The Billionaire's Hideaway

by Marie Higgins

  “I don’t mind at all. That’s what I’m here for.”

  “Great. Could you take out the clothes in my yellow nylon wheelie bag and hang them up?”

  He grinned. How long had it been since he’d hung up his own clothes. Playing one of the staff members might be a little fun, especially with this woman. “That’s no problem at all, Miss DeWitt.”

  “Please, call me Erin.”

  The moment he unzipped the bag, her intoxicating scent assaulted his senses again. A sweet smelling woman gave him the urge to bury his face in her delicate neck and cuddle with her.

  He shook the thought out of his head, reminding himself that he was not the billionaire playboy he’d been for the past few years. He was a staff member of Hideaway in Paradise, and they were not allowed to have flings with the guests.

  As he slipped the first blouse around a hanger, the click of Erin’s heels echoed on the bathroom floor before the door opened fully and she stepped out. Right away he noticed she’d unfastened a couple of pearl buttons on her blouse as she patted her neck with a hand towel.

  “I can’t believe how hot it is today,” she said, her voice was lower than before.

  She continued over to the bed and fell on her back on the mattress. Her long, silky, black hair waved over the beige bedspread. “So, what kind of activities does this resort offer besides the beach?”

  Some activities his mind conjured up were not on the agenda, and he’d be smart to remember that. Stick to the group activities. It was safer that way.

  “We have billiards and card tables downstairs in the main building, along with an exercise room and spa. I’m sure you noticed the golf course and tennis courts on your way.” He glanced over his shoulder in time to see her nod, and then focused back on hanging her clothes. “We also have horseback riding. We have jogging and hiking trails all over the place too, if that’s what you’d like. The dining room opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or you can order the meal to come to your room.”

  The rustling of clothes made him glance over his shoulder again. She had lifted to her elbows, tilted her head, and looked at him through narrowed eyes.

  “Cole? Can I ask you a personal question?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “It depends.”

  “On what?”

  “On how personal it is.”

  She chuckled. “I just wonder what your purpose is here, exactly.”

  He faced her, leaned against the closet door, and folded his arms across his chest. “I’m your staff assistant.” He grinned. “Whatever you need, I’ll deliver.”

  “Really?”

  “Of course.” He shrugged. “What’s so hard to believe about that?”

  Her gaze narrowed on him and slowly rose to a sitting position. “I’m just surprised. I’ve been to two resorts in my lifetime – nothing as luxurious as this – but I don’t remember the staff being assigned to just one person.”

  He winked. “Well, technically, I’m also assigned to a few more guests. But, I suppose you could say that’s why this resort is different from the others. We want our guests returning, and we want them to tell others so that they can visit Hideaway in Paradise.”

  “So, tell me, Cole. What does your girlfriend think about you hanging up women’s clothes as part of your job?”

  He laughed. Why was she asking questions about his girlfriend? Interested in him, perhaps? “I don’t have a girlfriend.”

  “Wife?”

  “No. I’m single, but I still date a lot.”

  Her cheeks darkened only slightly as her smile came back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so nosy.”

  “How about you? Why didn’t you bring your husband or boyfriend with you on this trip? If I remember correctly, the prize you won called for two tickets to stay at the resort.”

  “I’m not married, and... well, I had a guy lined up to come with me, but he cancelled at the last minute. I didn’t dare pass up this trip, so I came alone.”

  “Is the guy your boyfriend?” He didn’t know why, but he really needed to know if she was taken.

  “No. I don’t have a boyfriend at the moment.”

  He smiled. That was good to know. But in the back of his mind, he reminded himself he couldn’t ask her out, anyway. She was a guest, and he was the boss... well, right now he was part of the staff. But it was against the rules for staff to date the guests. “Are you hoping to find a boyfriend while you’re here?”

  She crinkled her nose as if the mere thought was distasteful. “No. I don’t do well in long-distance relationships, anyway. Besides, I really came for rest and relaxation.”

