I let my eyes adjust to the scattered cluster of lit cabins ahead. Trees and pathways separate them all, but it’s clear with one glance that they’re all about ten steps above the old accommodations.
“You did all of this in the past year?” If I weren’t afraid of bugs flying into my mouth, my jaw would be dropping to the ground at the sight.
“This isn’t even half of it.”
I can’t help but steal another glance at the ruggedly handsome man who I’ve had nothing but hateful thoughts toward since we were last together. He looks like he’s aged a few years, with his deeply creased forehead, darkened skin, and the added fullness to his beard. His thick, wavy dark-brown hair still carries streaks of gold.
For someone who loves this place, it’s obvious that the responsibility is weighing on him. Despite our differences and the way he treated me, my heart still squeezes for him.
“I can’t wait to see the rest.”
His strides are longer than mine, but I can tell he’s walking slower than his normal gait for my benefit. The fact that he hasn’t commented on my ridiculous heels by now is a clear indicator of how far apart we’ve grown since I left. He would always find any and all reasons to throw a jab my way, and while I always knew it was in good fun, I couldn’t help but think it meant something more.
After a year away from Anderson, I realize just how naive I’d been all those years pining for a man who couldn’t see a damn thing beyond the success of his camp. It was like he was always trying to prove something. And now that he’s that much closer to having all he’s ever dreamed of, I have a sneaking suspicion that it won’t be enough.
“This is it.” He gestures to a brownish-gray cottage with a tall, narrow roof and white shutters. “It’s yours for the length of your stay. You’re all stocked up with linens and towels, and if you need to use the laundry room, feel free. There’s food in the fridge, but help yourself to anything in the staff room and cafeteria kitchen. Anything else, let me know.”
I pinch back a smile at the awkwardness of it all and step past him. “Thank you, Anderson. I’m sure everything is perfect.” I start to make my way up the short staircase before looking over my shoulder. “When would you like to get started?”
He shakes his head slightly before his eyes lock on mine again. “Well, before I knew it was you who was showing up, I thought we could talk over dinner tonight and hit the ground running in the morning. But since we already know each other—”
“Dinner sounds great,” I snap, my eyes sharp on his. “We may have a history, but you hired me to do a job. I expect you won’t treat me any differently than you would whoever had shown up.”
He shakes his head, as if ashamed. “Of course. I didn’t mean to insinuate that I wouldn’t. It’s just”—his eyes dart between mine—“you didn’t choose to come back here, and I would hate to make you any more uncomfortable than I already have.”
A cynical laugh bubbles up my chest. “It’s a little late for that, don’t you think?” I start to take the last step while muttering under my breath. “About a year too late.”
“What do you mean you just got there?” Dexter’s irritation seeps through his confusion. “I thought you left on the first ferry out this morning.”
I cringe, happy that Dexter can’t see me now. If only he knew the mental torture I’ve been through today. The moment I stepped on that ferry in Anacortes, the memories of my past in Orcas Island hit me like a ton of bricks. I practically had a meltdown in the bathroom most of the ferry ride through the San Juan Islands, and then once I finally stepped foot on the island, I felt as though I was moving through quicksand.
Dexter also doesn’t need to know the number of times I almost turned around and fled back to Seattle. How was I going to face Anderson again? Not only that, how was I going to spend two whole weeks with him? I’ve always believed that all things come full circle, but I didn’t believe it would happen like this.
I fall back onto the plush queen bed and stare up at the wood-paneled ceiling. “Everything is great, Dexter. Don’t worry, okay? Anderson Bexley and I go way back. He knows what I’m capable of. And he’s ready to hit the ground running right away.”
“Good,” Dexter huffs. “I’m heading out to that dinner cruise with Mallory and her new client. I expect your first daily report tomorrow.”
I wrinkle my nose at Dexter’s attempt to micromanage me. “You can expect my first weekly report on Friday, Mr. Van Clark.”
“It wasn’t a negotiation.”
“Oh, I’m not negotiating. You sent me here to do my job, and I can’t do that if I’m spending half my week filling out reports.” I rethink my tone and aim to soften it. “Trust me, Dexter. Please.”
A loud sigh blows into the speaker. “As you wish. This is your project. Handle it however you want.”
A smile spreads across my face at the surprisingly easy win. Dexter doesn’t usually back down so fast. I was prepared for battle. “Thank you.”
I bite down on my lip, suddenly wishing I had gone over to his place last night when he’d invited me. Our quick office hookup wasn’t enough to satisfy me for two whole weeks. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself in my relationship with Dexter, it’s how ravenous I am for a good sexual release.
“Can we cut the business talk now?” I snuffle the desire that burns in my core to focus on something he’d said earlier. “I’d much rather hear about this dinner cruise you’re going on tonight with Mallory.”
“You make it sound like she’s my date. The yacht belongs to her clients, and we’re just taking a cruise around the sound.”
I can picture his narrowed eyes that come with every scolding. “Sounds romantic.” My bitter slur earns me a laugh.
I stew over the fact that Mallory’s client should be mine. I spent countless hours creating the perfect presentation that I was certain would knock the prestigious Seattle jeweler off his feet. I’m certain he was ready to choose me for the job too. That is, until Mallory strolled in with her newly purchased diamond-studded bracelet that she’d bought from his shop the day before. Dexter’s response to my lost opportunity: “You could learn a thing or two from Mallory.”
“You’re jealous.”
His accusation ignites my defenses. Not once have I questioned Mallory and Dexter’s relationship, which—now that he mentions it—is a little strange. Most women would be fuming at the thought of their secret fling spending an evening on a yacht with their biggest nemesis. I simply despise the woman.
“That’s not it at all. I’m still bitter about losing to her. That’s all.”
“Good,” he snaps dryly. “Jealousy is a game I have no time for. And that bitterness will only challenge you to do better next time.”
My eyes roll to the back of my head. I almost forgot how patronizing the man can be when we’re on the phone. Dexter and I are either together at work or at his place, so this isn’t a frequent occurrence, thank goodness. He’s so damn impatient and straight to the point. I like to think it’s one of the things he’d seen in me when we first got together. I made him laugh, and he taught me how to navigate the corporate world.