Chapter 6 Undercurrents
Undercurrents
Kate’s heart fluttered in a way only the most unexpected of encounters elicited.
The sensation was strange and familiar all at once—like rediscovering a song she’d forgotten she loved.
She couldn’t help but smile; he knew she had overheard their conversation, but it didn’t appear to faze him.
“I’d love to, Mr. Ivory,” she replied, voice steady despite the sudden dryness in her throat.
Uncurling from the chaise, she stood and stretched, letting the sun’s rays brush against her skin like a lover’s caress.
Moving toward him, she stole a moment to appreciate him in casual attire—khaki shorts hugged his muscular legs, and a silk t-shirt emphasized his impressive chest. The fabric caught the light with each breath he took, mesmerizing her.
It was a stark contrast to the tailored suit from last night, and it made her pulse quicken, a rapid flutter against her ribs she hoped wasn’t visible.
“Please, it’s Nick and Zach.” He rasped, his voice like whiskey over gravel, sending a delicious shiver down her spine.
“And let me introduce the others. I don’t believe you met them properly last night.
This is Zach Steele, Chief Security Officer of Ivory Tower, and Michael Martin, our Executive Assistant. ”
As she passed him, a tantalizing scent filled her senses—fresh rain mingled with something distinctly masculine, earthy and clean with undertones of cedar.
The fragrance wrapped around her like an invisible embrace, making her dizzy for just a heartbeat.
Was that him? She inhaled deeply, committing it to memory.
“Good morning, gentlemen. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Please call me Kate.”
Inside, air-conditioned coolness welcomed her, though it made her hyperaware of the warmth clinging to her sun-kissed skin.
Michael shot her a smile as he arranged a fruit platter on the bar—glistening strawberries, succulent mango slices, jewel-like blueberries.
The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee infused the air, dark and complex, and her earlier fatigue lifted like morning mist burning away.
“Good morning. Please help yourself. Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Yes, please. I’d love some of the coffee I smell. I’m still suffering from jet lag, and caffeine is an absolute necessity.” She filled the plate Michael passed her, selecting a croissant that flaked at the slightest touch, some fresh berries, and a small portion of quiche.
Zach followed her, mirroring her movements with military precision. “Tell us about it. We’ve been up most of the night. This is dinner for us. If we’re lucky, we’ll have time for a nap before our next meeting.”
“All night?” Kate echoed, frowning as she studied their faces, noting the faint shadows under Nick’s eyes and the slight tightness around Zach’s mouth. She couldn’t imagine writing on so little sleep. Her brain turned to cotton after midnight. “And you can still function today?”
“Not quite all night, but close enough,” Nick said, rolling his shoulders. His tone dipped toward something somber as his eyes locked with hers, the green depths almost haunted. “This is our first property. Our home. We won’t let anyone harm it.”
Those eyes held such fierce determination butterflies stirred in her stomach, a whole kaleidoscope of them taking flight at once.
She reached out, her fingers brushing against his arm, the contact sending a small electric jolt through her.
His skin was warm, the muscles beneath firm and twitching in response.
“I understand. If the rest is anything like what I’ve seen here, it would be a true shame for it to be ruined. This place is spectacular.”
Michael returned with her coffee, setting it on the table with the reverence reserved for fine wine. Steam rose from the dark liquid in graceful spirals.
As she fixed her coffee, watching the cream swirl and bloom in hypnotic patterns, she asked, “Why were you up most of the night? And why do you think someone is seeking to harm the resort?”
Nick finished filling his own plate—he favored protein—and sat down at the table. “I’m sure you could hear the majority of what we said in here.” His emerald eyes held her own, searching. Was he trying to see beneath the surface, or wondering if she would admit it?
“Yes. I figured you must have seen me when you opened the doors, so if you weren’t concerned with my eavesdropping, then I wouldn’t be.” She hid her grin behind her cup and blinked innocently at them over the rim. The coffee was perfect—rich and smooth.
Zach’s laugh sounded rusty, like a door not opened in years, giving her the impression he didn’t do it often. His expression had been impassive every time she’d glanced his way, a carefully constructed mask. “Well said!”
Ignoring Zach, Nick pressed on, leaning forward. “Yes, I did see you. First, before we delve into that, can I ask if the suite is to your liking?”
