Page 22 of Mr. Romantic (Mister 2)

“All set,” I say. Claudette turns to look at me when her phone buzzes yet again. “Are you going to get that? Or are you going to let it buzz all fucking night?”

“Why do you need both men, Nolan? It’s a waste.”

“Because they have unique talents. Besides, Corporate told me they would build good synergy. That’s why he sent them. You know he’s not the kind of guy to send multiple candidates.”

“Exactly,” Claudette says. “So why did he send Ivy Rockwell?”

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “He thought she was cute?” I smile but Claudette just sneers at me. Her phone buzzes and this time I make a grab for it to force her to see the message.

She beats me to it, as I knew she would.

I watch her face process the message I know Travis sent. All of the many expressions that flash in an instant. It changes from angry, to puzzled, to shocked.

You know what I’ve always wondered? Why she believes all these accusations girls throw at me. Why is it so easy for her to believe everyone but me? Sure, I have had my share of workplace relationships. But I never did anything the women didn’t agree to. I never pressured them. I never got anyone pregnant. But Claudette has always been willing to see the dark side of me no matter who was making the accusations. Even back in college when all that shit happened, Claudette’s first words were, “We’ll get the best lawyers. You won’t go down for this.”

I never did anything wrong. That’s the part she never understood. She simply waved her hand at me and said, “Neither here nor there,” each time I proclaimed my innocence.

But it’s both here and there for me.

“I have to go back to San Diego.”

“Who was that?” I ask.

“It’s nothing, Nol. OK?” She smiles that fake smile I’ve become used to when people accuse me of things I never did. “I’ll handle it and be back as soon as I can.”

“OK,” I say. “I’m keeping both guys.”

Claudette waves her hand at me and walks over to the conference room door, opening it up wide. “Congratulations, Bram and Daniel, you’ve both got the job. We’ll meet again on Monday. Until then, please enjoy the complimentary facilities. Miss Rockwell, sorry. You’ve been dismissed. The jet will take you home tonight. Please pack your things and be in the lobby in—” Claudette pauses and looks over her shoulder to me. “When is she leaving?”

“They’re going to call. I’ll handle this. You go. Take care of whatever it is that’s so important you refuse to tell me about it.”

“OK.” She sighs. “Call me if you need anything.” And then she steps through the door and closes it behind her.

I won’t be calling. The only thing I need is some alone time with Ivy Rockwell.

Claudette called her suggestion to offer the rooms for free dumb. But I don’t think it’s dumb at all. There’s more to it, I can tell by the coy smile Ivy had on her face as she was talking. She has an idea. Maybe more than one. And she thinks it’s good.

I knew this resort was a risk when I bought the land but I figured I’d come up with something. The golf course and the spa. Those were my ideas. And while they’re not bad ones, Ivy Rockwell is right. They’re not enough to pull people in the way I need.

So now what?

I’d like to fuck her, that’s for damn sure. I can see the headline now—Mr. Romantic pounds preacher’s daughter. Maybe she’s wild in bed? Maybe she likes it in the ass? Maybe she was a little buttoned-up schoolgirl until college and then went crazy as she vented her sexual frustrations?

I wonder how well she can suck cock?

It amuses me so much, I laugh out loud.

But…

If I want her ideas about the resort, then she’s probably off the table for a kinky one-night stand.

Decisions, decisions.

Maybe I’ll just play it by ear?

The conference room phone buzzes, so I reach over and grab the receiver from the middle of the table. “Yeah,” I say.

“Mr. Delaney, Miss Rockwell is packed and ready at the front desk. She says you’re making travel arrangements?”