by Nina Singh
As much as she wanted to maintain the air of the unaffected professional, she couldn’t tear herself away from the scene. She glanced at Cabe, who gave her a small nod.
“Yes, please.”
Right behind them came a line of four handsome, strapping young men dressed in light gray suits. Hands clasped in front of them, they walked over to the bridesmaids’ sides. The band switched to a rhythmic, reggae version of “Here Comes the Bride.”
Jenna’s breath caught when the bride emerged from a canopy off to the side. She was downright stunning. In a long silky white dress, she moved like a surreal vision. A tiara of colorful flowers sat on the crown of her head. A collective sigh sounded from the bridal party and those in attendance as she walked down the aisle, escorted by an older gentleman with gleaming silver hair. He looked both teary-eyed and happy.
Jenna found her eyes had moistened as well. How silly of her. Why in the world was she so moved by a beachfront wedding?
It made no sense whatsoever. None.
“Jenna? Are you all right?” Cabe materialized in her line of vision. Great. Just great. She was a sniffling fool who couldn’t handle the sentimentality of watching two strangers get married.
“I’m fine.” She thought about lying, claiming that sand had blown in her eyes and irritated them. But something told her he would see through that. Though they’d barely known each other growing up and though he’d only been a signature at the bottom of her memos for the past few years, Cabe Jordan seemed to be able to read her very well.
“It’s just that she’s so beautiful. And the scene is so touching,” she admitted instead. “You wouldn’t understand,” she added. How could he? He’d grown up with the best that life had to offer. Two parents who were still together and who took good care of him.
He looked away. “You’d be surprised.”
Jenna studied him. What could that possibly mean? Why did she want so badly to find out?
Seema patted her arm. “We have a well-earned reputation for planning the most romantic and unforgettable weddings.”
“They seem so in love,” Jenna said, staring at the laughing couple. “So lucky to have found each other.”
“Luck is a mysterious thing,” she heard Cabe say.
“Do you have something against weddings?” she asked him, then felt foolish for doing so. What a nonsense question to ask your boss.
“I don’t really give them a whole lot of thought” was his reply as he turned back to them. “But they’re certainly good for business. The resort caters to families as well as couples,” he told her. “I’ve heard stories of couples traveling here to get engaged. Then returning for their wedding. And several years later, coming back with their toddlers in tow.” She detected a hint of sadness in his voice. But that was silly. Surely she’d imagined it.
“And don’t forget,” Seema added. “When they marry here, the honeymoon immediately follows.”
That was the most wonderful thing Jenna had ever heard.
“That’s what this place is all about,” Cabe said. “Love and family.” His tone held an unmistakable tinge of something she couldn’t place. Longing, perhaps? Again, just a silly thought. Cabe Jordan surely couldn’t have wanted for much in his full and privileged life.
Boisterous applause from the wedding party suddenly erupted and she turned to see the bride and groom kiss each other in front of a smiling clergyman.
A profound sense of sadness overcame her as she watched the couple embrace. Everyone cheered them on. Friends, family. They were all so happy for these two people.
She could never hope to have such a happy ceremony in her own future, even if she met someone. She had no real family—only her brother, who was struggling just to get by as she was. She’d long ago given up on the hope that her mother might one day clean herself up and become the kind of woman who’d be able to help her daughter plan a wedding. That was a downright laughable thought.
She had no father figure to walk her down the aisle and tear up as he gave her away.
What did it matter? She had her life planned out. She had only herself and her brother. And that was fine. Her goals were set and clear. None of those goals included finding a mate and settling down. She’d be perfectly content with a fulfilling job and financial security. Even if she never met Mr. Right.
Her gaze traveled in Cabe’s direction and she had to snap herself back. Thinking about Cabe in such a way was a slippery slope she did not want to find herself tumbling down.
Not that he was ever likely to see her in any kind of romantic light. She was no supermodel or high-profile actress, his usual type.
She shook off the useless thoughts. Nothing would be gained from them. She was here to do a job, not fantasize.
Still, it was hard not to imagine herself standing in front of a crystal clear ocean, under the bright blue sky, as the love of her life looked her in the eyes. Once more, an unbidden image of Cabe standing before her popped into her head and she nearly gasped out loud.
Now she had passed the boundary from fantasy into foolishness. As if.
On top of everything else, the man was a notorious womanizer.
She took a steadying breath and turned to Seema, avoiding Cabe’s eyes at all costs. “That was lovely. You certainly know what you’re doing in the wedding planning department.”
“Thank you. We pay attention to details and try to make sure everything is perfect.”
It certainly appeared that way to her. “I’d love to see the rooms. Something tells me those will not disappoint either.”
Seema tilted her head and gestured with her hand for them to follow her. “We always reserve the best rooms for Mr. Jordan and any of his guests.”
And how many “guests” had he previously traveled here with? Again, a wayward thought that didn’t matter.
