by Melody Anne
She wasn’t living with her tyrannical grandparents — they were long gone. She had money, and she could go wherever she felt like going.
Still, her surroundings filled her with the overwhelming emotion of not being good enough. It was impossible to go through life on the outside, and then suddenly feel as if you were a part of the action. No matter how much was in her bank account, she knew who she was, and she just didn’t fit in with this diamonds-and-caviar crowd. Refusing to cower, though, she raised her chin and squaring her shoulders, sauntered up to the granite-topped front desk, where a smiling woman greeted her.
“Welcome to the Catalina Couture Resort. We’re delighted to have you on our opening day.”
“Thank you,” Haley replied as she reached into her purse for her identification and credit card. Though her room was free, she would definitely take advantage of the room service options. This was the vacation of a lifetime and she was going to enjoy every moment, even if she had to plaster a fake smile on her face.
“Your reservation is all set, Ms. Sutherland. I’ll just have you sign right here, and our bellman will assist you to your room and explain about our services.” With a smile that still betrayed a hint of awe, Haley thanked the woman, grateful for her genuine kindness that somehow settled her nerves, then followed a young man to the elevators, where he pushed the number for the tenth floor.
When she’d won this vacation, she hadn’t thought she’d get the top floor. This was truly a cream-of-the-crop prize. She’d have a nice view of either the ocean or the island.
As they began the short journey up, Haley turned toward the kid assisting her. “Do you enjoy working here?”
His eyes glanced down, but not before settling a split second longer than usual at her chest as he replied. “We’ve only done training so far, but yes, this place is the breast…I mean…um…best!” he exclaimed; his face reddened and he stared at his shoes in mortification.
Haley could fully understand the poor kid’s feelings. She had put her foot in her mouth more often than she cared to think about. Patting his shoulder, she waited for him to look up again, which he did with obvious reluctance.
“Don’t worry about the slip. I do it often,” she said with a kind laugh. Well, not that particular slip, but…
He breathed out a sigh of relief and his eyes practically worshipped her. If only she could speak to men she was attracted to as easily as she spoke to service employees. It was just that she felt closer to the workers, as if they were her kin, because she’d been raised by her grandparent’s staff members.
“You have one of our larger suites, reserved for our VIP guests,” the boy said as he stepped from the elevator. He escorted her a short distance down the hallway before sliding a card into a key slot and then holding the door open for her to walk in ahead of him.
“Perfect,” Haley gasped as she glanced around the spacious living room area. The scent of roses drifted to her from the large bouquet on the coffee table — with a box of chocolates next to it. The furnishings were antique, matching much of the resort decor. Across the room, opening onto a private balcony, were ornate French doors displaying a spectacular ocean panorama.
At least if she couldn’t find a man to teach her all she wanted to know, she’d spend two fabulous weeks in complete paradise. This room was too good to be true, and she hadn’t even wandered into the bedroom yet.
The young bellhop began telling her about all the amenities of the resort: spa, gym, room service, lounges, and more. She didn’t really care. She could learn all of that by looking through the catalog on the small desk in the corner.
She just wanted some food and a lot of sleep.
When he finished speaking, she handed him a nice tip and moved him toward the door. He smiled in delight before finally departing. Not wanting to wait for room service, Haley ripped into the box of chocolates, then walked to the small fridge and found a Coke.
Grabbing her sugary dessert, she carried them to the bedroom, where she smiled in pure happiness. The four-poster king-size bed was heaven on wooden feet. She ripped off her pants and shirt, dived onto the bed, and wriggled gleefully under the covers.
It didn’t take her long to devour half of the box of chocolates and guzzle down the Coke. She knew she should at least get up and brush all the sugar off her poor teeth, but the feather pillows were calling her name.
With a sigh, she gave up the fight. Closing her eyes, she indulged in her first good nap in ages. How could she do anything other than relax while in such a fantastic place? Tonight, she needed to be fully alert when she went on the prowl.
Chapter Five
Haley awoke with a huge yawn, stretching her arms above her head until she grasped the headboard. She’d left the curtains open and she watched as the last rays of a spectacular sunset glowed through the huge open windows, a salty breeze blowing in from the Pacific Ocean.
A smile flitted across her face as she let go of the deep cherry wood and sat up. Her days of finals at school and planning her summer assignment had worn her out and she hadn’t rested this well in what seemed like eons. She’d have to find out where Crew purchased his beds because the mattress was simply divine.
As a loud growl from her stomach interrupted her happy thoughts, Haley laughed, then bounded out of bed. She loved waking, finding herself in a whole new day — well, a whole new night, since it was beginning to get dark outside.
Rapidly moving to the bathroom, she stripped down and jumped into the oversized shower, moaning as the forceful jets did their job of fully waking her up and of washing the grime of the day down the drain.
Maybe it was time she dipped into her inheritance funds for more than her schooling; she had a feeling that after staying in such a nice place, it would be difficult to go back to her small apartment in Seattle. If she could transport this shower, it might not be so bad…
The brass fixtures and granite tile gleamed, and the beveled glass was crystal clear. The bathroom even had a separate beauty area with a dark velvet bench where she could sit if she wanted to apply makeup and do her hair. It wasn’t her style to get done up, but maybe she should experiment, spend some more time on trying to look her best.
