between these men. “I’m Kinsley Roberts, the manager here at The Harbor Light. My family actually used to own this hotel.”

  Alec lifted his brow. “It was your family’s? How interesting.”

  “Why are you here?” Damon demanded. “No one mentioned to me that you would be coming down today.”

  “Oh, didn’t anyone tell you? Huh, that detail must have been missed. My secretary’s bad.” He shrugged. “Your father scheduled me to meet with the attorneys of The Coastal Casino this afternoon. Kudos to you for the acquisition. As you can imagine we were all very shocked.”

  Kinsley stared at him. “You were shocked?”

  “Did I say shocked?” Alec pursed his lips. “I meant satisfied. Anyway, since I got here a little earlier than expected, I thought I would drop in and see how our little investment here in Cape Harmony is doing.” He cast a sideways glance to Kinsley before adding, “I can see things have been happening while you’ve been here. We have lots of things to go over, don’t we, Damon?”

  Kinsley darted her gaze between the two standoffish men and took that as her cue to leave. “Well, I’ll leave you gentlemen, then. But Alec, if you have time after your meeting, I would be happy to give you a tour of the hotel.”