Seeking a temporary distraction, I scan the ballroom’s greenery. The potted plants set at carefully chosen intervals create the illusion of nature creeping back into the space. In the summer, we favor more tropical plant life, but for now, soft green palms and ferns populate the open-air ballroom.
They become magical at night, with the twinkling lights reflecting on the fronds…
Ah.
I rise as the sun melts into the horizon. “One second.”
A hidden panel in the bar opens to reveal a small system of knobs and buttons. With one click, a crisscrossing web of string lights flickers on over the Arden.
A canopy of a thousand stars blink overhead, dusting Kellin’s face in a soft, warm glow.
I reclaim my seat, inexplicably nervous about his reaction. Because I value his opinion. Not just as a potential investor, but on a personal level. I want him to like this.
Beneath the fairy lights, Kellin’s brown eyes shimmer as they trace the strings. “I understand why you direct all the couples toward this reception area. It’s very romantic.”
As he marvels over our artificial sparkling sky and the radiant horizon below, I steal the opportunity to study him.
The earlier hint of a frown has faded from his lips. The sharp line of his jaw has smoothed over. Relaxed.
I guess I wasn’t the only one who needed a minute to rest.
My fingers itch to loosen his paisley tie and unclasp the top few buttons of his pale cream shirt. To trace the edge of his collarbones and the sculpted muscle below them.
I clench my fingers on the arm of my chair. That’s couple behavior, and we’re not a couple.
My mind has gone completely off the rails. I blame Kellin. His interest in the Cypress, his energy, our electric chemistry… He’s responsible for my runaway fantasies.
But I have to admit that his being here has been a good thing.
I pick at the wicker on my chair. “You know, Kellin, I’d like to thank you for allowing me to see my hotel with fresh eyes. As much as I love it, part of me was starting to… I don’t know. I guess I was getting a little bitter about the weight of it all. But then you just showed up and reminded me of all the best parts of the Cypress, and the timing was so perfect.” Oh, crap. Why are my eyes burning? I duck my chin, fanning my fingers over my face to dry the tears. “Ignore me. This is so embarrassing.”
Kellin cups my cheek with a hand, angling my head to face him properly. “I haven’t done anything worth thanking me for. Everything great about this hotel was already here because of you.” He hesitates before continuing. “I think it’s wonderful you found your calling, Maeve.” His thumb strokes my lower lip, triggering the tingling that races through my body.
Am I wrong, or does he really see through me? Does he understand me beyond the manager persona I’ve cultivated for years?
Kellin drops his hand from my face and sits back. “Though I’m surprised you don’t have more support.”
I blink, a little cold from the loss of his touch. “I’ve got support. Lenora is amazing. I’d never last without her. And my managers?—”
“I don’t mean employees. Your father’s a partner. Where is he? Or your brothers?”
The cold front blooms into a blizzard.Whywould Kellin bring them up? Way to kill a mood.
As if I’m worried his statement summoned them, I sneak a peek in the direction of the penthouse. I can’t tell Kellin that if my father or brothers ventured out onto their balcony and walked to the glass railing, they’d immediately spot us and the light show below.
Kellin cranes his neck to investigate whatever snagged my attention.
“I don’t want my dad running the Cypress.” When I touch his arm, his focus thankfully shifts back to me. “We’ve always had very different…visions. Besides, he thinks the place is beneath him. My older brother Connor is too busy being a perfectionist with more important parts of the family businesses, and Brody’s too interested in keeping our dad happy. I couldn’t even consider asking either of my brothers for help.” I sigh and slouch a little. “That’s not a deal breaker, is it? Surely you don’t need to work with them directly?”
Kellin’s mouth tightens in a grimace. “No. It’s clear what you’ve accomplished here without them. I was thinking more about your stress levels.”
“My stress levels are fine.” I relax in my seat, my eyes drifting over the lights above us. “I learned how to manage myemotions on my own early on. When we were younger, Brody and I were close, so I did lean on him a little more.”
I don’t know why I’m explaining all this. I doubt Kellin cares about my messed-up family history.
So many years have passed without me really talking about Brody and Connor. Or to them.Reallytalking, I mean. But mentioning the bond I once shared with Brody peels a weight off my chest.
When I stop speaking, Kellin brushes featherlight fingers against my arm. Encouraging.
