Page 29 of Dare to Surrender (NY Dares 1)
“Because we’ve been given the opportunity of a lifetime. There’s an exclusive island resort near the Bermuda Triangle. Eden.”
I shook my head. “I haven’t heard of it.”
Her eyes lit up. “Not many people have. The only way to get to the island is to be invited by the Master, who is the host.”
I shivered at the name Master, unsure of why.
“What does this have to do with me?”
“I’m getting to that. We’ve been offered first dibs to buy in and recreate one of our signature nightclubs there. Giving it its own unique stamp, of course. And I want you to manage the décor.”
She held out a folder. “Inside are photographs of our clubs and other information about what makes Elite … well, Elite. I want you to up the ante and help me create something beyond fabulous there,” Lucy said.
“But—”
“No buts allowed,” Lucy said, going on as if I hadn’t objected. “We have to go visit the island, so your invitation is in the folder along with travel instructions and tickets. Since I assume you’ll need time to buy island-appropriate clothing and organize yourself, you don’t leave until Friday. There’s an expense check in there for wardrobe since we’re taking you out of your element here. It’s a two-hour charter plane ride.”
I blinked at the part about the expense check. “I already have summer clothing.”
Lucy waved a hand dismissively. “Buy new ones anyway.”
My head was spinning, both at the speed of her words and the scope and breadth of her request. No, not a request, a demand, making me wonder if this was her usual MO or something Gabe had concocted to see me again. My heart sped up in my chest at the thought.
“I’ll meet you on the island,” Lucy said, answering my question about Gabe’s involvement. Even if he’d suggested me, this seemed to be Lucy’s show and not her brother’s. “Any questions?” she asked.
I shook my head.
“So you’re in?”
As if I had a choice? Lisa might be my friend, but even she would fire me for turning down this opportunity. Still, none of this made any sense. I didn’t have the expertise or the talent to take on this task even with the clearly formidable Lucy Dare to guide me.
“Lucy, don’t get me wrong. I appreciate the offer. And please don’t take this the wrong way, but if this is Gabe’s version of charity, you can assure him I’m doing just fine.”
Lucy tipped her head back and laughed. “Do you really think I’d risk handing over the biggest challenge of my career to someone my brother, at worst, feels sorry for or, at best, just wants to fuck?”
“Excuse me?” I tried to sound outraged, but the sad truth was, either was a valid possibility. And I appreciated her candor since I wanted to be the same in return.
Lucy propped a hip on the conference room table. “Look, my brother stepped in when my parents died. He made sure I wanted for nothing, from the material to the emotional, and I owe him for that. But even then, I wouldn’t jeopardize our reputation on a whim of his. But you’re no whim.” Lucy Dare met my gaze, confidence oozing from her in a way I envied.
I turned and looked out the windows, confused. My usual state when it came to Gabe.
Lucy came up alongside me. Actually, she towered over my more petite frame, and her body was even more slender and perfect than her undergarments had led me to believe. Just as I had when wearing her clothes, I wanted to hate the lithe, beautiful woman who, from outward appearances, was everything I wasn’t. But I knew appearances were deceiving, and life dealt blows and wounds nobody could see.
Besides, she was bouncy and nice and impossible to dislike. I let out a sigh. “Gabe was infatuated with me,” I admitted. “If nothing else, I’m still a challenge to him.” Not only because I left but because we’d never actually had sex.
She laughed. And laughed some more. “You really think that, don’t you? Oh my God, you are perfect. Listen. My brother believes in you. And after years of watching him in action and learning, I believe in him.”
I smiled at that, glad Gabe had Lucy in his life.
“Isabelle, he wants to give you this chance to shine. And I’ve looked into every client you had a hand in over the last three months. Not long, I know. But you do hav
e design talent, and I have the experience to guide you. Everything in life comes down to who you know and opportunity.” She picked up the Stella McCartney handbag she’d placed on the table.
“I—”
“Don’t decide now,” Lucy said. “Spend the afternoon reading the information about our clubs and Eden. If you think you’re up to the challenge, I’ll see you on the island on Friday. If not, let me know, and I’ll contact my second choice.”
I picked up the folder, intrigued despite myself. “I’ll seriously consider it,” I promised her.
