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“Patricia Lansing,” she said in a clipped manner. “Vice President of HR. Mr. Bax said you’d be expecting me.”
“Yes, of course. Paperwork and whatnot.”
“There’s a lot of the ‘whatnot,’” she told me with a tight smile. “Mr. Bax is very thorough, and security is of utmost importance here. I’ll take you straight to the clearance office so they can issue your personalized electronic badge. You’ll need it to access the floors of the west wing, where all of the offices are located. The east wing is strictly suites and the penthouses. The conference center is located on the south lawns, but Amano will be the one to give you the tour of the resort, per Mr. Bax’s request.”
“Okay.” I was already overwhelmed and I’d been here less than ten minutes.
“Also, you need the badge to access the top floor from inside the stairwell, and for your office door. You can leave it open when you’re in there, but Mr. Bax insists the doors are all closed when you leave, even if it’s just to visit the ladies’ room. And your card will only get you into the reception areas of each department, not individual offices.”
Super-duper tight security. Interesting. But then again, he’d told me everything related to the grand opening was confidential, so I was sure he didn’t want anyone unauthorized rifling through files.
Once I’d signed for the photo ID card and various security forms, we went to the fourth floor and swiped our badges to pass through a door that opened to an inner sanctum for HR and Legal. All overly opulent and pristine.
In a conference room, there were dozens of papers spread out on the oval mahogany table.
Patricia introduced me to Margo Tomlin, General Counsel, and she explained about the contracts, no-compete clauses, nondisclosure statements, conflict of interest documents … the list went on and on. Patricia covered all the benefits information, payroll, and tax forms. My head spun. Then they collected up the tall stack and handed it over.
Margo said, “You’ll want to read everything carefully before you sign.”
“In blood?” I quipped. Seriously … this was a lot.
The two VPs exchanged a look. Neither smiled at my joke.
“Mr. Bax told me you’ve already seen your office, so you know where it’s located.” This from Patricia.
“Right across the hall.”
“And your staff will be one floor down, once hired. See Margo or myself if you have questions or need anything.”
“Thank you.”
I left them and balanced the paperwork as I flashed my electronic card against the reader to gain access to my office. I dumped my armful on the desk and surveyed my surroundings. Everything was exactly as it’d been the first time I’d walked in with Dane.
That memory came rushing back. My cheeks burned and my insides ignited as I thought of the racy words he’d whispered against my neck. The man was scandalous. And I was already addicted to his devilish side.
My gaze roved the room, landing on the huge all-white bouquet in the middle of the coffee table. Okay, that was new. Spying the small envelope alongside the elegant vase, I snatched it up and pulled out the card.
Next time, I want to hear you say my name when I make you come.… Dane
I fanned my face with the card. Next time. Oh, boy.
I tucked the missive into my purse and returned to the desk. As I eased into the gorgeous white leather chair, a roaring sense of Oh, my God, I’m really doing this! washed over me.
My stomach churned at the same time adrenaline pumped through my veins. My palms were a little clammy as I reached for the decorative gift box on the leather blotter. I pulled the satin ribbon and opened the long, narrow box. Inside was the same type of Montblanc fountain pen Dane had tried to lend me at El Rincon. Only, instead of initials, the inscription read: 10,000 Lux.
Must be a signing bonus—apropos, given the endless amount of paperwork to which I’
d have to add my John Hancock.
I read the accompanying card, this one appropriate for our professional association.
Welcome to the Lux, Miss DeMille. Thank you for helping us to make the resort a success.
Dane B. Bax, Owner
I stared at that last word.
This dual predicament sent a tickle down my spine. Turned out, I found having a little something covert on the side exciting. Except that it was my boss I played this wicked game with—detrimental to both me and my career.
