“Some kind of formula? A math equation to know if someone is good or bad?” Monroe mocked, but Aria didn’t falter. She knew what she was doing and she knew it worked. For the past few years it was the only way to protect herself here and she wouldn’t abandon that now.
“Exactly. You can either stick around long enough for me to figure out if I trust you, or you can deal with someone else. I don’t have time to stand around and be mocked though, so if you’ll excuse me.”
“It’s a big resort.” Monroe shrugged, but his face still showed concern. “I’m sure I can do what I came to do without your help.”
“Then I would keep that itchy uniform on. You’re underestimating the reality of fear. If you hadn’t been parading around in that uniform, there’s no way I’d have said anything to you. You can expect everyone else here will do the same.”
“I wasn’t parading,” Monroe cut back, furrowing his brows. “Trust me, I didn’t ask for a tray of food to get dumped on me.”
“I have to go.” Aria sighed. “Have a good night. Enjoy your stay, and if you need anything at all, just call. We’re always on duty.” She practically sashayed out of the room and down the hallway. It wasn’t about leaving; it was about making an exit.
As she made her way toward the back of the property where her bunk was, Aria half expected him to come racing up behind her. But Monroe was clearly a strategic man. He had the forethought not to correct her when she thought he was a new staff member and wanted her to talk freely to him. But he’d come. One way or another he’d show up and play by her rules.
Chapter 3
Monroe half expected a knock on his door and a sheepish look on Aria’s face. But that didn’t happen. He was still half aroused by the encounter and it was killing him to know she’d actually taken off on him. He’d been in high-powered business acquisitions with billionaires, and Aria’s performance topped any bravado he’d seen. He was intrigued by what she’d eluded to in their first conversation, but he was far more interested in the kind of woman it took to walk away from him and his offer.
When his phone rang he shook off thoughts of Aria and remembered the issue at hand.
“Asher, man, where the hell have you been?” He launched into his questions before either of them bothered with a greeting.
“I know,” Asher replied, about as close to apologetic as a man like him could get. “I’m dealing with some family issues right now.”
“You asked me to put all my energy into this. I pulled out of other projects,” Monroe reminded him, dismissing the idea that family trumped an epic business opportunity. “This joint venture has unlimited opportunity for growth and would greatly diversify both our dealings.”
“It’s not going to be a joint venture,” Asher replied coolly. “At least not with me. I’m well aware of the opportunity I am walking away from. I get it. But when this goes down, you’ll need to move fast. I can’t commit to that. I’m going to be out of pocket.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Monroe scolded. “I flew down here to figure out what we’re working with.”
“And no one is better at that than you,” Asher said, a blatant attempt at flattery to soften the blow. “You’re like a pig searching for truffles. No one roots out vital information like you.”
“Are you done?” Monroe asked, calling him on the bullshit.
“I am,” Asher sighed. “The timing’s off. I’m out.”
“You know the price tag on this,” Monroe reminded him. “It’s a joint venture for a reason. If you pull out I’m left on the hook.”
“I have a guy who’s interested in investing. He’ll take nearly all of my half of the deal. Do you know James West?”
Monroe thought for a moment. “The oil guy who got nailed for bad business practices?”
“No,” Asher corrected. “That’s Senior. I’m talking about James West Junior. He’s taken over West Oil. He and his current organization are solid. Anyone who can save a sinking ship like that is worth talking to.”
“I can reach out to him,” Monroe groaned. “You’re walking away from something with enormous potential here.”
“Trust me”—Asher grunted—“I know. It’s killing me, but I have to stay focused on what’s happening with my family right now. I’m glad you’re interested in talking to James. He’ll be there in two days.”
“What?” Monroe barked. “He’s coming here? I haven’t said I’m interested in working with him yet.”
“I may have implied you were ready to roll,” Asher replied with a chuckle. “If the word gets out about the impending tax changes on the island, you know property is going to be snapped up quicker than we can keep up with. This is a power play, and you know better than anyone how quickly you have to move to be successful.”
