“It’s pretty personal. I might shock you.”
“Nothing shocks me.”
“All right. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I have this fantasy where I drive home, change into something comfy, and eat dinner in front of the TV while watching the Laker game highlights.”
He laughed, which didn’t completely cut the wire of sexual tension snapping between them, but brought the vibration down to a less distracting level. “Me, too. Unfortunately, only one of us is going to get to indulge that particular fantasy tonight.”
Fatigue or frustration weighted his voice. Maybe a little of both. Before she could remind herself of all the reasons she shouldn’t care, she asked, “How are things at Las Ventanas?”
“We’ve hit a few snags. This place misses you.”
“I miss it, too.” Saying the words sent a pang of homesickness through her, so she rushed on, “and I’m sorry about the snags.”
“They’re not your fault, although you’d certainly be able to work them out. I hear, ‘Chelsea always handled that,’ at least ten times a day. Barrington can’t run a simple occupancy report on his own.”
A small, petty part of her bounced and clapped at the idea of Paul floundering without her, but she strove to reply diplomatically. “He concentrated on supervising, and relied on me to bring him the information he needed.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. He relied on you for information and analysis. Now we’re all suffering from the loss.”
Suffering? Little needles of guilt pricked her inner pleaser into action. “I could try to help, if there are specific questions…?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I need to find a viable, long-term solution to the knowledge gap. Using you as an unofficial bridge until we can get our arms around the operation isn’t viable, or long-term. It’s also not fair to you.”
“I don’t mind. I left without notice.”
“No. This falls on me to fix, and I’ll fix it. My board expects Las Ventanas to re-launch next month as a St. Sebastian resort. We’ve got a lot of work to do between now and then, and the fact that everything takes more time and effort than I envisioned when I sold them on the plan is something I’ll have to deal with.”
“Can you go back to your board, explain you encountered unforeseen circumstances, and provide a revised plan?”
“Yes, but”—he paused, and she pictured his dark brows v-ing into the moody scowl that put a flutter in her stomach—“doing so would cost me more than I’m willing to pay.”
“I don’t understand. Why would they care if you held the re-launch next month versus the month after?”
“My father chairs the board. He believes in setting aggressive goals and achieving them. He does not believe in ‘unforeseen circumstances.’ I promised him three strategic acquisitions, in three key markets, by the close of our quarter in February. If I achieve the goal, he’ll step down as chairman and support my appointment. If I don’t, he won’t. I’ve been working toward this too long to give him an excuse to question my commitment. He can think what he wants about how I run my personal life. I make very few personal commitments, and I would never argue otherwise, but with respect to the business, I take my responsibilities seriously.”
Guilt flared again. Her abrupt resignation from Las Ventanas caused consequences she’d never imagined. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. This is not your problem. I’m not sure why I mentioned any of it, but it was not to make you feel responsible.”
“I honestly don’t mind helping.” She almost felt Laurie kicking her.
“You always take on other people’s problems?”
“Sort of, yes.” Apparently it was an evening for personal disclosures. “My friend Laurie recently pointed out to me that I chase approval. I hate to disappoint anyone.”
“Must be exhausting.”
“It’s led to some regrettable decisions. I’m trying to reel myself in.”
“Is that so?”
Criticism disguised as a question, but still her lips quirked. “This is different. I really want to help.”
“You are. As deal liaison for Tradewinds, you’ll help ensure this transaction goes smoothly and nobody has to manage any unforeseen circumstances.”
“I’ll do my best, but my other offer still stands, okay?”
“There are far more interesting ways for you to earn my approval.”