“Correct, but we wanted you to have a taste of the VIP experience. While it may not be this elaborate, we will have tailorable experiences for sale.”
“And there won’t be any timeshare presentations, right?”
His unexpected laughter is deep and rich. I’d climb into that laugh if I could.
“This is a wellness retreat, we’d never stress anyone out like that.”
I nod as I digest the information. “Good. And thank you for going the extra mile to customize my stay here. It’s very cool to feel important enough to have a hotel closed down for me.”
“You are important, and please share your feedback. Let’s consider this a dress rehearsal.”
The sincerity in his voice shows his passion for the project. Eventually, I peel my eyes away from him and focus on the food on the table.
“Oh, is that a monte cristo?”
“With strawberry jalapeno jam,” he adds.
“Oh, you really know how to talk dirty.”
Kacy laughs and I jump a little because I legit forgot she was sitting with us.
“You are so witty,” she tells me as she pulls herself out of her tablet.
I’m glad that she spoke because it reminded me that this is a business lunch and not a first date.
Putting my business cap back into place, I start asking the real questions.
“Okay, hit me with your itinerary. I’m ready to learn more about your vision.”
Chapter 8
Cole
I can’t quite get a read on Jessamine. She switches between flirting and business mode so seemingly that I get whiplash. The last day and a half that I’ve been her guide has been the most fun I’ve had in a long time. She’s such a vibe that I cannot for the life of me imagine not wanting or liking her.
Right now, we’re standing outside like two soon to be empty nesters waving goodbye to Kacy as she officially leaves us behind. Once her SUV turned the corner and was no longer visible due to the massive trees covering her exit.
Jessamine-who decided to give me tachycardia with her fitted minidress that displays her curves in poetic clarity-leans in to whisper her thoughts.
“And then there were two. Is this the part where we strip down to our underwear and slide across the floor in our socks?”
My chuckle doesn’t stop the image of Jessamine wearing practically nothing from forming in my head.
“If that’s what you want to do, or we can grab some snacks and try out the paint therapy.”
Jessamine looks up and purses her lips like she’s deep thinking. “Hmm. Charcuterie and paint. Let’s do it.”
There have been a few quiet moments where I can see the weight of the people’s criticism still weighing on her. I’d take it all away from her if I could. She tucks her arm in mine and allows me to guide her to the field where we’ll be painting.
One big canvas is set up with two sets of paint supplies on each side. There is a separate table with two chairs, a charcuterie spread, and more mocktails. I pull out her chair then walk around to mine.
She rubs her hands together. “This looks delicious.” She sighs and picks up her phone. “Let me get the necessary pictures and videos.”
“You look like you like making content just as much as I do,” I tease before I pop a grape into my mouth.
“If it sounds like I don’t like it at all then you’d be correct. Especially now.”
“Are you posting any of it now?”
