Love by Design

He sat back and took another bite. “Be sure and save room for dessert. We’ve got a bread pudding with a whiskey sauce that’s out of this world.”

“There’s no way I’ll have room,” she groaned. “The food, breathtaking view and pampering are all conspiring to make me incredibly relaxed…and sleepy.”

“It’s too early to go to bed.” He laughed. “And you haven’t lived until you’ve strolled the property at night.”

Dakota took a sip of her drink and nodded. “Okay, Montague, lead the way.”

* * *

When they finished dinner, Logan gave Dakota the grand tour. Though it was early evening, the pathways were deserted.

They ended up sitting on a swing off the path in a secluded alcove. They rocked in companionable silence, until Logan leaned over and whispered, “Did I lie?”

She turned to face him. “No. This is paradise. I can see how someone could fall in love with it the moment they get here.”

“That’s the plan. We want our guests to be return customers.”

Dakota tried her best, but she couldn’t hold back a yawn.

“That’s my cue.” Logan stood up, and then held his hand out to help her off the swing. “Let’s get you home.”

Logan escorted Dakota back to her villa.

“Good night, Koty. It’s been a wonderful day.”

“I agree, and thank you for dinner, and the tour. I had a great time.”

“My pleasure.”

Logan strolled back to his golf cart. Dakota watched him pull off before she went inside. She kicked off her shoes and plopped on the couch, barely stifling a yawn. The lack of sleep was catching up quickly. She wanted to call Susan to talk about the trip, but she was wiped out and opted for a quick text instead. Details could wait. Right now she wanted to slide into her king bed and sleep.

After her nightly routine, Dakota locked all the doors. A breeze floated through the windows, helping to keep it cool. Once she got comfy under the sheets, she pondered what tomorrow would bring. Would the staff mind her being there? Her thoughts drifted to Logan. He had been a gracious host, and so far was a great employer. It was obvious that he was going overboard to make her comfortable, but didn’t most people when they wanted something? He may be saying all the right things, but Dakota’s instincts still cautioned her to be wary when it came to letting him back into her life. Logan Montague had an agenda that went beyond what he was telling her, and she was determined to find out what.

The next morning, she awoke refreshed and ready to get to work. She was at the main resort by eight o’clock. When she walked in, there was an older man at the front desk. Based on her notes, she knew his name was Tandie, and he was the night manager. He had a lively gleam in his eyes. She noted he spoke proper English with the resort guests, but when another Jamaican walked by, he switched to Patois, the native Jamaican Creole language. When he saw her, a smile lit up his face, and he placed a hand over his heart for effect.

“Mawning, Miss Carson. I’m Tandie Grey. Di heaven dem musta open up an drop a goddess from di sky.”

Dakota blushed. “Thank you. That’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever received, Mr. Grey.”

Tandie had been at the resort since its inception, and was very close to the Montague family.

“You’re just as beautiful as he described. He talks about you constantly, ya know.”

Dakota did not need to ask who he was referring to. Instead, she switched topics and got Mr. Grey to talk about his job. She quickly found out that it was a subject that filled him with pride, and one he loved to share.

Later, she interviewed the landscapers, the chef and his crew, the waitstaff, housekeepers and the activity coordinator. She observed staff procedures, spoke with a few guests and got a tour of the other villas and guest rooms that were not in use. By the time she knew it, the day was practically over. Dakota was wiped out, but pleased at her progress. She was writing down some thoughts and speaking to Tandie when he jumped up and rushed to the desk behind them.

“Me so sorry, Mam…I mean, Miss Dakota,” he corrected. “But me have a message fi yuh.” Tandie handed her an envelope.

Dakota took the note. “Thank you.”

He excused himself to attend to another guest. Dakota opened the letter. Logan’s bold handwriting was unmistakable. She read the message.

Meet me at the pier in ten minutes.

L.

Dakota glanced at her watch. She had five minutes. She returned the note to its envelope before sliding it into her notebook. Her feet hurt from walking around in heels all day, but she did not have time to go back to her villa to change shoes. With quick steps, she headed for the pier.