She had to admit her room was exactly as Rosetta had described. Ivy had never had a nicer suite. As she entered the lobby, she realized the luxury wasn’t just in the bedrooms. The decorators had outdone themselves. The light blues and greens with touches of beige blended so well together and the luxury wall coverings, furniture, and carpets were made to create a relaxing atmosphere in the resort.
She passed several couples holding hands or with their arms around each other. There were three fireplaces in the overly-large lobby, and the visitors to Cupid Island were already feeling that lovey-dovey feeling. Ivy smiled, knowing that this was the perfect resort to shoot her commercial.
Pulling out her phone from her jeans pocket, she wanted to get a few pictures taken to send to her sisters and mother. They would love it here. She stopped in the middle of the lobby and clicked a few pictures. Not far down one of the corridors looked to be another room. She wasn’t sure if it was the five-star restaurant or not, but she couldn’t wait to find out.
As she turned sharply, she bumped into another person. Her face hit smack-dab in his chest as his chin bumped against her head. Immediately, his hands clutched her upper arms. She quickly regained her balance and stepped back as humiliation poured over her.
“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry. I’ve been such a klutz—” The moment she looked upon the man’s gorgeous face, recognition struck. Inwardly, she groaned.
His eyes widened as he clearly recognized her. “What are you doing here?”
She rubbed the mark on her forehead that still smarted from their last contact together. “You took the words right out of my mouth.” She sighed. “And I’d really like to know why we keep literally bumping into each other because it needs to stop before one of us becomes seriously injured.”
Scowling, he folded his arms. “I couldn’t agree more.”
THREE
Steele had hoped this day wouldn’t get any worse. Once he had assisted his mother into looking for a new place to live in New York, he thought the rest of the day would go smoother. He was so very wrong.
“Of all places to go in Alaska, why did we have to end up at the same place?” she grumbled.
“That’s a very good question.” He swished his hand in the air. “There are eight other resorts to choose from, so why are you at Cupid Island? You’re obviously not with someone, and this resort is usually for couples who want to strengthen their relationship.”
“For your information,” she snapped, “I’m not here to fall in love.”
“Then you’re obviously on the wrong island. Pick one of the others. In fact,” he pulled his phone out of his pocket, “I’ll call my brother, Vixen. I’m sure he’ll have room for you at his resort.”
A loud gasp ripped from her throat and her face lost color. “Your brother? Vixen is your brother?”
Inwardly, he groaned and scrubbed a hand over his shaven chin. Perhaps he should have picked another brother who hadn’t been a player. “Let me guess… you’re one of Vick’s ex-girlfriends?”
“Of course not.” She frowned.
“Then how do you know my brother?”
“I don’t. But if your brothers run the other resorts, that makes you the owner of Cupid Island.”
He nodded. “What a brilliant assumption.” Perhaps he shouldn’t have been sarcastic about it, but he was still very upset over this whole thing.
Folding her arms, she cocked her head. “You don’t have to be rude – again – Mr. Holliday.”
“You’re right. I don’t have to be.” He punched a number on his phone. “So, let me call the resort and get you registered—”
“I’m staying here.”
He narrowed his gaze on her. Was she doing this to punish him? “I promise you’ll enjoy yourself more at Vick’s—”
“Your father hired me and he’s paying for my stay here,” she said through tight lips. “And I’m not leaving until I finish what I came here to do.”
Slowly, he slid his phone back in his pocket as a bitter taste filled his mouth. “And what, exactly, did my father hire you to do?”
“I’m supposed to make a commercial to help promote the island.”
The throb in his forehead that had started earlier today had turned worse. He groaned. This couldn’t be happening. “You’re Ivy Kidman?”
She gave a sharp nod.
Steele gritted his teeth. Apparently, this was not going to be a good day for him – maybe not even a good month. “Well, I’m sorry to say, but you are no longer needed here. I’m not going to do a commercial. You can just plan on returning back to your home and forget this even happened.”
Her expression hardened. “Oh, believe me, Mr. Holliday, I’d like nothing better than to forget meeting you. However, my return flight isn’t until after Christmas.”
“I’ll buy you another one on a commercial flight.” He grasped her upper arm and practically pulled her toward the elevators. “I’m sorry you had to waste your time coming here, but I’ll make sure you’re on the next available flight.” He stopped in front of the elevators and pressed the up button.
She huffed and yanked her arm away from him. “You don’t need to treat me like an unruly child, especially since you are the one throwing the temper-tantrum. I’ll gladly leave the resort, so please stop treating me so roughly.”
Slowly, he released his pent-up breath. He was sure he’d be ashamed of his behavior later today or even tomorrow, but right now, all he could think of was making sure his father didn’t win. “You’re right, and I’m sorry. I won’t treat you like a child anymore.”
As they waited for the elevator, she tapped her stylish boot quickly on the floor and stared at the silver doors. This gave him the chance to look her over again. She really was a pretty woman. He was sure her cheeks were redder than usual because he’d upset her, and he had remembered her lips were fuller than they were now. She had a pretty heart-shaped face with amazing hazel eyes. Her dark brown hair was nearly the color of his hair. She was a slender woman, proportioned perfectly, in fact. The red coat with white sheepskin collar looked good on her, and her black jeans snugged nicely against her shapely legs.
