Chapter 7
Jessamine
I’m torn in a lot of ways. The resort is beautiful, Kacy is friendly, and Cole looks so damn good it hurts.
I was nervous when I pulled up and realized the guy I’ve thought about periodically for damn near a year was standing outside waiting for me to enter a resort alone.
A million different scenarios floated in my mind.
The paranoid part worried that this was one big plot to isolate me, however, a lot of people know where I am staying for the week.
When he stepped back and allowed Kacy to give me a quick tour, I realized I was more intrigued by him and wanted him around.
I had to be sure he was who I thought he was so I excused myself and went back to the lobby to use the phone.
My brain would not have rested until I was sure.
I’m known to be good with faces but it was night time and I was highly upset when I met him.
I came here for a mental break but Cole keeps activating my seductive side and I need to get it under control. I’m here for a business opportunity. Still, seeing him standing there tall and fit while smirking at me is fucking with my libido.
His pale eyes discreetly roam my body as I approach. Cole has his hands in his pockets and is settled in that wide stance men seem to love. Part of me wants to climb him. I am not sure if it’s my way of looking for a distraction or if we have strong sexual chemistry.
Stopping in front of him, I fight the urge to run my hands up his chest. I catch his clean scent but keep the compliment to myself. I love when a man smells good. I also love that I have to look up to maintain eye contact.
Again, we’re caught in another staredown like our eyes were starving for the view in front of us. Let me find out he wants me.
“So you bail me out when I was freshly single and stranded just to own the place I go to clear my mind.”
“It tracks with my statement about being a safe bet.”
Something about the way he says it is somewhat calming. “Or you love a good damsel troupe.”
He laughs and the sun reflects off his bread, showing specks for red and blond. “You have yet to look like a damsel to me.”
“So you don’t enjoy being a savior?”
“Savior, no. Of assistance, yes.”
“What’s the difference to you?”
His big hand rubs his beard as he thinks. “Think of me as a bra.”
“A bra?” I repeat with a smirk.
“Yes. Bras are supportive but the breasts are the star of the show.”
“So you’re calling me a boob?” I tease.
“No. You removed yourself from an undesirable situation, I simply provided a tool for your success. Your personality made my assistant love you enough to pitch this partnership. I’m just here to sign the checks. And you recognized it was time for a break; I’m merely playing host.”
His words are surprisingly touching, giving me butterflies I don’t need.
“By host does that mean it’ll be just you and me alone with the staff all week?”
His expression becomes a little guarded as he answers the question. “That was the plan unless you prefer to spend this week with Kacy. Your comfort is our priority.”
Damn, is he really this sweet?
As much as I’d love girl time, I know that there is something about Cole that makes me want him around. We must figure out why we collided
“No. I’m choosing to trust you.” I lean in a little because I can’t help it. “Don’t make me regret it.”
The smile he gives me isn’t exactly professional and it makes my body tingle. “I’m attached to a lot of things but regret isn’t one of them.”
“Good.” I wave my hand around the space. “This is your vision and your baby. Show me what it means to you, Mr. Heywood.”
Cole takes his own microstep towards me. “Just Cole. I must warn you, I can be very passionate.”
It doesn't matter that he is looking me in the eyes, my lady bits received that message.
“Good. I like passion. I can’t wait to experience this place through you.”
He looks as if he’s about to say something else when a server appears with a variety of very pretty drinks on a tray.
“Oh, this is quite the presentation. Let me take a picture.”
I take a picture of the server and the drinks then a close up of the beverages. I take a video of me handing Cole one of the drinks, Kacy happily runs up to and accepts another drink from the tray.
“We should do a video together,” she suggests happily.
I love her enthusiasm but it’s too soon. “If I decide to agree to the partnership, we’ll make a lot of videos.”
“Trust me. You’ll love it here.”
Although it’s Kacy’s promise, my eyes flicker to Cole.
“We shall see.” I take a sip of my drink and hum in the back of my throat. “Refreshing. I love the hint of lavender.”
Cole smirks, pleased as he waves his hand towards the dining area. “Lunch is ready. After you ladies.”
I follow Kacy into the restaurant, noticing how the decor is somehow calming. The space gives me a good feeling. I feel the relaxation starting already.
The spread on the table looks inviting. My mouth waters seeing all of the different options.
Cole pulls out my chair for me but I try not to read too much into it since this is more of a business deal than anything else at this point.
“Our head chef, Clementine…”
“I love her name,” I admit as I perk up but make a zipping motion with my hand to let him know I won’t interrupt him again.
It earns me another smile and I get the feeling he doesn’t know how heart melting they are.
“Clementine has prepared this spread just for you.” The way I tilt my head tells him I’m impressed without breaking my promise to not interrupt him.
“She took a trip down your timeline to learn about some of the foods you’ve mentioned before.
She also looked at the dietary questionnaire you filled out to curate this week’s menu based on your tastes.
I know you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask them. ”
“Is that why the drink had a hint of lavender?”
Cole nods. “I had my mixologist do the same.”
“So all of the staff cyberstalked me to tailor this week to my tastes?”
My tone is teasing so he doesn’t take offense. “In my world, it’s called researching your target audience.”
“Ah, and am I to assume that this extra special treatment won’t be bestowed on everyone?”
“Correct, but we wanted you to have a taste of the VIP experience. While it may not be this elaborate, we will have tailorable experiences for sale.”
“And there won’t be any timeshare presentations, right?”
His unexpected laughter is deep and rich. I’d climb into that laugh if I could.
“This is a wellness retreat, we’d never stress anyone out like that.”
I nod as I digest the information. “Good. And thank you for going the extra mile to customize my stay here. It’s very cool to feel important enough to have a hotel closed down for me.”
“You are important, and please share your feedback. Let’s consider this a dress rehearsal.”
The sincerity in his voice shows his passion for the project. Eventually, I peel my eyes away from him and focus on the food on the table.
“Oh, is that a monte cristo?”
“With strawberry jalapeno jam,” he adds.
“Oh, you really know how to talk dirty.”
Kacy laughs and I jump a little because I legit forgot she was sitting with us.
“You are so witty,” she tells me as she pulls herself out of her tablet.
I’m glad that she spoke because it reminded me that this is a business lunch and not a first date.
Putting my business cap back into place, I start asking the real questions.
“Okay, hit me with your itinerary. I’m ready to learn more about your vision.”