Love by Design
“So far, yes. His staff is being cooperative, and I’m enjoying getting to know them and how they work.”
“Still think you can handle everything?”
“Of course I do. Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”
“I hope you’re right. Now, just in case you do have an island fling, remember what I told you. Nobody ever looks better after more than three drinks, and practice safe sex no matter how good he tells you it feels without the condom.”
Dakota blushed generously. “Susan.”
“Don’t Susan me. I know what I’m talking about.”
She had to laugh at that. Susan was many things, but a well-seasoned party girl she wasn’t. She did, however, have a very vivid imagination, and made the most of it.
“And on that note, I’m going to say good-night. My dinner is here, and I’ve still got a ton of things to do before bedtime.”
“Work, work, work. Mark my words…you need excitement, Dakota Carson.”
“I’ll get plenty of it, I promise—as soon as I’m done.”
“Uh-huh. Just remember, use it or lose it.”
Dakota chuckled at that. “Good night, Susan.”
“Night, Dakota.”
A very shy woman named Amelie delivered her dinner. Dakota thanked her. After she left, Dakota moved her heavy tray to the dining room table. She removed the metal covers and stopped. She ran over to her notebook and wrote metal covers in it. When finished, she returned to peruse her meal of jerk chicken, red pea soup and a salad. She also had a delectable coconut-and spice-filled pastry for dessert called Gizzada.
Suddenly famished, Dakota dived into her meal with gusto. Afterward, she cleaned up, locked the door and went into the bedroom. She had just stretched out on the bed with her laptop when her house phone rang. Surprised, she leaned over and picked it up.
“Hello?”
“How was dinner?”
“Delectable, which you already knew. Amelie told me you picked it out. Thank you. Everything was amazing.”
“Glad you liked it. Get much work done?”
“Yes, though I’m still at it.”
“I was thinking. Perhaps tomorrow you’d like to drive into town with me?”
“I don’t know, Logan. There’s so much to do and not much time.”
“True, but wouldn’t it be helpful to check out some of the local artisans?”
He was right. Seeing what local design elements she could incorporate into her solution was essential to her renovations. “I guess so,” she conceded.
“Great. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at ten?”
“How about I meet you in the lobby?”
“Okay. I’ll let you get back to work. Good night, Dakota.”
She smiled. “Good night, Logan.”
Dakota returned the phone to the nightstand. She felt silly. She had wrongly assumed that Logan was trying to ask her out on a date. She had wanted to shut him down immediately before he got any ideas in his head. Apparently, she was way off base. He had just been interested in showing her around town to help with her project.
It’s just as well. She was his renovation expert, and nothing more. What about the spark that shot up your hand when he touched you? Purely an isolated incident. A residual connection to feelings long gone. Dakota did not have time to get caught up in teenage memories. Treating Logan like a colleague was for the best. If she let her guard down, it could prove to be disastrous.
“Fool me twice, shame on me.”
Chapter 7
“Admit it, you had a good time today—even with me as your tour guide.”
Despite her best intentions, Dakota laughed. “Fine, I agree. You’re a good guide. There, are you happy?”
“I’m working on it.”
Their very long and exciting day had started out with a coup. Both Miranda and Tandie had vetoed Dakota’s outfit that morning.
Tandie shook his head. “Is dat wat yuh wearin? Yuh not gwen las fiv minits in dem heels yuh hav ahn.”
“Or that suit,” Miranda added for good measure.
They shooed her off to Belle Fleur. It was the lady’s boutique at the resort. Dakota made a show of protesting, but secretly, she was not looking forward to another day roasting in her business clothes. Miranda must have tipped the saleswoman that she was coming because the minute she walked through the door, she was greeted with a friendly smile and a knowing look.
“Gud mawnin, Miss Carson. Mi name is Sophie and I gwen help yuh dis mawnin.”
“Thank you, Sophie. I’m grateful for your help. I’ve lost about five pounds in water weight since Friday morning,” Dakota joked.
“Nuh worri yuhself, miss. We gwen get it right like rain. Evryting gwen criss.” She escorted Dakota to the back of the shop and into a dressing room to try on a few selections. Dakota had a keen eye for fashion, and knew just by holding up an outfit what would look flattering on her frame. In the end, she chose a sleeveless, knee-length dress. It was white cotton, and felt cool on her skin. A pair of khaki shorts and a tank top, along with a sundress, completed her wardrobe. She gladly ditched her pumps for a pair of modest sandals. Sophie suggested a wide-brimmed hat since she and Logan would be doing a lot of walking.