She shivered again and said, “One that is freezing her butt off right now.” She made her way back onto the beach and I watched as she wrapped herself in a towel. “Maybe we can finish this conversation another time.”
Is it my imagination, or is she playing her cards close to the vest? I couldn’t get any information out of her. She was difficult to figure out. Confident, yet not. All it did was intrigue me more. But she was right, there was work to be done, and I shouldn’t spend the remainder of my night out here flirting with her.
I grabbed my T-shirt and slipped it over my head. “At least let me walk you back to the hotel. It’s safe here, but I’d rather make sure you made it inside before we part ways.”
Robin asked, “So you believe me. You believe that someone is really watching Lily?”
“I have no more information than I did earlier.”
“What you mean is, you never looked into it,” Robin said, her voice icy.
I slipped on my jeans, which wasn’t easy with my legs still dripping wet. While she watched me struggle, I replied, “When I spoke to Bennett with the information, he said the description matched almost every man on the island, including me.”
Robin chuckled. “You don’t look like these guys.”
“Dark hair. Dark eyes. That’s all you provided me with.”
“But you’re still not him. You’re so much…”
I cross my arms and arched a brow. “More handsome?” I had to say it after I heard her call me an arrogant ass earlier. Besides, she left herself wide open.
Robin rolled her eyes and huffed. “Taller. And not as…tan. Maybe that will help you narrow down the suspects.”
A knot formed in my stomach as I heard a hint of sarcasms and as well as doubt in my ability. I know damn well what I’m capable of. Just need some facts to act on. “We have not even determined there is an issue.”
“Maybe you have not, but I have.”
I didn’t like her tone. “Robin, I already warned you about looking into this yourself. It could be dangerous.” Even though we weren’t sure there was an issue, if there was one I didn’t want her putting herself at risk. Hell, she could be at risk if the guy had any inclination that she was going to hinder his efforts. For some reason that hadn’t crossed my mind until this very moment, and even though I didn’t want to take this seriously, I needed to.
“Then I suggest you do your job and find him before anything happens.”
She was frustrating the shit out of me. “I am telling you to stay out of this.”
“Maybe I should discuss this with Zoey. I’m sure she would take what I have to say seriously. For some reason, you don’t.”
“That’s not exactly true. We are looking into it. And I have plans on speaking with Lily tomorrow morning.”
“You mean today. Because it’s almost two a.m.,” she said.
“I stand corrected.” Again. “For the record, I’ve already spoken to her manager, and I will be meeting with her as soon as she arrives to work.”
“You are looking into this,” she said sounding surprised.
“I told you I would.”
“I’m sorry, James. I would explain, but I don’t think you would understand,” she said.
It might be late, but I had nothing better to do. “I’ve got time. Do you want to go grab a coffee and see if my little mind can comprehend it?”
Robin let out a heavy sigh. “I do not think you’re an insensitive guy, which means you’re just giving me shit right now.”
I chuckled and nodded. “But the offer stands.”
“It’s too late for coffee because I do want to get to sleep sometime. But I could go for this drink that I had earlier. I believe its cranberry juice with pineapple juice and Ginger ale.”
The knot in my stomach began to relax and I breathed a little easier. “Okay. Two-fruit punch is it is. And maybe we can actually enjoy the moonlight while I listen,” I suggested. I didn’t want to go back into the hotel just yet. And I didn’t want the conversation to take place in the lobby.
“I don’t think the waitresses work the beach this time of night.”
“They don’t, but I have connections.” By that it meant utilizing my position as security and sending a text message to the manager of the bar and told him where to bring the drinks. “All set.”
“I guess my towel will have to be our blanket,” she said, laying her damp towel on the sand. We sat, Robin in her bikini and me in my damp shirt and jeans.
“You have my attention,” I said. “What is it you wanted to tell me?”
“It seems silly now. It has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with me. I told you I’m an attorney.”
No, you didn’t. I knew already.
“What does your job have to do with it?” I hoped she didn’t think that made her smarter than me, because I knew a lot of lawyers I could outwit.
“I’m a defense attorney. And before you lay into me for that, I only defend people I believe are innocent,” she stated firmly.
I’ve heard that line before. I didn’t believe it then, and still don’t. Right now, I just wanted to hear her out. “Good to know.”
“Which means I have to rely on my gut. Because sometimes I don’t have all the details, all the facts. At least not at the beginning. I have to be able to look someone in the eye when they’re speaking to me and decide.”
I had no idea where she was going with this. Doesn’t everyone do that every day? Every person I meet, I’m reading them and deciding if they could potentially be dangerous.
She continued. “I had a case in which my client was being charged with attempted murder. No one believed he was innocent. No one except me. It took two years, but he was proven innocent.”
“Proven innocent, or not proven guilty?” To me, the difference mattered.
“Actually, he was proven innocent. Through our digging and research, we were able to piece together what the police and attorney general’s office had missed. We found the guilty party and they were arrested. But if I hadn’t gone with my gut, my client would’ve gone to prison.”
