11. Chapter Eleven
Chapter eleven
Kennedy
Reed Between The Lines Group Chat
Mom: Did you make it safely?
Dad: Don’t let that Nelson boy give you any trouble. Stand tall, Kenny.
Olivia: Please tell me you’ve found an island boy to get cozy with and make Golden Boy jealous.
Mom: Olivia!
Dad: There are some things a father just shouldn’t know…
Me: Hi everyone! We arrived a few hours ago. The drive from the airport was long but the ocean is breathtaking. I can’t believe how much the resort has changed already. It’s so surreal to see my designs come to life. Liv, there will be no making Tristan jealous. I’m here to work. Tomorrow we have a few meetings with the staff and then Monday it’ll be nonstop meetings with the zoning and compliance departments as we try to sort out what’s going on with the permit holdups.
Olivia: Just try to have some fun! xx
Steeling my shoulders, I climb the steps back into the resort and forget the moment of vulnerability I shed on the shoreline. I cannot believe I actually cried in front of Tristan. I can’t wait for him to hold that over my head.
Construction workers busy themselves in the Saturday afternoon heat. Thankfully, there’s a refreshing breeze that makes its way through the open space. As much as I hate to admit it, Tristan’s idea of shifting the entrance is the right call. It’ll be magical to step foot off the shuttles and follow the pristine tiles to the incredible view of sparkling water.
A petite woman scurries through the space, but her feet come to an abrupt halt as soon as she sees me. “Miss Reed, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She extends her hand in a polite greeting. “I’m Destiny, the general manager. If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to ask. ”
Taking her hand in mine, I smile. “Hi, Destiny, please call me Kennedy.”
“Or Firecracker,” Tristan’s voice interrupts us, and I roll my eyes.
Shaking my head, I ignore him. “Please don’t call me that,” I whisper, making sure my eyes relay how serious I am about not being called that. I want to punch him in the face every time he calls me that, because I can’t stand it. There’s nothing worse than someone giving you a nickname based on your hair color. It’d be like me calling him Brownie because he has dark hair.
How idiotic.
She smiles, her expression uncertain as to what she’s supposed to do now.
Great job, Prince Nelson, you’ve gone and made her uncomfortable.
“Thank you, Destiny. If it’s not too much trouble, would you mind pointing me in the direction of my room? I’m feeling a little beat from the day of travel.”
“Of course.” Destiny gives me a friendly smile as she nods, and her gaze bounces from mine to over my shoulder. “I’ll show you both to your room.”
And with that, we follow her across the lobby as she leads us to another section of the resort.
After a brief walk, which takes us to another building next to the main facility, Destiny escorts us into the waiting elevator car. It’s almost as if she called ahead to make sure it was vacant and waiting for us.
Tristan’s steps erase the space between us, and I hiss a small breath at the feel of his hand against my lower back. Goosebumps break free as a sensation rushes through me. I can’t say I’m a fan of whatever reaction my body is feeling from our connection. Risking a glimpse, I peek over my shoulder in hopes he didn’t feel the betrayal of my body, but I’m met with his annoying smirk.
Damn him.
With a special card, Destiny holds it against a sensor before she presses the button to the fourth floor, which happens to be the top floor. My heart is still pounding as the uncertainty creeps in because the top floor is the exclusive penthouse.
Maybe she’s showing Tristan his room first before leading me to mine.
The ride is quick, and with a loud ding, the doors slide open, welcoming us directly into the suite.
“Welcome to the Presidential suite, Mr. Nelson and Miss Reed.” Destiny gestures to the grand room in front of us.
Wait. No, this can’t be right .
There’s no way I’m sharing a room with Tristian. Not when I’m already going to be forced to spend the next month working in even closer proximity than before.
The breathtaking room distracts me from my thoughts for a moment. It’s been updated to include the same modern designs as we are implementing around the resort.
Light gray luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the entire space, inviting you to enter and enjoy the impeccable panoramic views of the property. Floor-to-ceiling windows take up the entire wall, which invite you outside to what appears to be an oversized balcony with couches and a fire pit.
A cream U-shaped sectional welcomes you to relax while getting lost in the oversized cushions as you watch a movie on the large flat screen, which is hung opposite. Sitting between the openings of the couch is a large square coffee table with a modern console table underneath the television.
Behind the couch is an expansive dining room, with a large rectangular glass table that seats eight with off-white leather chairs placed around the table. An oversized and unique shell chandelier hangs above. Behind the table and directly across from where we’re standing is an oversized round mirror that bounces the natural light around the space. My reflection catching my eye, I realize the humidity has not done my red hair any favors, turning the beachy waves into frizzy curls, but it’s not my hair that makes me pause. It’s the six-three man behind me. While I’m busy taking everything in, Tristan is glued right inside the door. His arms are draped across his fit frame, his eyes on me. For some unknown reason, I don’t hate the idea of him watching me. Clearly, the heat has gone straight to my head.
Opposite the dining room is a large galley-sized kitchen, where white cabinets line both sides of the room, providing ample storage. White and grey veined marble countertops are home to state-of-the-art appliances. The kitchen is luxurious and encourages people to take advantage of the private chef the resort offers those staying in the presidential suite.
“This room is breathtaking. I cannot believe how beautiful it turned out.” Bewilderment lines my tone as I spin around and find Destiny and Tristan standing together.
I’ve never been in such an opulent space, and it catches me completely off guard. A blush spreads across my cheeks as I realize how childish I’ve been drooling over the interiors .
