13. Chapter Thirteen
Chapter thirteen
Kennedy
“Thank you all for being here,” I greet our IT Director. “Dave, we understand there seems to be an issue with the integration of high-speed internet and pairing it with the smart technology systems. As you know, with the resort closed, we’re losing money every day that we’re not up and running.”
“That’s right. We are losing quite a hefty amount every day, and since the smart technology integration is a major design element, we need things up and running now. What seems to be the exact issue?” Tristan interrupts from where we’re gathered around a large table in one of the many conference rooms.
Monday morning is here after a day and a half of getting used to the resort. We should’ve called people in on Sunday to get these meetings over with, but Tristan felt we needed to acclimate to the location before our meetings. I think he wanted to lounge around in the sun since New York has been unseasonably cold for the last couple of weeks. Slacker.
Our lead IT man on the island, Dave, shuffles through paperwork. While he takes his time finding his notes, I bring a steaming mug of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee to my lips. The smooth, sweet, rich flavor slides down my throat without leaving the bitterness most coffees have. It’s an exceptional blend, and I’m already trying to figure out how I can ship this stuff to New York.
Dave slides Tristan and me a copy of a chart. “We’ve been monitoring the network traffic.” He pauses, pointing out what he’s noticed. “It appears certain parts of the resort are experiencing high latency. We need time to assess these dead zones and figure out why the access points aren’t delivering consistent speeds. And then figure out what is disrupting the internet and the smart docking systems.”
“Time is not on our side. And I don’t understand why these problems weren’t addressed earlier. Were there always internet issues at this resort?” Tristan’s question is laced with frustration as he threads his hands through his dark locks.
With a deep inhale, I rack my brain with a solution. Tristan is clearly stressed out. His phone hasn’t stopped ringing since we arrived on the island. “Is it an infrastructure issue? Cabling?”
“Jesus, we don’t have time to run new cable throughout the entire property,” Tristan tells me, leaning back in his chair and tossing his pen on the table.
“Don’t.” I shake my head. “I’m just throwing out ideas and trying to find a solution.”
“Yeah, well, running cable is our absolute last option. Walls will need to be opened up and we don’t have time for that bullshit.”
Dave pulls out his phone and begins typing away. “I’ll have my team start running more diagnostics and a comprehensive site survey right away, but it might take some time.”
“That’s the one thing we don’t have. We need a temporary solution within the day, at the bare minimum. The longer we’re closed, the more money we lose. Most of the resort is going to be ready for reopening by January.”
“Dave, can you set up temporary hot spots at all the problem points?”
He scrunches his face, and it’s an expression I don’t care for. “It’s not ideal, but I’ll see what we can do.”
“Great.” My voice rises. I don’t care if it’s an ideal situation. We need a temporary solution before Tristan blows a gasket. “Let’s prioritize the main areas, including the lobby for the kiosk check-ins, restaurants, and some of the larger suites that will require the butler services.”
“Dave, we need this done today,” Tristan adds.
“I’ll have them get started right away. In the meantime, I’ll keep working with the service provider to figure out if there are any external issues affecting the resort.”
Gathering my paperwork, I glance at the time on my phone. I have another fire to put out in an hour. Before I have a chance to rise from my seat, Tristan speaks again. “Can you make sure that all smart systems have priority on the network? I know guests will want to keep their social media updated but, quite frankly, I don’t give a damn about that. We need to make sure that the use of cellular data isn’t disrupting the technology we’ve put in place to operate the resort.”
“Of course. I’ll set up system rules to prioritize traffic to those systems. The team configures immediately.” Dave resumes typing on his phone, presumably keeping his team updated on their required tasks.
“Thanks, Dave.” Tristan’s gaze lands on mine, and his eyes hold me captive. My mind flashes to us in the pool Saturday night. His arms wrapped around my body and his erection—which was quite thick, might I add—poked my stomach. “Kennedy?”
Shaking my head once more, I snap my attention back to him and find myself wondering what it would feel like to have him poking something else. I’m met with that know-it-all smirk that tells me he knows exactly what I was thinking. “I’m sorry, the caffeine hasn’t kicked in yet.”
Liar.
“I was saying, I need you to email the staff, informing them that some might be experiencing limited cellular service as we work to prioritize the smart technology.”
“I’ll do that on my way to my next meeting,” I say, jotting down the information in my physical planner quickly before rising from the chair. “Gentlemen, if that’s all, I need to head into Castries.”
And I need to get the hell out of Tristan's presence. He’s throwing me off my game, and I cannot have that.
Not right now.
Not when I’m being entrusted to handle the chaos in St. Lucia.
Standing from my desk, I adjust the white ribbed tank top I tucked into a flowy, floral print midi skirt. The two modest slits on the slides allow the ocean breeze to flow through. My hair is piled high in a thick, messy bun, and I’ve curled a few face-framing tendrils. Between the high heat and humidity, my hair will be seeing lots of styles to keep the thick locks off the back of my neck.