  He waggled his eyebrows. “That’s what they all say.” He turned and picked up another garment. The bed comforter rustled as she moved off the mattress, mere moments before her jasmine fragrance drifted around him. She touched his shoulder, so he stopped to look at her.

  She grinned. “Then it’ll be your job to make sure I get what I want.”

  He turned to face her, which made her hand drop, but she stood very close in front of him. So close, in fact, that he noticed a sparkle in her blue eyes.

  “Are you saying you don’t want to meet anyone?” he asked.

  “Oh, I don’t mind meeting people, but I don’t want to be more than just acquaintances.”

  She touched the short-sleeve of his shirt as if stroking a rose petal. “Will you help me?”

  He held his breath. How could he say no to a woman like her – so lovely and flirtatious? Yet he had a feeling if she didn’t find someone else soon, he might be her target. And he certainly couldn’t have that. The way she moved, looked at him, and sighed was attractive to him. This was not good. If he demanded his employees didn’t break the rules, then he couldn’t either.

  However, he was her staff assistant. He must do as she wished.

  Cole winked at Erin. “You can count on me. I’ll help you any way I can.”

  THREE

  Staying in the bungalow was killing Erin. Although the air-conditioner was on high, Erin felt like she stood in the middle of a sauna. It didn’t help that the laughs and squeals from out by the water gnawed on her nerves, beckoning her to change into her swimsuit and go out and play. Besides, how was she going to meet men if she stayed in here the whole time? Her biggest fear was that they’d see through her phony disguise. She wasn’t too pleased with wealthy men at this point in her life, and she worried that they’d sense it.

  If only she could find a man who worked hard for what he wanted in life instead of thinking everyone else should pay his bills.

  Erin walked to the window and peeked through the white-laced curtains. A few more people joined in the water games. A group were playing Marco-Polo, and others were tossing around a beach ball. Their ages ranged from early twenties to late sixties, from what she could deduce.

  The male guests were definitely not as muscular as the staff at the resort, and certainly not as gorgeous as Cole. Apparently, the guest’s wealth made them hunks in the women’s eyes.

  The deep voice of her staff assistant, Cole, rang from outside, his laughter following. She searched to find him, and seconds later, he came into view as he brought drinks for the guests. He stood chatting with a few, but it was mainly the shapely women wearing bikinis who he laughed with the most.

  Erin gritted her teeth. The flirt! That was her assistant. How dare those women...

  Catching her inappropriate thoughts, Erin chuckled. This tropical heat must be cooking her brain. Perhaps a dip in the ocean would cool her off. And no matter how she felt about the opposite sex right now, she still needed to mingle. How else could she interview the guests – mainly the men – to discover their real purpose for coming here?

  Bunching her fists, she took in deep breaths. Heaven help her, if she talked to a man who was cheating on his wife or girlfriend, she wouldn’t be responsible for her actions. There was nothing lower than cheating on someone you proclaimed to love.

  The painful twist of remembrance tightened
her heart and she turned away from the window. Closing her eyes, she rubbed her forehead. Maybe it was too soon for her to write this article... or at least research the article. She was still so very bitter against Steve.

  Pushing aside the anger, she hurried and changed into her one-piece swimsuit that she thought looked good on her. After gathering her hair in a ponytail with a scrunchy band, she walked out of her room. When she reached the wading section of the ocean, all heads turned her way, especially Cole’s. Butterflies danced in her stomach.

  Let them look. She was smarter this time and wouldn’t believe every compliment that came out of a man’s mouth.

  Lifting her chin, she kept walking and tried to act as if Cole watching her hadn’t bothered her. Yeah, right. His smoldering look would affect a nun.

  Erin found an empty lounge chair near the water and claimed it. She kicked off her white sandals and stretched out her tanned legs, crossing one ankle over the other. Just as she closed her eyes, a shadow blocked her from the sun. She peeked beneath her lashes and sucked in a breath. Cole!

