Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73963 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 370(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
But the warm, fresh air is soothing, and the sound of the water makes my eyes heavy. So, before long, I set my book aside and just lazily watch Max swim his laps and the ocean waves beyond. I don’t remember the last time I felt this pampered, this relaxed.
This treasured.
I admit, Max did good. He listened when I said I needed a break, and he gave me exactly what I dreamed of: sunshine, a book, and a frosty beverage.
I wonder if we’d be in the Maldives if that’s where I said I wanted to go.
Probably.
I also wonder if women have taken advantage of Max in the past. Or tried, anyway. I’m sure they have, although I really don’t want to think about Max with other women. I mean, I know he wasn’t a recluse when he left town all those years ago. There have been other women.
Ew.
I just don’t want to think about it.
I shove the thought aside and settle in to doze and enjoy the view.
I never fall asleep, and a short time later, Max comes walking out of the pool. Thank the good Lord I’m awake to see that magnificence.
The water sluices down his toned body, making my mouth water. I wonder if I can convince him to go back to his condo with me so we can get naked. It is vacation, after all.
“You look—”
“Lazy?” I ask with a grin. “Spoiled rotten?”
“If this is your definition of spoiled, we have more work to do,” he says, shaking his head.
“I know this is probably small potatoes for you, but it’s a big deal for me,” I remind him. “How long have you owned this place?”
“The resort, or the condo?” he asks with a sly grin.
“You own the whole resort?” I squeak, sitting up in surprise. “Jesus Christ, Max.”
“I bought the condo about four years ago. I wanted a little getaway that wasn’t too far from Montana but was warm in the winter.”
“This fits that bill.”
“I liked the all-inclusive style of this place. There are six restaurants on the property, along with a spa, and charter services for fishing. All kinds of stuff. And half of the property, where my condo is, is privately-owned, while the other side has nightly rentals.”
“Smart,” I say, nodding. “Very smart. This would be a beautiful spot for weddings or reunions. Honeymoons. And I bet those who don’t want or can’t afford to buy a condo but want luxury love coming here.”
“Exactly,” he says. “It’s a notch above a Super 8.”
“A notch or two,” I say with a laugh. “Now, tell me about owning the whole place.”
He shrugs a shoulder as if it’s no big thing.
“It discreetly came up for sale about two years ago. The owners were headed to bankruptcy. I didn’t want it to be sold off and changed. I think this place is special.”
“Were they headed for bankruptcy because of personal reasons, or because the resort was sinking them?”
He tilts his head. “I’m a shrewd businessman, Willa. The resort is turning a nice profit annually. The previous owners mismanaged their money.”
“I never doubted you,” I say and stretch my arms high above my head. “From what I’ve seen of it in the couple of hours we’ve been here, I love it.”
“I’ll show you more,” he promises as he checks the time. “I wanted to get you out to the pool ASAP. But now, we have to go because you have an appointment.”
“I do?” I frown and sip the last of my Coke. “With whom? Are you going to make me sit with your in-house real estate agents and listen to a spiel about becoming an owner in exchange for my stay here?”
He laughs and shakes his head. “No, smartass. I have you set up for a few hours in the spa.”
I feel my eyes widen in surprise as I stand next to him. Before he can tug his shirt over his head, I launch myself into his arms and kiss him hard.
“You’re the best,” I say, brushing my fingers through his hair. “And not just because of all of this. You’re so damn thoughtful and good, Max.”
“Don’t say that too loud. I don’t want the employees to hear you.” He grins and drags his fingertips down my cheek. “You deserve all of this and much more, Wills. But for today, it’s going to be lazy pool sitting and pampering at the spa.”
“Thank you.”
I take his offered hand, and he leads me into the main building, up one flight of the grand staircase, and to the end of a hallway where water falls on either side of wide, glass doors.
Grandview Spa.
“You’ll see why it’s called that in a minute,” he says with a wink, then opens the door for me and leads me through a lobby with another water feature and shelves full of skincare for sale. “When you’re finished, you’re welcome to shop through here and take anything you like. Just let Sarah know.”