“She’s even suggested a volleyball court for some of the warmer places and ice skating for those in the colder regions.” Logan added. “Kinsley incorporates the entire family. I think it’s worth a try.”
“This is definitely more than an advertising campaign, Logan,” his father said.
“I realize what you’re thinking, Mr. Stone,” Kinsley said. “But I think once you take a look at everything Logan and I have gone over, I’m sure you’ll understand how it’ll grow your business.”
“I don’t like it. Thank you for your time, Ms. Stone, but I don’t think we need to spend more money unnecessarily,” Ryan said. He put his folder down and left the room.
After another anxious half hour of discussions, Logan’s parents said they would need to have a family meeting to go over the plans. They told Kinsley they would meet in the morning, and make a decision by the afternoon.
The silent drive back to her villa seemed to take twice as long, and by the time Logan dropped her off at the door, Kinsley was filled with doubt.
“Logan, I’m sorry about the meeting. I should never have agreed to—”
Interrupted by Logan’s kiss, Kinsley melted into his arms. His tongue met hers, and a soft groan told her he was enjoying their embrace. She felt his hands explore her back and she leaned back slightly when his lips traveled to her neck.
“Oh, Kinsley,” Logan whispered, his breath hot against her skin. “You’re so beautiful.”
She placed her head on his chest. “I felt like I blew it back there.”
“No, you didn’t.” He kissed the top of her head and lifted her chin so her eyes would meet his. “It’s Ryan. He’s blocking any efforts you’re making to help because he wants the company all to himself.”
“I heard you arguing with your family before I came into the room.” Kinsley shook her head. “I don’t want to cause any issues. Especially since my vacation’s coming to an end. I spoke with my family earlier today and we have more of an understanding now. That’s why I don’t want to be the one who divides your family.”
“You’re not. And you never will be.” He kissed her gently on her nose. “As a matter of fact, I’d love to see more of you. That’s why I said I wanted to bring you in as a partner. I know it must sound crazy since I’ve only known you for a short time, but I’m falling in love with you.”
Kinsley had wondered if he felt the same, and now she knew. Her heart pounded and her head spun with the realization. “Would you like to come inside?”
“Maybe I can come by tomorrow. If you’re not busy.” Logan’s lips curved upward and he kissed her cheek. “I’d love to see you every day if that’s possible.”
“That definitely works for me.”
They kissed deeply before Logan left. After his car disappeared from sight, Kinsley squealed and for the rest of the night, she felt like she was walking on clouds.
Chapter Ten
Time was running short for Kinsley and she knew she only had another day before she needed to head back home and then to work. After considering her options, and speaking with Megan, Kinsley decided she’d go back and focus on building her company. To establish herself as a serious contender in advertising. Even if she didn’t get the Sweet Adventures account, she knew she had to at least try and expand her client base. If she didn’t, she’d never know if she was making the right move or not.
The sliders to her villa were open to let the late morning breeze flow through the room. Even though she wasn’t leaving for another day, she had already started to miss the island, the pristine beaches, and Logan.
Logan. The time she’d spent with him had been so special. She realized she’d made a mistake rushing into her earlier relationship with Todd. That was a mistake she was determined not to repeat.
Dressed in a short green linen skirt and fitted white top, Kinsley closed the sliders and then looked in the front mirror. She was determined to look sophisticated and professional for when she ended up back at Logan’s house. Decision day, as his parents had called it. The day she’d find out if she’d made enough of an impression to get their account.
Kinsley closed the sliders and then pulled her hair back in a ponytail just when her doorbell sounded. She brushed the front of her skirt and opened the door and took in a deep breath. Thinking Megan was coming to spend some time with her during their last day on the island, she wasn’t expecting anyone else.
“Logan.” Kinsley smiled and her heart did a flip. “This is a surprise. Is everything okay?”
“I couldn’t wait to see you. I know you’re supposed to meet me at my parents’ house after lunch, but I thought if we both go ahead of time, my folks will see us as a team. And I believe we could really use some of your ideas.” Logan leaned forward and kissed her cheek, and his hot breath tickled her ear when he continued in a low voice, “Besides, if I’m going to get to know you better, now is as good as any other time. I know you’re headed home tomorrow, so I’d like to see even more of you after you’re settled back home.”
Goose bumps raced up Kinsley’s arms. “Wait here, I’ll be right back.” She raced off to her bedroom, slipped on her jet black wedge sandals, and sprinted back to the front door.
“Oh, unless you have other plans?” Logan looked at her from head to toe and whistled. “I mean, you look stunning. Do you have a date or something?”
“I do have a date.” She laughed when he raised an eyebrow. Kinsley wrapped her arms around Logan’s neck. “I have a date with the handsome Logan Sweet.”
His mouth was on hers and their kiss was explosive. The warmth she felt in his arms set her body on fire and the touch of Logan’s skin on hers was enough to ignite a firework display.
