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“Sure. A daiquiri would be nice.”
“Virgin?” His voice is smooth and I detect some inuendo in his tone.
“Nah. I’d like it a little spirited if you don’t mind.”
He laughs and goes over to the bar. “So, have you ever been to Florida?”
“I’ve never been anywhere before.”
“Oh, yes! You did mention that. You’re going to love it.” He brings my drink and I take a sip. My eyebrows go up and he smiles. “Good?”
“A little too spirited.” I stick out my tongue and cough slightly as the alcohol hits the back of my throat.
He laughs and retrieves my glass. He adds a little more fruit concentrate to balance out the alcohol. I taste it and nod in approval.
“Usually, I’m not such a wuss, but I am on the job.”
“We both are.”
We sip in silence for a bit before Lucan breaks the silence.
“Thanks for agreeing to come on this trip, Summer. It’s taken a weight off our shoulders.”
“No problem.”
“And I really do want you to think about it being permanent. I know that Ryan loves you and Sylvia adores you.”
And you?Where did that come from? I keep my face blank, praying the question does not come spilling out. What the hell am I doing thinking this?
“And I think you are amazing at what you do. You’re the dynamic we did not know we were missing. And you would be a seamless replacement for Sylvia when the time comes.”
That makes me sit up a little straighter. “Sylvia is leaving?”
“Not immediately. No. But I do know that she might. She has a boyfriend and things are getting a little more serious. I actually chose this week for the trip because he is in town and she tries to see him when he comes through every few weeks. He’s a contractor.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“Yup. So I suspect that one day he may pop the question and I don’t want Sylvia to feel obligated to stay for Ryan’s sake. So please, do consider the offer.”
I nod. “I certainly will.”
“Great. And if it will sweeten the pot, it would be a live in position. All bills will be paid plus you will still get a generous salary.”
I tilt my head and look at him coyly. “Are you trying to bribe me?”
He leans over to me and flashes a killer smile. “Maybe. Is it working?”
I look down and hide my smile behind taking a sip of my drink. “Maybe. I’ll think about it.”
“That’s all I ask.”
We have a light lunch prepared by the hostess on board and get Ryan up from his nap. I am amazed at the amenities on board as I give him a quick bath, just as if he were at home. He goes back to coloring after a snack. About an hour later, when he begins to get restless, I immediately pick up on the fact that we are descending and the pressure is affecting his ears. I try my best to keep him distracted by rocking him back and forth, but the tears are near. I feel Lucan touch my shoulder and look up to find him holding ear plugs. I smile and slip them into Ryan’s ears. A few minutes later, he sits up and becomes calmer. When the pilot gives the indication to fasten out seatbelts, Lucan takes him and does it.
I watch as he sees to Ryan’s safety and smile. He is learning.
At the airfield, there is another limousine waiting to take us to the resort. It is almost four by the time we check into the three bedroom penthouse suite. There are spectacular views from our vantage point and I am rendered speechless at the grandeur of our accommodations. I watch as Ryan moves from one space to the other, looking down at the resort below.
“Summer! They have a big pool! Can we swim in it?”
