Page 31 of Scandalous Lover

“My mom and aunt are flying in next week.”

“Oh, that’s great. Are they staying at the resort?” I probably would have heard about their visit to approve an employee discount, but it’s possible Maria, head of the front desk, took care of it instead.

“No. We…they…” he glances down at his hands and fidgets with the pen he’s holding. “They’re staying with me,” he finishes without meeting my gaze.

I can feel the energy change as he considers the predicament he just got himself into. By admitting that his family can’t afford to stay at The Sands, something that is understandable—it’s not a cheap place to stay, even with the discount—he thinks he may now be in trouble for having guests in employee housing.

“I’m sure they’ll love to see where you’re living. If you need extra bedding while they’re here, just ask housekeeping. Tell them I said it was okay.”

When his eyes shoot back up to mine, they’re shining. “Okay. Thanks, Sam. Do you think we could…”

He trails off again and I know exactly where this is going. I pull two keycards from the stash in my back pocket and hold them out. “These keys will get them into the ladies showers, locker rooms, and the pool area. You can access the gents with your employee card, and I’ll make sure it gets activated for pool usage.”

He takes the cards from me, holding them to his chest andbeaming like I just handed him two golden tickets. I guess in some sense I did. Being able to bring his guests to the resort to enjoy the pool facilities is a great perk of working here—and one that isn’t offered to everyone. It’s earned through demonstrating respect for the property and everyone on the island.

Nathaniel certainly fits that bill.

“Be sure to shoot me a message some afternoon when you’re all at the pool. I would love to come down and meet your family.”

He nods again, still gripping the cards to his chest. “I really appreciate that. Did you want to order something?”

“I do. Can you have a sandwich sent to my office?”

“Right away, boss.”

Dom finds me at my desk, signing department expense reports while enjoying my ham and avocado sandwich.

“You know, we’ve got tables down in the restaurant. You installed them yourself.”

“The guy who survives on leftovers eaten while standing over the trash can is lecturing me about working through lunch?” I bite back at him good naturedly, leaning back in my chair and smiling.

He just shakes his head, returning the smile.

You learn a lot about a person when you’re trapped on a tiny island running a business together, and what I’ve learned about Dom is that he’s just as solid a friend as he ever was. The guy may be gruff and hot-headed at times, but he’s got my back.

I wonder what he’s learned about me?

“What’s up?” I ask. Not wanting to get rid of him, but well aware that his time is spread just as thinly as mine.

“Dinner tonight. I put you and Naomi on the books at six.”

What the hell?

“Why?”

The word comes out too quickly, too harshly, and Dom’s forehead creases.

“Because she’s here alone and needs someone to talk to. She’s been through something in the last few weeks that’s shook up her whole life. I’m not totally clear on what it is, but I figured if anyone can offer her counsel, it’s you. You know I can’t do the mushy, helpful shit.”

I already know there’s no way out of this, but I can’t help but fight. “I don’t know much about the internet scandal world.”

“See? One golf cart ride and you already know more about what’s going on with her than I do.”

His statement is so final, like he’s just realized how perfect his plan is for setting us up for dinner. He’s going to leave if I don’t do something.

I stand quickly, drawing another side glare as he turns to head back out the door. “Why don’t you make it for four?”

I have his attention now. He turns back to me, arms crossed, eyebrows sky high.

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