  In his hand, he held a bottle of sun-block lotion. His smile stretched wide across his face.

  “I’m glad to see you’ve come out to mingle,” he said.

  She smiled. “I thought I’d work on my tan while I relaxed by the water.”

  He chuckled. “Yes, relaxing is a great thing to do at a tropical resort.” His gaze swept over her briefly. “The only thing you need right now is this.” He knelt on one knee beside her. “Sun-block lotion.”

  Why, the little devil. He was really trying to flirt with her. Then again, maybe it was his job as her assistant. Now the question was – would she allow him to rub it on her?

  Erin shrugged. “I guess I could use a little.”

  “Do you want me to do the honors?”

  Turning in her chair and presenting her back to him, she patted the empty space beside her. “Be my guest.”

  She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until the moment Cole’s large hands were on her back, and then the air in her lungs came out very slowly as she sighed. Gads, she hoped he hadn’t heard that.

  This was sheer torture. She was surprised how gentle his touch was as he rubbed the lotion on her back, but what surprised her even more was that she enjoyed it. She really liked the way he treated her like a precious porcelain doll.

  Silently, she scolded her wayward thoughts. What was wrong with her? Was it really the heat, or was it the fact that he was off-limits? Then again, he wasn’t wealthy, and it was the rich guys that didn’t have an ounce of morals in their deceitful lives.

  His palms moved low on her back. When his fingers touched a sensitive spot, she jumped.

  Removing his touch, he chuckled. “A little ticklish, are we?”

  “Just a little.” Her voice trembled slightly.

  “You’d better not let the other guys know,” he whispered closer to her ear. “They might take advantage of that knowledge.”

  She wasn’t sure she liked his warm breath on her ear. “Then you’d better not tell anyone.”

  “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”

  His hands moved over her shoulders and down each arm. He’d done this before because his strokes were confident. She’d had massages that weren’t this relaxing.

  Behind her, he shifted on the chair, his minty breath reaching her ear. “Would you like me to rub the lotion on your legs?”

  Hesitantly, her mind weighed the pros and cons. Pros – she might like it too much. Cons – she might like it too much.

  She licked her dry lips. Maybe she should have brought her ChapStick with her, too. “Thank you, Cole.” She turned toward him. He was closer than she’d gauged, and when she bumped into him, she sucked in a quick breath. “I... um, I... think I can do the rest.”

  He gave her a lazy grin full of assurance as he handed her the lotion. He must know how much she had enjoyed the little rubdown.

  “Let me know if I can do anything else for you.”

  Her hand trembled slightly as she poured lotion in her palm. Why was his nearness unnerving her so much? It’s not like he was the most attractive man she’d ever met, even though he was mighty close.

  “Thank you, Cole.”

  Disappointment washed over his face, taking away his playful expression. Her heart dropped. Why did she have to feel discouraged, too?

  He turned and left her side and his absence created a hollow ache in her chest. What was wrong with her?

  She wiped at her moist brow. Must be heat stroke. What else could it be?

  He slowly made his way to another woman. Erin’s breaths were still very deep as she finished coating her skin so she wouldn’t burn. She didn’t know why it had irritated her to see him flirt with another woman, but there was one thing she’d noticed that she hadn’t realized before. The other men standing close by were ogling her.

  Anger rushed inside of her again. These men were with their girlfriends or wives, so why were they looking at her as if she was a ripe piece of fruit ready to be plucked from the tropical island tree?

  Apparently, she’d chosen the perfect place to write her article. She’d have her research done in a few days and could relax for the rest of the week. Perhaps she’d even enjoy herself after that.

  COLE STOOD IN FRONT of the mirror as he dressed for tonight’s event, wishing he was still taking a cold shower. Today’s humidity was sweltering... and thinking about Erin wasn’t helping the matter out, either.