“There might be a snag down here,” Monroe said flatly. “I’m still a pig rooting out the truffles, but I’ve heard some rumblings at the resort. I’m not doing anything until I find some answers.”
“You just got there.” Asher laughed. “Do you already have a source giving you information?”
“I haven’t validated it yet,” Monroe cautioned.
“I’d try to work it out before James gets there,” Asher suggested. “There’s a pretty big price tag on this deal. He’ll want to know that you have your arms around any issues.”
“Thanks,” Monroe bit out sarcastically. “I appreciate the extra gasoline you poured on the fire I’m trying to put out.”
“Anyone else and I’d feel bad,” Asher replied. “But I know you. You’re not happy unless there’s an impossible challenge in the mix. This deal was probably feeling too easy, so you’re welcome.”
“Whatever you have going on with your family must be pretty important if you’re willing to walk away. I’d put my own mother’s calls to voicemail if a deal like this was on the table.”
“Save the bravado for someone who doesn’t know you bought your mother a house and car with your first million. You may have a tough as nails reputation, but I know better.”
“Good luck with your family stuff, whatever it is,” Monroe offered reluctantly, anxious to change the subject.
“I hope this deal pans out,” Asher said, seeming distracted by something on his end of the phone. “We’ll get the next one.”
When they disconnected Monroe dropped into the leather chair in the corner of the luxurious suite. He’d worked his ass off for the life he had. Nothing was handed to him. It was built inch by inch, mile by mile. But this deal, securing property prior to a change in the tax code, it would be his biggest success yet. And the key to that success might be Aria.
The light knock on his door was enough to temporarily shake the image of Aria from his mind.
“Mr. Redson,” Buckley said, still a thread of apology in his voice, “we’ve found your luggage.”
Monroe pulled the door open and eyed Buckley closely. He was a wiry man with deep set wrinkles and a scowl. He hated him. He wasn’t sure why. He just did.
“I wanted to personally deliver it to you,” Buckley said haughtily, looking like a puppy who’d just performed a trick. But Monroe wasn’t handing out treats. He raised the handle of his suitcase and wheeled it through the door into his room. He was done with this guy. Well, all except one thing.
“I want to get back in touch with Aria, Monroe demanded, watching a look of worry wash over Buckley’s face. His new favorite hobby was making this guy squirm. It was too damn easy and so fun to watch.
“Uh,” Buckley stuttered, looking uncharacteristically unprepared. Monroe could tell he was the kind of guy who liked to have all the answers. “I can have a housekeeper come up. Is there an issue with your room?”
“I don’t want a housekeeper; I want Aria.” Monroe looked expectantly at him as though Buckley should spring into action, but the man didn’t budge. His eyes went wide and his mouth pursed shut as he thought over what Monroe was aksing.
“I understand,” Buckley said flatly, giving a tiny nod. “You should kno
w Aria has been here for some time, and I can assure you she isn’t the type of woman you’d have any interest in. We have guests here, some lovely women with appropriate pedigrees. There’s going to be a mixer tomorrow night in the ballroom. I would be happy to have some women there for you to speak with. Lovely women who don’t work here.”
“I want Aria,” Monroe repeated, setting his jaw angrily. “Send her up.” He stepped back from the door and closed it in Buckley’s surprised face. Asher had been right, Monroe had the capacity to be a nice guy, but he was always sure to hide it well. Assertiveness was a mask, a very effective one.
A few more seconds passed before Monroe heard the footsteps disappear down the hallway. He’d get what he wanted. It wouldn’t be long now.
Chapter 4
Aria was downright strolling back up to Monroe’s room. A real skip in her step. She’d expected that the next time they crossed paths he’d have changed his mind. The island was loaded with skepticism, a language barrier, and many secrets. He may have been able to navigate his way to whatever truth he was looking for, but she was the road map that would get him there quickly. She heard an urgency in his voice and she was counting on that. However, she didn’t think she’d be summoned back to him like this.