It was evident that Crew insisted on only the best, because the shampoo was amazing and the scent of peaches and mangoes drifted around her as suds enveloped her hair. Maybe there was something in aromatherapy — Haley was energized to face the night and Plan B in the seduction stakes.
Within an hour she was showered, dressed, and ready to seek out conversation and perhaps a bit of food, so she decided on the jazz bar inside the resort. And since Haley had worked a number of years in restaurants, she knew it was wise to make friends with the resort staff and especially the cooks. If you were friendly with them, tipped well, and sucked up a bit, you could eat so much better and get to try dishes no one else knew existed.
Anticipation hurried her movements. She tucked some cash into her pockets, along with her room key, then grabbed her small handbag. She preferred leaving it behind, but it had a couple of essential items she couldn’t go without.
Ready to roll. She had a determined set to her mouth as she shut the suite door behind her and made her way toward the elevators. It was time to find a teacher.
The lobby was even busier now than when she’d arrived, with people speaking excitedly as they sat in the high-backed chairs circling small tables with stunning vases sitting atop them. The flowers had to be real, making her want to touch them to make sure, but she kept on moving forward, on a mission to find a friendly staff member to give her information. She wished she had the courage to sit down and join in a conversation with the other hotel guests, but she didn’t at this point. Maybe soon...
Put a uniform on a person, and she could open up like a pirated book, but a man wearing a business suit like her grandfather had worn made her want to hide in the farthest corner. She was going to work on that —– even if it took her a while, as change often did, she’d eventual
ly gain the courage to step outside her comfort zone.
Approaching the busy bar, she saw and heard an attractive musician playing soft music in the corner. His fingers caressed the keys of the grand piano, and several guests at nearby tables applauded when he finished a piece.
Hmmm. Those fingers showed promise.
Haley could picture herself sitting next to him on the bench, his chords washing over her as her own fingers drifted up his thigh. Whoa! Such thoughts weren’t helping her. She had a mission — a mission to ask the man she liked back home out on a date — not to hit on every eligible bachelor in this place. All she needed was to find a man willing to give her some pointers, give her some confidence, teach her how to seduce the man she wanted.
So far tonight, luck was with her: she found an open bar stool at the back of the counter, a spot almost guaranteed, in her experience, to get the most attention from the bartender. Seeing an ashtray nearby, she knew this was where he’d sneak over when he had a few moments to drag in a couple puffs of nicotine.
“Good evening. What are you drinking?” he asked hurriedly, barely glancing at her. This, Haley was used to. Story of my life.
“How about you surprise me? You look like a man who knows how to make a good drink,” she said with an open smile, and she pulled out her emergency cigarettes. She hated the smelly things, but she’d found they could be a great ice-breaker when she was with a smoker.
That gained his attention. He looked longingly at her thin white cigarette as she lit it with a flick of her cheap plastic lighter. Making sure she didn’t inhale — she hardly wanted to start coughing all over the poor man — she took a shallow puff while waiting for him to reply.
“Ah, an adventurous woman. I like that,” he said with a smile, showing he had one tooth missing in the corner of his mouth. It added character to his leathery cheeks.
Within a minute, he brought her a large layered cocktail with fruit on a stick. What fun!
“This here I call Marlin’s special,” he said with a chuckle. “Do you want to open a tab?”
“I’m assuming you’re Marlin?” When he nodded, she continued. “Well, Marlin, that would be lovely. Do you need my credit card or room key?” When his eyes drifted to her dangling cigarette again, Haley remembered to take a puff, before catching his eye.
“I’m being so rude. Would you like one?”
Marlin looked around to be sure nothing needed to be done at his bar, and then held out his hand. “That would be great, and your room key is sufficient.”
Gotcha! Haley thought. Yes, she knew how to speak to staff.
Within an hour Haley knew that Marlin had a wife he’d been married to for thirty years, two grown children, and two unexpected, but wanted, surprises. He’d moved to Catalina Island ten years earlier, and he was elated to be working at the Catalina Couture Resort, telling her it was the nicest bar he’d ever run. She had to agree with him there.
“Try this, honey,” Marlin said as he placed a bowl of soup in front of her.
Haley didn’t even bother asking what was in it. The intoxicating aroma made her stomach and her salivary glands sit up and take notice. With her first sampling, she couldn’t repress an ecstatic groan.
“That there is a chef’s special he only gives to the boss and staff. Don’t ask what he puts in it. Ignorance is bliss,” he said with a cackle.
“Can I get a bowl of that?” a man sitting two seats down asked as he eyeballed Haley’s soup.
“Sorry, we don’t serve food,” Marlin told him. The man raised his brows as he looked from Marlin to the bowl of soup in front of Haley. He obviously didn’t want to call Marlin a liar, but the evidence was right there.
“Um…” the man cleared his throat.
“Haley works here. She’s just on break,” Marlin lied with a perfect smile at the man, and Haley had to hide her giggle. Yes, she and Marlin were going to be great friends.