  He’d been a fool for rubbing lotion on Erin earlier this afternoon. She wasn’t here to find a boyfriend. She’d come to the resort for relaxation. Even though, he wondered about that because after he’d left her, she’d visited with several men and their girlfriends. Erin had played in the water with them a time or two.

  So, if she was here to relax, why was she so eager to make friends?

  He blew out a gush of pent-up air and raked his fingers through his damp hair. He’d tried helping the other guests this afternoon, but his mind always returned to Erin. He liked watching her eyes when she laughed. They sparkled like gems. He liked watching her swim in the water, because her strokes were so precise and graceful. Everything he watched her do made him think she was perfect.

  But there was no such thing as a perfect woman... which was the very reason he hadn’t settled down and married again. Most women he met knew about his bank account status. He knew they hadn’t loved him as much as his money.

  Maybe that was why he found Erin so refreshing. She acted as though she was interested in him, covertly, of course.

  Closing his eyes, he let the image of her pretty face pop into his mind again. He could still hear her quick breaths and the gentle sighs as he rubbed her back. When she had turned to look at him, her blue eyes were darker than they were before. He liked that color a lot, especially in her eyes because that told him how much she’d enjoyed his touch. If he didn’t watch himself, he could get lost in their blue depths.

  That would never happen. Especially after tonight. The after-dinner program was getting to know you. If she hadn’t met a man yet, she’d definitely meet one tonight.

  He wasn’t blind. He saw the way the male guests drooled whenever she walked by. Erin DeWitt was one very lovely and sophisticated woman.

  What was it about that woman that had him so distracted? It wasn’t just her looks. But instead, it was the way she treated others. The way she treated him thinking that he was just her assigned helper, and yet she didn’t order him around like some of the other guests had done. She actually treated him like he had feelings. That was new to him.

  Whistling, he slipped his feet into his dress shoes, wishing he could wear his flip-flops again. They were much cooler. But tonight, the staff was supposed to dress fancier – which meant no shorts – in order to make their guests feel more comfortable when they dined in their elegant clothes and flashed their expensive jewelry.

  He splashed cologne on his face before hurrying toward the d
ining room to make sure everything was set up correctly. He kept waiting for an employee to mess up or at least give him cause to suspect them of not doing their jobs, but so far, he was impressed with the staff. Most every employee he’d talked with had loved working at the resort. Many of them were college kids who were looking for a summer job and needed extra cash. If they helped the guests the way they were supposed to, they’d earn big tips.

  When he walked into the large dining area, he smiled. The tables were decorated immaculately. The scent of steamed salmon floated through the air and made his stomach grumble. Because of the get-to-know-you game planned, each chair had a guest’s name on it for assigned seating.

  He glanced at Erin’s empty chair. He’d give anything to sit beside her tonight and talk to her again. Part of him wanted to touch her arm just to see if her eyes darkened or if her breathing grew ragged as it had earlier when he rubbed lotion on her.

  Cursing under his breath, he turned away from the table, heading back into the kitchen, but the click of high-heels on the tiled floor made him stop. He rested his eyes upon the first guest to arrive this evening.

  Erin.

  Wearing a strapless red silk gown, with her wavy black hair flowing down her back and shoulders, she looked as regal as he’d ever seen, and more beautiful than he could have imagined. The gown clung to her curvy shape as she sashayed toward him.

  He took in a deep breath. Her expression told him that she wanted something from him... and it would be extremely difficult to turn her down.

  FOUR

  Cole remained standing as Erin walked up to him and stopped. He let his gaze wander over her again, slower this time. He nodded with a smile. “Good evening, Erin. You look breathtaking tonight.” He took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. Her mouth parted as a quick gasp escaped. “You’re a little early, though. Is there something you need me to do?” He hoped there was something... anything that allowed him to spend more time with her.

  A blush darkened her cheeks. “No, I don’t need anything. Well, except—”