Page 43 of Storm Warning
Nick smirked in mild amusement as Lena’s mouth dropped open and her eyes widened comically, her professional mask slipping to reveal genuine shock. When the silence stretched—five seconds, ten—and it was clear she was still processing his words, her lips moving soundlessly, he pushed on. “You have extensive experience in one-on-one guest service. You indicated you had ideas to improve the efficiency of the front desk, so here’s your opportunity to do so.”
Lena regained control of her tongue, and color flooded her cheeks. “Thank you, sir! All of you! You can count on me. If you’re willing to give me a chance at a promotion like this, you won’t be able to find a more loyal employee than I’ll be.” She radiated an enthusiasm that lit up the room like sunshine breaking through clouds.
Her excitement was infectious, and he couldn’t help but smile at her joy; an answering warmth spread through him. Her fervent response to the opportunity thrilled him in a way that surprised him—like witnessing someone’s dreams coming true in real time.
“But wait, Lena, it gets better,” David teased, adopting a mock game-show host voice, his eyes dancing with mischief.When she spun to him, her eyes shining with curiosity, he continued, “The front office manager position brings with it both a raise and a bungalow.”
Lena’s brow furrowed in puzzlement, her head tilting, prompting Nick to elaborate. “There’s a bungalow in the employee section set aside for the front office manager. It’s vacant because Victoria opted to live off-property. You can move in whenever you want. You won’t need to save up for a security deposit.”
Nick blinked at her brilliant smile, which could power the entire resort. She was clearly trying to stay professional, clasping her hands together to keep from bouncing in her seat like a child.
He raised a hand, needing to temper her enthusiasm before she floated away. “Before you get too excited, this promotion is on a trial basis. Your official title will be Interim Front Office Manager. You have 90 days to prove you belong in this position. It won’t be easy,” he cautioned, and her expression shifted to something more focused and determined. “You must still manage those reservations, and you’ll be short two desk clerks. We’ll ask Emma to expedite the search for a new desk clerk, but I expect it will take a few weeks.”
“That’s fine with me,” Lena replied, fire kindling behind her eyes. “I don’t mind hard work, and I will prove to you I can handle this job permanently.” Her conviction rang steel-strong, and certainty settled in his gut.
Nick couldn’t help but smile, his confidence in her growing like a building wave. “Excellent. It’s effective immediately. David will keep assisting you with the reservations and help you handle any challenges. If needed, we’re prepared to relocate guests to another resort and cover transportation costs. Share your recommendations with David, along with your reasoning.We’ll either approve them or explain any changes so you understand our approach.”
“Certainly, sir.” Lena's eagerness to get started was clear in the way she leaned forward, mentally rolling up her sleeves.
Nick stood and offered his hand, a surge of satisfaction running through him like electricity. “Good luck, Lena. Prove our instincts right.” He smiled, catching the same spark of potential in her eyes now as during Kate’s check-in—the same intelligence and determination that had caught his attention then.
Her handshake was firm, warm, and confident—no hesitation, no uncertainty. Only pure resolve.
“Emma will confirm your promotion to the desk staff by email. Since everyone will wonder how you went from trainee to clerk to FOM in a few days, she'll say she hired you as an assistant front office manager and that we requested you complete the trainee program to give us feedback on the process.”
Zach, speaking up for the first time since Lena’s arrival, cut through the moment with characteristic efficiency. “I’ve updated your ID card to give you the access you need in your new role and emailed Emma to process your raise. The ID card also acts as the door key for your bungalow.”
A sly smile spread across his face as he turned to David, a knowing glint in his eye. “Why don’t you take her over there and show it to her? Then she can plan her move and figure out what she needs. Stick to the back paths so you aren’t seen.”
Nick nodded, watching David’s face light up like Christmas morning. “Good idea. The bungalow should have some basic furniture, but you might want to swap pieces out from storage. Ask the maintenance crew to assist with your move; their truck would work fine as a moving van. You can use a staff golfcart to get around or walk, as you’ll be within walking distance of the Pavilion.”
Lena beamed with gratitude, her emotions radiating like sunlight breaking through storm clouds, so tangible Nick could almost feel the warmth. “Thank you so much! I can’t tell you how excited I am about this chance. I won’t let you down,” she swore, her voice firm with conviction, her hand pressed over her heart.
Nick smiled as she walked out with David—vibrating with unconcealed excitement—and a warm certainty surrounded him, like finding solid ground after walking on shifting sand.
Sometimes, you just knew when you’d made the right call.
Chapter 20
Win-Win
She knew betterthan to leave the drapes open. Now the sunrise demanded she face a day she wasn’t ready for. She buried her head under a pillow; she was so not a morning person.
Sure, she slept well with the fresh air, but it also meant waking up far too early. She pried open one eye, squinting against the bright light, and peered at the clock. 6:24. Yup. Way too early.
Kate closed her eyes again, sinking back into the plush embrace of her pillow. Warmth spread through her as flickering memories of last night danced through her morning-muddled mind, stirring a flutter of excitement.
Nick was incredible. They’d made out like a couple of teenagers before grudgingly parting, both going to their beds alone. Well, maybe not teenagers. He kissed way too well for that—skilled and patient, the kind of kiss that kept her lips tingling hours later. By the time he left, she’d been so hot and bothered she’d had to open the windows to cool off, the chill of the night breeze a balm against her flushedskin.
Maybe Callie was right. Maybe her ex had been jealous, threatened by her ambitions, belittling her to mask his own inadequacies. Kate wouldn’t have that problem with Nick. He was a billionaire CEO, for God’s sake. He had no reason to feel jealous of her.
Last night, for the first time ever, she had felt seen and worthy.
Her heart raced, excitement and alarm a tight knot in her stomach. What were all these feelings swirling around? Trust took time—it couldn’t spring up overnight. Kate prided herself on staying in control. Yet here she lay, caught in a rush of happiness, giddiness, and a dreamy sense of possibility, all tangled with curiosity and a spark of longing. Enchanted? God, yes. She was falling for Nick already. How was that even possible after one dinner? Panic swelled. It was all happening too fast.
Stop! You’re an adult! You got this.Deep breaths.She inhaled slowly, focusing on the air filling her lungs, and exhaled, letting her muscles relax. Within a few minutes, her tension eased, leaving her more grounded.
Think rationally.Could there be someone out there who might support her career? Of course. Other authors mated and married. So why couldn't she?