Page 15 of Storm Warning
Nick smiled at the delight emanating from Lena. “The role is short-term, of course, but it gives you an excellent opportunity to showcase your abilities, and therefore includes a chance for a long-term position, Desk Manager or maybe even Front Office Manager, if that opening has not been filled by the time you have completed this project.” He noted the wayshe leaned forward further, her eager energy infectious, vibrating through her small frame.
“That’s incredible! I’ll do everything I can to prove I’m right for it,” she replied, her unwavering determination clear in the set of her jaw, the straightening of her spine.
“Wonderful!” A smile broke across his face, genuine and pleased. “David will be your principal point of contact on this, so he can escort you back to the desk to announce your new position and help you begin tackling the reservations crisis.”
David stood so quickly his chair scraped against the tile, his eagerness almost comical. Nick bit back a grin.
As Lena and David exited—Lena chattering to David about her plans, her melodic voice rising and falling with enthusiasm while David hung on every word with dopey attention—Nick chuckled along with a snickering Zach. The tension that had gripped the room for the past hour released, leaving them both punchy.
“Man, David’s got it bad!” Zach declared, a note of mockery rumbling through his voice as he shook his head.
Nick grinned, shaking off the lingering tightness, stretching his arms overhead until his shoulders popped, relief flooding through the release of knotted muscles. “Well, it’s convenient for us. He won’t complain about the extra work!”
“True! But now I think it’s breakfast time. Enough heavy stuff—time for a break, and I’m starved.” Zach patted his flat stomach with exaggerated hunger.
“You’re always starving,” Nick ribbed, still chuckling, warmth and affection for his brother easing the worry that had been his constant companion since last night. “Let me reach out to our resident princess and invite her to join us—let’s make sure she’s happy with the suite.”
The words escaped his lips without thinking, but the thought of seeing Kate Danvers again—checking that exhaustionhad given way to rest, that the haunted look in her eyes had eased—felt urgent. Necessary even.
He turned toward the open doors, anticipation curling in his stomach like something alive, and noted Zach’s surprise—and the knowing smirk beginning to form. Time for something lighter. Something that had nothing to do with corporate sabotage and everything to do with the intriguing woman just outside his doors.
“Ms. Danvers,” he called, his voice carrying through the morning air, “would you like to join Zach and me for breakfast?”
Chapter 6
Undercurrents
Kate’s heartfluttered 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 themproperly 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?