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“It’s safe enough, but easy to get lost. Although I’m pretty sure you can handle yourself,” he says with a smirk.
“You know I can.” He gives me a nudge and the double glass doors open, inviting us into the posh lobby. I glance around, take in the buttery yellow sofas, the chandeliers, the curving staircase that leads to a restaurant on the next level.
“Through those back doors, you’ll find the garden, the pool and the bar. Grab yourself a drink. Charge it to me.”
“I can buy my own drink,” I say, and frown as I recall the meager amount of money at the bottom of my purse.
“You’re my guest, Khloe.” His blue eyes narrow, go serious. “You’ll charge it to me.”
“You’re kind of bossy.”
“Which is why you call me sir,” he says, but the heat behind that one word fills me with luscious memories.
My gaze travels back and meets his. “Right, thanks for the reminder, sir,” I tease, and I’m rewarded with a groan. With an extra little shake of my ass, I head toward the back door, not bothering to glance over my shoulder. My cell pings. I lift it and read the text from Will.
Will: You’re going to pay for that.
Khloe: Looking forward to it.
His growl follows me outside, and the sound is muted as the double doors close behind me. In the courtyard, men, women and children lounge at the pool. There are a few people sitting at the bar, nursing things that look quite refreshing. The fragrant foliage fills my senses as I walk the brick path to the outside bar. I slide onto one of the stools, and the bartender comes right over. He looks to be in his midthirties, a light beard covering his jaw. He’s handsome, but let’s face it, he’s not Will Carson handsome. Few, if any, are.
“I’d like something fruity and refreshing,” I say, and tap my chin as I look past his shoulders at the chalk menu listing the drinks.
“Strawberry daiquiri?” he suggests.
“Perfect.” The man two stools over picks up his icy beer and begins to spin my way. “Oh, and please put it on Will Carson’s tab. I’m his assistant,” I add, as per Will’s request. The man does an about-face, sets his drink back down and stares into the glass like it holds all the answers to the universe.
Wow, it’s almost like the simple mention of Will invokes fear in others. Maybe he actually is an ogre to the staff working here. In all seriousness, he’s been nothing but a perfect gentleman to me. Well, okay, maybe that’s pushing it. Other than ensuring I’m having a good time and climax first, he’s no gentleman between the sheets. But I wouldn’t want it any other way.
I pick up my drink and wander around, taking time to smell the flowers and smile at the child laughing in the pool. The longing pulsing through my body doesn’t go unnoticed. Here I used to think Liam and I would marry and have a family of our own. Now I’m convinced there is no right man out there for me. And that’s okay. I don’t need a man to make me happy. Kids? Well, if I do decide to have them someday, there’s always in vitro.
The warm sun beats down on me as I meander through the gardens, greeting guests and staff. My phone pings and I grab it.
Will: All done. Meet me out front? Let’s go get you that ice cream.
Khloe: On my way.
I tuck my phone back into my purse, take my empty glass back to the bar and head toward the front of the resort. Will is leaning against his car talking to Anthony. I don’t want to interrupt, so I open my door. Will turns at the sound, and a smile touches his mouth, like he’s extremely happy to see me. Weird thing is, my heart is speeding up a little, too.
“Hey,” he says turning to me. “Did you get a drink? Enjoy a walk?”
I nod. “Did you get your staffing situation straightened out?”
He nods, says something to Anthony and slides into the car. I drop into the passenger seat next to him.
The drive is a short one, and the next thing I know he’s parking on a street.
“Where are we?”
“Historic downtown. Have you heard of the ninety-nine steps at Charlotte Amalie?”
“I’ve been busy wrestling a vacuum into submission, so I haven’t had time to do much research.”
That brings a smile to his face. “Well, you’re about to get a firsthand look, and I’m going to race you to the top.”
“So this is why you told me to wear comfortable footwear.”
“Yup.” He unbuckles and slips from the car.