She fearlessly finished her bowl before reluctantly passing it back. It had took the edge off her hunger, but not taken it away. “Whatever his secret ingredients are, they are working for him. Thank you, Marlin. I know where I’m hanging out in the evenings from now on.”
“I won’t complain about that. You’re quite a treat to visit with. How long are you staying with us?”
“Well, I have two weeks that I won for free, but really as long as it takes!” When his eyebrows rose in question, she laughed before filling him in. “I’m looking for a man to teach me how to be the perfect seductress.”
Marlin’s jaw dropped and he choked on his coffee. Haley wiped the spray from her cheek as he looked her in the eye, obviously trying to figure out whether she was pulling his leg or not. When she stared back, he finally roared with laughter.
“Well, I’d offer my services, but then my wife would chop my head off,” he said between bouts of laughter.
“Oh, Marlin, I think you are way too much man for me to handle anyway,” she said with a wink.
“You are sure good for my ego, honey. Now, tell me about your plans,” he insisted as he grabbed another cigarette and leaned against the counter so their faces were close together.
“Well…” She hesitated. “My original plan was for your boss to teach me, but he isn’t cooperating,” she pouted.
Marlin’s eyes widened for a second before he burst out laughing again. “Oh, Haley, I’m so very pleased I’ve met you. I have a feeling you’re sure going to shake up things around here,” he guffawed.
Was he making fun of her? Haley wasn’t certain, but she had come too far to turn back now. “Tell me about him. How can I get Crew Storm to help me?”
Marlin looked down the bar, again making sure that his employees were doing their job and that his customers were all happy before he turned back to her and leaned in even closer.
“Crew is a good guy. Most places like this — kinda snooty, to tell you the truth — take one look at me and move on down the line. They want pretty young girls or studly young men to tend the counters, figuring they’ll draw in more people. They don’t look at experience; all they care about is the way a person looks.”
Sadly, Haley knew this was true.
“But not Crew. No siree. He doesn’t mince his words, though. He asked me flat out what happened to my missing tooth. I told him I was young and got in a fight. You want to know what he asked then?”
“Yes,” Haley said. She hadn’t a clue.
“He asks if I won or not,” Marlin said with a laugh. “I proudly told him the other guy went away without three of his teeth.”
Haley burst into laughter as she looked at Marlin’s gaping grin, but her amusement wasn’t complete. She already knew that she would miss this man when she moved on. She could choose to just live here, but then she’d never finish her degree. She felt a little heartbreak over the inevitable: people always said they’d write, but then friendship would slowly fade into nothing.
She shook herself out of her melancholy. “Wow! You must have been surprised,” she told Marlin.
“I knew as soon as he gave me that Crew Storm smile that he was a different kind of man — one of the good guys. He told me he’d both won and lost his own share of fights. Then, he got real professional and asked me what I could do to make this the best bar on the whole island. It took me a minute, then I just told him what I did best. He hired me on the spot, didn’t even hesitate. He said he just got a feeling about people, and he could tell I was the right man for the job.”
“How long have you known him, then?”
“Going on three months now. He interviewed and then I got to work figuring out how I wanted my bar set up. He had his ideas, and let me tell you, Missy, he don’t like anything other than the best. He’s got real nice taste. I’d’ve rather had a jukebox in the corner with some good ol’ rock ’n’ roll, but Crew insisted on a piano. I hate to admit it, but I like the piano. It’s real nice.”
“Does he pay you well?”
“Oh, yeah. I have no complaints there.
He gives us more than any other place here would and he even offered me and the missus a honeymoon suite. Not right now, ’cause it’s gonna be too busy for a while, but in the off season we getta get away from the kids and come be treated to the life of luxury. He works hard and plays even harder. Wow, do the ladies love him! I ain’t seen him go a single day here without at least one hot girl trying to hang all over him. He doesn’t seem like he minds the attention. Not a lick,” Marlin finished with a knowing grin.
“I just bet,” Haley answered, her eyes narrowing. She’d learned that about him, herself. That’s why she wanted him to be her teacher so dang bad.
“Well, don’t you worry, honey, he simply gives them a little kiss, then a night of lovin’, then he slips right out of their grasp, and they never knew what hit ’em. They think he’s the man of their dreams, but they wake up and it’s all just been one big fantasy. Yet somehow they’re grateful for even just a night. He’s still available for ya. Maybe you can even make the rogue settle down,” Marlin said with a chuckle.
“I don’t want Crew for myself. I’m in love with another guy. I just want Crew to teach me his secrets — show me how to be one of those women men can’t resist. But, you know what, I see a bar full of men who would probably be more than willing to teach me what I need to know,” she said as she looked around the room.
The piano player was looking her way, and before she turned back to Marlin, the man gave her a wink. Oh yes, it was time to come out of her corner and fetch herself a teacher. Who said she couldn’t mix business and pleasure?
“Sure, missy, sure. That’s what they all say. If you think you can dance on a cliff without the wind pushing you over, then you just be my guest, but one night with a man like Crew and you’ll forget all about this other guy you’re trying to win.”
