Jake pointed. “I don’t know. Right now, they seem to be really talking something through over there.”
Their heads were close and they were having a deep conversation about something. Trey’s insides burned. “How good in marketing is he, really?”
Jake laughed. “Easy there. He’s the best we’ve had.”
Trey grunted.
“My advice? Figure yourself out. And then move forward. Either step away ’cause you don’t have time for a shop owner who lives in Mexico, or step in one hundred percent and win the girl over.”
“Is there no middle ground?”
“Not with Cason moving in like he is, not with you as distracted as you are. I’m gonna need my partner back come the end of this week, not some distraught and confused soul who can’t do much of anything besides try to figure out his love life.”
“Okay, that’s too much. I’m gonna remember this nice chat once you’ve fallen for somebody.”
“I hope you do. If I need it, I expect you to smack some sense into me.” He reached over and splashed water in his direction.
“Hey.”
“That’s what friends do.”
A huge swell rose higher behind them. “This is it!”
They both dug in and powered their way to the front of the wave just as it started to curl at the top.
Chapter 6
“Wow, he’s really good.” Scottie pointed to Trey. He angled the board and moved around along the smooth inside curve of the crashing wave.
“He would be. He’s been surfing for most of his life.”
“In Chicago?”
Cason laughed and then clammed up. “You’re gonna have to ask him about that.”
Confused, she waited, assuming he was kidding, but Cason just looked away.
“How long have you known him?”
“Just a few years. But he and Jake, they’re awesome. The things they’ve been able to accomplish, the two of them, straight out of college…” He stopped and then pressed his lips together.
“Like earning their lifesaving qualification?” She chuckled.
“Yeah, something like that.”
She toyed with the sand. “What are you all doing here in Mexico?”
“I could ask the same of you.”
“True. And I suspect there are reasons neither of us want to disclose.”
Cason seemed hesitant. Then he shook his head in frustration. “So, we’re going to snorkel this afternoon. Would you like to come?”
“All of you?”
Cason frowned and then turned his gaze out to Trey and Jake, who were running back out to catch another wave, their boards tucked under their arms. “Yes.”
Should she go? Honestly, she’d love to go snorkeling. New inspiration for her art was well worth the time, and she hoped to see a turtle underwater. She watched Trey stand on his board, riding another wave. But there were reasons to stay far away, unless she wanted a summer fling. “Totally. I’m in.” She didn’t know how in, but snorkeling was a definite.
Her eyes drifted to Trey again, and this time he was watching. He waved then turned to run back in the water.
“Meet us in the lobby at two.”
“Hey, thanks for inviting me along. I’d like to take some more pictures.”
They talked about her work, her shop, her goals for her art. And as the others were approaching, she realized they hadn’t talked about Cason at all. “Hey, I’d love to talk some more, this time about you.”
Trey blocked her sun. “Would you now?” His gaze moved from her to Cason and back and she bit back a smile.
“Yes, I feel I monopolized our whole conversation just now.”
“I enjoyed it. That’s impressive what you’re doing with your store.”
“Thank you. It’s been a dream for a long time.”
She felt Trey’s eyes on her. “Cason invited me to come snorkel with you guys. I hope that’s okay…”
“Yes. Totally. I was just going to bring it up. Did he tell you two?”
She nodded.
“If you want, I’ll be heading out to get lunch around noon. Wanna catch a bite before we meet up with the others?”
She almost laughed as Cason stiffened beside her. Perhaps her plans to keep things platonic were not going to work in any way, not with Cason, not with Trey. She should figure things out. Lunch would help. “Thanks. That would be great. I guess we need to fit in time on your day off. Do you work every day? All shifts? How does it work?” She looked from Cason to Trey. Neither seemed anxious to respond.
Jake walked up, shaking out his hair. Droplet sprayed all over Trey.
“Dude.” He wiped down his arms. “That’s just not even a thing. Cut it out.”
He laughed. “Did anyone catch my last ride?” He looked from one to the other. No one responded.
Scottie took pity on him. “I would have, but someone’s big hulk was blocking my way.”
Jake shoved Trey, but he only budged a half-step. “You’re blocking her view.”
He laughed. “All right, man. I’m gonna catch some sun.” He plopped himself down at her side. “Right here. If anyone needs me, wait until I’m done.”
Jake shook his head and plopped himself down next to Trey, resting his head on his arms. Cason eyed the two of them and then stood up. “I’ll go find Cason. It was good to talk to you, Scottie. Can I get you something from the bar?”
She didn’t miss Jake’s snort or Trey punching him in the arm.
“Thanks, Cason. I’d love a virgin mango passion.”
He nodded, then wrinkled his forehead. “Is that a thing?”
The guys next to her laughed.
“Yes, it is.” She felt her cheeks warm. “It’s awesome. Raspberry, mango, lime. Mmmm.”
He bowed. “Okay, coming right up.”
She watched Cason hike back toward the pool area through the sand and then felt Trey’s eyes on her. Without looking in his direction, she murmured, “I thought you were catching some sleep.”
“You’re distracting me.”
She laughed. He was fun. “Well, I’ll try not to breathe so loudly.”