“So what you’re saying is I should trust your gut, your instincts, over my own?”
Robin shook her head. “I would never say that. All I’m asking is that you keep an open mind. You didn’t see him, his demeanor, his behavior–any of it. Maybe if you had, your gut would be the same as mine. Is that too much to ask?”
Not at all. “Robin, I already told you I’m going to meet with Lily when she comes in to work.”
“I know what you said. What I’m asking is that when you do, keep an open mind and imagine that I, an accomplished, intelligent woman with keen instincts, might just be right. God, I hope I’m wrong. It would be the best thing for Lily if I am. Nothing would make me happier than if you came back to me and said I had been in the sun too long and it was all my imagination. But I just don’t believe that’s the case. Like you said to me, if there is something serious or dangerous, we have to address it,” she said.
There she goes again with that we word. “I will promise you something if you promise me something in return.”
She laughed softly in the moonlight. “What is that?”
“I want you to promise that you won’t get involved no matter what the outcome is. Let me do my job. It’s the same I think you’d want if the tables were turned.”
She thought for a moment. “I can do that, but only if you promise me something as well. I need to know what you learn. I need you to be honest with me.”
There was no sense arguing with her. If I did, she’d only investigate on her own. The last thing the resort needed was a guest playing detective. It would interfere with the staff doing their jobs, and if the other guests got wind of it, it could cause an unnecessary panic. “I promise to let you know if there’s anything you need to worry about. But there’s a certain level of confidentiality to be maintained here. And I’m sure you can understand and respect that.” Now I was speaking legales
e. And from the softening of her expression, I’d say it worked.
She agreed just in time, because our drinks were being delivered. As well as some fruit, cheese, and crackers.
“I guess all that’s left to do sit back and enjoy the stars,” Robin said.
There are other things I’d rather be doing together, but I guess I’ll settle for this.
We spent about a half hour scanning the skies for shooting stars, each trying to be the first to spot one. It was more of a competition because neither of us was interested in making a wish. Most likely it was because we were both realists. Wishing and hoping didn’t accomplish anything. At least there was one thing we had in common besides this sexual attraction that I keep trying to ignore.
When the food and drinks were gone, I said half teasingly, “I thought you had some work to do.”
She turned to face me and said, “And I thought you invited me for a walk on the beach. I guess we can both change our minds.”
Touché. “Okay, tomorrow night, I promise-a walk on the beach.”
What the hell am I doing? I couldn’t commit to spending time with her tomorrow. This was not a vacation for me, it was the start of a new job. Hopefully Bennett had a lot of work for me to do so I didn’t have a minute to give Robin and her sweet lips a second thought. And for all I knew, I could be on a plane back to the United States on whatever assignment he had for me. I took a job to work with a team again and nothing was going to get in my way from making that happen. But what the hell, it’s only a walk on the beach. It’s not like I asked her out on a date.
“When you say tomorrow do you mean later today?” Robin teased. “Because if we sit here much longer we’re going be watching the sunrise. Not that I mind, but I honestly do have to get some sleep.”
I got to my feet and extended my hand to her. “Let’s call it a night, or morning. I’ll walk you to your room.” Before she could argue I added, “Consider it part of my job.”
Robin joked, “I don’t think security jobs require holding hands.”
It was only then that I realized I had never let her go. I shrugged, and still holding hands, we headed back to the hotel. As we approached I could see Bennett standing on the balcony of the penthouse. Fuck. I didn’t want to hear whatever he had to say about this. He’s the one who told me to come and talk to her, and then he invited her to join us for dinner. As far as I’m concerned, I was just doing my job and happen to be enjoying a few of the benefits of it.
The feel of her fingers twined with mine said I was enjoying my job a little too much. I was going to keep my promise and take her for a walk on the beach. But by the way my body reacted to her, it would be wise to make that walk when the beach was crowded. Maybe then I’ll keep my hands to myself.
She definitely is a test of my self-control. But no one has made me lose it. She’s not going to be the first.
Chapter 6
Robin
“You’re saying nothing happened last night?” Zoey said. “That’s funny, because Bennett said the two of you looked quite…friendly last night.”
I rolled my eyes. Zoey didn’t strike me as the matchmaking type, but here she was grinning like she had a plan, one that included me. Well, I was about to set her straight. I’m not interested in anything more than a vacation.
“I really enjoyed having dinner with you and your husband last night, but…”
“But you don’t find James…attractive,” she said.
Ha. He had me so freaking hot I could barely sleep. “I didn’t say that. He’s…not hard on the eyes.”
Zoey looked puzzled. “So what is the issue? You’re not involved with someone, are you? I mean, Bennett said your name was Miss, not Mrs.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “What happened? Did you marry off all your siblings and now you’re working on the guests?” It sounded funny, but it very well might be the truth. From what I knew, all the Hendersons were married.
“Oh, I never thought about doing that. But I don’t spend much time here. Usually I’m teaching or home with the children. But Bennett thought this would be a great little vacation for us. The only problem is, he’s working,” Zoey sighed.
