Rub It In (12 page)

“I never said you were.”

She grimaced.

Turning back to Xavier, he said, “Arrange for them to be transported to the main island. Please tell them to concentrate on their friend, that I won’t need them back again, but I’ll compensate them for the lost time.”

Marcy scoffed and turned away.

He ignored her. Xavier, apparently happy with his marching orders, turned to leave. Halfway across the room, he stopped short. He continued to face the door for several seconds, as if considering whether or not to mention whatever he’d just remembered.

Finally he spun slowly on his heel, a move that was definitely military precision.

“Apparently Paul and Christine heard some noises last night.”

Simon cut his eyes toward Marcy just in time to see the flush that touched her skin. Clamping onto the inside of his cheek, he fought hard not to grin.

“What kind of noises?”

Xavier’s eyes studied him, missing nothing. “Sex noises.”

Simon raised a single eyebrow. “Imagine that.” The sarcasm wasn’t lost on his head of security.

“A shirt and pair of pants were found on the bottom of the pool.”

Marcy’s spine stiffened. No doubt Xavier had known immediately that the clothes were theirs. He’d seen them wearing those exact items last night in the lobby. However, he was smart enough not to point that out.

Simon forced a noncommittal sound through his throat, afraid if he did more he’d burst out laughing. He shouldn’t find her discomfort funny, but he did.

“What would you like me to do with them?”

“Leave them on the pool deck. I’m certain the owners will come back for them eventually.”

Simon saw the sharp mirth that lurked deep in Xavier’s eyes. “Would you like me to pull up the surveillance footage?”

He had to admit he kinda liked this guy. Xavier had a wicked sense of humor paired with a competency that Simon knew he could trust. He was glad. After Zane had left, he wasn’t sure he’d find a head of security he’d feel 100 percent comfortable with.

“No!” Marcy exclaimed.

“Not necessary,” Simon said a little more slowly.

Xavier shrugged in acquiescence. “Between the fire and being short staffed, no one was watching last night.” He dragged his eyes slowly back to Marcy. “Good thing.”

She gave him a tight smile. “Isn’t it, though?” she agreed, leveling a daggered glare at Simon’s chest. He was definitely going to pay for this.

And something told him he would enjoy every minute of it.

12

S
HE
’
D
NEVER
BEEN
so relieved to see someone leave as she was when Xavier finally walked out the door.

The security system hadn’t even entered her mind when Simon had pulled her outside. How could she have forgotten that huge detail? Mortification rolled through her. She’d never been one for public displays of affection. She’d never understood the allure of sex in public places.

At least not until last night. She supposed the fear of being caught might have possibly added a layer of danger to the entire experience. But that was as far as she was going. And while some of their guests seemed to delight in their exhibitionist tendencies, she was not about to join their ranks.

Yes, she realized, the moment Simon had scooped her up into his arms and carried her off with the staff watching, everyone had probably known they were headed for his bed. The heated purpose in his eyes had been hard to miss. But that didn’t mean she wanted herself on display.

Sagging against the edge of Simon’s desk, she let it take the weight of her embarrassment.

“That was interesting,” Simon said from across the room.

“What was?”

“Watching you squirm,” he said, sliding in front of her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into the cradle of his body.

“I do not squirm.”

“Like an inchworm searching for the next leaf.”

She rolled her eyes. “How could I not have known you were a writer? Only someone who makes their living using words would say something like that.”

His eyes, bright and playful a moment before, became suddenly sharp and serious. “Because you saw what you expected to see. What you wanted to see.”

“What you wanted me to see.”

“Are we going to cover this ground again?”

She twisted her lips into a crooked line. He had a point. It wouldn’t do any good to rehash what was already done. But she wasn’t completely ready to let it all go. There was more he wasn’t telling her. And that bothered her. She didn’t like secrets. Especially her lover’s secrets. They’d come back to bite her in the ass before and she really didn’t want that to happen again.

“I suppose not. For now. But don’t think the conversation is over.”

Heat seeped into her skin where his hands spanned her hips. Her body tried to convince her to give in to it, to drag him back to the still-rumpled bed and forget everything else for a little while. But that wasn’t going to work. Not right now.

Shoving against him, she slipped out from beneath his arms.

“I’m going to make you a deal.”