He sat up on one elbow and watched her.
“Now who’s distracting? What are you doing?”
“I’m trying to figure you out.”
“Is it helping?”
“I don’t know yet.” His eyes moved lazily over her face. “But tell me about your art.”
“Jake said you have an appreciation. Tell me how that came about.”
He shook his head. “Nope. You first.”
Secretly pleased, she leaned back lower on her elbows so that they were eye level. “I’ve wanted to be an artist, a professional artisan, for a long time.”
He lifted a piece of her hair so that it hung with the rest behind her back. Something about the action was endearing, like he preferred the look with the hair behind or something. She smiled.
“Go on.”
“Well, so I couldn’t for many years. I was caught up in other things.” She thought of her love for her father and his company. “And happily so. I had goals and a successful life.” Her throat felt tight and she suddenly regretted such openness. Was she gong to cry on the beach? She swallowed.
Cason showed up with their drinks and she shifted away from Trey and sat up. “Oh, you guys really must try this. It’s the best drink they serve.” She held it out for Trey to take a sip. His lips closed around the straw and before she could look away, she watched. His eyes twinkled and then he winked.
“Oh, wow, this is good.” He offered some to Jake, who shook his head, eyes closed. “Sleeping.”
She offered it to Cason. “Thank you for this.”
He lifted his own cup. “I took your word for it and got my own.”
“Oh? And what do you think?”
He sipped, but the action was not nearly as fascinating as when Trey had done the same.
“It’s good.” He sat back down beside her. ““Cason is at the
pool, showing off his dives.”
“Does he dive?”
“He thinks he dives,” Jake called over.
“Once he sees the high dive, I think this will be my signature drink for the rest of our vacation.” Cason went still. “Or summer.”
“Wait, are you on vacation?” Was he not a lifeguard?
“We all are.” Trey laughed. “How often do you get to work at a resort in Mexico at our time of life? I mean, really.”
Cason shook his head. “Never. If you think about it.”
“Totally true. I feel lucky to be down here. I started this store on my own after I got here, filled it with inventory myself. No supply chains, no big marketing teams. Just me, my art, the store.” She was proud of it, of herself. She had customers and was growing an online presence.
“That’s pretty incredible. Starting your own thing from scratch like that. Maybe we’ll do that sometime.” Jake’s face was deceptively blank. Trey hit him again.
“Do you guys have plans for a start-up?”
“We do. I mean, doesn’t everybody?” Trey sat up and the warm skin on his upper arm brushed her own. “Tell us more about what you do.”
“So, I started out painting. I have scenes and people. But then I broadened the studio to blow glass. The tourists love it, the demonstrations. Local hotels said they’d put me on a list of their excursions and activities. They said I could come do demos on property.”
“Wow, that’s incredible.”
“It’s been awesome. And it’s growing. I think I might be able to make something of myself down here.”
Trey shifted his fingers so they rested on hers in the sand. “I need to see you work. To see your pieces.”
She caught his gaze, intense, sincere as always. His interest seemed to grow the more she knew him. So she nodded, slowly, watching the sun stream through the color in his eyes. “You can come any time.”
His smile grew. “I’d like that.”
Cason stood. “Well, I’m going in. Can I take your cup back up?”
“Oh, thank you. Yes. That was delicious.” She shielded her eyes so she could see him. “Will I see you at two?”
“Yes, and then we’re off to snorkel. Maybe you can show us some of the best spots.”
“Have you already been?”
She turned to Trey. “Yes, it’s beautiful. I went scuba diving, but there are shallow places we can go, away from the crowds.” She closed up her bag. “I think I’ll head in also. But I’ll see you at noon?” Maybe she shouldn’t, but she wanted to, so why not? A part of her wondered if opening up herself to be available to this new fascinating man would be the beginning of a magical summer or the start of another heartbreak.
Chapter 7
Trey dressed in his nicest suit. And he called for a limo. That conversation about why they were in Mexico felt too uncomfortable, and he was done pretending. If she didn’t want to get to know him as he was, then they were finished before they started. When he pulled out his phone and turned it back on, it dinged forever, scrolling and filling with notifications. “What on earth.”
He opened his laptop. With about thirty minutes, he could answer the most urgent needs only. But most of his associates were sending him links; a lot sent the same link. He pulled it up. Damian. Within Cosmetics. He shook his head. The more he thought about it, he did want to join forces with Within Cosmetics. He missed Trevor Redding. He’d been a mentor to Trey and he hated to see Damian at the head. What had happened to his daughter? He skimmed the article. And grunted. Apparently Damian had sent out a hunt, a request for any information on Mr. Redding’s daughter. They were making it sound like she’d jumped ship. But that was old news. Why were they unearthing everything again now? He did some research. Old pictures of himself popped up. “Mr. Redding’s daughter is a coward and a disgrace to his name.” He cringed. That was harsh. He didn’t remember saying anything quite like that. He clicked some more. Ah, Damian quoted him. He shook his head. What was that guy up to? A few minutes later, a picture appeared. Mr. Redding, standing next to his daughter. He zoomed in. Trey’s heart pounded in his chest. Scottie. Scottie Redding. Shocked, he couldn’t think. Forcing his blank mind to function, he told himself this was fantastic news. But why was she hiding out in Mexico? Why did she run? She was tightlipped at best. He knew nothing about her.
