Page 41 of Last Resort

That would be a good enough answer for almost any woman who’s had the pleasure of experiencing it with me. Every woman, except for her.

I know why it bugs me, any man would, but what I can’t put my finger on is why it’s sexy as hell too.

Being denied.

Being challenged.

Having to work for something I’ve never had to work for before.

Hell, I walked into that suite that first night wanting nothing more than some good sex with the woman who intrigued and challenged me at Club Coquette. Now I’ve set it up so that I’m essentially living with her, seeing her, and being tempted by her every goddamn day.

Something is definitely wrong with me, because the answer to my own question is, yes, I just fucked myself.

There’s no way to rationalize it. No way to make me feel less crazy because there’s not an ounce of logic to it. I had her. I wanted her. I swore I wouldn’t let myself have her. And now I’m determined to have her again.

There.

I said it. (Again.)

Now what to do about it.

Answering the fucking question would be the logical thing to do but what’s the answer? I can’t promise her the promotion with Roz because I have no control over that. I can’t offer her a job at S.I.N. because then she’d be fucking her way to the top. I won’t give her money and she said she didn’t want that.

So what the hell does she want? What’s her angle? The woman clearly still wants me as much as I want her. That want isn’t in question. It’s the why and the how and fuck if I know how to satisfy her to get it.

In any other situation I’d think I’m being played, but she’s not playing me. She’s dead fucking serious.

What do I get out of it?

I take another sip of my coffee and lift a hand in greeting to a staff member coming down the pathway across from me.

So yeah, I’ll play this game of hers, but I’ll add my terms too. After all, every great negotiation has to have two opponents. She’s not the only one who can touch and entice and then withhold the endgame.

I’m already screwed as it is, so I might as well go all in. If I have to suffer, she has to suffer too.

“Morning,” I say to no one in particular as I walk into the shared office space on the way to my own private one. I keep my eyes focused on my phone, pretending like I have a very important text I’m reading. I know Sutton is there, can smell her perfume and feel her eyes on me, but I don’t look up or even acknowledge her.

If there’s one thing I’ve found, it’s that ignoring someone makes that person want you even more.

She wants to play? Let’s play.

Greetings are muttered back as I take a seat at my desk. It takes a few seconds before chatter resumes, that cautious fear that the person in charge will get upset if people are talking wanes with each passing minute.

“So that’s the plan?” Brady asks, his voice outside of my office.

“You say that like it’s a bad plan,” Sutton says.

“Not bad, no,” he backpedals. “I’m just trying to figure out how you’re going to complete that action list you have taped to the wall behind you that looks like it’s a million miles long while going out and doing all of these things.”

“These things are what’s going to make Ocean’s Edge stand out and be more attractive. I have to see what everyone else offers that we don’t. Only then can we make ourselves better.”

“And you plan on doing this in the two-month timeline you’ve given yourself to turn this beast around?” There is doubt laced in his voice, and I wish I could see Sutton’s expression because I’ve no doubt she’s shaking her head, already on the defensive.

“The financials won’t be turned around in two months, Brady. You and I both know that. But there will be a plan in place for you to build on a stronger foundation by then. The staff should be happier with the new pay structure we’re going to offer, the amenities will be more competitive with other resorts, a change in design esthetic will be underway, and a bolder, more attractive marketing plan will be in motion.” There is a pause as if she’s doing something, and then she continues. “Almost all of those things can be done from right here in my chair, but not the amenities part. That part I need to experience, so I can compare with what we have.”

“I wasn’t questioning you,” Brady murmurs.

“I know you weren’t,” Sutton says, and I can hear the reassuring smile in her tone. “I’m fine with being challenged and questioned. That will only serve to make this revamp more successful. Don’t ever worry about that.”