Page 61 of Escape To Paradise
“Are you living in a resort?” I finally asked him.
“I own this resort,” he said confidently. “But it’s still under construction. You’ll see it tomorrow. It’s a private resort. Just a dozen private villas. I wanted all private villas to have a sea view.”
“Maverick, all this while, I thought you were just a bartender.”
“That’s just one of my hobbies for now. It’s the reason why I wanted to partner up with Julian. But he had other ideas. He wanted to sell houses, which was harder. I just wanted something less complicated. So, you know, private villas couples and families can rent short-term. I was able to partner up with a British businessman, but he’s out of the country at this moment.”
“Why are you running a restaurant if this is what you’re doing?”
“Essentially, this place is more passive for me. I just rented it out, and that’s it. But I plan on building a small bar-restaurant on the property for people who are renting. Maybe for locals, too. There’s plenty of space. You’ll see.”
“I hope you don’t mind me staying here for the night.”
“You can stay here for a month, if you have to. As long as you need. You’re welcome here.”
“Thank you, Maverick. I appreciate you.”
“There are towels and toiletries there. You can use them. And you’re free to use the pool.”
“Is there internet?” I asked.
“Yes, there’s a desktop inside the den. Feel free to use it anytime.”
“You’ve been such a kind person, Maverick.”
“Just let me know if you need anything.”
“I will.”
I went into the room and closed the door. I took out my nightgown from the weekend bag I had with me. I hopped in the shower first. The bathroom was clean and spacious with a tub and a walk-in shower. I decided to take a quick shower. The hot water felt so soothing to my skin. I just allowed the water to run down my body. I lathered myself with the small bar of soap that was in the nook of the walk-in shower. It smelled of lemon grass, which energized me.
I stepped out of the shower and patted myself dry. I slid into my comfy nightgown. I got thirsty so I went to get myself a glass of water.
Maverick was in the living room with his laptop. When he saw me, he said, “You’re not asleep yet?”
“How about you? It’s too late for you to be up.”
Maverick smiled. “I’m just reviewing a trade I made.”
“You’re into trading too?”
“Yes, stock options and forex. I just let them run all day.”
“You’re full of surprises.”
I went to get a glass of water and found that Maverick’s fridge was stocked with salad greens and vegetables. There was a water pitcher inside, and I found a glass in one of the cabinets. “You want water, Maverick?” I asked.
“No, I’m good. I’ll be sleeping soon.”
I went to sit across from him, totally forgetting I was wearing a skimpy nightgown. He glanced up at my leg briefly, and then went back to minding the laptop.
I drank the water. “Don’t you ever go on a break?” I asked him.
He put his laptop down.
“Come to think of it, I don’t. I’ve always been a workaholic.”
“I’ve been on that path before. I can tell you right now, it doesn’t end well.”
