It’s almost a relief to sit down because the ceiling fan is directly above the chair that’s been designated mine. Despite her friend being here, Mitchell’s youngest daughter appears to be missing. Curious, I ask, “Isn’t Brooke around?”
His wife, Adelaide shakes her head, “Not yet, but she’s arriving within the next couple of hours. Her flight was delayed.”
“I hope she doesn’t mind me surprising her here,” Sinclair adds, frowning.
“Why would she be upset?” I wonder.
“Brooke doesn’t like surprises,” Adelaide answers. “Never has, really.” She shrugs.
“I love surprises even though I’m impatient when I know someone has something for me,” Carrie offers.
She always talks in a flourish and then she waits for all the attention to be on her, just like now. Her gaze is on me and it holds a challenge. I narrow my eyes and wait—not long, “I’m going to a party after dinner and I need someone to drive as it’s across the island. I thought...since you don’t drink...you’d be the perfect date for this evening.”
My heart sinks while she grins and I know she’s thinking she’s put me on the spot, which she has. But I’m annoyed more than anything, so I reply, “I’m here to work and not to act as chauffeur or your date.” I shrug. “Sorry.” I keep my eyes down and start eating the meal that’s been placed in front of me. A few minutes later, I hear the others start eating and conversation eventually picks up. Thank God the attention is off me.
It isn’t long before I feel eyes on me again, looking up, I meet the curious gaze of Mitchell. He doesn’t look unhappy, but he does look disappointed. Well, so be it.
I spend the next ten minutes in conversation with Adelaide over her ideas for the relaxation complex, which is to be incorporated into the plans for the new project. She does have some good points, which I make a mental note of, and I immediately forget the ones that just aren’t viable.
Before I know it, the main course is being cleared away and dessert, a lemon meringue affair, is brought out and set in the center of the table.
“Michael,” Mitchell snags my attention, “you haven’t met my youngest daughter yet, have you?” He stands and holds his arms out, looking behind me.
I turn my head and everyone else fades into the background as I focus on the young blonde woman rushing into her father’s arms. My eyes caress seductively over her...the way her leggings cling to her shapely legs, the mystery of her body holding my attention as the over large shirt drowns her. The suggestion of nubile curves beneath has my mouth watering. Her smile is genuine as she returns her father’s embrace.
“It’s good to be back on the island, Dad.” She releases her father and embraces her mother.
As she turns toward her sister, Mitchell takes her arm and guides her toward me. I stand, unable to look away.
“Brooke, let me introduce you to Michael McKenzie. He’s joint CEO of McKenzie Holdings—the firm drawing up the plans for the new resort.” He beams.
“Hello Brooke.” I shake her hand, feeling her pulse as I rub my thumb over her delicate wrist.
The azure blue of her eyes darkens the longer our hands stay connected. My swift arousal when the tip of her tongue slips between her full red lips, brings me quickly back to the awareness of my surroundings.
Snatching my hand back, I take my seat and watch as Brooke does the same. I hear mumbled words but nothing registers while I try to get my body under control.
Moments later, a slice of dessert is placed in front of me and I finally glance up, meeting Brooke’s sparkling eyes.
I don’t miss the daggers shooting from Sinclair’s eyes while Brooke is distracted with me. Mitchell had introduced the other man as a friend of Brooke’s, but I think the man wants more than just friendship if his expression is anything to go by.
“Hmm,” Carrie mutters from beside me. “So, she gets your engine running, huh?”
I give Carrie a sharp glance, her expression holding a note of mockery.
Sighing heavily, I decide to ignore the woman and turn my attention to the dessert in front of me.
Seconds later, I find myself looking at Brooke again and I’m pleased to find her gaze is still on me, even as Sinclair tries to snare her attention. Nothing is working. She’s as distracted with me as I am with her.
The smile in my eyes contains a sensuous flame as the glow of her smile warms me through. My heart jolts and my pulse pounds.
A throat being cleared distracts me and I turn and meet the knowing eyes of Adelaide. “I think I’m going to retire to my room for the night.” She smiles at her husband. “You’ll join me?”
I hide my smile at her giving Mitchell no other option. I’m not even sure he wanted one at how quickly he pulled her from the chair.
Beside me, Carrie moans. “As though we don’t know what they’re going doing. An image I don’t want.” She shudders.
“They’re in love,” Brooke says, her gaze on me. “Why shouldn’t they go off together?”