I move through the lobby, making my way to the front desk, where a coffeepot sits. Replacing my ceramic mug with a disposable cup, I fill the dark roast to the brim. Days spent in meetings are the worst, especially Mondays, when there seems to be nothing but fires to put out. I knew this going into it, but I’m still exhausted. I’m supposed to be here for work, but it’s a tropical island. Mondays in paradise should never be this chaotic.
Taking a sip, I savor the rich flavor as I watch teams of people scurry through the resort. Construction crews are busy with the final stages of the new grand entryway. Walls are being constructed as drywall seams are being mudded. The new entrance being framed, the staff huddled together training, smells from the restaurants wafting inside, and noises from machinery fill the air. A lot is happening, but in no time, we’ll have a remarkable resort up and running.
“Ready to schmooze the head of planning?” Tristan startles me as he sidles up to my side. Both of our backs are leaning against the counter as we take in the scenes before us.
I refuse to turn toward him and allow my periphery to take in the man next to me. He’s dressed in a tan linen suit jacket with a baby blue dress shirt tucked into navy linen dress pants, which are tapered at his ankles. I notice he’s wearing brown woven penny loafers. He looks damn good, and I hate myself for noticing.
“Of course I’m ready. That’s why they’re sending me and not you. They know I won’t be the one to screw it up since I can keep my frustration in check.”
Another deep scoff sounds from him. “Whatever you say, Firecracker .” I hate the way he emphasizes my nickname, as if I’m a device ready to explode when my fuse is lit.
Before I have a chance to come back with something witty, Jayden, our driver, walks through the construction. “Are you ready, Miss Reed? ”
“Sure am.” Reaching beside me, I gather my handbag, which has all the paperwork I need for the meeting, along with my takeaway coffee.
Surprised Tristan didn’t have anything to say, I’m almost to the door when that surprise vanishes. “See you back in our room, Firecracker.”
And this time, I let him have the final word.
Stripping out of the lightweight cardigan I put on over my tank top, I’m fuming as I storm across the grounds. Not only did I waste an entire day at the administrative building, but the guy I needed to speak with refused to see me. I mean, he flat-out refused to have his assistant send me back to his office.
I’m not sure what game he’s playing, but consider me checked in. He’s not going to get rid of me that easily.
Not only did I sit in a chair the entire afternoon, but the office space was excruciatingly hot. The air from the tiny air-conditioning unit did little to cool the space. Humidity clung to my skin like a blanket, and now the loose tendrils I curled are a frizzed-out mess and so are all the small hairs around the crown of my head. I look like Simba when he returns to Pride Rock. Only, instead of being a total badass and demanding he take his seat on the proverbial throne, I’m riding the elevator to hell, where my nemesis awaits. It won’t be long until I have to face Tristian as he goads that he could have done it better. Yeah freaking right.
I’m hot. I’m hangry. And I’m exhausted .
I push the button on the elevator wall, tapping my foot as I wait for the car to take me four floors up. My phone died half an hour ago, so I can only imagine the emails I’ve missed. For the first time in forever, I don’t care. Not right now. My first priority is stripping out of these sweat-soaked clothes, cooling off, and finding food.
Hell, I might even eat in the pool. Not your worst idea today, Ken.
The metal doors slide open, and I’m met with cool air.
At least Tristan has the air blasting through the large space. My sneakers squeak against the shiny marble floors as I make my way to my bedroom, noting that Tristan isn’t in the common areas, and I don’t see him outside through the windows.
As soon as I step foot inside my room, I’m digging for my charger cord, which fell behind the dresser. Note to self: have the rooms install charger clips to keep cords from falling behind dressers. Once I see my phone is plugged in, I’m stripping out of my dress clothes and not bothering to slip on a swimsuit. I’m alone in our room, after all, and nothing sounds better than sliding into that plunge pool to cool off. Besides, my strapless bra and thong are practically the same coverage as that red swimsuit.
Climbing the step, I step over the lip, but instead of sliding into the water, I lean against the ledge, allowing myself a moment to admire the view. The hot rays pour down on my exposed backside, but the cool water helps ward off some of the heat. I still can’t get over the fact that the ocean is right there.
From my vantage point of the top floor, the Caribbean showcases her true allure: a blue mosaic of deep indigo toward the horizon to an almost clear turquoise once the water meets the glimmering, white sand. The gentle breeze causes palms to rustle while melodic singing from local birds fills the air in a beautiful rhythm. Nature’s white noise is a beautiful gift.
“Fuuuck.” The word is drawn out and deeply spoken, causing me to yelp in surprise.
I snap my head in the direction of the voice and find a half-naked Tristan standing in the doorway. His bronzed skin is on full display, showing off his physique and that damn thigh tattoo as he holds two bottles of local Piton beers with limes sticking out of the top.
His blatant perusal of my body has me wanting to squirm, but I refuse to cower. Instead, I let the heat of his gaze warm me from the inside out, wishing it was more than his eyes roaming. His hands touching, feeling, caressing my sun-kissed skin as mine do the same over his cut valley of muscles sounds much better.
