Page 41 of Kiss Me

“It’s a good thing you found me,” he says cryptically.

CHAPTER 10

Taehyun

“And your ankle hasn’t swollen up or anything?” Liza asks Tania who’s seated at our breakfast table next to the spacious window, overlooking the resort’s slopes.

Her leg is propped up on a wooden chair over a pillow with her crutch leaning against it. She’d insisted that she didn’t need all of that, but I reminded her that she needed to keep it looking real.

“It’s completely fine,” Tania answers, her phony smile planted on the lips that I spent hours kissing last night.

“I thought you were going to return at some point yesterday, at least to take the pain medication, but I didn’t hear from you. If I’d known where …” She breaks off and looks over at me. “Do you need your pain meds?”

“I’m great, Liza. Please, don’t worry about me and go enjoy your time here. Did you ever sign up for those ski lessons?”

I don’t miss the way Liza’s eyes dart across the room. A grin crosses my lips when I see that waiter with the red hair looking over at her.

What neither of them knows is that I’m aware he’s not just a waiter or regular staff member here at the resort. Somethingtells me, though, that Liza will soon find out, if she doesn’t already know.

“I’ll pick up the medication,” I say, interrupting the two women’s back and forth. Both glance over at me—Tania from her seated position and Liza from her spot standing across the table.

“I’ll grab the pain meds and anything else she needs for the next few days.” Because yesterday while Tania and I spent the day together, I made the decision that I’m not letting her out of my sight until my time here at the resort is done.

“A-Anything else?” Liza questions.

“Yes,” I answer.

“What if your dad calls me?” she asks Tania directly.

In business, I’m a man known for my patience. Dae and I both are. We can wait months and even years until the perfect opportunity arises.

But as I stand here, glaring at Tania’s assistant, I sense my patience waning. Right then, I make a decision.

I head in the direction of the red-haired waiter.

“Can I speak with you?” I ask as I pass him, moving to a part of the dining room where no one’s seated.

“Is there a problem with your meal, sir?” he asks like the perfectly trained staff of this exclusive resort he is.

“Yes, it’s a bit crowded.” I look over at Liza and Tania before pulling out my wallet. Opening it, I pull out five-hundred dollars.

I still keep cash on me for situations just like this.

“We both know this is nothing for you,” I tell him as I discreetly hand him the money. “But use this to take her …” I pointedly look over at Liza, “somewhere nice or to buy her something. Whatever the hell you do, just make sure to keep her occupied for the next few days.”

“Sir, I-I can’t.” He pushes the money way but his attention drifts over to Liza. Even a man with no situational awareness whatsoever couldn’t miss the longing in his eyes.

“Drop the dutiful employee act. You and I both know who you are. And I don’t care, nor is it any of my business. But she,” I nod toward Tania, “is my business, and she,” I look at Liza, “is getting in between me and my business. Take this.” I stuff the money in the pocket of the black apron he’s wearing.

“Add it to whatever allowance daddy gives you and use it to show her a good time.”

His face reddens but it’s not in embarrassment.

He’s pissed, which actually makes me like him slightly.

“I don’t need your fucking money,” he says, glaring.

“I know. We’ve already established that fact. But you’ll take it anyway and help me get rid of a nuisance.”

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