“I appear to be a little better than you are by the looks of things.”
“Internet troubles, but only out here and in the bar. The engineer can’t come out until tomorrow, but Jess needs access to the computer today to get the booking system up and running. Everything okay in your department?”
“Perfect. Can I help with anything while I wait for my staff to show up?”
“Unless you know how to work technology…”
I shake my head to stop him from wasting his breath. “Sorry, I just about know how to turn on my laptop and deal with everything I do on there. Anything new takes me two weeks,many masterclasses on YouTube, and many cuss words before I figure it out. I was going to grab a coffee if I can get you one of those.”
“I’ll join you. I’m not getting anywhere fast here. It’s only causing a headache.”
“Stress. It’s no good for anyone. You didn’t strike me as the type of person to stress easily.”
Max shrugs. “I don’t usually, but this week has been one of those weeks. Opening day is just around the corner and I can see it far enough.”
I bite the side of my lip as we walk into the lounge where bar staff are filling up shelves and stocking up the gantry. Everything is starting to take shape nicely and it now looks like a bar ready for customers. Max walks behind the counter and picks up two coffee mugs. He looks so at ease with everything he does. “What can I get you?”
“Cappuccino if you have one, please.”
I lean over the bar watching Max manoeuvre around like a pro. For being the owner, he sure doesn’t act like it. Many of the high-class businessmen I work with are so stuck up that they wouldn’t be seen dead pouring their own coffee or trying to fix internet problems.
Max leans over the bar and thrusts the cup in my direction. “Keep looking at me like that, Lex, and I won’t be responsible for my actions.” His breath whispers across my skin like silk, causing my skin to prickle.
I look around to see who’s in earshot. I know I’m playing with fire, and I know I said out here we would be Alexa and Maxwell, but it’s hard. It’s excruciatingly painful to be aroundthis man in a professional capacity and ignore the heat surging through my body. It’s even worse when he opens his mouth and says suggestive things because I end up a molten mess.
“Tut, tut, Maxwell. What happened to keeping things professional?”
Max returns to the coffee machine and grabs his cup. “I’m beginning to hate that word, but I can live up to my end of the bargain, Alexa. I can abide by the rules. What are you up to today?”
I don’t know why I’m disappointed that Max has snapped out of the playful mood and returned to the boss; he’s only doing what I asked of him. I made these stupid rules because I’m too much of a control freak where business is concerned. I could kick myself now, but I can’t afford to fuck up this contract.
“I’ve got six members of staff showing up in around…” I look down at my watch, “ten minutes. I’m hoping that we can make a start on getting the rooms ready for opening. The linen company is dropping off all the linen tomorrow. I’ve got all the cleaning supplies and machines here. It’s all go, go, go. You might get sick of seeing me over the next few days, but I promise we’ll stay out of the way of any work still being carried out.”
“I can’t see that happening… I mean the getting sick of you bit. I might have continuous blue balls for the foreseeable, but hey, it’s all good. If you need anything then you know where to find me, and all workmen should be out of here by Friday lunchtime.”
“You’ve hired my company, Maxwell. You don’t need to worry about the cleaning side of the business. I won’t need you. I’ve got everything under control.”
“Ouch!” He rubs his chest dramatically. “Nice to know when I’m not wanted.”
“Behave. I just meant…”
“I know what you meant, Lex. Let’s get out of here.”
Lex.One simple, three-letter word that causes my heart to stutter.
I lift my cup eagerly and walk back out to the lobby behind Max. Paul and Brendan are messing around at the reception desk. Brendan is clicking away at the keyboard and shouts,“Bingo,”just as we approach. “We’re connected.”
“What? How?” asks Max as he leans over the desk to make sure Brendan is telling the truth.
“God knows. I just rebooted the system and tried to reconnect.”
“Cheers, bro. You have your uses after all.” Max ruffles Brendan’s hair. “Paul, Brendan, this is Alexa. You’ll be seeing her around much more as her company gets us ready for opening day and beyond.”
Paul nods in my direction.
“Nice to meet you, doll.”
“Likewise, Paul. It will be useful if we can have a chat in a little while to see how we can work together to help keep the maintenance of the hotel at a minimum. If any issues are brought to the staff’s attention, it would be good if they know the protocols to get in touch with you and vice versa if you need a housekeeper on shift.”
