“My event director bailed, leaving the planning team flying blind,” he continued. “Before I introduce you, we need to be on the same page. Instead of being sold out, my hotel is limping along at sixty percent occupancy. That’s unheard of for a Loving grand opening. It’s no secret that events drive sales, and we need more activities. My guests expect to be pampered, entertained andrevered.”
“Then you won’t take offense at what I’m about to tell you.” After setting down the crystal glass, she rested her interlaced fingers in her lap. The atmosphere crackled with undeniable contention, while he waited for her to continue. “You’re not sold out because this hotel is like every other one in a hundred-mile radius. The Loving sizzle is missing. There’s nothing edgy or sexy happening here. If you’re not open to changing things up, I can be out of your hair and on the next flight back toVirginia.”
He gritted his teeth.Well,fuckme.
8
The Earth Moved
This situation wasway worse than booking a sex event for Mitus Conglomerate because Taylor had never slept with her boss. Discussinganythingerotic with Jagger felt personal. Despite fidgeting under his scorching gaze, she had to encourage him to bring back the edginess,andprove she could be trusted. Rooms wouldn’t fill until he offered somespice.
She relocated to his conference table. The furniture gave her much-needed support and put distance between them. Being so close to Jagger interfered with her concentration. She found herself staring at that damned mouth ofhis.
He joined her, taking his place at the head of thetable.
“From what I’ve read, guests stay at a Loving resort for the sensual experience,” she began. “Your other properties are booked months in advance. This hotel is offering discounts to fillbeds.”
His jaw had been set in a hard line, frustration billowing off him. Her pulse raced. She desperately wanted to change topics and discuss outdoor events like golf and tennis. Those she could handle, noproblem.
“What did you have in mind?” he asked, stroking hisgoatee.
“I need to find out what, if anything, your staff has booked beyond the Valentine’s Day masquerade party. We could pull together a G-rated pajama party, along with a Singers & Standards night. For a sexier flair, I’d suggest a lingerie affair. Why not promote the private beach that welcomes nude guests? That would grab theirattention.”
He pinned her with a hard stare. “And what, offer them sex on thebeach?”
Heat exploded on her cheeks. He’d crossed a line.What would Raven do?“Look,” she stuck out her finger, “I confided somethingverypersonal and I don’t appreciate your throwing that in my face.” She’d never confronted anyone like that, and she cringed. “I’m sorry. I was out ofline.”
His expression softened, but he said nothing for a long moment. “No, Taylor, that’s all on me. I apologize.” Again, he paused, broke eye contact for a split-second. “I didn’t expect…Ravenwould walk through my door.” He extended his hand. “Let’s startover.”
Hearing him call her Raven bolstered her confidence. When she slid her hand into his, the familiar zing of attraction traveled up her arm. “I like thatidea.”
This time, his smile touched his eyes and her rapid-fire heartbeat slowed back down. “You’re right. This resort is nothing like the others. If you read about Loving, you learned about me,too.”
“Idid.”
“I won’t do anything that could tarnish myreputation.”
“Then you’ll really hate what I’m about to say next.” She nibbled her fingernail. “You need eroticentertainment.”
He grimaced. “Strippers?”
Another rush of heat swept over her and she clutched the table edge for support. “No. Sexperformers.”
As his long fingers caressed his beard, she fell prisoner to the rhythmic strokes. Her breathing fell in line with his hypnotic touch. Jagger, and everything about him, was proving to be the ultimatedistraction.
His harsh grunt snapped her from her fantasy. “Absolutely not.” The worry lines around his eyes haddeepened.
Beneath the table, her leg bounced. He glanced under and she stilled. “Your brand is all about pushing the envelope,” shesaid.
“Not anymore,” hequipped.
Ignoring his objection, she forced herself to continue. Not because she wanted to belabor the point, but because she believed she was offering sound advice. “Time isn’t on our side. Since I don’t know anything about the erotic market in LA, I can check with a company in DC. They might be able to fly out some talent. Colton can vouch for the professionalism of Uninhibited, but the artists don’t hold back. It’s definitelyedgy.”
“Even if I thought it was a good idea, it wouldn’t work. We can’t offer erotic shows. It’sillegal.”
“I’ve got a possible workaround. If guests purchase a membership to a private club that offers the shows to its members, then the hotel should meet the legal requirements for a private club, therefore it’s not consideredillegal.”
He shoved out of the chair, laid his hands on the table, and leaned close. “Not happening.” His razor-sharp gaze cut intoher.
