“What?”
“Just a thought.”
She considered his suggestion. “You’re right. I might need a wheelchair.”
“I know.”
She groaned. He thinks he has all the answers. Piercing pain radiated from her ankle and she tightened her grip on the phone, sucking in a deep breath. “Thanks for being supportive.”
“I’m worried about you. Has first aid arrived yet?”
Cassie glanced around and Colleen appeared at the hotel entrance. “Coming now.”
“Good.”
She looked over her shoulder. “I can see Laura, too.”
“Say hi to her from me. I’d better go.”
“Thanks for calling.”
“I’ll call you later today.”
“Okay.”
“Take care of yourself.”
“Bye.” She ended the call and shoved her phone in her purse.
Colleen arrived, crouching beside her. “I need to take you next door to the medical clinic.”
Cassie nodded.
“Damien, can you please get us a wheelchair?” Colleen asked.
“Certainly.” Damien disappeared inside the hotel.
Laura rushed to Cassie’s side. “Are you okay?”
“I think we’re having lunch at the medical clinic. Colleen, can my sister tag along?”
“Absolutely,” Colleen said, turning to Laura. “You can duck out and get us lunch. I’m not sure how long we’ll be waiting to see a doctor.” She stood and stepped back a few paces.
“No problem.” Laura looked down at Cassie. “I can’t believe you’ve sprained your ankle again.”
She nodded. “The wet pavement was slippery. It’s not my fault.”
Laura rolled her eyes and picked up Cassie’s shoe. “The grip has worn on the sole. No wonder you slipped.”
“Oh.” She inspected the heel. “I’m buying a new pair this week.” Not only were they comfortable, but they matched her favorite suit.
“From the look of your ankle you won’t be wearing pumps for a while.” Laura frowned. “I tried to call you a few minutes ago, but your phone was busy.”
“Ryan called just after I fell.”
Damien returned with a wheelchair and they all helped Cassie into the seat.
Colleen pushed the wheelchair and Laura walked beside her. Within minutes they were inside the medical clinic and Colleen excused herself to talk with the receptionist.
Laura pulled up a chair beside Cassie’s wheelchair. “When’s Ryan due back in Sydney?”
“Tomorrow afternoon.”
“Are you canceling the interview?”
She shook her head. “I have to go.”
“What about your ankle?”
“I’ll use crutches, a wheelchair, whatever it takes to get me there.”
Laura pursed her lips. “What did Ryan say?”
“He’s very supportive.”
“I don’t get it.” Laura narrowed her eyes. “I thought Ryan agreed with me. Don’t you think this accident is a sign you shouldn’t go?”
“I’m not canceling my interview.”
“Your ankle might be broken and traveling might make it worse.”
She sighed. “I know you don’t want me to go.”
“Can you blame me? I don’t want you to move away.”
“But a change of scene, hot weather all year round, will be good for me.”
Laura pouted. “I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too.” The hardest part would be leaving Mom and Laura.
“Then ditch the interview and stay in Sydney.”
“I can’t.” Cassie met her sister’s stormy gaze. “I have to go.”
“Why?”
Cassie pressed her lips together. Pain gnawed at her nerves and fatigue overwhelmed her. Laura couldn’t conceptualize her desire for freedom and independence from her family and old life.
“I want a new start.” She hoped to rebuild her relationship with Dad before Laura’s wedding and her potential move to Queensland.
“What about Ryan? You do realize leaving Sydney will destroy any chance you have of a future with him.”
Her lower lip trembled. “I know.”
“He’s an ambitious man and moving to North Queensland will kill his career.”
She nodded. “I’d never expect him to move.”
Laura threw her hands in the air. “What are you thinking? Cancel the interview and find a new job in Sydney.”
“What if things don’t work out with Ryan? Then I’ve thrown away an excellent career opportunity for no good reason.”
“Cassie, make things work out between the two of you.” Laura took hold of her hand. “He cares about you. Do whatever it takes to fix your problems.”
Whatever it takes? Cassie shook her head. Laura didn’t get it. If only it was that simple.
The pain from her ankle pierced her heart. She wanted to please Ryan and make everything right, but she couldn’t ignore her faith. Right now he was exploring his faith, but her niggling doubts remained. There was no guarantee that he’d end up making a commitment, and she couldn’t marry a man who didn’t share her faith.
* * *
Cassie rose to her feet, tucking her crutches under her armpits to take the weight off her sprained ankle. She shook hands with the five members of the interview panel.
Sara Scott, the human resources manager, stayed behind while the other panel members filed out of the room.
Cassie placed her injured foot on the ground, stifling a groan. “Thanks for the opportunity to interview for this position.”
“Thank you for traveling all the way up here. We’ll be in touch in about two weeks.”
“No problem.”
“I understand the difficulties you’re having getting about so I’ve organized for Mike to drive you around and show you the facilities in one of our golf buggies.”
