Was it possible for words to make her want to take a shower? She fought to keep her tone even. “I happen to know that you have a dinner reservation at five thirty and, believe me, Mr. Brown, you don’t want to miss it. I’d say we need to move this along.”
“I’ll only agree if you promise to call me Peter.”
This guy got slimier every time he opened his mouth.
“I appreciate that, but we have a policy that requires a certain level of formality with our guests.”
“I won’t tell if you won’t.” She could tell he meant to pass it off like a joke, but something in his eyes told her he wasn’t kidding.
“We have exceedingly high standards at The Haven. Those standardsapply to all staff at all levels of guest interaction. I would suggest you ask me the questions you have prepared so that we can both go on with our day.”
“What if you join me for dinner tonight? That would be a far more enjoyable way for us to get to know each other.” His smile was movie-star white and as fake as a flea market Rolex.
Bronwyn could sense Mo’s frustration. She didn’t think he’d moved a muscle, and she was very careful not to draw any attention to him, but knowing he was there helped her maintain her professionalism. “I’m afraid my schedule is packed this week, so if you want to interview me, this is your time. I have a prior engagement tonight.” She tried to keep her voice conciliatory.
“Tomorrow? I mean, you have to eat, right?” He leaned forward in his chair. “I’d really like to spend more time with you.”
There was something about his eyes. She almost had it, but the connection slipped away. “While I appreciate the flattery, I’m afraid I’m not available for anything more than a professional conversation.”
“Are you in a relationship?”
“Excuse me?”
“That’s a no.” His grin was smug. “Okay, I can see you’re playing hard to get. I respect it. I can play too.” He pulled out a notebook and a recorder and before she had a chance to respond to his remark, he hit the record button. “Peter Brown interviewing Bronwyn Pierce at The Haven.” He consulted his notes. “How long have you been the CEO of The Haven?”
What kind of question was that? She wasn’t the one being interviewed here. Well, she was, but the interview was supposed to be about The Haven. Not her. “A few years now.”
“You’re young for a role like this, aren’t you?”
“Not really. I grew up here. I know this business better than anyone. I was the perfect candidate for the job.”
He winked at her. “Confident. I like that in a woman.”
Mo was growing increasingly tense in her periphery. She didn’t think her interviewer was aware of the predator watching him.
“You’ve had some family issues in the past few years. Some drugs. Attempted murder. That kind of thing?” He asked the question with a look that said, “You poor thing.”
“Mr. Brow—”
“Peter.”
“Mr. Brown,” she said with more force, “my family is like any other in America. We aren’t perfect. But we ensure that personal drama doesn’t affect the running of The Haven.”
“And how do you do that?”
“We have strict rules for everyone on staff, including family members. This ensures that everyone who interacts with our guests is above reproach.”
“I see. So how long did Steven—”
She let her exasperation bleed into her voice. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I won’t be taking any questions regarding specific family members or staff, past or present. If you’d like to ask questions about The Haven, our facilities, and our amenities, I’m happy to talk to you about that. If you want to talk about legal matters, I’ll gladly direct you to our attorneys.”
Peter Brown leaned back in his seat. “Okay, how about this. Why do you feel the need to have an armed bodyguard with you?” He pointed his thumb toward Mo. “I interview a lot of folks and usually the armed guard stuff is for the celebrities, not the hotel managers.”
She didn’t bother to correct him about her position or Mo’s role. “Again, these are inappropriate questions not germane to our discussion today.” She stood. “I think it would be best if you and I table this interview. You can enjoy your time here for the next two days, and if you have further questions, I’m sure our marketing and publicity department will be able to answer them.”
He stood and slid his notebook into the satchel he’d brought with him. “I’m sure I’ll see you around, Bronwyn.”
“I’ll see you out, Mr. Brown.” Mo’s tone didn’t give the man any wiggle room. Peter walked out the door Mo held open for him. She watched until they were both out of sight, then let her legs give out as she collapsed into her chair.
