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“I don’t need another reminder,sir, but may I remind you that you wouldn’t have a successful business without me running it while you vacation, play tennis, and chase women? So I’d appreciate lots of space, as in I don’t see you until the airplane ride home, my own room, and the chance to enjoy the vacation I earned.” Her lip trembled, and Jace’s neck tightened.
“Sir,” Tanner said in a stage whisper, “we’re booked solid. There arenoother rooms available.”
Ayla’s shoulders seemed to round and Jace knew he absolutely wouldn’t let her stay on a couch, or worse, in a suite with her boss who seemed to be trying to manipulate her with the relationship. No way. She met his gaze. Something deep and unexpected passed between them. She’d been hurt. Deeply. Maybe as deeply as he had. It wasn’t just this Bryan idiot, but past hurts surfaced in her beautiful blue eyes. Jace felt connected to her and knew he’d do anything to help her.
“There’s a cabin available,” Jace shot out there before he could second guess.
His hand naturally cupped Ayla’s elbow as if they were a couple and he did that all the time to steady and reassure her. It did feel natural but also thrilling to touch her.
“No there isn’t—” Tanner broke off at a quick look from Jace. He cleared his throat and rolled away with the bags. “I’m sure Julie has your room keys and everything ready for you, Mr. Worthen. If you’ll just come with me, please. And Miss … Mr. Jardine can assist you?” He looked to Jace for help.
For once Jace didn’t correct him not to call him Mr. Jardine. He simply nodded and reached out for the red suitcase with the floral bag strapped across the handle. “Is this yours?”
“Yes, thank you.” Ayla smiled gratefully at him.
Bryan stormed after Tanner and Jace didn’t care to watch him go. Ayla wasn’t married to that guy. It was a huge relief. Massive. Epic. The dream woman Jace had never dared hope existed was single.
Why did Bryan act like he owned her then? Maybe he was just that type of jerk. Or had they been involved and he was hoping they would be again? Jace’s brain was going off in all kinds of directions and that wasn’t good.
Ayla smiled up at him. She was beautiful and feisty and happy and … he didn’t know her at all. Was he really thinking she was his dream woman? Was he actually going to have her stay in his own home? Luckily the cleaning crew from the lodge went through his family’s homes once a week and today they would’ve polished his. But how to explain it was his house and what if he was overstepping with his generosity? What if she lumped him with guys like Bryan who tried to coerce her through giving her something? Maybe it should’ve been more important that she was a stranger and could steal or wreck his house … or worse, steal or wreck his heart. But he didn’t get that vibe from her, not at all. She seemed vulnerable, innocent, and perfect to him.
Was he being blinded by her beauty and appeal? Like he had been with Iluminada?
Possibly.
Did he mind?
He should, but somehow he didn’t.
Was Ammon going to beg him to finally trust a woman again?
For sure.
Was this woman anything like his former wife?
Please say no.
Would his mom be ecstatic and think he’d met his future happiness and match?
Definitely.
Was his mom right?
He wanted her to be.
With a woman like Ayla around, he could only imagine the excitement and joy that would be in store for him. And the pain and heartache when she left Monday morning as most guests did. How could he convince her to stay? He was insane to even want to try. He didn’t know her. She smiled up at him and his stomach lifted in a happy lurch. Getting to know Ayla seemed painless.
The pain would come later.
Was he a glutton for punishment?
For sure.
He was going to flirt with, get to know, and hopefully hold this enticing, fun woman in his arms. It wasn’t smart, but at the moment … he didn’t care about smart.
ChapterTwo
Ayla was charmed by everything about this ski resort; the gorgeous, open lodge; the small town that looked like a Hallmark move; the narrow, snow-filled valley; the towering, pine-tree covered mountains; the Christmas decorations everywhere; the thick, bright snow; and most of all the handsome, tough, and irresistible man standing in front of her. She was stunned at how drawn she was to him. She’d ignored the opposite sex and the pain loving someone could bring since her husband died three years ago. Her family and friends said she’d withdrawn into a shell.