“Sounds fun.”
Sara handed her a visitor’s sticker. “When’s your charter boat due?”
She glanced at her watch. “In just under three hours.”
“A buffet lunch is served in the Terrace Restaurant. I’ll add you to the visitors list.”
“Thanks, I appreciate all your help.”
“I have another interview due to start in fifteen minutes, otherwise I’d show you the facilities myself. Have a great day and a safe trip back to Sydney.”
Cassie slipped on her backpack and hobbled out of the meeting room. The brilliant blue of the ocean, visible through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, brought a smile to her lips. Imagine working with a spectacular view every day.
The plush carpet muted the sound of her hopping along the hallway. The elevator opened and she descended to the ground floor.
She approached the brunette behind the front desk. “Hi, I’m looking for Mike.”
The brunette waved at someone behind her and a fair-haired young man wandered over.
“I’m Mike,” he said, pointing to the front entrance. “Please follow me.”
She emerged from the lobby to find a white golf buggy waiting at the door. Mike helped her shift her crutches and backpack behind their seats. She slipped into the seat beside him and he switched on the engine.
“The road system is basically one big circuit,” Mike said. “I’ll do a quick run around for you. I assume you want to stay seated to rest your ankle.”
She nodded. “Thanks. I’d appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. I heard you’re the front-runner for the job.”
“Really? My interview only finished ten minutes ago.”
“I overheard the panel interviewers talking in the lobby. I’m right in guessing you’re the only
candidate using crutches today.”
“There must be more candidates to be interviewed.”
He nodded. “A couple, but I overheard them saying the last few have much less experience than you.”
“Thanks for the insider info.”
“No worries, we’re like a big family here. Most employees live on the mainland, except for the big bosses and some of the night staff. We all get on well and hang out together. Life here is one big party, and I think you’ll like it.”
She beamed. A relaxed lifestyle in the sun. What more could a girl want?
They drove past the eighteen-hole golf course. Tennis courts and an outdoor pool were situated next to the health club.
Mike began his commentary. “The private villas are up ahead. Ninety percent of our guests stay in the main complex. There’s a covered walkway between the health club and the main complex, and you’ll see signs marking the roads up to the secluded villas.”
She drank in the exotic vegetation and white sandy beaches. An island paradise.
He smiled. “Up ahead, around the bend, is our wedding chapel on the beach. The function room is located beside the chapel. They both seat two hundred guests and we have an eighteen-month waiting list for weekend bookings.”
The old-fashioned chapel sat among the palm trees, and the function room opened out onto a deck above the beach.
“This area is self-contained and the dock is just around the corner. It’s only a ten-minute walk from here to the main complex.”
Wow. The beauty of the island exceeded her expectations. She’d love to get married here, too. No wonder they had a long waiting list.
“Did Sara mention you’d have an office at the back of the function center as well as in the main complex?”
She nodded, her mouth curving into a wide smile. She could live on the mainland and enjoy a half-hour boat trip to work each day. The perks included a complimentary room in the complex when she worked evenings, and free buffet meals were available in the Terrace Restaurant during work hours.
The reality of the job struck her. She could soon be living and working in a tropical paradise.
Lord, thank You for giving me this opportunity. I’d love to secure this job and live here, but what about Ryan? I’d have to choose between Ryan and the job. Please give me wisdom and help me to make the right decision if I’m offered this job.
Before long the main complex came into view.
“Where are you headed next?” he asked.
“The Terrace Restaurant.”
“No worries. I’ll drop you off at the main entrance. The Terrace is located on the first floor, overlooking the beach.”
“Thanks, you’ve been very informative.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled and within minutes brought the vehicle to a halt. “I hope to see you again soon.”
“Me, too.” She stood on one foot and angled her body out of the buggy.
He passed over her bag and crutches. The crutches dug into her arms as she made her way into the lobby.
She paused by the entrance to catch her breath. Perspiration covered her brow. The humidity outside had taken its toll and her hair had blown loose during the buggy ride. Next stop would be the ladies’ room to freshen up.
She pushed wisps of hair back off her face and gripped the handles on her crutches. Time to get moving. She glanced up and noticed a tall man striding toward her.
Her pulse raced as she recognized his walk. Her gaze met his. Ryan. What was he doing here?
Chapter 10
Cassie dropped her crutches and collapsed into Ryan’s arms.
“Hey,” Ryan said. “You’ve been overdoing it.”
She inhaled his earthy scent. “Probably.”
He swung her backpack over his shoulder, hooked his arm under her legs and carried her toward the lounge area.
“Thanks.” She relaxed in his embrace. The rhythmic pattern of his heart beating through his lightweight casual shirt brought a smile to her lips.
He lowered her onto a cushioned sofa.
She lifted a brow. “What are you doing here?”
