He chuckled as he hauled his luggage into the trunk of the rental car. Cat was definitely a sexy distraction. In the five years of traveling for his job, he’d maybe gone to bed with a woman a handful of times. They’d known it was a passing fling and meant nothing beyond two people enjoying each other’s company.
Being with Cat didn’t have that same casual feel. No. In this case, he’d need to tread lightly. He was drawn to her in an inexplicable way, but she was coming off an insane break-up. Devastated, she was understandably cautious, and he’d respect that. By the same token, he wanted to see her again. Had to see her again.
Nic had ten stops planned for the day. In the morning, he had appointments with buyers and general managers of resorts and hotels. Later he’d meet with bar and restaurant contacts. He only had a few new wine varieties and one flavored vodka to talk about. Nevertheless, it was always good to get facetime with folks and make sure they were happy with their level of service.
Every once in a while, Nicholas was thrown a curve ball. A shipment was wrong or late, and he’d hear all about it. He’d learned quickly not to take it personally, and do his damnedest to fix the problem. He hadn’t lost a client yet. That might be another reason the company paid him so well. And promised him a Regional Manager position.
After a handful of successful morning meetings, he arrived at his next appointment just before lunch—Sandos Antigua Resort. Raquel Domingues greeted him immediately. She was part-owner of this posh resort with her husband Rocky. They’d been long-time customers, and over the years Nic had learned Raquel was a huge flirt.
“Nicholas, darling, you made it.” She approached him in a snug, short black skirt and a pale-blue silk button-down blouse. The length of her necklace dipped down into her cleavage. Her sun-kissed skin made her look vivacious and sexy. No doubt about it.
Nic leaned forward, allowing her to kiss each cheek, while scanning the lobby for signs of Rocky. “Good morning, Raquel.”
“Come. Let’s go to my office and chat.”
He followed her, asking, “Will Rocky be joining us?”
She glanced back and grinned. “No. Does that bother you? He’s meeting with the landscaper about a retaining wall on the east side.”
He grinned back. “No problem at all.” She was essentially harmless. All flirt, no action. But most importantly, married women were off-limits.
She motioned to a chair—two were situated in front of her large wooden desk—and closed the door behind her.
“So, you look well. Have you been working out?” She stroked his upper arm.
He smiled, unconcerned by her touch. It was an inoffensive gesture, one she’d used several times before. “I do what I can.”
“Good for you. It’s hard sometimes, making time for the gym when work demands your attention twenty-four-seven.”
“Raquel, you’re doing great. Whatever you’re doing keep it up.” It wasn’t shallow flattery. The woman loved to hear compliments and was likely fishing for one. Nic would need to be careful that she didn’t read too much into it.
She smiled broadly before pushing paper and knick-knacks out of the way on her desk, leaving him room to display his liquor bottles.
“So what yumminess do you have for me today?”
One at a time, he opened the wines, pouring samples, and discussing the nuances and pairings of each. Raquel savored the wine as it was a favorite of hers.
“These are delicious. I especially like the cabernet, maybe with a steak or beef entrée.”
He nodded.
“I’ll take several cases.”
“Great. Lastly, I have an orange-cranberry vodka that’s getting lots of rave reviews.”
He lifted the bottle from his case and she stopped it, raising her hand. “Hang on. Have you had lunch?”
Nic made it a policy to eat, whenever possible, at his customers’ establishments. He thought it was only right to reciprocate the business. “Not yet.”
“Let’s go to the bar. I actually want Julian to try it.”
He nodded and stood to pack his bottles. Nic wasn’t surprised by her request. Julian was the head bartender and would weigh in on buying decisions frequently.
Raquel looped her arm through Nic’s and led him toward the front of the building where the bar was open for lunch and dinner. The space had an understated opulence meant to cater to the well-off clientele at Sandos. It had a long Cuban Mahogany bar with a gleaming Lucite counter, clothed tables topped with votive candles, and windows with shutters only cracked open an inch or two. Unlike the rest of the décor in the resort—light, airy, and colorful—the bar had a dark, sophisticated polish that made you want to relax with a glass of whiskey and savor life for a while.
Raquel leaned against the bar, waving at Julian.
“Hi Raquel. Nicholas, how’ve you been?” Julian offered his hand.
“Great, Julian. Good to see you.”
“Nico—” Raquel started.
This was the first time she’d used a nickname for him. He ducked his head and opened his case to hide his surprise. The tiny hairs on the back of his neck curled.
“Has a new vodka he wants us to try.”
“Excellent.” Julian reached beneath the counter and retrieved three shot glasses.
Nic poured, then set the bottle in front of Julian to peruse. They toasted and sipped.
“Strong.” Julian nodded. “Powerful polish.”
“I agree,” Raquel chimed in. “Tastes expensive.”
Nic turned the price list in their direction.
Raquel lifted her perfectly shaped brow. “What do you think, Julian?”
“I say we give it a try. I’ll play with it and see what specialty cocktail I can mix up.”
“Super.” She faced Nic. “Put us down for a case.” Her hand went to his upper arm. “Now, how about some lunch?”
Julian handed her two menus.
Nic lifted his case and followed her to an empty table in the back corner.
“What would you like to drink?” she asked, situating her blouse collar.
“Iced tea, please.”
The waitress greeted them.
“An iced tea for our guest, and a white wine spritzer for me. Julian knows how I like it.”
“Very well, ma’am.” The waitress smiled and pivoted toward the bar.
They quietly scanned the menu. He still had a full day and opted for a salad so he wouldn’t feel weighed down.
“You look well. How’ve you been?” Raquel asked, relaxing into her chair.
“Thanks. I’ve been busy. I’ll visit about twelve islands in the Lesser Antilles this trip.”
“Wow. Good for you. I hope your company appreciates you. You are a definite asset.”
He smiled, not entirely sure what to make of her comment.
After they ordered, he asked, “How are things going for you? I like the new sign.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Yeah, finally got Rocky to agree to the expense. I helped design it, and I love the finished product.”
“Looks good.”
“Otherwise, nothing new to report. Same ol’ same ol’.” She sipped her wine. “I was actually looking forward to your visit.”
His senses went on high-alert. Before he had an opportunity to ask what she meant, the waitress set down their entrees.