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“So, I’m here,” he said, “with an offer.”
“What?’
“An offer, Lena. To make you—how did Jim put it?—the mascot ofHonolulu Hotels Ltd.”
I looked at him, trying to find a smile or some other signal that Alex was joking.
“I agree with them,” he said. “You’re great at what you do. You’re experienced and talented, but you also project the sort of image we’d like for the hotel. So, will you do it? We’ll go out to Kauai in a month and you’ll spend a week doing photoshoots to promote the company. We’ve got a couple of other people in mind, but everyone insisted that I offer you the job first.”
I was taken aback. I couldn’t believe it.
“And of course, we’d be willing to offer you a reasonable fee for such an extended period of work. And license to use your image. I think $85,000 is reasonable.”
$85,000?
“That’s more than they pay you to be on the cover of Vogue,” I spluttered.
“I know. But we figured you’d be a pretty central element of the branding design in the first year, at least. And it’s going to be a tough shoot—at least a week like I said. So, are you in?”
It was the chance of a lifetime. An offer so incredibly good, so tantalizing. My image would be all over the country, all over the world. Wherever Alex’s company had a hotel, I’d be seen.
It wouldn’t just pay the rent. It would set me up for the next few years.
And yet.
What would we do about our situation? I was nervous, for sure. I didn’t know what else the deal Alex offered included.
“No strings attached,” he said. “It’s your choice.”
“Yes,” I said.
Yes, said my heart.
What are you thinking?said my mind.
And all that was running through my body while my heart and head fought? Shivers—tingles—at the presence of Alex Alson in my apartment.
I should have told him then, should have come clean about Jared. After all, once people found out I was working for him, they’d know, sooner or later.
But now wasn’t the right time.
“Excellent,” said Alex, and rubbed his hands together. “I’ll have the contract waiting for you tomorrow morning. Take the day off and celebrate!”
I stood up, laughing, and then, without even thinking about it, I was throwing my hands around him—this wonderful, charming, strong man, the man who’d just changed my life, who’d offered me the job of my life.
As I pulled back from the hug, I felt myself melt in my arms.
And then, all of a sudden, I reached up, touched his strong, sharp cheekbones, and then Alex kissed me.
The taste of him was electric; salty like the sea and yet sweet, warming, comforting—
And then, I pulled away. “No,” I said and looked up at him.
“What?” said Alex, nervously.
“I mean, we can’t,” I said. “Not before and not now.”
“But I thought you wanted to.”
