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“I didn’t mean for this to happen, Bryce. And I’m sorry about the Muppet quip, I know you are your own man. I’ve messed up, again.”
The thing which both frustrated and concerned Bryce was that until the past day he had been certain Jordan had got his life sorted. If Bryce hadn’t fully believed that he wouldn’t have even considered, let alone backed his brother to manage this important resort launch.
“Look, I’ll be back in New York in a couple of days. We can talk then. In the meantime, I would suggest going through the online travel review sites and seeing what our guests have said about this place. There is likely to be other things that I have missed, which the board needs to know are being addressed.”
“Thanks Bryce. Talking would be good. Bye.”
He punched the red end-call button a little too firmly. Cell clutched tightly in his hand, Bryce reached for the door. His hopes of sharing a peaceful morning with Vivian in his embrace had just evaporated.
The situation with Jordan would take some resolving, but he was confident that when he was back in New York they could sit down and try to sort things out.
Back in New York. Vivian is from New York. This could become more than a one night stand. I have to figure out how I can tell her and get her to trust me.
It was taking the coward’s way out, but he only had capacity to navigate his way through one tricky issue this morning. Going up to LA and begging the linen company for a priority order had to unfortunately come first. That was why he was here.
Last night with Vivian had been special. It was more than just sex. Talking and laughing with her over sour cream and salsa had tugged at his heart. Had his soul whispering to him once more.I am lonely.
He’d lied to her, but Bryce would do whatever it took to convince Vivian to give them a chance at a real relationship. She was a rare woman and only a fool would let a woman like her walk out of his life. Telling her the truth of his identity, was only the beginning.
How do I get her to believe in me? If she can’t trust me, she will never love me.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
“Bad news?” asked Vivian. There was no point in pretending that she hadn’t watched a clearly rattled Bryce talking on the phone.
“No, just a team member who doesn’t seem to get the team part. We have a supply problem with an order, and I am going to have to go into the city and sort it out.” He slowly shook his head, disappointment evident on his face. “I was hoping to spend the morning with you. In fact the entire day if given half the chance. But the work issue can’t wait. I’m really sorry, Vivian.”
Vivian’s heart did a little dance of joy at hearing Bryce’s words. He wanted to see her again, share another night of passion. But if anyone understood sudden changes in work plans, it was her.
“I was looking forward to us taking a walk on the beach, after we’d had…”
She left the rest unsaid, tugging at the loose ties of the dressing gown. Bryce only had to offer, and she would happily be naked and beneath him once more.
Instead, he raked his fingers through his hair, and sighed. “That was my plan as well. Will you still be here tonight? I thought maybe we could try dinner again and see if we can make it through entrée as well as main course this time. Or not.”
The promise in Bryce’s words, sent heat pooling between her legs. No sane woman would think to pass up the opportunity to spend another night with this amazing man. To reach the heights of pleasure once again with him.
The review article had been submitted, her work was done. Lionel hadn’t said anything about needing her to cut short her stay and return to New York. The room had been paid for, and she had pulled her boss out of a tight jam. As far as she was concerned, she was owed this time, to spend it doing something just for her, to live a little.
“Yes, I’ll be here. I’m going to head back to my room and let you get your work done. Shall we meet at the bar at say six?”
He crossed the room in an instant and swept her up into his arms. Her body melted in anticipation of more bone deep pleasure as Bryce’s lips brushed over hers. The kiss was tender, full of promise, but it ended all too soon.
“I really should take you back to bed and have my wicked way, but you deserve my full attention, and I can’t avoid this meeting.”
She kissed him, then drew out of his embrace. The sooner Bryce went to see his supplier, the quicker he would be back at the resort. “Go and sort things out. In the meantime, I’m going to steal this robe and head to my room. I might even try to get some more sleep. You are a demanding lover, Bryce.”
He grinned at her. “I shall see you tonight?”
“That’s a promise.”
* * *
With her dress slung over her arm and her killer heels dangling from her fingers, Vivian did a hurried walk of shame back to her room. When she passed another guest in the hallway, she did her best to avoid their gaze. There could be no mistaking what she had been up to last night. Or how amazing it had been. She didn’t care what people thought, she couldn’t stop smiling.
At least the robe covers the bite marks and small bruises. Best night of sex ever.
Following a long hot shower, she changed into a pair of leisure pants and a comfy cotton sweater. If Bryce was going to be out for most of the morning, and she no longer had to worry about a deadline, today was the perfect day for lounging around. And if she couldn’t get an appointment at the spa, then she would have to settle for another swim. There would be other review assignments where she could spend Lionel’s two hundred bucks.
