Flash Burned (Burned 2)

“Ari, you don’t need my approval on Christmas decorations for the Lux,” he said. “I trust you.”

“Explicitly, or are you just sick of the previews?”

“Both.”

I laughed. Slipping into his lap as he sat at a glass-topped table on our back patio reading the paper over breakfast, I said, “I don’t blame you. But everything has to be perfect for the grand opening.”

10,000 Lux was already touted as the West’s Plaza Hotel, eclipsing the beauty of the Bellagio and Caesars Palace, offering more luxury and exclusivity than one could possibly imagine. The resort, the grounds, and the lobby were stunning, with no expense spared. Crafted specifically to steal breaths and inspire envy.

The first time I’d walked through the double doors, the only thing that had kept me from needing to pick my jaw up off the marbled floor over the opulence of it all was that my focus had been centered wholly on Dane. Owner of the prestigious hotel that also boasted five golf courses, designed by the best of the best.

Even my father, former PGA favorite Bryce DeMille, had been in awe when he’d played the Lux’s links with Dane. Getting my dad to admit to being impressed when it came to anything related to Dane was a major feat, the courses included.

My father wasn’t exactly onboard with my budding relationship. Nor was Kyle, who also worked at the Lux, in the Marketing department. In fact, he was currently up in arms over learning I’d recently moved in with Dane. But that was nothing new when it came to Kyle and anything concerning Dane and me.

“We’ll be taking down all the Thanksgiving decorations over the weekend, following the dinner you want to host for the staff today,” I said. “Excellent suggestion to treat them all, by the way. They deserve it. And what a great way to do an initial run-through before we get into the pre-launch festivities.”

His dark brow crooked the way it did when he wanted to call me on my bullshit without actually having to say anything.

“Oh-kay,” I amended. “It was an excellent suggestion from me.”

It’d occurred to me that, since everyone on-staff had been going through the motions, learning the ropes, perfecting their positions and the world-class service that would be expected of a hotel of 10,000 Lux’s magnitude, it would be great to hold a few parties throughout the day before Thanksgiving. The Banquets employees would take turns serving and enjoying a meal themselves.

Plus, it was an excellent trial for the kitchen staff, working cohesively on several large, back-to-back feasts. I’d also talked Dane into being present at each formal seating, to mingle and bond with everyone and to thank them for their hard work.

Everything had been coming together so beautifully of late. A huge relief, given how questionable the future of the resort had been with all the recent mayhem—a delicate term for what we’d experienced because of the corrupt society members.

I shivered at all that had gone wrong. And how I’d been targeted because of my close association with Dane.

His arms tightened around me. “What’s wrong?” he murmured against my neck.

“Nothing. Just thinking that winter’s moving in. It’s a little chilly.” A tiny white lie. I didn’t talk to Dane about that day I’d been held hostage, not even following a nightmare.

My lips grazed his and, against them, I said, “You promised flannel sheets to keep me warm.”

“No,” he said, his emerald eyes holding mine captive. “I promised that I’d keep you warm.”

“Oh, right.” I kissed him again, my fingers combing through his hair and my upper body melding to his. My other hand skimmed over one broad shoulder.

With the outdoor heaters placed around the perimeter of the patio, he was able to have breakfast sans shirt. My preference. If I could convince him to strut around naked at all times, that would be even better. But Dane was the type to always be on high alert, fully cognizant of his surroundings, and prepared for anything. That meant at least having his pants on when he wasn’t making love to me. Though I knew he lost himself in our kisses, which was when he fully relied on his state-of-the-art security system that monitored the premises.

It was a little disconcerting being so under lock and key but also comforting to know Dane had the danger contained now. Though, obviously, he remained cautious.

I nipped at the corner of his mouth and said, “It’ll be a good two and a half or three weeks before we’re done putting up all the Christmas decorations. Just in time for our first few pre-launch events with the press and potential members you want to woo.”

“I asked Sales to crunch numbers so that we don’t oversell the various levels of memberships. And I don’t want anyone to ever be turned away from a suite, the dining room, or the golf courses because of full capacity. We need to leave a little wiggle room.”

“It’ll help to have all the casitas completed before we get into the grand opening festivities.”

He nodded. “Almost there.” With a grin, he added, “We’re so close, baby.”

“I know.” I kissed him. “And I’m so thrilled. I’m happy you seduced me into the Event Director position—”

His brow jerked up once more.

“Well, you did,” I reminded him. With a ridiculous salary and an outrageous annual budget. With a gorgeous office. With his hotter than hell body—and the promise of no-holds-barred sex.

I’d taken a gigantic bite out of all the offers and he’d reeled me in, hook, line, and sinker.