He tore his gaze away and looked at the elevator doors. He really shouldn’t be checking her out. But more importantly, he really shouldn’t be enjoying the view.
The elevator doors opened, and they walked inside, each taking a different corner. She glared at him.
“You don’t need to follow me to my room,” she said.
“I’m not. I have some rooms I need to check on,” he lied. Well, it really wasn’t a lie. There were a few rooms that needed repairs, but he had assigned the building maintenance crew to work on them.
Once the doors closed on the elevator, the contraption shook slightly as it made its climb. Suddenly, the lights inside flickered and the elevator stopped. Even the lights went out. Ivy released a frightened sob and he reached for her. She jumped away from the corner and right into his arms. A fearful sob escaped Ivy’s mouth as she pressed her face against his chest.
“I’m… a little claustrophobic, if you must know,” she said in a tight voice.
“Don’t worry. I’ll get us out of here.”
Keeping her against him, he pulled out his cell phone and punched in a number. Waiting for someone to answer, Steele tightened his arm around Ivy, pulling her closer. The scent of berries drifted from her hair, and the urge to bury his face in her pretty locks and inhale became tempting. He pushed the impulse aside and concentrated on the matter at hand – keeping her calm.
Finally, a voice came on the other end of the phone. “Martinez, elevator six has stopped working. I’m on the elevator with another guest. I need you to get us out now!
“Uh, sir?” Martinez’s voice squeaked. “There’s been a power outage. We just experienced some high winds. We’re getting the problem solved as soon as possible.”
He sighed. “Okay, thanks.”
“Yes, sir,” Martinez answered quickly.
; Steele ended the call and slid the phone back into his pocket. He glanced down at Ivy just as she tilted her head back to meet his gaze. Anger was no longer the expression on her pretty face, but he didn’t like seeing her so scared, either. Her attention moved over his face slowly, from his eyes to his nose, and then to his mouth before slowly climbing back up to his eyes again. The beat of his heart changed, confusing him. Not often did he get to feel like a superhero, but seeing the gratitude in her eyes, softened his heart.
He gave her a reassuring smile. “Apparently, there has been a power outage. I’m not sure how long we’ll be stuck on the elevator.” She inhaled sharply and her body stiffened, so he hurried to reassure her. “But I’ll help you however you need. We’ll be all right once the power comes on. Just tell me what I need to do to help you through this moment.”
Her breathing quickened. “Just keep talking to me. That will keep my mind off… things.”
Without thinking, he stroked her hair that felt like silk gliding through his fingers. He really should pull away, but having a panicked woman in an elevator was something he didn’t want to consider. “You know, your face looks familiar to me. Have we ever met before?”
“No,” she whispered. “I’m sure I would have remembered meeting you.”
He shook his head. “I wish I knew why you seem so familiar.”
Her mouth stretched in a small smile. “Are you on social media?”
“Yes, why?”
“Because my video has gone viral and you might have seen it.”
“What’s your video about?”
“I caught some poachers in West Yellowstone.”
The video flashed through his mind. Surprised he hitched a breath. “Oh, wow! You are that woman, aren’t you?”
She chuckled. “Yes.”
“Well, congratulations for having a video go viral, and another congrats for teaching those poachers a good lesson. I really liked your video.”
“Thank you. It made me feel good to stop men like that.”
The lights flashed back on and the elevator started moving again. Both of them breathed a heavy sigh and stepped out of each other’s arms. When the elevator stopped, they exited it quickly.
In the light, he could see Ivy’s face was still a little pale. He frowned. “Hey, I’m sorry for what happened in there.”
“It’s not your fault that there was a power outage.”
“Are you doing any better?” He stroked his knuckles along her chin and her skin felt warmer this time. “Do I need to walk you to your room?”
She shook her head. “I’ll be fine. Besides, you should check to make sure everything else is up and running.”
“Yes, you’re right. I’ll do that.”
“Great.” She smoothed her hands over her coat and gave him a weak smile. “You saved me from panicking in there. Thanks.”
He shrugged. “It’s the least I could do for all the heartache I’ve caused since we first met.”
She chuckled. “It has been a rather crazy day, hasn’t it?”
“That’s putting it mildly.”
She took a step toward the hallway on her right. “I guess I’ll go to my room now.”
“Take it easy for a bit and let me know when you’re ready to leave.”
She nodded but didn’t reply. Instead, she turned and walked up the hall.
Blowing out a frustrated breath, he pushed his fingers through his hair, leaning against the outer wall. Of all things to go wrong today…
Was it possible to start today over again? He’d wake up and have the conversation with Bonnie, but this time, he’d convince her that they were breaking up, and he’d make sure she stayed home. Next, he would have taken control of the phone conversation with his father. Steele would make his father see that he wanted to make the decisions in regards to the resort, especially since he was managing it. If he wanted a commercial, then he’d be the one to put one together. Steele would make his father see that there was no reason for a commercial since the resort was making as much money this year as it had been doing the past five years.
