Zeke had left instructions with the owner to ensure the staff knew Kelly was in charge and anything she wanted would be at her disposal. She appreciated that, she truly did, but she couldn’t imagine what all of this was costing him.
She’d come to realize that it paid to have money and people on standby.
There was nothing she wouldn’t do for Luke and lying to get him here was something she would never regret...no matter how things turned out. Yes, she wanted him to cleanse his mind and get a fresh start back at work, but she wanted him to see her as more than his assistant and sometimes buddy. She wanted him to see her the way she’d seen him all these years.
With each passing moment, that was becoming a very real reality. Something was developing between them and she wasn’t sure if this was just a physical bond or whether there was more. The anticipation was part of the thrill and she couldn’t wait to see what today brought them.
But...the more she learned about Luke on a personal level, the more she wondered how difficult it would be to keep her heart out of the equation.
Kelly stepped out of her bedroom to find him waiting in the living area. He glanced up from his spot on the couch and came to his feet. She couldn’t help but laugh.
“Another new outfit,” she stated with a nod. “I hope you’re going to sport some of this snazzy wardrobe back at the office.”
He glanced down to the T-shirt that read “Don’t Worry—Beach Happy” and the bright pink shorts.
“These clothes will never make it back to Texas,” he growled.
“Aw, now you know that shirt would be a big hit at the next board meeting,” she told him. “Why be so predictable with a suit and tie?”
He glared at her. “Because I’m the VP and nothing about this is professional.”
“But it’s fun. Remember that word?”
Luke blew out a sigh and started toward the door. “You keep reminding me.”
&nb
sp; Kelly shoved her cell into the bag on her shoulder and stepped out of the bungalow. The warm afternoon sun fell on her face and she was so excited to spend the day frolicking with Luke without a care in the world. Her greatest fantasy was coming to life and, for now, she was going to enjoy the moment and not worry about what would happen once they left this paradise.
As they made their way to the front of the resort, a bellman greeted them and opened the doors to the white Jeep that awaited them.
“How the hell did you get a vehicle this fast?” Luke muttered as they got closer.
“Stick with me and you’ll have all the fun things in life.” She sent him a wink. “Just kidding. Zeke left his card and said I was to use it as I saw fit.”
Kelly circled the hood and jumped into the driver’s seat, thanking the resort employee for his help. When Luke settled in beside her, he turned to her.
“Where are you taking me?” he asked.
She put the Jeep in gear, so glad they had given her one with the top off, and adjusted her sunglasses.
“You trust me?” she asked.
Luke merely chuckled as she tore off out of the resort, heading for their day of fun.
Ten
Luke admired the beautiful scenery as Kelly maneuvered through the streets. The fresh air was a welcome reminder that he needed to get out of the office more. Lately, his usual days were spent heading into work early and going home late.
He tried to grab a run before or after the office at least four days a week, but sometimes that just wasn’t possible. On occasion, a very rare occasion, he’d get to the Texas Cattleman’s Club for an evening of drinking and darts with some friends. But lately those nights had been so few and far between.
Luke didn’t have time for fun and he sure as hell didn’t have time to be on vacation. But, he couldn’t ignore that the longer he was here, the more he was okay with the fact Kelly had conspired with his brother and kidnapped him.
There was still that guilt that seemed to have settled in deep. The guilt for being away from the office, the guilt for enjoying the hell out of this flirtation with Kelly, and the guilt that he still hadn’t found a way to save Wingate.
Luke glanced from the picturesque blue water to the woman in the driver’s seat. That glorious red hair blew all around her shoulders and face. She drove with a smile as she tapped her fingers on the steering wheel as if she had a steady beat in her head. He’d never seen her so calm, so free and spirited.
Something shifted inside of him. Something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. All he knew was there was so much more to Kelly than he’d ever realized. She was more playful, more alive, and vibrant...and a hell of a lot sexier than he’d ever imagined.