“Oh, yes! It’s perfect, thank you. The office space is wonderful.” She pictured the desk, perfectly positioned, the view that would inspire rather than distract.
“Good. I thought you might like to know what we’ve found regarding your issue last night.” Nick smiled, his shoulders relaxing. “We discovered Victoria was being paid to disrupt things here.”
Kate jolted, her eyes widening.
“Since your villa was not available, we investigated why. The party in it had reserved only a basic room at our lowest rate, which would not qualify them for such a substantial upgrade. Victoria checked them in,” he continued.
“That, along with something she said last night, made us believe she targeted you specifically.”
A chill snaked through Kate despite the hot coffee in her hands. Targeted. The word hung in the air like a dark cloud.
“I ran a check on you—nothing intrusive. Basically, an expanded Google search to determine why she chose to disrupt your reservation specifically. I discovered you are very active on social media promoting your books.” Zach said, his voice matter-of-fact.
Kate bristled at being investigated, her spine stiffening—until understanding dawned. Of course they’d checked into her. She’d do the same in their position.
“So, you think my reservation might’ve been chosen on purpose,” Kate mused. “That makes sense. I just wrapped a book tour—lots of interviews, social posts. If someone wanted to damage your reputation, I’d look like an ideal tool for it. Give the author a terrible time, then wait for the fallout.”
She let her gaze settle on Nick, deliberately choosing him over Zach. Zach was impressive in a brooding action-hero way—all bulging muscles and controlled danger—but it was Nick’s understated intensity that pulled her in. The kind you didn’t see coming until it was far too late.
“By the way, you’re lucky with Lena,” she added, voice softer. “I’d keep an eye on her—in the best possible way. That was an excellent decision.”
Nick flashed a grin, quick and warm, transforming his entire face. “Careful, that almost sounded like a compliment.”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” she teased, though her lips curved upward.
He leaned back enough to sweep his gaze over her, the leisurely perusal making her skin heat and tingle. She felt exposed, seen in a way both thrilling and terrifying. “I’ll try. But now I’m curious about what you think of us.”
Her breath hitched. The air between them charged, crackling. Was he… flirting?
“Afraid I’ll bruise your egos?” she aimed for playful but landed closer to breathless.
Zach chuckled, less rusty this time. “You do give off ‘ruthless book critic’ vibes.”
Kate laughed, trying to shake off the flutter in her tummy. “Only when deserved. But I’ll bet Nick’s Maserati”—she shot him a sideways glance—“Lena becomes your most loyal employee.”
Nick didn’t blink, his eyes steady and unwavering. “You think that’s the bet I’m most afraid of losing?”
Her smile faltered. The implication settled over her like a velvet cloak, heavy and warm. She now teetered on the edge of something unforeseen, standing at a precipice she hadn’t known existed.
“You’re dangerous,” she murmured, the words escaping before she could stop them.
Nick raised his water glass in a silent toast, the crystal refracting the light. “So are you.”
The acknowledgment sent a thrill through her, a recognition of equals.
Zach leaned forward, shattering the moment. “Why do you say that about Lena?”
Kate blinked, reorienting herself. “Well, you gave her a raise, back pay, and a shot at a significant promotion. People don’t forget when you throw them a lifeline.
” She thought of her own life, of the professor who’d believed in her when she’d been drowning.
“Lena strikes me as someone who gives her loyalty fiercely once earned. Right now? I think she believes in you.”
Nick’s gaze sharpened, studying her like a manuscript he was reading, parsing every word for deeper meaning. “You are perceptive, aren’t you? And for the record—you can’t bet my Maserati. Only I may do that.”
The teasing note in his voice made her laugh again, but sincerity underlay it. He was opening a door—and her heart gave a foolish flutter.
“I like to think so,” she said, setting down her coffee cup with careful precision.
“Authors have to be. I spend a lot of time watching people, creating scenes and backstories in my head.” Her gaze lingered on him, trailing along the strong line of his jaw, the slight crook in his nose, the way his hair fell across his forehead.
What stories hid behind those brilliant green eyes?
Zach sat back, his chair scraping against the floor. “What do you write? I didn’t look into the books themselves.”