by Melody Anne
“We’ll just have to see about that,” Haley said with confidence. “I think I’m going to request a song,” she finished with a wink at Marlin. He just laughed and handed her a fresh drink.
As Haley stood up, feeling just a bit wobbly from too many of Marlin’s drinks, she wished she knew how to sashay like a model, how to sway her hips provocatively. Oh, well. She’d have to do her best. With glinting eyes and a determined step, she approached the musician, and he wasn’t taking his eyes off her.
Invisible? Not this time.
Chapter Six
Everything was running smoothly. Crew’s staffers, all of whom he’d handpicked, were efficient, unobtrusive, and expert at anticipating a guest’s needs. The customers were smiling and complimentary about his beautiful resort. On top of everything, they were spending — and spending plenty.
The kitchen staffers were working nonstop preparing stellar dishes, and room service orders were flooding in. This was a perfect grand opening. But somehow, Crew eventually found himself with a few minutes to spare.
He was drawn toward the bar, in part because he loved spending a few minutes with his head bartender. Marlin wasn’t a pretty sight, but he was shrewd and knew his business. Each time Crew passed by, business was in full swing.
Stepping into the dimly lit, smoky room, he closed his eyes for the briefest of moments and enjoyed the sound of ice clinking in glasses while murmurs, chortles, and titters filled the room. Spirits were high, and the cash register was working overtime.
Business was good.
When Crew’s potential buyer came in, he’d have nothing to fear in purchasing this establishment. It was a sure investment for anyone who was dedicated to continuing what Crew had started, because Crew didn’t do anything by half measures.
Almost at the bar, he glanced back for the briefest of moments, started to go forward again and then whipped his head back around. He recognized that golden hair, even from a distance. The woman who’d propositioned him was cozying up real close to his pianist, and the guy didn’t seem to mind one bit.
What should it matter to Crew? He didn’t know her. If she had moved on to find the next man foolish enough to grant her request, then good for her. It meant she’d leave him alone.
If he felt that way, why was he suddenly changing direction and heading toward the happy couple? He was the owner of this establishment, that was why. He couldn’t have her trying to prostitute herself to his staff. This place wasn’t that kind of business.
As he approached, he saw her hand lift and settle on Sid’s leg. His piano player just slid her a wink while his fingers continued to fly over the keys.
“That’s lovely,” she purred, her face inches from the guy’s ear. Crew had heard enough.
“Ms. Sutherland,” he said, his voice quiet but hard.
He had to give the woman credit, because her shoulders tensed in surprise for only the briefest of moments before she turned — slowly, quite slowly — to look at him.
“Hello, Mr. Storm. How nice to see you again.” Her voice gave nothing away, but her big green eyes were pretty damned eloquent. The woman didn’t need a teacher; her eyes alone had the power to seduce.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you again — ever.” His voice must have been more cold than he’d meant it to be, because his piano player stumbled on his notes before quickly recovering.
“I’m a determined woman, Mr. Storm. Now, if you don’t mind, I was having a conversation with Sid. His music is breathtaking,” she sighed before turning from Crew and giving him the brush-off. He had no idea that inside she was shaking terribly.
Crew didn’t like her cavalier attitude. He was steaming, though he couldn’t figure out exactly why. Though he’d wanted nothing to do with her proposition, he'd still had the woman on his mind all day, thinking of a million ways he could teach her, and now he found her in his resort looking for a man to fill her…bill. He wasn’t appreciative, not in the least.
“I’d like to speak to you in private, Ms. Sutherland.” It wasn’t a request, but a command.
“I’m a little busy right now. Why don’t we chat tomorrow?” With that, she dismissed him again. Twice in a minute’s time wasn’t doing much for his ego.
“Why don’t we do it now?” He took her arm and pulled her from the bench. The cowardly pianist continued playing as if Crew hadn’t just manhandled his potential one-night stand. Crew would need to find a new player — he was disgusted with Sid.
Haley’s eyes lit up. “If you insist,” she said, slightly breathlessly, her head bent back so she could gaze at him.
His entire body tensed. Why was he attracted to this crazy woman? She was wearing a baggy T-shirt, another pair of loose Capri pants, and not a lick of makeup. There was nothing about her that screamed sex siren, and yet he found himself more than intrigued; what was she trying to hide with all those loose clothes?
As he started leading her from the bar and toward the lobby, the sound of her breathing shouldn’t have scraped his nerves raw. She just wasn’t his type in any way. Yet even the smell of peaches drifting from her hair was turning him on.
Maybe it had been too long since he’d spent the night with a woman. Those around him might have thought he was a lady killer, but not that many women had actually made it into his bedroom. He was choosy. Yes, he’d had the occasional one-night stand, but his reputation was a lot more rumor than reality.
He liked women, didn’t like mistreating them, didn’t like to use them for a night, only to walk away the next day. His father had taught him to be a better man than that. If the world wanted to believe he was a playboy, then let it. That only brought more people out of the woodwork to find out what he was about.
It was good for business, and it meant more money for him. Though his trust fund was more money than most people ever dreamed of having, it was only his if he passed his father’s ridiculous test.
