Touch of Paradise

Aaron grabbed his son’s shoulder. “What are you doing?”

Brandon looked up at his father, affronted. “I’m going to show her where Trident lives.”

“You have to ask permission first.”

“Oh, right,” he said, looking contrite. “Dad, can I take her to show—”

“No, you have to ask her permission.”

The little boy turned to Rebecca. “Can I show you where Trident lives?”

“I’m sorry,” Rebecca said. “But I have a lot to do today. Perhaps another time.”

The little boy looked disappointed but nodded. “Okay. I’ll come back later.”

“No,” Aaron said. “You’ll call and make sure she’s free.”

“But, Dad—”

“We’ll talk about this later. Go.”

The little boy sighed, started to leave, then turned. “I didn’t tell you my name. I’m Brandon Wethers,” he said, holding out his hand.

“I’m Rebecca Cromwell.”

“Do you have any kids?”

“No.”

“Are you married?”

Aaron nudged him toward the door. “That’s enough.”

“My dad’s not married.”

Aaron shoved him a little harder. “Get out of here.”

“I’m just trying to help. Aunt Candace says women always want to know that about you.”

Aaron held up his hand. “One more word, and I will get angry.”

Brandon nodded, then waved. “Bye, Miss Rebecca.”

Rebecca grinned. “Bye.”

Brandon looked at her for a long moment, then tugged on his father’s shirt. Aaron bent down, and the boy whispered something in his ear.

“No,” Aaron said.

Brandon gripped his hands together. “Please.”

“Go home.”

Brandon made a face, then left.

“Your son is a character,” Kelli said, walking up to Aaron. “But he had the right idea. You’ve already met Rebecca, but let me introduce myself. I’m Kelli Davis.” She held out her hand like a canary offering herself to a cat. The red highlights in her black hair caught the light, and she lowered and raised her eyes in a way that made her interest clear. She had taken the time, during all the commotion, to make sure she looked presentable.

He shook her hand. “Aaron Wethers.”

She grinned. “It’s nice to know we have something in common.”

“And what’s that?”

She winked. “I’m not married, either.”

Aaron nodded, making no indication what he thought of her statement, and turned to Rebecca. “There’s no excuse for what just happened. Let me offer you a complimentary dinner and spa treatment at the VIP lounge.”

“That’s really not necessary,” Rebecca said, embarrassed by her assistant’s flirtation.

“Yes, it is. I was just made aware of the other troubles you’ve had since you arrived, and this incident with my son’s pet iguana is unacceptable. I’m looking into what’s going on.” He pulled out his wallet and gave her a card. “Just give them this.”

“You really don’t—”

His cell phone rang, interrupting her. “I have to take this. Excuse me,” he said, then walked outside.

Rebecca nodded and watched him leave.

Kelli snatched the card from her and studied it. “You lucky girl. A free dinner and spa.”

“You can have it.”

Kelli stared at her, surprised. “Why?”

He didn’t remember her. She’d hoped her name would have meant something, but saying it hadn’t triggered a memory. Not even a little. Of course, it had been ten years, but when they had met, it had been such a monumental moment in her life. She had hoped she’d made some impact on him. What was the point of trying to ignore him or show him how successful she’d become when he didn’t even know who she was? “I’ll be too busy to use it,” Rebecca said.

Kelli eagerly tucked the card away, as if she were afraid Rebecca would change her mind. “Well, if you’re sure.”

“I’m positive,” Rebecca said, then reached out and pinched her.

“Ow!” Kelli said, rubbing her arm. “What did you do that for?”

“Because you know I hate when you flirt in front of me. I don’t care what you do on your own time, but when you’re with me I expect you to be a professional.”

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I mean, don’t you think—”

“It doesn’t matter what I think. His family owns this resort and—”

Kelli started to fan herself. “Oh, yes, he’s Candace’s brother. Just my type.”