Page 4 of The Reluctant Billionaire

Nessa paused, her always-busy hands stilling on the glasses she’d been sorting. “Staff members aren’t allowed to fraternize with resort guests.”

“Fair enough, but I’m not technically a resort guest, am I? I’m staying in one of the villas.”

She hesitated, then shook her head. “I have plans with some friends tonight.”

Jace smiled, not taking offense. “Maybe another night.”

“Maybe.” She tipped her head noncommittally.

“It’s been nice chatting with you, Nessa.” He stood, stretched his arms up toward the sky with a sigh. “Oof, been too long since I did any exercise. I’m stiff just from that walk.”

“Are you planning to walk back? Because it’s gonna be dark soon, and we’re up in the tropics here, we don’t really get a twilight period. It goes from full light to pitch dark very fast.”

“I’ve noticed that, watching the sunsets the last couple of days,” Jace agreed with a nod.

“You don’t want to be out on that trail in the dark. You won’t be able to see your footing, might take a nasty fall…”

“You worried about me?” He gave her a cheeky smile. “Don’t worry. I was planning on walking up to the main resort to see a friend who works there. I’ll see if I can get him to give me a ride back in one of the golf carts.”

“That sounds like a good plan.” Nessa found herself watching as Jace stretched again, the hem of his T-shirt riding up to reveal a flat, toned stomach… was that actually a six-pack? He was an attractive man, she thought a little unwillingly, even with shaggy hair and a scruffy beard. She liked her men a little more clean-cut normally, but there was definitely something about Jace. Maybe it was those hypnotic light blue eyes. “See you again sometime.”

“I certainly hope so.” He gave her another broad smile before turning and heading off toward the main resort.

Nessa watched him until he was out of sight, wondering if she would indeed see him again. She didn’t shake herself out of her reverie until a customer sat down at the bar and coughed politely to attract her attention.

Chapter Two

Jace ambled toward the main resort, taking his time to look at the beautiful surroundings, the immaculately tended gardens. The private cabins placed discreetly away from the path looked inviting; he thought he would rather enjoy one of those, maybe more so than the large, empty villa he was rattling around in at the moment. It hadn’t exactly been designed for one person.

Smiling at his own foolishness, he strolled on, his mind back on the woman he’d just met. Nessa was an intriguing, beautiful puzzle; he found himself disappointed she’d declined his dinner invitation, and not just because he was lonely for any company. She interested him far more than the women he usually met, glossy, corporate ladder-climbers in New York who seemed more interested in his position and connections than in him as a human. Nessa seemedreal; her honesty about her past only made him curious to know more.

Of course, her beauty didn’t hurt either, he acknowledged to himself as he walked up the white marble steps into the main resort. Whatever genetic mixture had produced Nessa, it had gifted her with the kind of traffic-stopping looks which would probably have made her a successful catwalk model if she were about eight inches taller. Her face was imprinted in his memory: those wide, light-amber eyes, high cheekbones and delicately pointed chin, full soft lips curved into a knowing little smile.

“Shake it off,” Jace told himself firmly. “She turned you down. She probably gets hit on twenty times a day, with a face like that.” He’d stop by another afternoon and say hi, maybe gently repeat the offer, and if she said no again, he’d accept gracefully and shut his mouth. Pursuing a woman who didn’t want to be chased was a dick move, and it wasn’t like he ever lacked for feminine attention. With his looks and money…

Jace snorted, chuckling at himself. The last thing he wanted Nessa to be was the kind of woman who’d be interested in his money. How would she know he had any, besides? And as for looks… he raised his hand, ruefully running it over his scraggly beard. If he wanted to impress Nessa with those, he was going to need to clean up some.

Entering the main reception, he paused for a moment to admire the glass-domed atrium, the shimmering marble floor, and the huge tank of tropical fish opposite the reception desk. Hunter Enterprises had spent millions of dollars on Sunfish Island, and the money showed. The main building was magnificent, beautiful architecture and artistic design everywhere the eye settled.

Approaching the reception dress, he returned the friendly smile of the young man who greeted him. “I’m looking for Luke Collyer’s office?”

“First floor, sir.” The man pointed down the marble hall. “Just take the stairs and turn left at the top.”

“Thank you.” Jace followed the directions and found a glass-walled office with RESORT MANAGEMENT etched on the door. Inside, a young woman was shouldering her bag and heading out.

“Oh, hello!” She blinked in surprise as she almost collided with Jace. “Can I help you?”

“I was looking for Luke, but he probably already finished for the day. Never mind, I guess.”

Blue eyes scanned his face, then the girl smiled. “You must be the friend Luke said might stop by. Jay, wasn’t it? You can go on in. Maybe you can get him to finish work at a reasonable time, for once.”

Jace didn’t bother correcting her, just thanking her as she gestured him toward the inner office. Rapping on the door, he pushed it open and leaned in, grinning.

“Hey, your boss says you’re working too hard.”

Luke looked up from the computer screen he was frowning at, a smile coming to his face. “I was about to say that I’m the boss here, but technically I guess you do outrank me.”

“I know I promised not to interfere in resort business,” Jace said, moving fully into the room, “but it’s come to my attention that my resort manager is working too hard, and you know what they say about someone who’s all work and no play.”

---