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I peeled myself from the bed and went back downstairs. They had mentioned a booklet in the room, and I found it on the desk in the little office nook.
I sat down at the desk and opened it up.
There were five distinct restaurants—everything from Southern BBQ to Asian fusion. I wasn’t hungry though; my stomach was still filled with butterflies. I wanted to explore the place and see what it had to offer.
There were pools galore, including one near my cottage.
A nightclub, which I would explore later for the mixer, perhaps.
I couldn’t recall a time in my life that I had this much freedom at my fingertips. Growing up, my dad was super strict, and I wasn’t allowed to have much of a life after my mom died. As an adult, I worked so much and was usually too exhausted to go out, but I was on vacation now and I was going to live it up.
7
Gage
Istepped up to the cottage door and rapped my fist against it three times. The door opened, and clearly the man on the other side was hoping for someone else. His friendly smile fell as soon as he laid eyes on me. I had talked to the other guys, and I knew the story behind Hunter Wilde. I wasn’t the only one who got bad vibes from him.
Before he could utter one word, I said, “Are you going to be trouble for us, because if you are, I’d like to know now so we can kick your ass out and save the other guests from your bullshit.”
His frown deepened, and he crossed his arms in front of his chest. “You’re pretty grumpy for someone working in hospitality. You’re supposed to be providing a service to me, not threatening me.”
“I’m not here to grovel, I’m here to protect the guests of my resort. I couldn’t give two shits about serving you.”
“I want to speak with your manager.”
“I'm the head of security. I am the manager.”
“Well then, I want to speak to someone above you, someone who runs this resort.”
My lips pulled back in a snarl. “Well, newsflash, I also happen to be one of the owners. So, if you don’t like my attitude, you’re in for a tough time.”
“I’m sure one of your co-owners would like to know that you’re threatening a guest without reason.”
“Oh, I’ve talked to them about you, they all think you’re a creep.”
Hunter rolled his eyes and sighed as if bored. He wasn’t getting his way, and he was going to throw a fit.
“I will repeat my question from earlier, are you going to be a problem? Are you going to cause any issues for the woman I saw you with earlier?” I spoke slowly so he could really understand what I was saying and that I meant every single word.
“I’m not going to be a problem, but obviously you are, that’s for certain.”
“If you’re unhappy with me, fill out the survey at the end of your stay and I’m sure I’ll take your concerns very seriously when I toss it in the trash can.”
Hunter stepped forward, but as soon as he realized I had several inches and at least fifty pounds of muscle on him, he backed up, his hand on the door as if he were about to shut it in my face. I planted my boot against it so he couldn’t do that, though I’d like to see him try.
“You’re not going to cause problems for that young woman, do you hear me? Because if you do, then I reallywillbecome a problem,” I growled. I was about to remove my foot and let him close the door, content that my message had been received, when we both heard whistling from behind me.
Reed poked his head into the conversation. “Is there an issue?” he asked, looking between Hunter and me. “Someone looks unhappy.”I was pretty certain he meant Hunter, but he was staring at me.
“Unhappy? I’m pissed,” Hunter said. “Is it normal for staff to come knocking on your door, threatening to kick you out for simply talking to another guest?”
Reed turned to Hunter. We had talked a bit earlier, and Reed had expressed his concerns about Hunter. I told him I was keeping an eye on things. I hadn’t told him I was making a personal visit to his cottage, however.
Reed’s smile never wavered; there was a reason he often worked with the guests one-on-one, he could handle anything with a positive demeanor. Mr. Happy is what I called him, and he referred to me as the Grump. Some wondered how we even became friends in the first place, we were exact opposites. But Reed could use a dose of realism from time-to-time, and whenever he needed to vent, he knew I would listen without judgement. He helped lighten my mood when I needed it.
Unlike in that moment. I didn’t need to lighten up, and Reed knew that. I saw it in his eyes. But I also knew he had a responsibility to keep the guests happy so as to not ruin our reputation.
“Are you unhappy with your stay, Mr. Wilde?” Reed asked.
