Lisa sat up and took the silky veil. “I’m only covering the bottom.”
“You’re lovely. Just lovely.”
Lisa’s heart fluttered. “Thank you. You…uh…seem to know a lot about this…lifestyle.”
“It’s part of the job here at Pleasure Cove. I learn what the people want to learn, and then I teach it. But it’s not really my thing.”
“Really?” Surprise shot through Lisa. She would have sworn Ace was a master. That he wasn’t kind of bummed her out, though she wasn’t sure why.
“Yah, really. I’m more traditional, to be sure. But it’s fun to demonstrate. Especially with such a beautiful woman.”
Heat darted to Lisa’s core. “Do…” She cleared her throat, her cheeks warming. She’d been about to ask him to have a drink. Instead, she asked, “Why was the crowd laughing?”
“Ah.” His tone was teasing. “You mean when I asked if you were ready.”
“Yeah. I didn’t get that.”
“You see, pretty Lisa, ‘ready’ is a word in Jamaican English that means a woman who is very…sexually attractive.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” She shook her head, her cheeks warming. “I walked right into that.”
“I’m afraid you did, sweet.” His voice was like melted chocolate. “But it was all in fun.”
“Yeah, right. I may as well have been wearing a sign that said ‘novice.’”
He arched an eyebrow. “You don’t really need the sign.”
Again, heat spread over her. But she was enjoying the banter. “Now you’re making fun of me again.”
“Just teasin’ you a little. You’re adorable. And beautiful.”
She swallowed and gathered what little courage she possessed. It was now or never. “Ace?”
“Hmm?”
“Would you…like to get a drink with me?”
He grinned but shook his head. “I can’t, Lisa. I’m sorry. I’m on the clock, and I have another event I need to attend in about five minutes.”
“Oh. Sure.” She tried to hide her disappointment. And her embarrassment. What had she been thinking, asking out a stud like him? “I understand. For a minute I…”
“You what?”
“Forgot you worked here. Of course you can’t fraternize with the guests. I shouldn’t have asked. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’d have a drink with you if I could.”
Yeah. Sure he would. The Jamaican hottie was letting her down easily. Why would he want to have a drink with plain old Lisa Brooks from Springfield, Illinois? He’d said
she was lovely, pretty, beautiful even, but that was his job. To please the female guests, make them feel pampered. As gorgeous as he was, he’d have his pick of naked women here at Pleasure Cove.
“Uh…I’ll see you later.”
“I hope so.” His firm and kissable lips curved into a breathtaking smile.
Her heart leaped, but she reminded herself he was only being polite to a resort guest. “Bye, Ace.”
“Bye, pretty Lisa.”