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“None since COVID hit,” Stu says.
Hearing this triggers my concern. “Do I need to do anything special for that? Test or anything?”
“Nah. Jamaica has lifted all of its restrictions. You’re good to go there. I had my office prepare everything you need. The flight plan is booked for your jet. And Porter has taken care of the car you’ll be using while you’re there. You’re all set.”
“What about her?”
A barely detectable lift in the corner of Stu’s mouth gives him away. He’s laughing at me.Fucker. Like I give a shit. I’d laugh too if someone I knew told me they were concocting all of this just to get a woman to spend time with him.
“Poppy has her transfer covered through the hotel, sir,” Porter says.
“Is she going to be on there with a bunch of people she doesn’t know?”
“Not sure. She’s traveling alone.” I have to fight not letting my contentment with this fact be fodder for the two of them. “But you knew that already.”
Nodding, I try to keep this ridiculous conversation as professional as possible. Let’s be honest. I’m shocked neither of them has cornered me to ask if I’ve lost it. Maybe they’ve already determined I’m having a midlife crisis. “I want someone on her, Stu.”
“Already done. We’ve got several eyes on her in the air and on the ground. Same for you.”
I should’ve expected as much. I take a slow, deep breath before my next question, knowing this could finally push them to ask who this woman is to me.
“Have we paid the resort to block off the rooms near my room and hers?”
“It wasn’t easy, but yes. She won’t be on the same hallway as you., but most of the floor is vacant. If we’d booked her room too close, she may see you before you’re ready,” Stu adds.
He’s right. I need to slow my roll. I just don’t want any drunk fucker coming near her. Even in a swanky, family, all-inclusive resort, there are assholes who could potentially take advantage of women. I inwardly roll my eyes. And this is coming from the guy who’s arranged this entire trip to get close to her without her knowledge. But I’d never disrespect her by putting her in a compromising position. I just want a fucking chance. The chemistry between us is intense, tangible. She has to feel it too. Reaching for my scotch, I have to accept the fact that if she’s still not interested in anything I have to offer after this trip, I need to let this go.
Even if the very thought of coming home rejected makes me want to throw a temper tantrum Lauren would be proud of.
* * *
“The gang’s all here,” Gianni toasts. “To friends.”
“Friends,” we all chant.
“I think this is the first time all six of us have been sitting around the same table in months.” Derek smiles as he lifts his glass to his lips.
“Well, I wouldn’t get too comfortable with that.” Max chuckles, looking in Devon’s direction. “Slick Willy’s already got his eye on his next meal.”
Following Devon’s line of vision, it appears he’s eyeing up a familiar looking brunette from across the room. Her back is turned, but Devon doesn’t seem to mind. She has waist length, coffee-colored hair and a shapely ass. I know I’ve never been up close and personal with this girl. But there’s something eerily familiar about her.
“I hear you’re headed to Jamaica soon.” Gianni nudges my arm.
My head snaps to Max. I thought we were keeping this between us. Rat bastard.
“Yeah, that’s why we decided to get together tonight, since it might be a few months before we’re all available again,” Max quickly adds.
My shoulders relax a bit, realizing he’s trying to tell me Mum’s The Word. “Yeah. Never been. I’m excited. I need a break.”
“Jamaica is beautiful. What part are you going to?” Gianni asks. I notice Derek and Becket have gotten up and moved closer to the railing as they look out about the dance floor and the patrons beneath us. The music has a jazzy vibe about it tonight. Different than the sexy, techno beat playing the last time we were here.
“Ocho Rios.”
“Ah. Ochi. I haven’t been there in years. Let me know how it was when you get back. Maybe I’ll take a trip myself.”
“Something tells me G would prefer an adult only resort,” Max says under his breath.
My eyes narrow, hoping no one else heard him. I don’t need Becket or Derek putting two and two together. My gut feeling tells me they’re too busy to get caught up in the St. Luke’s drama about contests and whatnot. But I’d rather not find out.