One problem: Crew just didn’t care about the challenge anymore. He cared about what path in life he was on. If that meant the old man won, then so be it. Before starting on this resort, Crew hadn’t realized it, but he really hadn’t been able to look himself in the mirror without feeling shame at what he’d become. So much had changed, and he had to admit that he was grateful to his dad.
He passed the front counter, his staff barely glancing his way before going back to their work. Luckily, Haley had decided to keep her mouth shut while he led her to his private office.
He placed his hand on the small of her back and let her walk in ahead of him while he enjoyed the gentle sway of her hips. Once inside, he shut and locked the door. He didn’t want interruptions. This woman just had to go away — he was too busy to deal with her request, or to watch her try to achieve her goals with other men.
Crew offered her a chair, then moved behind his desk, thinking it wiser for him to place a solid piece of furniture between the two of them. As she took her time sitting down, he noticed her eyes taking in everything around her. She was observant, well aware of her surroundings. This was a good quality to have, something to admire.
“I thought my room was nice, but this office is spectacular. I bet you a month’s worth of groceries that the paintings are real,” she said with a whistle.
Crew was about to make a snarky comment when her words hit him. “Your room?” He wanted clarification.
“Yes. I checked in tonight. I have to tell you, you know how to decorate. My room is fantabulous, and I haven’t seen one tiny grain of sand inside this entire resort. That’s impressive, considering we’re right on the beach.”
“Why did you check in?” he growled, coming right to the point.
“Because I won a terrific prize package back in Seattle and I get two spectacular weeks here. Are you saying I’m not welcome?” she asked a bit too innocently.
“I told you I wasn’t willing to play your games, Haley, and yet you stalk me. Why not just leave?”
“I accepted your answer, Mr. Storm. Was I following
you tonight? Did I seek you out? No, I did not. Just because you won’t give me what I want doesn’t mean that I will simply give up. I have a mission to complete, and there are plenty of men out there who can help me. Maybe I haven’t seen any as charming as you — OK, charming at times — or with your knowledge of what it is that makes a woman sexy, but their advice and teaching should be enough to guide me to become the woman I wish to be. Besides, who in their right mind would give up two free weeks here?” she asked, looking at him as if he were certifiable.
Crew’s vision was starting to blur. She spoke with such conviction that he had no doubt she would succeed in finding a suitable man. Shouldn’t that be a good thing for him? She’d be out of sight, out of mind, not his problem. Unfortunately, she was his problem — for no reason he could figure, he actually cared what happened to her, and he shouldn’t. Sheesh. He’d met this woman only this morning.
He had plans — goals — and he couldn’t afford any distractions right now. His father would be here soon, and though Crew didn’t care about his stupid trust fund any longer, he needed to prove to the man who had raised him that neither of them had wasted their time and effort.
“Who is this man you seek to attract? Why would you want someone who doesn’t want you for who you are? I’m really just curious.”
“Who he is doesn’t matter. As for wanting me for who I am, that’s more difficult. You wouldn’t know anything about not being raised as a Storm, not having a privileged life from the moment you were born. You’ve always had everything, never had to struggle; you’ve never gone through troubles. You were born wealthy and beautiful. There is no way you could possibly have a clue what it’s like for those of us on the other side,” she spat out.
“I am not a snob.” He was insulted she’d even think such a thing.
“Ha! I have always wondered if snobby people realize they’re snobs. Do they go to bed at night thinking they’re better than others? Do they snicker at people less fortunate than they are and go out of their way to make the poor saps’ lives miserable? Or do they not know the pain and suffering they cause? As I look at the confusion in your eyes, I think I have my answer. Maybe some of them do and some of them don’t. But I will tell you this: my years of school were a misery. The girls tormented me, called me names, made me feel horrible about myself. They sought joy through the pain they inflicted on me and others. Did it make them feel better about themselves, superior? Maybe. Maybe not. I really don’t care. My revenge comes by having a good life now. I get revenge through my success. Part of that is by changing from being a girl who was so persecuted that I had to hide in the shadows just so they wouldn’t notice me. I am done being afraid. I am done letting what other people think about me predict my actions. I am also done speaking to you. There is no way you will ever understand any of this.”
Haley started to stand and Crew felt a moment’s panic. What she said tore at him. Had he ever made someone feel like this? Either knowingly or unknowingly? If he had, it was unacceptable and to his eternal shame. He could never be OK with hurting another human for his own personal gain or pleasure.
“Please sit.” His tone had calmed; his anger was deflated. How could he be angry with this woman, a woman who had so much hurt evident in her eyes? How could he possibly turn her away? Though he knew better than to accept her offer, he somehow couldn’t chase away the desire to help.
And he knew he would regret this before the words came from his mouth.
“I will help you.”
At first she just stared, but joy quickly overspread her face.
Crew shook his head gently. “Hold on before you get too excited. You have much more inside you than you realize, Haley. There is fire brewing in your veins, passion in your eyes, and what I’m sure is a pretty spectacular body beneath your ridiculously baggy clothes. I will help you to see yourself — not help you change who you are. There is nothing I see that needs changing.”