“Does it involve letting me see what’s under my robe?”

“Not right now.”

“Then I’m not interested.” He reached for her, trying to pull her back to him, but she resisted.

“Oh, I think you will be.” She scooted away, putting the desk between them as a barrier. Without it, she didn’t trust herself to stay on course. “Why did you need me here?”

His eyes were shrewd as they roamed her face. She watched as he measured the distance across the desk, calculating whether he could reach her before she was out of range.

Rolling the chair in front of her, she added another layer of defense.

“I’m serious, Simon. Why was it so important to keep me here that you canceled the ferry and practically kidnapped me?”

“The book’s late and I needed these two weeks to get it finished. If I don’t, my editor and agent are going to draw straws to see who gets to murder me.”

Jeez, even now he joked.

“And I knew I couldn’t handle everything here and finish without you.”

Marcy ground her teeth together. Idiotic man. She wanted in on the straw draw, but she’d worry about that later.

“I’m going to ignore that you chose kidnapping me rather than telling me the truth. For now.” The flash of guilt that crossed his face was almost enough to make her forgive him. But not quite.

“I will take care of the resort so that you can concentrate on finishing your book—on two conditions.”

He looked at her warily but asked, “And what are those?”

“First, you understand that I will be leaving. Soon. I want this job in New York, and even if it doesn’t work out the next one will.”

She knew he was probably going to have the most trouble with this first one, which was why she’d led with it. And she wasn’t wrong. The muscles in his jaw worked as he fought against his initial instinct to argue with her. She had to give him credit for the restraint.

“Fine,” he conceded reluctantly. “As long as you leave open the option that you might want to stay.”

“Because we slept together?” She tried not to scoff. “Simon, I’m not stupid. You aren’t the kind of man who does long-term. And I’m not looking for a relationship.”

His face was stony, but he didn’t argue. “Second?”

“You can’t question any decision I make. If I’m back in charge, I’m back in charge. And now that I know you have other things to concentrate on, I want you to butt out.”

Simon rolled his eyes heavenward. “Now she wants me to butt out. I’ve been telling you for months that I don’t care what you do.”

“Bullshit. But that’s neither here nor there. I promise I’ll have power and water back up and running within twenty-four hours.”

“All right, but I have a condition of my own.”

Marcy eyed him warily. “What is it?”

He shook his head. “Uh-huh. I’m not telling you until you stop acting like I’m an animal about to pounce on you and come out from behind that desk.”

Marcy raked her eyes up and down his body. She realized it was probably a trap. But considering he was naked from the waist up, she’d done well to resist him as long as she had.

“Behave,” she admonished as she scooted slowly to the right.

He flashed her a smile, full of fake innocence. The minute he could reach her, he wrapped his hands around her body and pulled her against him.

“No going back to the way things were before,” he growled against her mouth as he crushed her lips with his. “I don’t care if you are working for me again. I need you in my bed. I can’t concentrate anymore. All I think about is you.”

Her knees went weak. Man, he was good. He knew exactly what to say to devastate her.

“You give me more credit than I deserve,” she whispered. “I couldn’t resist you to save my soul.”

“Thank God for small favors.”

His hands roamed restlessly up and down her body. They had no specific destination, touching, caressing, teasing wherever they landed. He pushed his knee between her thighs, pressing them open.

“One more thing,” she said, completely breathless from desire.

“Anything.”

“Be careful what you promise.”

A grunt was his only acknowledgment of her warning.

“I want to read it.”

He stilled. And pulled back far enough that she could see his eyes. He was surprised, she realized, and that surprised
her.

“Why?”

“Because it’s damn good. And I want to know how it ends. And because I’m a huge fan.”

He laughed, the warm, rich sound rolling through her chest. “Of course you are.”

This time she was the one reaching for him, pulling him against her body. She sucked gently at the pulse thudding beneath his jaw.

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

* * *

M
ARCY
SAT
IN
HER
OFFICE
. She had to admit it felt good being back behind the desk. She’d handled the problem of the construction crew. The group they usually used would arrive tomorrow. After contacting several plumbers and electricians and explaining the situation, she’d found two who had promised to have the problem fixed within the twenty-four-hour time frame she’d foolishly promised Simon.

