“Why would you do that?” she asks, looking slightly horrified.
“Because if there's anything that makes rich people want something, it's being told they can't have it. I'll have this place booked up for the next five years with three phone calls.”
A huge smile appears on Emma’s face and she nods enthusiastically. “Okay, I'll type for you and promise to keep everything that happens in the world of Qadeathas acomplete secret. And, in exchange, you'll see to it that Paradise Bay Resort and Eden Island become the hottest celebrity destination in the world.”
I extend my left hand to her to seal the deal, my heart pounding in my chest. “So we agree to trust each other, then?”
“Agreed.”
We shake and I can’t help feeling a warmth spread through me and a renewed sense of optimism for the future. Grinning, I say, “Nothing like equally desperate people to create the perfect deal.”
“I wouldn't say wereequallydesperate,” she says with a smirk. “I know how you broke your thumb.”
18
I’m Not Going to Sleep with Him, So Everyone, Please Relax
Emma
“I don’t like it,” Harrison says firmly.
We’re on another conference call, this time without Twyla (one guess as to why). I’ve gone back to the houseboat to pack up food for the rest of the day and fill Libby and Harrison in on what I’ve worked out with Pierce. I expected Harrison to be thrilled, but he’s pulling the ‘protective big brother’ nonsense instead.
“What’s not to like?” Libby asks. “Not only is henotgoing to sue, he’s going to stay on at Eden and promote it when he leaves. This is our best-case scenario and then some. Well done, Emma!”
“Thank you, Libby,” I say in an overly gracious, I’m-glad-someone-appreciates-me tone of voice.
“Nope. Forget it,” Harrison says. “I’ll just hire someone from town to type for him. A stenographer or something.”
I can tell by his tone he’s shaking his head, and I bet he knows I’m rolling my eyes right now. “He wantsme.”
“Exactly,” he quips.
“Not likethat, you big jerk,” I say. “It’s strictly a smart business deal. Anyone else he would hire could be bought out for a lot of money to give away the ending before the book is published. I’m the perfect person to trust because I have skin in the game. If I spill the beans to anyone about how the series ends, he can ruin the resort’s reputation. And if I’m not mistaken, our reputation was our big concern on the phone last night, no?”
“It was last night, but my focus has shifted to some guy trying to get his grubby hands on my little sister. No way am I agreeing to this. He’s going to have you up in that villa all day and half the night for weeks. What if he tries something?”
“He’s not a rapey guy. He’s a desperate writer. Besides, do you actually not think I can defend myself against a guy with only one good arm?”
Libby interjects with, “Is this because of what Twyla said about Mr. Davenport being so hot? Because really, Harrison, I think Emma can resist him.”
“Yes. Give me a little credit, please,” I say, trying to sound highly offended by the very idea. “I’m not about to start snogging the guests like some cheap tart.”
“Or like your brother,” Libby adds with a little laugh.
She’s referring to how they ended up together and I can’t help but laugh along with her. It’s nice to have an almost-sister-in-law.
“Oh, very funny, you two, but this is serious. There’s a lot at stake here.”
“Which is why I’m the perfect woman for the job,” I say. “I know how much you’ve sacrificed for me and for the staff. I wouldseriouslybethe lastperson to let you down, Harrison. I owe everything I have to you. Not only that, but the future of this resort is my future, too, you know. This is my home and I’d never do anything to jeopardize it.”
“I’m not questioning your loyalty, Emma. It’shimI don’t trust.”
“Well, don’t worry about him because I’m not interested in Piercethat wayso there’s really nothing to worry about. I’ll type. He’ll stay until he finishes his book, then give us a glowing review that will turn this place into the hottest vacation destination for the rich and famous. Nobody gets sued. Nobody has to turn their family business over to the bank. We all live happily ever after.”
“See? All settled,” Libby says. “So, Emma, you get straight to work with Mr. Davenport and let us know if you need anything brought out—paper, pens, another computer, whatever. In the meantime, I’ll arrange for ready-made meals to be prepared for the two of you so you won’t have to waste time cooking.”
“Okay, perfect. We have enough food to get us through until lunchtime tomorrow,” I say, hoping Harrison will consider himself overruled.