He could tell by the shocked look on her face that she didn’t believe him for a second. How cruel people must have been to her.
“I need to know a little bit about you,” he continued. “Where you grew up. What your dreams are. What things you are attracted to. Before I can show you who you truly are, I need to know who you think you are.”
Confusion covered her face. It was obvious she really had no idea of her own appeal. Her light green eyes peered at him through her befuddlement. Her soft blond hair cascaded down her back, most of it having worked loose from her sloppy bun. Even without makeup, she was a beauty. With it, she’d look like any one of the women who so confidently threw themselves at him. He preferred her the way she was now — well, maybe with tighter clothing.
“I am just me. You know my name’s Haley Sutherland. I’m twenty-six; I went to school in Washington state. I grew up with my grandparents, but they passed away several years ago. I have no idea who my dad is, and my mom died during childbirth. I have no other family members. My life has been boring up until now. I’m ready for excitement.”
“Those are facts I could find out from the most basic of background searches. I will only agree to do this if you share with me — really share. I grew up with a younger sister who loved to talk, and talk often, so I know a little bit about what it is that makes women tick. I want to know your dreams, what excites you, what makes your heart pound. I need to know your fears, your darkest desires, the things you’ve thought about but never imagined telling anyone. I want to know you, Haley, not the image you show the world.”
Crew watched as the shutters came down on her revealing eyes, closing him out. She was hiding something from him, and the competitive man he was wanted to know all her deepest secrets. He wanted to strip her bare, take her apart, and then help to build her back up. After all, that’s what he did, wasn’t it? He made things whole again. It couldn’t be any more difficult than fixing a failing business.
“I don’t want a mental makeover. I want you to teach me how to seduce a man. If I wanted to talk about my pathetic life, I’d see a psychiatrist.”
Her snappy response showed him just how much she was holding back. Well, he would just have to call her bluff. If she walked, that was it. There was nothing he could do about it. He feared curiosity would eat him alive, but only for now. He’d eventually forget about her.
“Then we have nothing else to discuss. You can enjoy your stay in the resort, but I have more important things to do.” Crew looked down at his desk, opened a drawer and pulled out a cigar, then snipped the end. He didn’t indulge often, but when stress was at a peak, the smooth flavor of a good Cuban could ease his nerves.
Haley sat fuming as he waited for her to make a decision. Though he gave her no sign of what he was feeling, while he leaned back and propped his feet on the desk as if he didn’t have a care in the world, his muscles were taut.
Crew played to win. There was no use in entering this game with her if she wasn’t putting all her cards on the table. When the silence grew too long, he looked pointedly at his clock, and then at her face.
He almost feared seeing fire shooting from her eyes as she realized the bind she was in. For her to walk away when he’d agreed to her proposal would be mad on her part, but she clearly wanted to tell him to shove it.
Chapter Seven
“Fine. If you insist on trying to understand me, I’ll tell you, but I’m tired right now and don’t feel like talking,” Haley responded. “It’s been a long day.”
She wanted to get up and kick his feet from the desk, then grab his stupid cigar and take a big puff for herself. But that would only end with her hacking up a lung, so she sat stiffly while she waited for whatever he had to say next.
“Good. Now that we have the practicalities out of the way, I can learn a little more about you.”
The man just didn’t listen. She didn’t want to discuss anything about herself. She needed time to come up with a convincing story for him. There was no way she would tell him about the hell she’d gone through
living with psychotic grandparents who had wished she were dead every single day of her life.
She’d buried the past, and to dig it back up again would do too much damage. It would destroy everything she’d worked at building over the last eight years. The moment they buried her bitter grandparents in the ground, she’d been freed. It had just taken her a long time to figure that out. To tell the truth, she was still learning.
“I don’t think so, Haley. I believe you need time to regroup, time to come up with a clever story. I don’t want to give you that time. I won’t force you to tell me your entire life story, but I’d at least like to know something about you. Give me a small piece and I’ll call it a night.”
Haley scrambled to come up with something that wasn’t too revealing, but the man seemed to have a built in radar for lies. It seemed that she had no choice but to part with a few honest details. In the end, it would all be worth it, because then she’d be one of those women she’d always admired, and she’d be free of the past.
“I plan on discovering an ancient culture that no one has ever discovered before. I don’t care where, but I want to do an archeological dig. Ancient peoples fascinate me — how they worked so well together, how they survived such harsh conditions, and how they continued to procreate. I also have a fascination for old journals and the lives of people who lived before I was ever born.” Maybe she’d revealed just a little more than she’d planned to, but when she spoke of her dream, she tended to get excited.
His eyebrows rose and the corners of his lips turned up. She had the sudden urge to smack the look off his face. The thought stunned her; she’d never felt desire to hit anyone, not ever, not even when those horrid kids at school had made her feel two inches tall.
“Do you have a journal of yours I can read?”
Now he was mocking her! She was done.
Haley stood quickly and began moving toward the door. There was nothing that made sitting here any longer worth it. She’d rather die a wallflower than be constantly humiliated.