Breathless, she moved her lips from his and placed her head on his chest. “If we don’t get going to your house, we might do this all day and miss seeing your family.”
“And that wouldn’t be so terrible.” Logan laughed.
“Maybe we could come back later and continue where we left off,” Kinsley said.
His eyes lit and his smile broadened. “That would be the high point to a perfect vacation. But speaking of family, did you talk with yours about what you think you might do? Either continue to grow your business or work for your father in his law firm?”
“I spoke with them several times already, but again last night. Specifically about my advertising company.”
“And?” Logan asked. He stepped outside so she could close and lock her door.
“And, they said they’d help me grow my business. My dad has a lot of entrepreneurial friends looking to find just the right marketing firm, and he said he’d love to recommend me.”
“Why didn’t he do that before?”
“He wasn’t sure I was ready to totally commit to it. I had a lot of doubt.”
“I think you made a step in the right direction. Let’s go see what my parents think about your ideas.” Logan took her arm in his and led her through the winding floral path to where he parked. He opened the door but held Kinsley’s arm so he could kiss her one last time before letting her get seated. “If they love you half as much as I do, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble getting the account.”
Kinsley’s eyes widened and she watched Logan shut her door and move to his side of the car. Did her heart just do a little skip? She shot him a sidelong look as he clipped his seatbelt and pulled out of the parking spot. She sucked in her lower lip and felt heat rush to her face.
Love. He’d said he loved her. Had she read too much into his statement? The drive to his house was quiet, the words hanging between them.
“Hey, Kinsley.”
She jumped when he touched her shoulder.
“Whoa.” Logan put his hands out. “Calm down there. I didn’t mean to scare you. You seemed like you were in your own world for a minute there. Are you okay?”
“Yes. Yes, I’m fine. I just, well I…uh.” Kinsley shook her head. Keep it together. Forget about his sensuous kisses. Forget that he
said love. Forget what you would like to do with him back at your place. Yikes! “Nerves. Yup, that’s what this is. Nerves.”
“Maybe we should wait until later this afternoon?”
“No. We should go now.” And then maybe back to my place. “Nope. We should definitely go inside and see your parents.” Kinsley unbuckled and threw open her door. Without waiting for Logan, she hurried up to the house and hoped she could stay in control.
Logan joined her at the door and placed one hand on the doorknob. With his other hand, he brushed his fingers across her lips and smiled. “Okay, it’s show time.”
They walked inside and her phone shrilled inside her pocket. She looked at the display. “Oh, it’s Megan. Would you mind?”
“Of course not,” Logan answered. “Let me go get my parents and we’ll meet you in the den.”
He flashed her a huge smile before he left. She picked up. “Hey, Megan. What’s up? Are you all set to leave the day after tomorrow?”
“Well, you know me,” Megan laughed. “I’ll pack five minutes before we leave, but I had to call. So, are you still planning to tour the island with Logan today?”
“There was a slight change of plans. I’m at his house right now. Why? Is there a problem?”
“Yes. I’m going to email you with information that I found on Jared Flynn, and you’re not going to like it.”
“Oh no, hold on, let me get Logan so I can place you on speaker.” Kinsley was about to hit the button when Megan’s voice stopped her.
“Wait! Don’t say anything to him before you see what I’ve sent. Trust me on this.”
“I don’t know, Megan. I don’t want to start off the relationship with a secret.” Was this a relationship? Kinsley’s heart told her it was. She didn’t want to rush into anything after what Todd had put her through, but she couldn’t help thinking that Logan really was different. This was different.
“I just emailed you the information. Call me back if you need anything at all. I’ll be here. And Kinsley? If you’re really in love with this guy, he’ll need you to stand by him. This could really break his family apart.”
Kinsley looked at the display after signing off with Megan. She slowly walked toward the den while she looked at the various attachments.
Damn.
* * *
Logan looked at everyone assembled. Valerie was texting, Ryan was going through the documents Kinsley had left from last night, and his parents were whispering between themselves. Tense was the only way he could describe the atmosphere in the room.
“I can’t believe you really want to make her a partner,” Ryan complained. “She knows nothing about our family or what our needs are. Besides, if she’s trying to grow her advertising business, she won’t have time to work with us.”
“Kinsley will run the advertising part of our company. She’ll be able to monitor every aspect of it and let us know what’s working and what isn’t,” Logan countered.
“Your father and I are in agreement, Logan. This is a very important decision. We’re wondering if you’re looking at this with a clear head. Valerie’s not ready to handle the business and we think we might need to turn it over to Ryan until you and Valerie each decide what you both want.”
“You really shouldn’t rush your decision,” Kinsley stepped into the room, having obviously overheard the discussion. “There’s something you should know first.”
“Coming from someone in your position,” Ryan glared. “That would only help your bottom line, now wouldn’t it?”
“What are you talking about Ryan?” their father asked.