“Taking you to lunch.” He retrieved her crutches from the floor and sat beside her.
“What about work?”
His gray eyes sparkled. “I rearranged my schedule, and I’m flying back to Sydney with you this afternoon.”
“Wow, I’m stunned. It’s great to see you.”
“When you’ve caught your breath, I’ll escort you to the seafood restaurant upstairs. I’ve been assured the lobster is to die for.”
“Sounds fantastic. I appreciate your help in getting around.”
“Is your ankle really sore?”
She nodded. “I’m due for more painkillers soon.”
“Are the crutches hurting, too?”
“Yep. I’m still getting the hang of them.”
He grinned. “I can carry you to the restaurant.”
“No way. I can do it. Everyone will think we’re honeymooners.”
He swept a wisp of hair off her face. “Is that such a bad thing?”
“But it’s not true.” Yet. His fingertips lingered over her forehead and images of the wedding chapel warmed her cheeks.
“Are you sure you’re feeling up to it? I could get a wheelchair?”
“I’m fine.” She inhaled a steadying breath. “But I might need one later.”
“I thought so.” He held her hand. “I’m here to take care of you.”
Oh boy, she loved the way he looked after her.
Cassie hopped beside Ryan to the elevator, and they made their way to the second floor.
The exclusive restaurant overlooked the ocean on two sides, and she drank in the breathtaking views. This could be her new place of work, but what about Ryan? It wouldn’t be the same without him here by her side.
The maître d’ escorted them to a table positioned near the windows and a waiter appeared with leather-bound menus. No prices were listed, and a delectable selection of seafood dishes whetted her appetite.
Her mouth watered as they made their choices.
The waiter disappeared and Ryan reached for her hand.
“So, tell me about the interview.”
She placed her hand in his. “It went well. I’m happy with the answers I gave and I think I have a good chance of securing the job.”
He sipped his iced water. “Is this what you really want?”
“I love the location. Look around us. Tropical paradise, fresh air, sunshine—what more could I want?”
“You’ve done a tour of the island.”
She nodded. “It’s gorgeous. The wedding chapel and function center are beautiful and it’s no surprise they have a long waiting list.”
“Sounds great.”
“If only my ankle wasn’t injured and we had more time to explore the island. Mike told me there’s a lot to see, and the island has eight beaches plus an inland lake.”
“Mike?”
“He works here, and he gave me a quick tour in a golf buggy. He also mentioned that I’m the front-runner for the job.”
He raised an eyebrow. “How would he know?”
“He overhead members of the interview panel talking about me. Anyway, he said the staff all hang out together and have lots of fun.”
“I’m sure they do. But did you really take a close look?”
“What do you mean? There are holidaymakers everywhere, looking relaxed and enjoying the tropical surroundings.”
He cleared his throat. “What about all the bars? By the pool, at the health club. Everywhere you turn there seems to be a bar of some description.”
She shrugged. “No big deal. I work in a hotel and it comes with the territory.”
/>
“You think so?” He paused. “Aren’t you at all concerned about the temptation to drink?”
“I’m fine. It’s no different from Sydney.”
He shook his head. “Do Mike and his work friends party hard?”
“I guess so.” She let go of his hand, sitting taller in her chair. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to do the same thing.”
“But what if all your new friends here love to party? Will it be so easy to avoid temptation?”
“I’ve been sober for nearly two years.”
“That hasn’t stopped you from being tempted.”
She narrowed her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
“The charity dinner.” He held her gaze, his tone firm. “I watched you stop by the bar and salivate over the bottles on display.”
“Oh.” She lowered her lashes, shame filling her. “Not my finest moment.”
“Cassie, I’m proud of what you’ve achieved.” He raked his hand through his hair. “But I’m worried you’re unnecessarily putting yourself in the way of temptation if you choose to take this job.”
She pursed her lips. “So it’s not that you’ll miss me. It’s all about the likelihood of me falling off the wagon.”
“Of course I’ll miss you. I’m concerned because I care about you.”
“But this is my dream job. For years I’ve wanted to leave the city and move to a place exactly like this.”
“Did you conceptualize this dream at a time when you were living a party lifestyle? I imagine this job would be very appealing if your goal is to party.”
His words hit her hard and her doubts resurfaced. She wanted to leave behind her old life in Sydney, but would this job create a whole new set of problems?
“I’ll think about it, but I’m not convinced this job would be bad for me.”
Their waiter arrived with a prawn appetizer.
He nodded. “It’s your decision to make.”
The job or Ryan. How could she choose? Her dream job versus her dream man.
* * *
Ryan rubbed his hands over his eyes. John’s brisk voice sounded through the speakerphone on Ryan’s desk. The lights in the neighboring buildings illuminated the night sky outside his office window.
“That’s my update from London,” John said. “Anything else I need to know about?”
Her Tycoon Hero Page 10
