“I have a phenomenal team I’d like you to meet,” he continued. “They’re the real reason you’re having a great time.” As he introduced his executive team, they lined up behindhim.
“Robby, c’mon up here.” His very smiley assistant hopped onstage and stood beside him. “If you don’t have an excellent assistant, I highly recommend you get one. Robby Sutton is indispensible.” Robby beamed as Jagger touted how invaluable he was to the success of Loving. When finished, Robby took a melodramatic bow, and the audience burst intoapplause.
“If you attended an event, or if you’re going to attend one later this evening, you might want to personally thank my event director, TaylorHathaway.”
She walked onstage, stood beside Jagger, and smiled at theguests.
“Taylor Hathaway is my lucky charm,” Jagger continued. “Her efforts, and those of her team, should be hailed as heroic.” He paused while the audience applauded. “They worked nonstop to ensure a variety of activities. There’s something fun for everyone. Parasailing and wine tours. Who’s signed up for Chess on the Beach tomorrow?” With a smile, he nodded as several raised their hands. “That event is sold out for days. And we’ve got some sexy shows that will get your blood-a-pumpin’.” The crowd laughed. “Be sure to thank her when you seeher.”
Her large, blue eyes blinked away the moisture. “Thank you,” shewhispered.
She wasn’t anywhere near ready to hear what he wanted to tell her, but there was no way he could live without her. No fuckingway.
After more applause, Jagger said, “Thank you for making Loving Malibu the place to be. Have a great evening and a fantastic stay.” He handed the mic to the band’s lead singer and gestured for his team to file off thestage.
“Thank you for the public recognition,” Taylor said. “I’m going to make sure the salon is all set and check on theperformers.”
Needing answers, he said, “I’ll joinyou.”
As they made their way through the mingling guests, Kate bustled over. “Very nice speech. Some VIP’s are requesting face time with the master of ceremonies.” She shot Taylor a quick smile. “I’m so sorry to break you twoup.”
“I’ll catch up with you as soon as I can,” Jagger said toTaylor.
Before opening the door to the ballroom, she glanced over her shoulder at him. His chest tightened. Something was definitely wrong. Dammit, is she going to bolt on me…again?
11
The Emergency Room
Taylor hurried down the hallway,pausing briefly at the registration table to speak with David and Adele before entering the empty salon. Grateful for a moment alone, she crumpled into a chair near the back of the quietroom.
Her temporary assignment at Loving was ending. Tomorrow. And her heart was breaking. She’d been elated when Jagger had invited her into his suite because she’d assumed he was going to offer her the position, or tell her he didn’t want her to leave. When he’d gotten down on one knee, she’d almost burst into tears. Instead, he’d given her back her shoes. Leaping tothatconclusion had been humiliating and she couldn’t get away from him fastenough.
In a short amount of time, they’d forged a special bond. She shouldn’t have fantasized about being with him long-term, but she had. By doing that, she’d set herself up for heartache. As she glanced down, the sparkle from the bracelet caught her eye.Stop being selfish. This is Jagger’s big day and all I can think about is myself. I’m no better than Kate and I owe him anapology.
Steeling her spine, she shifted her thoughts to the task at hand. Her job at Loving wasn’t overyetand she owed him her utmost professionalism. The upcoming shows were the pinnacle of the resort’s grand opening. And she was committed to ensuring each went off without a hitch. Which meant, she’d stay and watch, no matter how uncomfortable shefelt.
“Excuse me,” said someone behindher.
Rising, Taylor approached a man wearing a suit, but no mask. “Are you here for theshow?”
“Taylor, I’m Dusty Whitner of Whitner Hospitality. I’m very impressed with what you’ve done for Loving Resorts and I’d like to discuss the possibility of your working forme.”
* * *
Jagger needed to find Taylor.The forty minutes he spent with his VIP guests was more than enough. Not even Kate’s evil eye could stop him. As he headed toward the salon, his phonerang.
“Loving.”
“Sir, it’s Enrique.” Hisconcierge.
“Everythingokay?”
“Robby was taken away in anambulance.”
“Call for a car. I’ll be there shortly.” Jagger hung up and peered down the hallway. David and Adele sat behind a registration table outside the salon. Rather than alarm the staff, he textedTaylor.
“Robby taken to ER by ambulance. No idea why. Headed there now. Keep this to yourself. Sorry to miss the erotic show with you.” He slipped his phone into his pocket and powered toward thelobby.
