Page 72 of Paradise in Progress
Me: What the fuck?
No surprise, he messages back immediately. He must’ve been anticipating my response.
Xander: Don’t shoot the messenger.
Me: That’s exactly what I’m doing.
Xander: I have no control over the matter. Throw me under the bus if you have to, but Dad is planning a new project and he wants her back here.
Me: Why would I throw you under the bus?
Xander: Come off it, I know you two are more than what you’re letting on. I saw the Instagram picture.
In a moment of weakness—or a lust-filled haze—I posted a photo of her hand on my bare chest. Should I have done it? No, but there’s no way in hell I regret it. It’s not the first time I posted images of her. Over the last week, I’ve captured a few candid moments. Some I’ve sent and she’s posted on her socials, while others I’ve kept on my camera roll.Kennedy may be following me now, but at the time she wasn't, and I wasn't afraid to drop a comment or two.
Xander: She’s brought a new side out of you. Can’t say I hate it.
Me: Save the sentiments. How am I going to explain that she’s not going to get the accolades she deserves?
Xander: I don’t know, brother. That one is up to you to figure out. Like I said, I’ll be the scapegoat. Tell her while we appreciate everything she has done, I need her back in New York for her next assignment.
I huff out a breath and lock my phone before walking through the resort. It’s hard to believe that six weeks ago, we arrived to total chaos. Now the new entrance is complete, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The oversized columns that broke up the line of sight are gone, and in their place are beautiful wood support beams. Spread throughout the lobby are white fabric chairs and couches, with pops of coral and orange, which Victoria designed.
The resort feels like it’s finally come together, and now I have to tell the woman I love that she won’t be featured in the photos during the grand opening. As much as she needs to know, I want one more night with her before this blissful moment is broken.
“Hi, Destiny,” I greet our general manager, who is behind the front desk.
Her welcoming smile spreads brightly across her dark features. The woman is a huge asset to this location, and I’ll be speaking with HR as soon as I return to New York to give her a raise.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Nelson. Is there anything I can do for you?”
Rapping my knuckles against the cool counter, I say, “As a matter of fact, there is. Have you seen Kennedy?”
“Miss Kennedy is in the guest wings, helping out Mario and his team with making the beds.” Mario is one of our housekeeping managers. With all the furniture delivered and the rooms set up, I’m not surprised that Kennedy volunteered to help make beds. Although, I’ve seen her bed-making ability, and I hope she isn’t causing Mario more work.
“Thank you, Destiny. Have a great evening.”
“You too, Mr. Nelson. Will you and Miss Kennedy be dining at Lullaby Lagoon this evening?”
“We will.”
“Great, I’ll make sure they have your table ready.” We exchange a few more pleasantries before I head off in my search for Kennedy.
After ten minutes, I finally found her on the second floor halfway down the hall. She’s bent over a king-sized bed, her dress clinging to her perfect hips. I lean against the wall, arms folded across my chest, as I admire the woman before me. I’m not looking forward to her leaving and me spending the next however many days alone without her in my bed.
Kennedy is in the middle of wrestling a fitted sheet. Every time she tries to tuck it under the mattress, the other side pops off. Grumbles and curses leave her sweet lips as she lets out a deep sigh.
“You could help instead of standing there watching me struggle,” she sasses.
I huff a laugh as she blows a piece of hair that has fallen free from her claw clip. The curly red tendril refuses to leave her face, no matter how hard she blows it. With another exasperated sigh, she stands up and tucks it back into place.
“Having a bad day?”
She plants her hands on her hips as she shakes her head before she strides across the room. Our toes touch as she looks up at me. Even with the humidity causing the baby hairs around the top of her head to frizz out and the bead of sweat that has gathered on her upper lip, Kennedy Reed is the most beautiful woman I’ve laid eyes on.
Bending down, I kiss her. She relaxes into my touch and flicks her tongue against my lips. When I grant her the access she’s searching for, she lets out a low moan. Her hands slide up my chest, eliciting a chill down my spine, before landing behind my head. Kennedy toys with the soft hairs on my neck, making me hum into her mouth. If she’s not careful, I’m going to toss her on this bed and have my way with her.
Footsteps sound and Kennedy breaks free, her eyes wild and her cheeks a pretty shade of pink.
