Intently, I watch her.Basil Harper Jones, I don’t know why my client wants a tail on you, but I’m going to learn every single detail about you. You’re never leaving my sight.
After downing the rest of her water, Basil returns to the minibar and pours a healthy serving of chardonnay. This is going to be one of many long nights.
She looks up, and a smile tugs at her lips when she catches me checking her out for the third time. “Next topic: sleeping arrangements.”
CHAPTER 8
BASIL
It'stwenty minutes until 2 p.m. the next day. I’m waiting in the foyer while Caroline finishes getting ready so we can meet the Blakemans at the restaurant down the road. My phone vibrates in my hand. When I check the screen, I see a text message from my mother.
Juliette: Update?
“Hello, Mother. I’m working on it as we speak,” I grumble to myself as I type my response. She’s quick to get to the point, without a morsel of compassion for my situation, it seems. Always business first with Juliette Jones. Mothering second. I smash the Send button.
Basil: Lunch meeting with the Blakemans in 15.
Juliette: I understand the circumstances aren’t ideal, but a positive impression is imperative. I’m counting on you.
I huff.Not ideal?Not ideal?!Was she at the same wedding I was? I hammer my fingers against the phone keyboard.
Basil: Did you forget that I'm a Jones? I will see this deal to the finish line. There are obstacles, but I am working through them.
Juliette: What obstacles?
Basil: Nothing I can’t handle.
Juliette: As long as we get results. Even if that means patching things up with Olivia. I’ve mitigated the situation, but you need to do your part.
What does that mean, exactly? Mitigated how? My grip tightens around my phone. SimplyreadingOlivia’s name knots my stomach. I hover a finger over my mother’s name to initiate a phone call, then remember my “obstacle” within earshot distance and change my mind.
Basil: I always do.
Juliette: I want meeting details later.
Basil: Yes, ma’am.
Juliette: Look alive, Basil.
I don’t bother responding and put the phone away when the bathroom door opens as Caroline exits. My exasperation with my mother subsides with each second I fight the urge to gawk at the woman in front of me. Caroline looks damn good in that pink-and-white-striped button-down shirt. Cuffed dark jeans, sunglasses in one hand. Brown coils of hair pop under her tan, wide-brimmed fedora hat. I take in her tall frame, which seems to tower over me all of a sudden. Her crisp sleeves hug the swell of her biceps just right. Her outfit complements the navy accents of my sundress, as if she had me in mind when making her outfit decision. I meet her bright, toothy grin. God, her smile is beautiful. She knows I approve.
Unable to help myself, the corners of my lips curl upward. “You clean up well.”
“I try on occasion. You look nice.” It's not the first time she’s seen my outfit today, but you couldn’t tell based on how she's looking at me. Nonetheless, I’ll take the compliment.
“Thank you.” I turn to hide the heat traveling to my cheeks and grab the doorknob, but pause, sensing Caroline’s weighted gaze on my backside. “Ready?”
The sounds of her footsteps close in, pinning me to the spot. My heartbeat quickens at how close she is. The clean scent of her perfume fills my nose, reminding me of a picture-perfect day on the water. Fruity, aquatic notes; ravishing woody finish. She looks like a dreamboat and smells like one too.
“I’m ready for sweetandspicy Basil today.”
I sandwich my bottom lip between my teeth and toss a smile over my shoulder. “Your herb jokes still aren’t funny.” I step back, creating space to open the door. “Remember, you’re a Jones now. Look alive.”
As we pass through the lobby, I snicker at the giant floor sign near the front desk.All party signatures are required upon check-in.I wonder how many people will experience the wrath of the raging Sunny this week. At least I’m clear of that shitshow.
A familiar voice ahead makes me halt. A woman standing near the resort entrance makes eye contact with me. I know her. My eyes narrow into slits, and my muscles tense.No.
As if my life couldn’t get any worse.