“I’m sorry about that.” Clearing my throat, I step toward the door, mentally saying goodbye to the room I’ll never get to stay in. “Destiny, if you wouldn’t mind showing me to my room, I imagine Tristan would love to unpack.”
“Miss Reed, I’m sorry if there was any confusion, but you and Tristan will be staying together.” Destiny’s eyes widen with alarm. “When the emails were sent, we specified we were working diligently to get the presidential space together as we wait for the other furniture for the other rooms to arrive.”
Don’t panic. Don’t panic. Don’t panic.
“Oh, right, of course.” I nod, as if it was me who misunderstood an email I never received. An email Tristan never sent me. Flicking my gaze over to him, he meets my stare with a shrug.
A shrug?!
The asshole knew all along that we would be staying together.
Oh my gosh, what if there’s only one bed?
“Please tell me we won’t have to share a room!” I plead with the poor woman who has been nothing but helpful.
Tristan scoffs. “Heaven forbid, you have to share your space.”
Squinting my eyes, I level him with a glare.
“Of course not, Miss Reed—”
“Kennedy,” I interrupt.
“Right, Kennedy.” Her smile is tighter and not as warm as it was before. I imagine she’s starting to feel awkward, ready to be separated from the animosity constantly swirling between me and him. She points past the kitchen to a small hallway, where a smaller version of the living room console table sits. A decorative piece sits below another round mirror. “Your room is on this level to the right, and directly across from your room is the primary suite with unobstructed views of the ocean.”
Okay, this is going to be fine, Kennedy. It’s not like this is a vacation and we’ll be lounging around in the common space. When I’m not working, I can hang out in my bedroom. And during working hours, I’ll be busy anyway. It’ll be like we aren’t in the same space at all.
“If there isn’t anything else you two need,” she pauses, glancing down at her watch, “I’m going to call it a day and head home. Tomorrow is typically my day off along with the construction crew, but if you need anything at all, you both should have my contact number. I only live a few miles away.”
“Thank you, Destiny. Please enjoy your day off.”
“Thank you for all of your help,” I say.
She nods. “My pleasure. There will be members of the hospitality team floating around. Please don’t be afraid to ask for anything. Most of the restaurants will have kitchen staff practicing new recipes. I’ve also passed along their schedules in your email. While the resort is still closed to the public, there are still a lot of people milling around.”
And with that, Destiny closes the door on the elevator car, leaving Tristan and I alone. Suddenly, the oversized presidential suite feels like the size of a bargain motel room.
“Does it feel surreal?”
His question causes my head to whip in his direction from where I was staring out the window. I still cannot believe the ocean is right in front of me. For years, growing up, I was jealous of all the kids who got to go on lavish vacations to the beach while I was stuck in our small town helping my grandparents’ farm and burying my nose in book after book, studying as often as I could. “Does what feel surreal? ”
“Seeing your design come to life. You did this.” His voice sounds almost, dare I say, proud . Maybe a little envious. Ha, that’ll be the day when Tristan is envious of me .
It doesn’t stop the grin from breaking free as my chest warms. “I feel like I’m dreaming.”
“Ouch!” I scream, rubbing the skin on the back of my arm. “Did you just pinch me?”
He chuckles. “You said you felt like you were dreaming, so I thought I’d show you that you aren’t.”
Groaning, I shake my head as I turn and walk toward my bedroom. What an asshole. This might be the longest month of my life, but I’m determined to make this work. These are my designs and I’m proud of the hard work I’ve accomplished. If everything goes well, this might be my chance to be featured in a magazine showcasing the luxurious remodel of a long-forgotten resort.
Rounding the corner to enter the hallway, my feet halt as my eyes widen. Oh my gosh. If I thought the main space was gorgeous, it has nothing on this bedroom, which is the guest room in this space.
My eyes immediately go past the silver metal framed four-poster bed to the glass windows with gray shutters. The far two walls are completely covered in floor-to-ceiling windows, which slide open to the same balcony off the main space. Palm trees float in the breeze while the turquoise waters below call to me. I can see myself sorting through emails on the lounge chairs and daybeds situated outside to provide endless views of paradise.
Soft white linens tempt me to collapse on the king-sized bed. And as heavenly as that sounds, I’m desperate for a shower. Reaching for my suitcase placed on the cream upholstered bench at the foot of the bed, I mentally thank the staff for bringing it to my room for me. Unzipping the case, I pull out everything I need for a shower, including skincare and a swimsuit. I’m in need of some vitamin D.
But as I rifle through my packing cubes, I can’t find any of the swimsuits I packed.
I pull out my phone and find Lana’s name.
Me: Lana Elizabeth where are my swimsuits?!
Continuing my perusal, I unpack some of the cubes into the dresser drawers while I wait for my friend to message me back. The little devil switched all my swimsuits with teeny-tiny bikinis.
When I step into the bathroom, my jaw hits the pristine marble floors. A mirror takes over the entire first wall that greets you, with two matching his and hers sinks. Windows with unobscured views take up the other two exterior walls. A large soaking tub sits below one wall of windows, while a glass shower rests opposite the tub. Between the bathtub and shower is another door that leads to the outdoor shower.
This is what bathroom dreams are made of.
Stripping out of my travel clothes, my phone chimes.
Lana: I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Me: Liar.
Lana: Fine…you can blame your office besties.
Rolling my eyes, I put down my phone. I’m not mad. Am I surprised? Absolutely. But I’m not going to lie…I’m going to look delicious in that red bikini.
And a part of me really wants to watch Tristan squirm.