Heat Wave of Desire

Kimberly grabbed Robyn’s arm as she rushed past. “I thought I would come lend a hand. What can I do?”

“I have it under control.”

Kimberly glanced around at the upheaval surrounding her and raised an eyebrow.

“Kim, the event isn’t until 1:00 p.m. and it’s only...” she said, glancing down at her watch. “Nine. We have plenty of time to arrange the tables and the decor according to the vision I created in the presentation.”

“You can never have too much help,” Kimberly replied. “And remember how important this presentation is for us.”

“I’m well aware.”

Kimberly sensed Robyn’s annoyance with her constant questioning. At times it was hard to separate their friendship from work, but she wouldn’t be doing her job if she didn’t stay on top of her staff. “Where’s Gabby?”

“In the kitchen with the pastry chef,” Robyn answered as she rifled through a box. “They’re putting the finishing touches on the miniature dessert display.”

“Excellent, so what can I do?” Even though she was general manager, Kimberly wasn’t above getting her hands dirty if things needed to get done. To her, that was the sign of a good manager.

“Well, if you must do something,” Robyn said with an exasperated sigh, “why don’t you get started with the display of gift boxes I’ve created for the registration desk outside.”

“No problem.” Kim walked into the hall to the large table they had set up outside. There was an array of gift boxes and various giveaways. She took off her jacket, draped it over the back of one of the chairs and dug in.

She was knee-deep in stuffing the gift boxes with chocolates and one-of-a-kind charm bracelets from their on-site jeweler that she didn’t see Jack approach until he was standing right in front of her. Her pulse suddenly leaped with excitement. There was no denying the spark of attraction toward him. She was trying her best to ignore it, but it was hard not to be excited when the man was obviously interested in her. She hadn’t had the time or inclination for male company in a long time. So if she was honest with herself, it was nice to be wanted.

Jack was dressed casually in white linen trousers and a matching shirt, which highlighted his coffee-colored skin.

“What are you doing here?” she blurted out. Shouldn’t he be relaxing by the pool at this early hour? Why was he at the Plaza?

“Good morning to you, too.”

“I’m sorry.” She’d completely forgotten her manners. “Good morning. But the question is still on the table.”

“Is the ballroom off-limits?” Jack inquired. “Because I thought guests were welcome throughout the hotel grounds.”

Well, he’d just put her in her place. “I’m sorry.” How was she apologizing again in the span of a few seconds? “You’re right, of course. It’s just that we— I mean I don’t see guests in the ballroom foyer unless they’re part of the event.”

“And do you have an event coming up?”

She nodded. “This area will be closed off for a private event this afternoon.”

“Sounds exciting. Who’s it for? Or can’t you tell?”

Kimberly glanced around. It couldn’t hurt to share her excitement with Jack. It wasn’t as if he was involved in any way with the Dunham Foundation. “We have a presentation with a representative from the Dunham Foundation.”

“You do?” He glanced down the hall in each direction. “Are they here now?”

“Oh, no.” Kimberly shook her head. “Do you think I would be this calm right now with all there is to do?” She inclined her head to the mess of gift boxes and miscellaneous items on the table.

He appeared to breathe a sigh of relief before he said, “I guess not. Do you need any help?”

Before she could say no, Jack was already coming behind the table to sit next to her. “So what are we doing here?” he asked as he surveyed the assortment of items.

“We’re putting candy and jewelry in each gift box. Then we’re wrapping it up in a bow, like this.” She demonstrated one box to him. “But you really don’t have to do this.”

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to, so just accept that you have my company until it’s over.”

He didn’t know what he was asking of her or how hard it would be to sit beside him and act as if she was unaffected. He smelled woodsy and earthy and she just could breathe him in all day long. Instead she continued packing the goody boxes.

“Are you familiar with the Dunham Foundation?” she asked, trying to get her mind off him and on to other neutral topics.

He turned to her sharply. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, it just sounded like you were familiar with them.”

“I’ve heard of them.” He reached for a box and began stuffing.

“So you’re from the Los Angeles area?” Kim inquired.

“Roundabout.”

He sure wasn’t offering much information about himself. Was that what was attractive about him, the air of mystery surrounding him? “You’ve been at the Belleza for some time, but if you live nearby, why the long stay?”

He stopped stuffing boxes long enough to glance her way and smile. “Have I worn out my welcome?”

“Of course not. I love paying customers.”

“And is that all I am to you, Kimberly? A paying customer? You don’t strike me as someone afraid of taking chances. Please tell me you have the courage to admit there’s something between us?”

“Between us?” she asked with a slight edge to her voice.

He stared at her long and hard and her mouth became dry. He was calling her out, forcing her to confront what was happening between them like she’d done to Gabby. He wasn’t backing down and she was finding it harder and harder to resist him. Yes, he was a guest and although they had a strict policy of no fraternization, she couldn’t fight it anymore.

“I can’t deny there’s something between us,” she finally admitted aloud to herself and to him.

“Progress.”

He gave her a sideways glance as he returned to his task and closed the box.

She laughed and watched in surprise as he managed to tie a decent bow.

“What are we going to do about it?” He slid the finished product toward her on the table.

Should I go for it?

Her mind told her to stay away from him and play by the rules, but her body, her heart, told her to go for it and she did. “On Friday night we’re having our monthly tasting menu. You should come to the dinner. My best friend Gabrielle goes all out. It’s the highlight of her month, except perhaps today’s event because she really wants to impress the Dunhams.”

“I’ve no doubt you all will,” Jack said. “Because I’m sure you succeed at everything you do.”

“I certainly try.”