What the hell is wrong with me right now?
My nipples pebble at the thought as I watch his hazel eyes turn a rich chocolate shade, much like my coffee from this morning. The large bulge in his pants starts to grow in his short swim trunks. As he reaches down with his free hand to adjust his growing erection, my eyes snap to his thigh tattoo.
“I didn’t know you were home,” I tell him breathily, then quickly clear my throat.
“Sorry, I was in the bedroom changing when I heard you come in. I thought you could use a beer?” He gestures to the two bottles he’s holding.
Letting out a soft moan, my head falls back against the ledge, and my hand reaches forward in a ‘gimme’ motion. “I could definitely use a drink…or ten. ”
Tristan comes closer and hands me the condensation-covered bottle. With my pointer finger, I press the lime against the inside of the bottle and watch as the pulp squishes as juice runs into the golden liquid. With a long pull, the cool, fruity hoppiness slides down my throat.
“So good,” I moan.
The sound of his throat clearing has my eyes snapping open. “Can you please stop moaning?”
“What’s the matter, Golden Boy? Can’t handle the noise?”
“As a matter of fact, I can’t. And I’m wondering what else I could put in that mouth of yours to get you to moan.”
My jaw drops open. It’s wide enough that one of those tropical birds I was enjoying listening to could fly in. “Jesus.”
“Yeah,” he replies before taking a long pull of his beer. “And it’s not helping when you’re practically naked across from me.”
Eyes widening, I remember that I’m dressed in very little clothes. “Let me go throw something on.”
His hand immediately goes up to stop me. “Please don’t get out of the pool. Just stay there, in your corner, underneath the water, so that I can forget what your tiny turtle tattoo looks like.”
“Ahh. You spotted Donatello.”
“You named your tattoo after one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?”
“Don’t sound so surprised.” Wrapping my lips around the bottle, I use my tongue to lick out some of the lime pulp that stuck to the inside. The action causes another groan to escape my nemesis, and I chuckle. It was an innocent move, but apparently not to him. “You know, you’re cute when you’re flustered. ”
The hand holding his beer points to his chest as he mocks a gasp. “Did the oh-so-serious Kennedy Reed just call me cute?”
I groan. “The heat has gone to my head. I must have sweat out all my brain cells in that stupid administration building.”
“Uh huh, sure, that’s what it is.” He winks before stretching his arms against the ledge and taps his finger against the glass. “Speaking of the administration building, how did the meeting go? I figured you’d have sent out an update by now.”
Shaking my head, I feel moisture gathering in my eyes, and I will myself not to cry in front of him. I’m not typically a crier, but the stress, heat exhaustion, and lack of food have me wanting to break down right here on the balcony overlooking paradise.
“It was an absolute flop.” His eyebrow quirks, as if telling me to continue. “First of all, the place is extremely hot. Their air conditioning couldn’t keep up with the heat. I sat in the waiting room all afternoon because he refused to meet with me, even though we had a time scheduled and I arrived twenty minutes early. Then, about thirty minutes before they closed, my phone died. It was a complete waste of time.”
“Do you need me to go back tomorrow for you?”
“No!” I practically shout. “I’m sorry, I just mean no, I can handle it. I’ll go back every single day until he allows me to speak to him. Jayden had a few ideas as to how to even get him to open the door for me. So I’m going to try that tomorrow.”
“All things legal, right?”
Rolling my eyes, I give him a deadpan look. “Of course, all things legal. I know this is your family’s business and that this project is important, but I have no desire to whore myself out for the company, if that was what you were implying.”
He choked on the sip of beer he was in the process of drinking. “Jesus, Kennedy. That’s not what I meant at all. I just don’t want to have to bail your ass out of jail by bribing a government official, is all I mean.”
Heat creeps across my skin. “Oh.”
He laughs, robust and so full of warmth. It’s a sound I’m starting to crave, especially on hard days. Although I would never tell him that. He needs to know he strictly stands in the competitive pool. Speaking of warmth, my body is feeling cooled down, and as much as I’m not hating this interaction, I’m starving.
“Close your eyes, Golden Boy.”
Instead of shutting them, they widen at my tone, which came out husky. “Shit, Firecracker, now I’m nervous.”
“Ha. ha. I just meant I’m about to get out of this pool so close your eyes. I wouldn’t want to cause any more”—I gesture to his crotch—“ reactions .”
“Funny girl,” he muses. “Why are you in such a hurry to get out?”
“Not that I don’t find your presence riveting, but I’m starving. I only planned on being in here long enough to cool off.”
“Let’s order something. We can have it sent up and put a movie on.”
I pause, nibbling on my lower lip as I think it over.
“C’mon. You know you want to find out how comfortable that giant sectional is.”
He’s right. That oversized couch has been calling my name since we got here. “Fine. ”
The beaming smile that breaks free across his chiseled face is the first time since college I’ve seen him this excited.
And it’s in this moment, as I’m entranced by his blinding smile, that I feel a tiny crack in my armored walls.