Page 9 of Just One Summer with the Grumpy

“No, no, I did,” I said quickly, feeling my face flush again. Why did it do that at the worst possible times? “It’s just that he…also rented a place on the island to give him and his bride a little more privacy for the honeymoon. Not all couples like hotels.” That sounded plausible, right? If anything, it seemed like something Ty would do.

“Hmm.” He seemed to buy it, pressing his lips together thoughtfully. “I wonder if we should offer that option in the package. When you find out the location of the suite, let me know. We’ll see if it’s in the budget.”

I hadn’t known therewasa budget for multi-million-dollar weddings, and that seemed like something the wedding planner should know, but I just nodded. “Of course. How long are you in town?”

“For the foreseeable future. The VP of finance is handling things in New York, so I’ll take the island shift. Make sure everything goes smoothly. We can’t have any mistakes.” His stare felt heavier than an elephant on my head.

An elephant on my head? This wasn’t a time for my brain to go kaput. Sure, Chase was attractive, but I wasn’t one of those fumbling females who swooned whenever an attractive billionaire bachelor walked by—especially one who also happened to be my boss and who held my entire livelihood and future in his hands.

Mostly.

I drew myself together and tried to look every inch the poised, professional employee he expected. “I know how important this is, and I assure you, I have everything under control. Your clients are in good hands.”

“I’ve heard that before. Almost word-for-word, actually. Let’s hope you’re the first to really mean it.” Chase started to turn away, then stopped. “Welcome to Isle de Pura Vida, Daphne Porter. I hope you enjoy your stay.”

FOUR

I wishI could say the day got better, but it didn’t. The shipment of chicken thighs from the States had turned out to have bones in them, which bridezilla—er, Kamia—had specifically condemned. Company policy stated the meat had to go through a specific sterilization process that didn’t exist here or on any of the nearby islands or the closest mainland, not that they even raised chickens here in the quantities we would need. It meant we’d either have to separate the meat from the bone ourselves at a substantial increase of cost in labor, which Chase would insist wasn’t in the budget, or inform the couple they’d be serving chicken thighs with—heaven forbid—actual bones.

The choice was easy. I spent all night in the kitchens, separating the meat myself. A few workers felt sorry for me and stayed to help, but even then, I stumbled back to my room at 5:00 a.m., completely exhausted and smelling like a butcher.

When I finally made it into the office just past nine, nursing a headache, a yellow sticky note waited on my stack of papers which, thankfully, no longer held my battle plan as I’d moved that to the security of my phone. I didn’t recognize the scribbled handwriting.

It’s after 8 and you aren’t here. I need a list of the excursions booked for our clients this week right away. I also want you to participate in several to get a feel for what we offer. Here are a few pamphlets. Maybe offer to take Kamia on one later today. She’s been complaining to every staff member she can find. —Chase

Double crap. Of all the mornings for him to come by on time. I stabbed the power button on the computer at my desk, which was surely from the 90s because why would they have updated technology in a multi-million-dollar corporation?

It took forever to load up. When it finally did, I grabbed the file and put the information together as quickly as possible, my fingers fumbling and my eyes burning from lack of sleep.

The last two names on the list made me stop.

Ty Symas and Veronica Loyal.

Seeing it in writing, all official, made my heart squeeze. I’d seen his name with mine so many times, it felt like betrayal to have it next to anyone else’s.

Good thing I’m here then,I reminded myself. I wasn’t here to please Chase. As much as I appreciated the pay increase and the tropical paradise, I didn’t intend to stay forever. This was only a step up to my real role in life—Mrs. Symas. That had to remain the focus.

I took my finger off the track pad and left the names as they were. A quick copy and paste, and Chase had the list.

I also want you to participate in a few to get a feel for what we offer.At least that sounded like he expected me to stay. With Chase watching my every move, fulfilling his request to entertain Kamia would best be done quickly. As tired as I was, a nap would have to wait.

I scanned the list, my eyes falling on the word “kayaking.” That didn’t seem too hard for a bride like Kamia, at least compared to the nature tour that required miles of hiking through a humid rainforest. And it would only take three hours, after which I could return home and crash without Chase judging my work ethic. Perfect.

I clicked on the excursion, used the company code to add myself to the list, and took a sip of the tea I’d grabbed this morning since there was no coffee.

It would be a long day.

I pulled the ugly orange life jacket around my chest and fastened it closed, wincing at the wetness that immediately soaked through my shirt. I’d opted for a light T-shirt, bermuda shorts, and sandals given the circumstances, and was immediately glad for it. Every kayak had at least an inch of water at the bottom and the seats weren’t much better.

“I have to sit in a puddle?” Kamia moaned next to me. She’d worn a pair of cropped white pants and a pink halter top.

“Better than swimming,” a tall tourist said with a laugh.

Kamia turned and her eyes widened. I could almost hear harp music and angels singing in the background.

“True,” she said softly.

He winked.

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