And as for Ivy… He supposed that their meeting in the coffee shop was inevitable, but if he hadn’t been so upset with Bonnie and both of his parents, he wouldn’t have snapped at Ivy and treated her poorly. In fact, if he had been in a better mood, he would have taken that opportunity to get to know her better. He definitely liked the way she fit in his arms. He especially liked the way she looked at him with admiration in her amazing hazel eyes that looked more green than brown.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t change the past. He just had to continue from this point forward and try to make everything right.
His day had been nothing but bad luck, and he worried that if he didn’t start changing things, something else would go terribly wrong. He didn’t want to imagine what that might be.
FOUR
Ivy lay curled on the bed, clutching a pillow to her chest. Her mind hadn’t stopped going over every second of the day since meeting the very arrogant, rude… and yet, caring man who owned Cupid Island. He confused her, and that’s not what she needed right now. She didn’t need to remember how his protective, muscular arms had wrapped around her while he let her rest her head on his wide chest. And she especially didn’t need to recall the kindness in his baby-blue eyes.
Had she seen his true self in the elevator as he kept her from hyperventilating? Or was he really the grouchy man she’d come to know since their first meeting? Rosetta had assured Ivy that Steele Holliday was a kind man with a giving heart. That mere idea made Ivy laugh, and yet, the kindness she’d seen in his face inside and outside of the elevator made her hope that Steele just might be that man.
Yet, it didn’t matter. He still wanted her gone. He didn’t want the commercial.
Irritation grew inside her and she sat up on the bed. She glanced at her suitcases. He’d told her to let him know when she was ready to leave. She hadn’t even repacked her clothes yet. Part of her wanted to stay. She’d wanted to impress Gordon Holliday in case he could help her achieve her dream. She also wanted to enjoy the beautiful wintry scenery, even if she wasn’t in the holiday spirit.
Apparently, Cupid didn’t care about her wants – just like most men she’d dated. For years, she’d let men walk all over her, but it was time to put a stop to it. Her near-death experience in the elevator made her reevaluate her life. It was time that she lived her life for herself instead of doing what others thought she should do.
Courage built inside her, and she jumped to her feet, determined to reach for her dreams starting now. She would tell that gorgeous man with no heart that she was not going to leave. After all, it was his father that hired her, and so it would be his father who would let her go. Not Cupid!
Inside the bathroom, she looked at her pale reflection in the mirror. She added more make-up to bring more color to her face and fluffed her hair so that it didn’t look as if she’d been sleeping on it. The clock on the wall let her know it was getting closer to dinner, and she was hungry. She didn’t care if she found a table for one, she had every right to be at the resort for love.
She changed into a lavender sweater, liking the way her complexion looked when she wore this color. After spraying some perfume on her neck and wrists, she left her bedroom and walked toward the elevators, but stopped, remembering about the power outage. She didn’t dare get on the elevator alone, so she turned and took the stairs to the main level.
On her way toward the restaurant, she passed couples who were in each other’s arms as they strolled along the shops inside the resort. Part of her wished she still had a man to cuddle with. It was rather nice being in Steele’s comforting arms as she pressed her cheek against his chest. And… he smelled so good.
The heavenly aroma of the food being prepared for tonight’s meal made her stomach grumble, which made her hurry to the restaurant. The waitress showed Ivy to a table with two glasses, two plates, and two sets of utensils. One decorated candle sat in the m
iddle of the white-clothed table.
Ivy sat and the waitress handed her a menu before the young woman glanced at the empty chair across from Ivy.
“Will your partner be joining you?”
Ivy squared her shoulders. “No. I don’t have one. It’ll just be me.”
The younger woman’s eyes widened. “Just you?”
Ivy chuckled lightly. “I’m sure you’re used to serving two people per table, but it’ll just be me eating.”
“Oh… Um, would you like a drink?”
“Do you serve lemonade?”
The woman’s head nodded slowly. “Yes, but our specialty wine is—”
“I’ll have lemonade, please.”
Mumbling something incoherent, the waitress hurried off. Ivy sighed and peered at the one-laminated page menu. There were only a few dishes served during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That was fine with her. She wasn’t a picky eater.
As she continued to study the menu, a single pair of footsteps came near her table and stopped. A split-second later, a man’s musky cologne scent of pine drifted around her. The familiar smell reminded her of…
She snapped her gaze past the menu to look at the man standing next to her table. The expression on Steele’s face wasn’t as hard as she’d seen it earlier, but there was still a touch of stubbornness in his eyes. He also looked slightly perplexed.
“Miss Kidman,” he said in a calm voice, “have you recovered from the incident in the elevator?”
She figured he wasn’t shouting at her because so many of his guests would witness his tirade. “I’m feeling much better, thanks.” She motioned her hand toward the lights. “I’m glad the resort hasn’t lost power again.”
“Me, too. That’s not fun, believe me.”
She set her menu down and motioned toward the empty chair. “Would you like to join me?”
“I, um…” He glanced around the room before returning his gaze to her. “I suppose I could for a few minutes.” He sat next to her, staring into her eyes. “I’ve been waiting for your call to let me know you were ready to leave.”
Cupid Takes a Wife Page 3