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“There’s been a couple of managers who’ve studied overseas in the US or the UK, so they’re aware of the American or British culture, and they’re also knowledgeable of the local culture. They’re always a huge help in guiding me, which I really appreciate. I don’t want to come across as insensitive, you know?”
Kayleigh liked the fact that he cared about that. Not everyone would. She knew from things her mom and dad had said that they’d even had trouble with cultural insensitivity from some of the people who’d come to work at the clinic they’d helped establish in Haiti.
Of course, from the sound of things, those same people didn’t have much of a bedside manner in any culture. They volunteered because it looked good on their record. They weren’t looking for an opportunity to truly serve.
“I guess there shouldn’t be too much of a culture difference to deal with in Scotland.”
Hudson gave a huff of laughter. “There’s still a bit of one, and then, of course, there’s a language barrier.”
“In Scotland?” Kayleigh asked incredulously.
“They’ve got an accent and use different words for things like apartment.”
“I’m sure you’ll muddle through that,” Kayleigh assured him with a laugh. “You strike me as a smart guy.”
“I do, huh?” The skin at the corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. “I can be, but there are times I have to bluff my way through. Thankfully, I don’t have to do that as much as I used to, now that I’ve been doing this for a while.”
“Well, I hope you don’t have to deal with too many cross-cultural issues in Scotland.”
“I’ll be sure to make note of any blunders I make so you can laugh at me.”
“I look forward to hearing all about it.”
As she left the restaurant a short time later, Kayleigh found herself hoping that Hudson wasn’t gone too long on his trip across the ocean.
That sentiment took her off-guard, and as she settled down behind her desk, she reminded herself that this man—nice and attractive as he was—was still someone who could destroy all her dreams. His loyalty would clearly be with Remington, and if he had to choose between her or the company, she knew which way he’d go.
She needed to not lose her focus. To not allow herself to be distracted by a man who was starting to fascinate her more than a co-worker should.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Hudson held out his hand to the man who approached him in the foyer of the hotel. “William Elkins?”
“Yes. You must be Hudson St. James.”
“I am.” They shook hands, then Hudson gestured to the hallway that led to the boardroom where they’d be meeting. “We have a room set up for the meeting.”
Kayleigh was already there and greeted them with a smile as they walked in.
“This is Kayleigh Halverson. She manages the resort. Kayleigh, this is William Elkins of Elkins Security.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” William said as he shook her hand.
Kayleigh echoed his greeting, then they sat down at the table. Since he’d spoken with William already, Hudson knew all that their company had to offer, but he let the man give his spiel so that Kayleigh was aware too.
William’s company offered computer security as well as physical security, but since he’d already spoken to someone about the computer side of things, Hudson didn’t plan to utilize that part of Elkins Security.
Hudson stayed quiet as Kayleigh explained the workings of the resort, letting her talk because, at the end of the day, she knew it better than he did. She spoke with confidence, answering any questions William had without hesitation.
Along with her physical beauty, Hudson found Kayleigh’s poise and self-assuredness very attractive. He also liked to see how seriously Kayleigh took her job, considering his was very important to him.
He’d never been drawn to a woman in the Remington world. It had seemed smart to keep his personal and professional lives separate.
The few women he’d dated—all very briefly—had been beautiful and successful in their own right usually as models or actresses. One had been the daughter of wealthy parents.
Kayleigh did come from a family of some prestige, but she had definitely succeeded on her own. He liked that he could discuss his work with her, and she not only understood what he was saying, but could contribute to the conversation. He also liked that he understood what she talked about.
In the past, he just couldn’t share the model’s passion for walking down a runway. It just wasn’t something he could muster up any excitement for. But listening to Kayleigh talk about the resort? He could do that all day.