Jenna turned to catch one last glimpse of the fairy-tale wedding. The dancing had begun, right on the beach, in the sand. The flower girl seemed to be particularly enjoying the music. She and an older woman were happily dancing in the water as waves splashed at their feet.
Jenna made herself look away. She was happy for the unknown couple. She really was. They truly did appear to be an example of the lucky few who were fortunate enough to find their soul mate. But one never knew for sure. How often had her mother been convinced she’d found “the one,” only to have the whole thing fall apart and send her into another downward spiral? Too often to keep track of. Each of Amanda’s relapses being usually much worse than the last.
The sounds of bottle corks popping and joyful laughter followed them as they left.
* * *
Cabe watched Jenna as they opened the door to their suite. She inhaled sharply upon stepping inside.
The resort had provided his regular suite—he’d made certain of it. Jenna would be in the adjoining room and they’d share the center living area where they could work and go over the planning and budgeting of the new store.
Seema showed Jenna to her room as Cabe took the time to sign onto the Wi-Fi and check his messages. It was clear from the snippets of conversation he could hear that the two women were becoming fast friends. He wasn’t surprised. Jenna seemed to be one of those rare authentic and open people who drew others in. She didn’t even realize she was doing it.
When Seema bade them both goodbye several minutes later, Jenna wasted no time in getting to work. She hadn’t even slipped off her shoes.
“Do you want to go over the project plan?” she asked.
“Why don’t you freshen up first? Can I pour you a glass of wine? Then maybe we can grab a bite. The Hibachi restaurant on the premises is world-renowned.”
She seemed perplexed by the question. He really had to figure out a way to get her to loosen up. People so often accused him of being a workaholic. Jenna Townsend could g
ive him a run for his money any day.
He really wanted to change that. But he really didn’t want to examine why.
“Wine? Now? With you?”
From the look on her face and the incredulous voice, you’d think he’d asked her to go streaking through Boston Common in the middle of a Saturday afternoon. “Or we could have soda. Or some juice.”
She shook her head. “I’m not thirsty.”
“Jenna, that’s a lie. How can you not be thirsty? Or hungry? We’ve been traveling all day.”
She swallowed. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather just go over some of the to-do items for this trip and then call it a day.”
Disappointment washed over him. The soft, affected woman who’d gone teary-eyed watching the beach wedding was nowhere in sight now. He couldn’t help but feel it had something to do with him. Jenna Townsend turned into the stony, consummate professional whenever they were alone.
He pointed to the clock above the mantel. “It’s five-thirty. We gained an hour due to the time change. There’s still hours of daylight left. You’ll be miserable if you don’t fight through the jet lag and adjust to the new time.”
Silence.
He sighed. “Jenna, look. It’s been a tiring day. I don’t know how productive we’re going to be on an empty stomach after such a long trip. Sure, we can go over some paperwork. I think that’s a great idea. But I’m going to have a glass of the resort’s house Cabernet while we do so. I’d highly recommend it—it’s spicy yet smooth with a hint of citrus. But of course, you can drink whatever you’d like. After which, I’d like to grab a bite of dinner, preferably at the Hibachi restaurant. I’d love for you to join me.”
“It hardly sounds productive.”
“You can’t be productive if you’re starving.”
She pursed her lips. Most things with her seemed to require a fight but he couldn’t help but admire her tenacity. “This is no different than a working dinner that we may have had back in Boston. How about after dinner, we tour the mall where the new store is supposed to go. It’s in an adjacent building to the restaurant. Everything is connected here.”
She lifted her chin. “I suppose that makes sense. But...”
At least she was giving it some thought. Cabe realized he was holding his breath. He’d been on this resort countless times, both with and without companionship. Carmen had joined him just last month, lounging by the pool or on the beach during the day and then joining him for an evening meal and entertainment afterward.
But he’d also dined alone here on numerous occasions. The friendly staff being so accommodating and social, eating by himself had never bothered him.
Yet he found he really didn’t want a solitary meal tonight. He wanted Jenna’s company. He wanted to ask her how hard it had been to go to business school given all her responsibilities and lack of support. He wanted to talk to her about why she was so hesitant to let her guard down. He wanted to ask her about her brother. How hard had it been to put herself through school? He wanted to learn so much more about her. It would probably be the most interesting conversation he’d had with someone in ages.
Maybe it was all those years growing up that he’d had to eat his dinners alone, his parents either too busy or preferring to eat an “adult meal” by themselves. Maybe it was all catching up with him for some reason.
“But you have a different idea, I’m guessing,” he said.
She lifted an eyebrow. “As a matter of fact, I do.”
He waited.
“We go over the files while I have a cup of tea. And then we visit the mall. Before dinner. So that while we eat you can familiarize me with the logistics and the details.”
He groaned and rubbed his stomach with mock exaggeration. She visibly fought hard to control it but an amused smile touched her lips. “As much as my hungry stomach protests...” He stood and extended his hand. “Deal.”
Her smile turned to one of satisfaction and she reached for his hand to shake it. Her hand felt small in his, her skin soft. Cabe found himself not wanting to let go, silly as the notion was. Was her skin that soft, that smooth all over?