They’d exceeded her expectations. The power had been restored the night before. And while part of her had been looking forward to sex with Simon by candlelight, air-conditioning and coffee had been much more important.

And when the plumber had water restored early that morning, Marcy had almost kissed the man’s feet. She would never underestimate the importance of a hot shower again in her life. Unfortunately, the reservoir system had been depleted and wouldn’t be restored again until it rained, but in the meantime everyone on that system had been moved to vacant hotel rooms.

And considering it was hurricane season, Marcy expected the reservoir to be refilled in no time.

Things were shaping up nicely.

The desk chair creaked as she sank farther back into it. For the first time in a very long time she didn’t feel stressed at work. She was…happy. And while it felt a little weird, it was also good.

Looking around her, she realized there wasn’t anything else for her to do. She got up and was just about to flip off the light switch and leave for the afternoon when her direct line rang.

Picking it up from the opposite side of her desk, she hoped the call wouldn’t take long. She had the sudden urge to spend some serious time on the beach. She wondered if Simon had finished his work for the day and might be persuaded to join her.

“Marcy McKinney, how can I help you?”

“Ms. McKinney, this is Richard Bledsoe from Rock Island Hotels.”

She knew perfectly well who he was. “Mr. Bledsoe, wonderful to hear from you.”

“I wanted to let you know you’re at the top of our list of candidates for the general manager position. Everyone enjoyed speaking with you the other day and we’re very excited about your ideas for expanding the hotel and filling our vacant spaces. We were impressed with the marketing campaign you put together for Escape, and the results.”

“I’m so glad to hear that.” Marcy’s heart fluttered uncomfortably inside her chest. She hoped he couldn’t hear the pounding tattoo through the phone.

“There are a few people on our hiring committee who raised concerns, since we weren’t able to meet with you in person.”

Marcy frowned. Damn it!

“However, I think I’ve convinced them that combined with a letter of recommendation from your current employer, the video conference should suffice as your final interview. If you can provide that for me by the end of the week, I can guarantee the position will be yours.”

Euphoria bubbled inside Marcy’s chest. Somehow, and she had no idea how, she managed to keep it down. In a calm, professional voice, she said, “I don’t think that will be a problem, Mr. Bledsoe. I’ll have Simon, um, Mr. Reeves fax it to you as soon as possible.”

She took down his fax number, handled the niceties and the minute the phone was on the cradle let out a huge whoop.

“Well, you’re certainly happy about something. Can’t be our miraculous return to civilization, since that happened this morning.”

Marcy whirled around. Simon lounged in her open doorway, his right shoulder pressed against the jamb, his hands shoved haphazardly into his pockets and a wide smile on his face.

It was hard to keep the excited expression from her own face.

“I got it.”

The light dimmed just a little in his eyes, but she hardly noticed.

“That was Mr. Bledsoe. He said I got the job. Well, actually what he said was that if you faxed him a letter of recommendation by the end of the week I’d have the job.”

She reached for his hands, pulling him along with her as she spun around her office. Everything she’d worked so hard for was falling into place. In a few short weeks she’d be back in New York, in the thick of things, managing a world-renowned hotel.

Her old boss could eat his heart out. Actually, she’d love to be a fly on the wall when he heard she was coming back. And to such a powerful position. No longer someone’s lackey, running errands, taking orders, being the scapegoat when things went wrong and getting no credit when everything went right because of her hard work. She was going to be the one in charge.

It took her a few minutes to realize Simon was far from as excited as she was. He moved with her around the room, but only halfheartedly.

She stopped, finally focusing on him. He wasn’t happy. But then, she really hadn’t expected him to be. The man had kidnapped her rather than let her leave the island. And, yes, she now knew the real impetus behind that move. She had to assume he still wouldn’t be thrilled when she left.

“I’m pleased for you. I know this is what you want.”

“I’m sorry, Simon. I didn’t think. Of course I won’t leave you in the lurch.”

“I know that, Marcy.”

She licked nervously at her lips. “You’ll send the letter, right?”

“Of course.”

She started to smile, but it just wouldn’t form completely on her lips.

“We both knew this wasn’t going to last.” She moved her hand through the space separating them.

Simon nodded. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean I have to be happy about you leaving. I need you, Marcy. I can’t finish my book without you here. I don’t have time to deal with anyone new right now.”