Chapter 3 #2
I nodded my acceptance of the apology and made my way over to Jordan. “Can you take over the rest of lunch service?”
“You got it.”
I headed down to the lower level to inspect the guest rooms, ensuring clothes were hung up, the laundry was seen to, and every item in the space was in clean, perfect order. My consistent attention to detail was noted by previous employers and colleagues and stood in my favor.
Taking one last glance, I noted that the rooms were perfection and returned to the deck to observe how the rest of lunch service was going. Jordan was clearing plates, and I asked Kayla to head back to laundry duty. I’d have a talk with her later about the break misunderstanding with Cassie.
Dylan and Rowan were the only ones left seated until Dylan got up and headed upstairs to the sun deck, offering a wave as he walked by.
“Andrew, a word please,” Rowan requested.
“What can I do for you, sir?” I stood in front of Rowan, waiting patiently for my boss to continue. Warm eyes stared up at me, and I nervously licked my lips.
“There’s been a change in plan on board. I’m promoting you to my personal assistant and bringing on another interior crew member to take on the role of chief steward.”
My heart began to beat double time. “But, sir… I mean, Rowan…”
Rowan held up his hand. “Ravi just informed me that he’ll need a month off.
His mother broke her hip. It appears she’ll make a full recovery but she’s going to require Ravi’s help for the next while.
He sent you a text, but perhaps you haven’t read it yet.
Given this, I require a personal assistant, and I would like to offer you the temporary job.
You’re more than qualified, and Ravi can email you his list of recurring tasks.
You’ll receive a twenty percent addition to your current salary.
But you will be required to sit in on meetings and interactions with clients as well as attend to my personal schedule. Is this amenable to you?”
I was still in shock. “Thanks for the offer. My knowledge of real estate is limited, so I’m not sure I’d be helpful.”
“You’ve worked as a personal assistant before, so this would be no different. Any details about the real estate part I am more than happy to teach you, one on one.”
What kind of a teacher would Rowan be? Attentive? Demanding? My face grew hot under Rowan’s intense scrutiny. Accepting this job would bring me in closer contact with him, day in and day out. My heart took off running and wouldn’t slow down.
“I accept.” The words blurted out of my mouth without hesitation.
Rowan reached out his hand, and I grasped it firmly, his surprisingly rough palm sending a shockwave through my body like a bolt of lightning. I dropped his hand as quickly as I’d taken it and vowed not to touch him ever again.
“If you could please book a car service and a table for me and my guests for dinner tomorrow evening at the Hidden Cove Resort in St. Thomas.” He paused. “And I’ll likely bring a guest back to the ship for the night. It’s also your job to ensure they leave quietly the next morning.”
My first job was to help Rowan get rid of his fuck friend? Fan-fucking-tastic. I glanced at Rowan’s gaze, the dark blue depths swirling with a challenge that I was more than ready to take on.
“Problem?” Rowan asked.
“No, sir. Your wish is my command.” Rowan’s eyes flared at that response, and I immediately regretted it.
No way in hell was I going to play games with this man.
Rowan was far too powerful and used to winning.
“However, I was informed by the captain that the task of seeing off your visitor for the night would fall to the chief stew, and since I’m no longer?—”
“The captain is mistaken. Are you able to handle it?”
“Of course,” I replied in a cool tone, ignoring my rapid heartbeat. “It’s nothing I haven’t done before.” That was the absolute truth, but it didn’t explain why my stomach flipped over at the thought of dealing with Rowan’s fuck buddy.
Thankfully, my radio beeped, interrupting us.
“Andrew, can you please come help me at the bar?” Jordan asked.
“On my way,” I replied. “Duty calls.”
“Please join me at dinner this evening with the other guests. 7:30.”
Sitting down with my new boss at a dinner event would be interesting. Would I be okay to make small talk with guests that were so obviously out of my league? Then another issue occurred to me. “But?—”
“Is there a problem?”
“I was expecting to wear a uniform for most of my time here. I’m afraid I have a limited wardrobe with me.”
“This is the Caribbean, so any meetings I have call for casual dress. I detest formal outfits unless necessary. If you still require items, feel free to order online with the corporate credit card provided to you by the captain and arrange the tender for pickup.”
I nodded in return, even though my gut was churning like a tidal wave about to unleash.
I was nervous about this pivot but stayed silent.
Over the past year, I had learned to move through heartbreak, embrace change, and focus on the present.
I always managed to meet any challenge put before me, to do my best. I would use the same mindset and follow Rowan’s lead.
“Excellent. I’ll let you get back to your current duties. I’ll have the captain advise the staff about your new role.”
Rowan dismissed me without another glance, and I headed back inside.
So what if this new position meant spending more time with Rowan and dealing with his hookups?
I had experience with those situations, and I could handle it.
After all, Rowan was my boss, and this was business.
If anything, I should be grateful for such an opportunity.
The promotion gave me more money, which meant I could pay off my debt that much sooner.
My mind was made up. As my heart continued to race, however, I admitted that the rest of my body wasn’t completely aligned with this plan.