Page 16 of Paradise in Progress
“I’m sorry, I was distracted at the fact you’re proposing a Podunk farmer’s market on a multi-million-dollar property.”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m proposing, you pompous ass.” Slamming her hands down on the desk, if looks could kill, I’d be ash.
“Okay, okay.” Xander stands, his voice calming but forceful as he tries to settle the air around the room. “Let’s hear your idea, Kennedy, because I really don’t hate it.”
Her glare doesn’t leave mine, and that’s when my eyes slip down to her heaving chest. I need to get a fucking grip. This is Kennedy Reed, my off-limits co-worker and rival.
With one final deep breath, her head turns to my brother, and she proceeds to direct her words to only him as if she’s removed me from the room. “After repairing the pavement, we could build a few covered pergolas that fit the island style with picnic tables set up underneath them. Local vendors could purchase an inexpensive permit which allows the company to make a little while ensuring our rules and guidelines are followed when selling their goods and services. This would allow guests to feel comfortable roaming the outside of the property since they are in an unfamiliar country. Safety to our guests and to locals should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds. By having a farmer’s market, it would allow those local bars to gain even more business.”
“By pulling tourist businesses away from the resort?” I question.
“No,” she answers, but doesn’t spare me a glance before continuing. “The resort is all-inclusive; therefore, we don’t lose anything since we already have the guests money. This would be the extra money they want to spend on the island.”
“Interesting,” Xander muses, nodding repeatedly like he’s considering this right now. “Can you come up with a few renderings for how you would design the extra space? I’ll pitch it to our CDO.”
“Absolutely.” She beams with satisfaction. “I’ll have it to you by the end of the day.”
Kennedy jots down a few notes in her notepad, and before I have a chance to think of it, words are spilling from my lips. “The end of tomorrow is fine, Kennedy. The business day is almost over, and there’s no need to stay late.”
With a terse nod, she goes back to writing down a few things. “I have one more suggestion.”
“Of course.” Xander nods.
Kennedy risks a slight glance in my direction. Reluctance has her gnawing on her plush lower lip. “As you know, we are the farthest resort from the airport, which might be a deterrent for some guests. What if we provided a drive there that was more fun?”
“We will continue with the private driver options,” I answer for Xander. For the most part, we are continuing the business model the previous resort had, with a few tweaks, to make it more successful. One of the options is that instead of riding a shuttle with up to ten passengers, guests can select their own private cars. It makes sense to offer an exclusive option for those who want a more secluded stay.
“Yes,” she bites out before taking a deep breath, still refusing to look at me. “But why not make all guests feel special? Our shuttles are nice, but guests have more than likely been traveling all day. They’re exhausted, hungry, and ready to start their vacation. Why not have the driver and one other resort staff on the shuttle, which would provide drinks and small snacks to our guests. We could also work with a local bar to allow us a stop for quick drinks. Guests can grab a local brew or cocktail to enjoy on their scenic route to the resort. The driver would pay for the drinks from our funds, which would encourage guests to join in. The shuttle would play music with island vibes, like a partybus. Party buses are huge in my hometown, and there's such a unique energy when you’re on one.”
“So once again, we are incorporating your small-time lifestyle into our luxury resort.” My eyes roll of their own accord. This is ridiculous.
“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting,” she snaps, turning to face me. Clearly aggravated, her finger jabs my chest. “If you want to stand out from the others, this is how you do it.”
Our eyes lock in a stare-off. Secretly, I don’t hate the idea, but I can’t let her know that right away.
“Send me over all your suggestions with the renderings, Kennedy. I think you’re on to something,” Xander interrupts, standing from his seat. “If that’s all, I’ve got a hot date tonight.”
“With your right hand,” I mumble, and Kennedy’s lip twitch.
“No, that’s you,” Xander adds as he leaves the room, and now I’m the one blushing, because he’s not wrong. It’s been months since I’ve gone out with a woman, much less slept with someone. Every time I go out to the bar to meet someone, copper-red hair and green eyes take over my subconscious. Kennedy Reed has ruined me.
Kennedy leaves right after my brother, and I’m not far behind them. I need a screaming cycle instructor to kick my ass and get my head on straight.
Chapter seven
Kennedy
“He’s the absolute worst.I don’t know how I’m going to be able to finish this project. He called me Podunk. Basically, I’m completely insignificant because I grew up in a small town,” I whine to my sister as I walk down the busy Manhattan sidewalks.
“You have two options,” my sister, Olivia, suggests from the other end of the phone.
“And what are those options, Liv?”
“You can either hike up your big girl panties and show him that being from a small town doesn’t make you less than him. Sure, we didn’t have luxury cars and designer clothes, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t as smart as him.” She pauses, and I’m waiting for what could be her other suggestion, since that one sounds like the right choice. “Or you could bang his brains out.”
“Olivia!” I practically scream, garnering looks from passersby. “I amnotgoing to ‘bang his brains out.’”
“Why not?” She barks out a laugh on the other end of the line. “It might do you some good. Plus, all that tension and animosity between the two of you would lead to some explosive sex.”