“Great. You grab a tea bag while I pour myself some wine,” he said, finally dropping her hand. What in the world had come over him?
She turned to do so. Her smart, sensible pumps clicking on the tile.
* * *
Three hours later, after a tour of the mall and a very entertaining dinner, they made their way back toward their suite by way of the beach. The picnic tables were already filling up for the evening’s festivities. Buffet tables lined with desserts, fruit and beverages framed the sitting area. All of it faced a makeshift dance floor with large speakers on either side.
“This is the big party?” Jenna asked, slowing her stride.
Cabe nodded. “Takes them a while to set up. I can drop you off back at the room and come back once it’s in full swing.”
Though the thought of coming back alone didn’t exactly appeal to him. The last one of these he’d attended, Carmen had accompanied him. His feet hurt just thinking about it. The woman had an insatiable desire to dance the night away; no amount of partying seemed to be enough. He’d barely gotten a chance to sit all evening.
He wanted to experience the party through Jenna’s fresh eyes. No doubt she’d be impressed if she just gave it a chance.
He was debating the wisdom of asking her again when they were interrupted by the sound of feminine laughter. Seema ran up to them, flashing a delighted smile.
“Jenna! I’m so glad you’ve come to our grand gala,” she exclaimed and gave Jenna’s shoulders a squeeze.
“Oh, I’m not—” The woman didn’t give Jenna a chance to complete the protest. She took her by the elbow and guided her toward the middle of the action, closer to the speakers and dance floor. Jenna had changed into a flowing summery dress that clung to her in all the right places. But with her hair still up in that tight ponytail, she hadn’t lost the look of the serious professional. Though at the moment she looked quite uncertain.
Cabe gave her an apologetic shrug when she glanced back at him.
By the time he reached the two women, Jenna was tapping her toe in tune with the music, swaying slightly with the beat. Midway through the song, Seema excused herself when a young gentleman asked her to dance.
Jenna laughed out loud when the young man twirled Seema onto the dance floor.
“Can I dare to say that you might be finding this enjoyable?” Cabe asked.
Jenna ducked her head but not before he caught the small smile. “It does seem very festive. And the music is very catchy.”
He lifted a fresh coconut speared with a straw off one of the tables and reached it out to her.
She shook her head and put a hand on her midsection. “No way. I’m still full from dinner.”
He handed her the drink. “Just one sip. You’ve never tasted coconut water unless you’ve had it straight from the fruit.”
She scanned his face then finally leaned over to take a sip while he held the fruit out to her.
When she lifted her head, a tiny drop glistened at the bottom of her lip. For an insane moment, he wanted to reach out and wipe it away with his finger. Sanity won out and his hand tightened into a fist at his side. He pointed at her mouth instead.
“You just have a little...”
“Oh!” she exclaimed and wiped it away with the back of her hand.
“Well? What do you think? Better than the supermarket bottled kind?”
“It’s heavenly. I wish I hadn’t eaten so much.”
“We’ll make sure you get one tomorrow.”
He went to take his own sip and her eyes grew wide. He’d shocked her, using the same straw she’d just had her lips on. Surprisingly, he hadn’t even thought about it. A boss and
his employee could drink from the same straw, couldn’t they? Though he’d be hard-pressed to think of any other employee he’d ever done such a thing with. Plus, he had to admit, anyone watching them right now might get a different idea about who exactly they were to each other.
A look around suggested as much. The usual staffers he’d come to know gave them curious glances. He should have announced more widely that he’d be bringing a colleague with him this time around. The last thing he or Jenna needed was a swell of gossip as they were trying to get this project off the ground. If things went as planned, Jenna would spend a lot of time here working with these very people. He didn’t want to impact their impression of her before they’d even had a chance to form one.
And he certainly didn’t need her to be viewed as the boss’s toy.
He was straddling a fine line here. He had to be careful not to step over the edge.
“All right. You win,” she said with a small sigh.
“Win?”
“I have to admit, this is quite a party. I’m glad I didn’t miss it.”
He felt a surge of pleasure clear to his toes. How juvenile, but he was ridiculously happy that she was enjoying herself. Finally. To the point where she felt compelled to admit it.
“I would say I told you so...”
She laughed out loud, a mesmerizing, melodic sound that made him chuckle in return. Something about the sound of her laughter made him want to join in her merriment. “And you essentially just have,” she told him.
“Do I appear smug?”
She pinched the fingers of her right hand. “Just a smidge.”
“Well, forgive me. But do you know what it took to get you out here? Worse than negotiating a store lease agreement. It was quite a challenge, I must say.”
Her smile widened. “Yet another one that you’ve met and conquered.”
“Was that a compliment? Or a dig? Somewhat hard to tell.”
She shrugged, watched as a gaggle of dancing teenagers pranced by them. “Merely a statement.”
He took another sip of the coconut drink. “Pity. I was hoping for the former.”
