Page 16 of Storm Warning
“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 expressionhad 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 wantedto 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 ofsomething 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.