Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 158829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 529(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 158829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 529(@300wpm)
I feel myself going pale.
There’s no question about it.
A horseshit review from this woman blasted across the web could deal months of damage to Winthrope Lanai’s travel base, and even hurt my other new resort in Maui.
Never mind my reputation.
I can see Gramps now, showing up from London to rap me on the knuckles in his very British, very eccentric way that really means what the fuck are you doing to the company I founded, you little rat?
Shit!
I have to win this wildcat over, somehow, even if I have no idea where to start.
I grab my cell and call the front desk.
“Thank you for calling Winthrope Resorts. This is Shelly. How may I help you?” She picks up on the first ring this time and she doesn’t sound like the undead.
Progress.
“This is Brock Winthrope. If Piper Renee doesn’t have a breakfast package for her entire stay, make it complimentary, please. If she’s paid for a package, credit it back immediately.”
“Sure, no problem. Anything else, sir?”
“She’s a reviewer, Shelly. You understand? We need to pull out all stops after someone’s mistake sent me barging into her room. Use your imagination. Spare no expense,” I say, hoping this goldfish at the front desk has one.
“Um, I can do that...” She doesn’t sound confident. “Do you have any suggestions?”
“A basket with some goodies from the shops in town. A ten-pound bag of our signature peaberry beans from Wired Cup to bring home. A full day comped at the spa. Hell, all of it.” I sigh, hating that I can’t hide my frustration. “Help me out here. You must know the client base better than I do and their preferences for odds and ends. I’m not a good ass-kisser by nature, and frankly, I’m not sure what else to do.”
I wait as Shelly clears her throat.
“People love to get out and explore, don’t they? That’s kinda the whole charm of Lanai, lots of gorgeous beaches and places to go without the crowds on other islands. We could comp her one of the sightseeing tour packages? Or have the concierge arrange something special?”
“Now you’re thinking,” I say. Then I remember Piper’s foot and frown. “Except, I’m not sure how much she’ll be up to long walks for the next few days. Hold off on finalizing anything until I’ve investigated further.”
“No problem.”
“I’ll be in touch.” I cut the call and resume scrolling through Piper’s videos like the madman I am.
The place she kept raving about in Idaho was family owned. She advertises it as an authentic bed and breakfast.
Apparently, some local kid took her around to the best places and his mom made cheese-blanketed comfort food for every meal.
If her foot isn’t giving her hell, she’ll want a local experience.
Right. That’s something I can work with.
I just don’t feel comfortable trusting this to my staff.
When you’ve been top dog as long as I have, you find out fast that no one else is ever quite as invested in your shit as you are.
I know the island well enough, don’t I? I’ve been coming to Maui and Lanai since my balls dropped, and there’s nothing else pressing on the agenda.
If I have to play tour guide to Miss Snapping Turtle, so be it.
Yes, I’m not the best people person.
Yes, this could be awkward as hell.
Yes, I could just blow everything to kingdom come if I get under her skin deeper than that glass did.
She certainly made it clear I’m the last person she ever wants to see again.
Still.
The risk would be mine alone.
Win, lose, or draw, I’m not above rolling up my sleeves.
I don’t know if I can even talk her into doing this.
I just know I’m not trusting anyone else with this job.
Punching up my email, I send a note to my resort manager—the real one—letting her know to notify me as soon as the private elevator opens.
If Miss Renee is spotted anywhere else on our property, I want to know immediately, building in a fail-safe in case someone misses the elevator being used.
I should feel a little guilty going full stalker.
I don’t.
After five hours of fitful sleep, I wake up to three missed calls from a few minutes ago and my phone ringing again.
Groaning, I wipe my face with my hand and answer. “Yeah?”
“My shift just ended, but I wanted to make sure I got you, sir. She’s having breakfast at Café Oceannaire on the second floor. I comped her breakfast and left a note under her door to let her know, per your instructions. But I can’t tell you if she found it. She still looked rather groggy when she came down.”
“Thanks. On my way now.” I dart out of bed, fumbling for my clothes as I hang up.
In an alternate universe, I might enjoy the challenge of taming Piper Renee in a very different way.