His reminder dinged. He was meeting her in ten minutes. And he was determined to figure her out. And convince her to go back if he could. Her father left a legacy he’d built from the ground up. It was almost criminal to watch it flounder in the hands of Damian. Now that he’d met Scottie, he just couldn’t believe everything Damian had said about her disappearance.
He exited the elevator, searching the lobby.
Scottie stepped out from behind a pillar, wearing a short flirty dress with straps and tall, spiky heels. Her long hair fell in a shiny sheet all around her shoulders and her eyes sparkled back at him.
“Wow.” His smile grew in open appreciation. “You look even better than the last time I saw you.”
She adjusted her purse. “Thank you.” Her eyes traveled over his suit. “And you’re wearing Armani.” It was almost a question.
He shrugged into his jacket, broadening his shoulders and standing taller. “I brought a couple casual jackets with me.” He held a hand on the small of her back. “Shall we?”
She allowed herself to be guided. “Where are we going?”
“I heard of a great place, thought we’d go try it out before heading over to the island.”
“Oh, fun. Another one of your local hangouts?”
He laughed inside. “You could say that.”
The limo pulled forward. He held open the door.
“What?”
But he didn’t answer and instead followed her in.
She seemed at ease in the limo, adjusted her seat and lifted a nearby console for a bottle of water. “You surprise me, Trey.”
“I could say the same about you.”
Her eyes flashed up to his. Then she relaxed. “Where are we going?”
“I thought we’d try Los Tres Amigos.”
She nodded. “I haven’t heard of it.”
They drove through the resorts, farther down, and pulled into the Ritz.
“Ah.” She eyed him. “Lifeguard?”
He shrugged. They exited and were led to the restaurant with tables along a wall of windows all facing the water.
“This is lovely.” Scottie asked for her drink and Trey did as well. Then she turned to him. “Okay, spill.”
“I want to get to know you better. You fascinate me, your art, something about you has turned my head from the moment I saw you, and I want to know more.”
As always, she seemed unmoved.
It made him smile. “And I know you are not nearly as interested in me, but I couldn’t let things continue with you thinking I was one thing when I’m not.”
“I’m assuming now you aren’t a lifeguard?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“And what do you do? Are you guys just here on vacation?”
He hesitated and then nodded. “But…I have been considering lengthening my stay.”
Her eyes widened.
He waited for her to talk about herself, tell him anything. He watched her. Now that he knew who she was, he saw tiny hints of her father. He hadn’t known him well enough to pick out all of them, but they were there. She was definitely Mr. Redding’s daughter.
They ordered their food, and she still hadn’t said much. She watched him though. And he couldn’t tell if he should end the lunch early and give up or try to be charming. “I thought that we could go stop by your store, pick up your things on the way to snorkeling?”
“Don’t we have to meet the shuttle back at the hotel…” She let her sentence dangle as he shook his head.
“We’re going in my car. And have our own tour guide.”
Her face colored a hint of pink, and he suspected it was not the blush o
f attraction.
“And all this time were you just toying with me, laughing at me behind my back?” She almost stood up. He could see it in her stance.
He held out his hands. “No, not at all, please. The other guys think I’m an idiot. They’re hounding me day and night to correct what you thought.” He sipped his drink. “To be fair, I haven’t once told you I’m a lifeguard.”
She opened her mouth but then closed it and nodded. “I’ll give you that. But you had plenty of opportunities to let me know the truth.”
“Which is why I wanted to take you to lunch and explain things. As soon as I knew I wanted to know you better, I wanted to do it on real terms.” He reached his hand forward to place on hers. Gratified when she didn’t flinch or pull her hand away, he added, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been so interested in getting to know another woman. I just can’t think it was a coincidence that we met.”
She sniffed and pulled her hand back to take a bite of her meal. “I don’t know. The timing is difficult for me.”
“Are you seeing someone else?” He hadn’t thought of that. “Married?” He held his breath.
“Oh, no, of course not. Not seeing someone. But recently betrayed by the biggest creep I’ve ever known, and let’s just say I’m not all that excited to get to know any more playboys, rich business guys who think they can control the world around them with a little cash and voting power on a board.”
She sat back, her breath coming hard, and her face a new shade of red.
Two or three cogs fell into place in the puzzle of Scottie Redding. Perhaps she didn’t desert her father’s company. Maybe they voted her off. He desperately wanted some answers, but he needed her to confide in him. He wanted to get close to her somehow. But throwing all that at her right now while she had zero trust in him was a bad idea.
They finished lunch, saying very little else. When they got back into his limo, he told the driver to take them to her store. “We have about forty-five more minutes. Could you give me a tour of your store?”
Her mouth pulled up in a small smile. “I would like to do that. The renovations are almost completed and most of the pieces are back on the floor.” She leaned her head back. “Then maybe we can have the guys back and I’ll do a demo for you guys.”
Her Billionaire Lifeguard Page 3
