Page 9 of The Billionaire's Secret
“I’m not pregnant,” I blurt out.
“I didn’t ask,” he says, a muscle working in his jaw like he hates that thought.
We fall silent and as I’m walking across the beach, I learn my shoes are completely impractical.The heels sink into the sand and I’m wobbling.I pause and hop on one foot attempting to remove them.
I list to one side.
“Stop,” Locke says and kneels.“Lift your foot.Brace on me.”
I’m afraid if I do that…if I put my hand on his shoulder…if I feel the broadness of him…
He glances up then takes my wrist and places my hand on his shoulder.I force myself to keep my hand still.“I can do it,” I say.
“Hold still,” he says, his voice clipped.
His fingers are gentle on my ankles, his movements slow and careful.My nerve endings tingle.I want him to slide his hand from my ankle to my knee and up to my thigh.Foolish thoughts to want him as a lover.
From a distance to anyone watching, we probably look like a couple.Like lovers.
Locke as a lover…my stomach tightens painfully which doesn’t help the queasiness.
He finishes, then stands and holds out my shoes.“Follow me.”
I take them while feeling pathetic for being attracted to Locke.I didn’t expect that.Being used by Doug was enough of a wake-up call for me and I thought it made me immune.I was so wrong.I hadn’t figured Locke’s magnetism into the equation.
“The island is fairly small and most of the employees live at the resort,” he explains as we resume the walk.
He moves swiftly and I rush to keep up with his long strides.As soon as we’re off the beach, I lean against a tree so I can slip my shoes back on.
“Need help?”he asks.
It’s best if he doesn’t touch me.Ever.“No,” I say, smiling politely.I need to focus on the job.Focus on this place.
From the shore, the island appeared uninhabited.The resort blends into the surroundings.It’s quietly luxurious rather than bold or pretentious.
As soon as the glass doors whisper open and we step into the foyer, a woman introduces herself as Jade, the front desk manager.She smiles too widely, acting too agreeable to everything Locke says.Clearly flirting.
Could she be any more obvious that she wants him?
***
The meetings drag on for hours as Locke shares the resort’s profit and loss statements, then addresses areas where the hotel falls short of expectation.
Most of the managers and directors are yes-men and yes-women and quickly agree to make necessary changes.
“Next, there are some questions to be answered for the financial audit team.”Locke looks at me.“Which departments?”
I skim the checklist his grandmother sent.I’d flagged some things that weren’t adding up.“Personal…the number of employees was lowered but the payroll amount never changed.”
Locke frowns.
“Then food and beverage have some discrepancies with orders,” I say.“Let’s see…guest relations…the manager notated a lot of customer chargebacks.”
Locke looks around the table, then frowns.“Why isn’t the guest relations manager here?”
“That would be Ken,” one of the managers says.“He’s dealing with one of the VIP guests who constantly wants his room comped.Like every time he visits the island.”
Locke’s eyes narrow.“Constantly?Then why is he a repeat guest?”