“Don’t give me that look,” he began as he pulled the door open and gestured for her to come in. “Smug doesn’t look good on you.”
“You rang, my lord,” she said, bowing to mock him. His cologne filled her nose and sent shock waves through her. How could you miss a man you don’t even know? “Buckley looked thoroughly disgusted with the idea of you wanting me up here, so I’ll admit that part was nice.”
“I want to know more about what you were saying earlier,” Monroe said, opening his laptop and looking ready to take notes. Aria couldn’t figure out exactly what Monroe was getting out of all this, but he clearly wanted to get down to business. She held the power.
“I laid my terms out for you,” Aria replied coolly. “We spend some time together, and then I decide if I can trust you.”
“If you’re so desperate for a date—” Monroe started, but her cackling laugh cut him off.
“Maybe I won’t need much time at all,” she dismissed, tossing her hair off her shoulder. When Buckley came to her bunk and told her Monroe had requested she return to his room, she had to move fast. She slipped the elastic out of her hair and tried to quickly smooth it down. Out of her uniform, she’d thrown on a cranberry sundress that she normally saved for special occasions. Which was next to never.
“Why are you making this so difficult before you know what’s in it for you?” Monroe asked, narrowing his eyes at her. “You haven’t heard what I’m willing to give you in return.”
“Words,” Aria said, letting her face show how unimpressed she was by his potential offer. “Promises. I’ve heard it all before. Water is great. We all need it, but don’t you want to know the source? You can get a big bucket of it, but what if it just passed through the sewer pipe.”
“What am I in that analogy?” Monroe asked, looking mildly amused. “Am I the water or the sewer pipe?”
“Let’s go to dinner,” Aria asserted. “I don’t want your promises. I don’t want to make a deal. I want to see what kind of man you are, and then I’ll decide if I share the truth with you.”
“You can do that over dinner?” Monroe laughed. “If that’s the case, you’re part superhero and clearly in the wrong line of work.”
“It’s more than dinner. Dinner is the start.” She never wavered in her confidence.
“You’re very bossy,” Monroe huffed, raising a skeptical brow at her. “I’m not usually into that.”
“I’m not bossy,” Aria corrected as she headed for the door and waited a beat to see if he’d follow. “I’m smart. I’m calculated. But I know the concept of a strong woman can be dizzying. It’s like yawning.”
“Yawning?” Monroe asked, looking thoroughly exasperated by the conversation.
“Yeah, we all do it. Yet it’s still a puzzling phenomenon. It’s contagious, but no one knows why. It’s perplexing. Just like strong women. We exist but no one seems to know what to make of us.”
“Right,” Monroe said, stretching out the word as though he was sure she was certifiable. “Should we get on with this then?” He checked his watch and pursed his lips. “Which place downstairs do you want to eat at?”
“Oh, we can’t eat at the resort,” Aria laughed, finding his ignorance a little endearing. “I’m the help. It’s strictly prohibited for me or any of my coworkers to attempt to eat a meal in the vicinity of guests. We’re meant to be no more intrusive than paint on a wall. A bulb in a lamp.”
“You’d be my guest,” Monroe countered.
“Also strictly prohibited.” Aria shrugged. “I’ll be happy to take you to a place off the resort. The food is incredible.”
“Whatever gets this process moving along. Just let me know when this big test of yours starts.” Monroe stuffed his hands in his pockets and began to walk down the hallway.
“It already has.” Aria grinned. “We’ll walk. Is that all right?” She watched his face flinch with hesitation. She had him on his heels, pondering each answer, considering each word. Perfect.
“Walking is fine,” he replied flatly. “Was that part of the test?”
“Maybe,” Aria replied flatly, not wanting to give anything away, as they moved toward the elevator. “This is killing you, isn’t it?”
“I’m always up for a challenge,” Monroe replied, his back arrow straight with confidence. “Bring on the test.”