“I’ve done a little investigation and it seems that Kinsley’s advertising business is floundering,” Ryan answered. “Having our account would give her bragging rights to other high profile accounts. She’s in this for herself. She’s not looking out for us. She might start with a good campaign, but then she’ll leave to go off to bigger accounts and let us sink halfway through.”
“What are you talking about, Ryan?” Valerie spoke up. “She’s not like that.”
“If it’s not that, then she’s after our money.” Ryan stared at Kinsley. Logan walked over to her and placed his arm across her shoulders.
“That’s not true,” Kinsley stated. “For one thing, Logan and I have not discussed our relationship and I’m not sure that’s something you’d need to know about anyway. For another, my family has their own money. If Logan and I were to become serious, I’d gladly sign a prenup, but everyone’s jumping to conclusions.”
“She’s right,” Logan said. He looked into Kinsley’s eyes. “Well, only about jumping to conclusions. Our relationship isn’t anyone’s business, but I’m crazy about you, Kinsley. I can’t help it. I’ve never met anyone like you before and my heart is telling me that this is the real deal.”
“How touching,” Ryan said.
Logan crossed his arms across his chest and noted the cynical coolness Ryan displayed toward Kinsley. “I believe Kinsley said there’s something we should know. I’m willing to hear what she has to say.”
“I think we owe her that,” his father agreed.
“Thank you,” Kinsley said. “I’ve done a little investigation of my own. Specifically on Jared Flynn.”
“Isn’t that who tried to call you last night, Ryan?” his father asked.
“Yeah. So?” Ryan looked at Kinsley with mild animosity.
“Jared Flynn is a corporate raider. He’s known to buy companies and sell off the parts. It’s my guess that this is why he was reaching out to Ryan.”
All eyes were now on Ryan, who glared at Kinsley. “So? It’s not like anyone here would really be good at growing the business. At least I have a vision to sell it and invest the money into a different venture.”
Gasps came from their parents and an uneasiness invaded the room. “Ryan, what were you thinking?” their father asked. “I would never give anyone the company just to have them turn around and sell it. I don’t care what other venture you had in mind.”
“C’mon, Dad,” Ryan slammed his hand on the desk. “You and Mom are going off to do your own thing and Logan’s not interested in the business. I suppose I could find a place for Valerie.”
“Valerie doesn’t want the business,” Logan said. “When we spoke last night, she told me that she wanted to go back to school to become a physical therapist. She was going to talk with everyone during our meeting.” He looked at Valerie. “I’m sorry to spring the news before you did. I didn’t mean for everyone to find out like this.”
“That’s okay. It was going to come out shortly anyway.” Her attention was then focused on Ryan. “With your vision for the business, I wouldn’t work for you now, anyway.”
“Well,” their father said. “I think in light of all of this, Ryan, you’ll call this Jared person and tell him my company is not for sale. And then you’ll have a smaller role so the company will have a fighting chance to grow. We’ll bring Kinsley on board, starting on a trial basis to see how she fits in.”
“That would be wonderful, and I’m glad to have the chance. You won’t be disappointed.” Kinsley addressed Ryan again. “And you’re wrong about Logan. He’s really trying to develop a long-range plan for this company. He’s sincere in helping it grow.”
“She’s right,” Logan said. He narrowed his eyes at Ryan. “I agree I may have been a party boy, but that’s in the past. My future is with the company. I’ll work hard to make it even more successful so we can all be proud of it.”
“Fine. I’ll help.” Ryan looked defeated. He threw himself in a nearby chair.
“One part of creating a solid future for the company includes Kinsley. She’s part of what I want in life and I’m hoping she feels the same.” Logan felt Kinsley squeeze his arm and her eyes sparkled when she looked at him.
“I would love nothing more.” She turned to his parents. “Thank you for believing in me, and finally believing in Logan.”
And then she kissed him.
Whe
n everyone left the room, he took her in his arms. He traced her lips with his fingers and then kissed her deeper than he had before.
After they broke their embrace, she said, “I believe I’m falling in love with you.” Before he could respond, her lips were on his again.
A message from Jennifer Perkins
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Acknowledgements
I wanted to take the time to thank everyone who encouraged and cheered me along this journey.
I’m grateful for my husband Dan, my children, Jennifer and Michael, and my mom. You’ve made my life complete and have supported me every step of the way.
I owe so much to author Roxanne St. Clair for having faith in me to invite me to share my story using her world.
To the team that helped make this happen, cover designer Kim Killion of The Killion Group, Inc., interior formatting by Amy Atwell of Author E.M.S., and copyedits by Jane Haertel of Crazy Diamond Editing.
To my earliest readers, Jennifer Corcoran, Debra Bifolk, Playwright Holly DeKam Griffith, and Author Kerri Ford.
To my readers. I’m blessed you’ve chosen to join me on this wonderful adventure.
XOX
Barefoot Bay: Forever Yours (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 8