That sucked. I could relate to being a workaholic. But I didn’t have anyone waiting for me to come home. Hell, if I had someone here with me, I sure wouldn’t be opening my laptop up each night. I probably wouldn’t even answer my cell phone. Of course, that was easy to say since I was alone. And don’t think I’ll be testing that theory anytime soon, either.
“Maybe you should try talking to him,” I suggested.
“Ha. He’s spending his time with James. How can I compete with a former Marine buddy?” she said.
I didn’t know James had been in the Corps. Then again, I knew nothing about him and planned on keeping it that way. But I did want to help Zoey. A sweet person like her deserved to have the best getaway with her man.
“Well, you could wear something drop-dead gorgeous for dinner tonight. I’m sure you’d have his full attention then,” I suggested.
Zoey laughed. “That’s a great idea. One problem. James is joining us.”
Could James be that clueless? Yup. Most men are. So the issue didn’t seem to be with Bennett as much as it was with James. That was a much easier fix. I just needed to tell him to back the hell off and let the happy couple enjoy some adult time.
“We’re meeting later for a walk on the beach. Maybe I can…”
“Oh, that’s perfect. You distract him for a few days and that’ll give me and Bennett time to celebrate our anniversary. You’re brilliant, Robin! And really, I can’t thank you enough for doing this for me. I was about to cry thinking that I came all this way for nothing,” Zoey said, her eyes shining.
Few days? I don’t remember committing to anything more than speaking to him and I’m not even sure I said that. “I don’t think…”
“I’m so excited. Maybe you can help me pick out something to wear tonight,” Zoey said, interrupting me again.
Was she intentionally cutting me off so I couldn’t back out? I could ask, but that would come across as rude. Zoey had been such a welcoming hostess, going out of her way to help me enjoy my vacation. I might as well repay the kindness. I’ll only talk and walk with James. It’ll be fine, and it’s all in the name of building a new friendship – with Zoey. But deep down, the lawyer in me was calling bullshit.
“Have you seen my style?” I laughed. “Not what you’d call sexy. You’re probably better off choosing on your own. Besides, you already know what Bennett likes.”
“That’s the problem. I want something he won’t expect.” Her eyes widened and she asked, “Are you free for the afternoon? I mean, what time are you meeting James?”
“I don’t know. We never really set a time.” At this point, I wasn’t sure it was actually going to happen. He had made a move while we were in the water, but after that damn wave broke the mood, it didn’t return. I thought that might have changed because he held my hand as were we walked outside, but once we entered the building, it was like a switch and James was distant again. Didn’t even try to kiss me goodnight. Not that I wanted it, but…damn, I wanted it. I’ve never had anyone who could make me quiver like he had with just a kiss. I could only imagine what it would be like if he kissed me more…intimately.
I felt my cheeks warm and had to stop letting my mind drift where it shouldn’t.
“So you’re free?” she asked again.
“I guess so. What do you need?” I asked.
“Hold that thought.” She grabbed her cell phone and left me sitting alone.
I really hoped she wasn’t calling James and making further plans for us. I could handle my own love life. Not that I had one. When she returned, I’m going to tell her that too.
Zoey was only gone a few minutes, but she was grinning from ear to ear. “Okay. You better get up and get your purse.”
“My purse? Why?” On the resort, everything was charged to my room, so I hadn’t n
eeded it very much this week.
“We’re flying out. There’s an island, about a two-hour flight from here. I think a shopping adventure is just what we need. Besides, they don’t have what I’m looking for in Tabiq,” Zoey stated.
“And what are you searching for, exactly?”
“Something hot and sexy. They don’t sell that here.”
Not that I knew anything about Tabiq except for what I have seen on the resort, but they had to have adult shops. Everyplace had them. “You’re kidding me right?”
“Nope. The women don’t…”
“Like such stores?” I asked. There was something Zoey wasn’t telling me and I wasn’t budging until I learned what it was.
“Maybe I’ll tell you about that on the flight. Now go, our plane leaves in twenty minutes and that’s just enough time to get to the airport,” Zoey said.
I didn’t budge. “That gives us plenty of time to answer a few questions. Let’s start with, do they not have the shops here because they don’t like them or because…they aren’t allowed too?” I have travelled enough to know not every woman has the freedom to explore their own sexuality.
“Trust me, it’ll take at least the two hour flight for me to get into it all. I promise, I’ll answer all your questions on the plane,” Zoey promised.
I could live with that and was going to hold her to it too. There was another concern I had as well. One a bit more immediate. “I know you’re part owner of New Hope. But I had to sign an agreement when I booked my stay that I would not leave the resort for any reason until checkout time.” I couldn’t help it. I was a rule follower - at least on a legal document that clearly stated New Hope was not responsible for my safety outside of the resort.
“Don’t worry about it. We’ve been granted permission to leave as long as we’re back for dinner.”
Well, I wanted an adventure. Guess I’m getting one. At least it would give me a place to go where I didn’t need to worry about bumping into James.
Eleven Days in Paradise (Barrington Billionaires Book 11) Page 5