Chapter 5
“This place looks authentic,” Monroe commented through a genuine smile. “I travel a lot, and I always look for a place I can get a meal that really represents the area. I hate chain restaurants. Top-rated usually means pretentious.”
“Where’s the best place you’ve ever traveled?” Aria asked thoughtfully as they entered the open-air restaurant and sat at a table in the corner. The light overhead was warm, glowing gently trough a sea-glass-green shade. Island music played softly in the background, just enough to set a relaxing mood. If Monroe wasn’t stressed with the idea of possibly losing this deal—or worse, making the deal and finding out it was the wrong choice—he might actually have enjoyed himself. A beautiful woman. A warm night. The promise of delicious food. Everything he usually loved.
“I’ve enjoyed a lot of my travels,” Monroe said, perusing the eclectic menu as he realized he hadn’t eaten all day. “I think the place I enjoyed the most was the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it ever,” Aria quipped as the waiter approached.
“How are you this evening? My name is Chaz,” he said, pulling a tiny notebook from his apron. “We have a few specials tonight. Our homebrewed ginger beer is made with all local ingredients and pairs perfectly with the jerk chicken and peas. For dessert we have black rum cake with raspberry sauce.”
Monroe watched as Chaz waited patiently for their reply. “What’s the best thing on the menu in your opinion?” he asked, tipping his chin up intently as Chaz thought it over.
“Personally I enjoy oxtail stew, but if you’re not accustomed to the spices you may not care for it. Something less traditional like jerk chicken might be better suited for you.”
“I like to take risks,” Monroe said, pandering to Aria and her little test. “I’d like the stew.”
Aria ordered confidently and then stared at Monroe for a few extra beats. “What?” he asked, sipping on the ginger beer that had been placed in front of them. “You have an interesting look on your face.”
“I think you’ll like the stew,” she said, nervously changing the subject. Part of Monroe wished this was just a date, that there wasn’t a calculated dance happening between them. It had been ages since he’d been out with a woman of substance. It was one thing to attend an event with a statuesque model on his arm, but this had real sparks.
“Where were you born?” Aria asked, folding her delicate hands together and resting her chin on them.
“Ohio,” Monroe answered, the twinge he always felt when talking about his humble beginnings raging in his stomach. Very few people knew his roots, and Aria certainly wasn’t going to get it out of him over some ginger beer. “That’s about all you’ll get from me.”
“Maine,” Aria replied back with a playful smile, obviously not willing to give more than he had.
“Cold there,” Monroe grunted.
“This is an enthralling conversation,” Aria beamed sarcastically. “I’m buzzing with this verbal dance we’re doing. It’s magical.”
“Like the hokey pokey,” Monroe smiled, drawn into the moment by Aria’s wry smirk.
“Let’s just have our meal,” Aria suggested as the rich smelling food was placed on the table before them.
“Can I bring you anything else?” Chaz asked, his hands tucked behind his back as he waited eagerly to serve them.
“No,” Monroe said, looking over the table with pleasure. “Everything looks perfect.”
“Things tend to look that way when you’re in the company of a stunning woman,” Chaz said, tipping his chin toward Aria who instantly blushed.
“I’d have to agree with you there,” Monroe replied, not skipping a beat. “And she’s more than just a pretty face. Quite the conversationalist too.”
“It’s nice to see you at a table rather than sitting alone at the bar,” Chaz said, looking harmless and endearing as he teased her.
“It’s hard to find anyone worth sitting with,” Aria laughed, looking unaffected by the lighthearted jab about her normal dining habits. “But tonight, we can’t seem to stop chattering about the most interesting things. I’m sure you and your wife know how that is.”
“That’s a good sign.” Chaz grinned. “My wife, Gigi, and I just found out we’re having a baby. I haven’t been able to breathe right since we got the news. I don’t know the first thing about having a baby in the house. Where do you buy those little plastic things to cover the outlets? How do you snap all those little snaps on the outfits?”
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