Page 42 of The VIP Package

Inviting her into my bedroom, for Christ’s sake. When’s the last time a woman stepped foot inside my home? Or the last time I laughed with a woman, let down my guard like I have the past twenty-four hours?

I know the answer to that. Thinking of it now swells the lump in my throat to something the size of a softball.

Pounding a hand on the control panel, I remind myself of the one rule I live by. The rule I don’t ever break.

“Feelings aren’t part of the equation.” I say it out loud, so I’ll fucking remember.

The sun’s going down by the time I get back to my house. I wasn’t lying about tomorrow’s meeting, so I spend a few hours preparing. The legal team representing Holyfield Properties is spending the week in Negril assessing a resort I’ve recently purchased. Meeting them there gives me a chance to go over my vision for the property, and to review the details of keeping sex work safe and legal at my Jilted Brides Honeymoon resorts.

I’m re-reading a clause on vacation pay when it dawns on me. I’ve failed to alert Kora Neville to Camille’s presence on the island. She and her wife live just down the beach from the guest quarters, and I don’t want them alarmed by a stranger’s presence.

At the risk of interrupting their vacation, I dial Kora and explain.

“I’ll be delivering most of her meals, but I’ve granted her access to the kitchen at Halcyon Bistro,” I conclude. “She shouldn’t cause any trouble, but I wanted you to be aware.”

“She’s here?” Kora sounds taken aback. “On the island with us?”

“She passed the background check.” That’s standard procedure with all Crystal Bliss guests. “She’s not violent or dangerous or?—”

“That’s not why I’m concerned. It just seems inhospitable not to welcome her.”

“She’s not staying.” That’s mostly a reminder for myself. “If anything comes up, please reach out. I’ll have my phone off during my meetings with the attorneys, but I’ll be available by text.”

“About the meetings—I’d like to be there.”

“I can’t ask you to do that. You’re entitled to vacation, just like the rest of the team.”

“I’m aware, and I appreciate that, but I want to be part of discussions impacting the staff.”

“I see.” It’s tough not to take that personally. I take pride in ensuring all Crystal Bliss staff are well cared for. “Do you have concerns?”

“Absolutely not. Please don’t think I’m questioning your authority or your competence, sir, but?—”

“You really don’t have to keep calling me sir.” It’s a habit she’s never let go of, not in the three years she’s worked for me. “You’re welcome to join me tomorrow. I respect your position overseeing all Crystal Bliss staff. Of course, your input is valuable.”

“Thank you.” There’s a pause during which I hear muffled laughter on her end. Kora sighs. “We’ve had a houseguest these past couple days.”

“Oh?” I have no idea why she’s sharing this. Kora and I don’t discuss our personal lives.

“A dear friend who works for one of the other Jilted Brides properties. She’s charming and lovely and an absolutely wonderful woman, not to mention a wonderful g?—”

“You’ve reached the bottom of your introvert gas tank?”

“Dear God, yes.”

I fight back a chuckle welling up in my chest. “Say no more.”

“I really do want to be there for the meeting with the attorneys.”

“That’s perfectly reasonable.” I’m well-versed in Kora’s deep commitment to her work.

“This isn’t just a job for me,” she says, practically reading my mind. “Looking out for the staff is a point of deep pride. Especially the consorts. I feel like their mother hen, and I can’t switch that off because I’m on vacation.”

“I understand.” My brain zings back to my conflict with Camille. To what triggered me lashing out. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the marina. Eight a.m. sharp.”

“I’ll be there, s—Mr. Holyfield.”

“Good night, Kora.”

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