Page 7 of The Billionaire's Housekeeper

Corey, the current general manager at the ranch resort, even had Chase watch this video, too. The facility actually discouraged any such dating or other romantic activities between staff members since in the past when relationships turned sour, the resort had been hit with sexual harassment suits, not to mention it fostered an unbearable work-related tension that disrupted productively and the flow of calm at the resort for which it was famous.

* * *

After Abbi was given her orientation, uniform fitting and her schedule, she was shown to her staff quarters. Because the location was remote, many of the workers got a chance to stay on the premise or in one of the guest cottages that were empty. Talk about a dream job.

“These cabins are beautiful,” she said as she walked into one of the log cabins near the main lodge. Her eyes took in the log walls, large windows with breathtaking mountain views and beautiful hardwood floors. Each cabin was equipped with a wood-burning fireplace and Persian inspired rug, along with a kitchenette and sleeping area.

“I know, these are nice retreats for couples,” Jen said. “A lot of couples come back here years later with their young kids.”

“Really?”

“Yes. They all say the same thing. Their kids were conceived here.”

Abbi grinned. “I guess now I know why this place is the number one getaway for honeymooners in this area.”

“You better believe it. So, this is your first time at a place like this?”

“It is. I usually work in hotels in the city. High-rises.”

“I see. Well, you’ll like it here.”

“I heard that you guys are under new management.”

“Yes. The Belmonts took it over. I’m so glad they did, too.”

“You are?”

“Oh, yes. They’re good. I think they’re like the number one hotel employers in the world to work for, by the way they treat their staff. Before they took it over, staff wasn’t even allowed to stay on the premise in these suites…or for free.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I kid you not.”

When they came back outside so that Jen could show Abbi around the garden, she saw Chad again and her heart went kaboom in her chest. Every time she laid eyes on him, it would seem her body would respond. Why was she having these feelings about this gorgeous man? Albeit a sexy man who’d just saved her life as if it was no big deal. The man was incredibly sexy and didn’t even act as if he was aware of the fact.

“He’s hot, isn’t he?” Jen said, apparently noticing Abbi gaping.

“Um. Well, he’s really nice. I met him earlier,” Abbi said, trying not to blush. He was fixing a light fixture at the side of a cabin. In the orientation brochure, Abbi remembered seeing something about the cottages lighting up at nighttime. How romantic. And how romantic to see Chad’s bulging biceps at work as he strung light fixtures together, flexing from his ladder. God, he was strong and sexy in every way. Abbi wondered if he had a girlfriend. He was probably taken. Not that she could be thinking about dating at a time like this when her life was not in a place she wanted it to be at the moment. She’d just come out of one disastrous relationship with a lying, cheating ex-boyfriend, who’d totally did a number on her heart. The last thing she would want was to jump into another relationship. Though Chad seemed like a normal guy. Unlike her crazy privileged ex who’d tried to buy her and use her while he’d kept women on the side.

Besides, Abbi could tell by the starry look in Jen’s eyes when Jen looked at Chad that she would have stiff competition from the female staff, at least with Jen. She wasn’t going to go there any time soon. Abbi had a job to keep and the less politics, the better. Besides, she needed this money like it was nobody’s business. What would she do? She owed a lot of debt, not to mention Louisa’s college tuition had to be paid. Abbi couldn’t let her little sister down. She was the one who was going to make it big in the family. Do their parents proud. Louisa would become the first white-collar worker in the Lopez family. A lawyer one day. Hopefully, Abbi prayed. But right now Abbi had to keep her focus fixed on her job. And clear away from good-looking charming men, like Chad Rivers.

Chapter 4

A few days later, Chase had just finished inspecting a few of the newly renovated guest cottages. He made sure that all the appliances, fixtures and furniture and vegetation on the grounds of the estate were in supreme working order. He just couldn’t get the pretty brunette he’d met a few days ago out of his mind. It was as if she’d mesmerized him. He’d seen her around over the last few days, getting her orientation and such, but he tried to keep his distance, as hard as that was. Chase caught discreet glimpses of Abbi and he had to say, the woman was shaped like a sex goddess. Curvy thighs, tiny waist and slender long legs that went on forever. Not to mention that cute smile of hers. But currently, he had other business to tend to.

Chase glanced over his paperwork before making it over to his own log cabin. Everything was up to high standards, thankfully. He couldn’t wait to get word back to Belmont. He wanted to make damn sure the new inspection passed with flying colors.

He’d been spending his time changing the odd light bulb, fixing faucets as well as more complex tasks such as maintaining the heating and air conditioning systems in each of the log cabins and in the main lodge in addition to landscaping the grounds, while keeping his ear to the ground, so to speak, to find out if there was any word on who was spreading the sabotaging rumors about the ranch resort.

Growing up privileged never changed the fact that Chase always appreciated what the staff at his mansion did. He was always organized and skilled in repairs and technical stuff unlike his brothers who were more boardroom types. He had a business mind but loved to get physical with work, too. Chase had a lot of energy to burn for one thing. He’d once even dabbled in training for potential electrical and structural problems so he often knew what to look for. No matter how much money he had, he and his brothers loved hands-on work. They enjoyed the fact that they had staff but were not at the mercy of anyone.

They were savvy enough to do a lot of tasks on their own if they had to. Knowledge was power, as his old man would often tell him and his brothers. Learn a lot and live a lot, you only live once, he’d schooled them. That was why they each had active roles in the Belmont hotel empire from management to accounting to advertising and human resources.

Eighty log cabins were currently in use and another twenty were out of commission until further inspection. Soon the entire six hundred acre estate would be in tip-top shape, not just the section currently in use. It was Chase’s suggestion to have the staff quarters set aside, ten cabins for the main staff, like permanent housekeeping, so they’d get to enjoy the facility in addition to working there.

“Are you crazy?” Corey had demanded of him at the time. “You can’t give staff free rooms. We’d lose money.”

“Why the hell not?” he’d challenged. “I think staff who bust their butt to ensure guests get first class service should be rewarded with a taste of that same luxury between shifts.” Chase had stood by his position. The Belmonts were always about giving back and that included to those who worked for them. He’d told Corey that way back when Chad was Chase back in Belmont and the Belmonts had taken over the ranch resort. When he was calling the shots over the phone. Luckily, Corey didn’t recognize his thinly-disguised voice as he came back to work as a contractor in the maintenance department.

When Chase got to his cabin, he noticed the door ajar. “What the…?” He opened the door wider and was grabbed from behind.

But the person had nothing on him. He was versed in martial arts, actually he and his brothers were. Chase swiftly turned and grabbed the person flinging him over.

“Ha ha,” Brandon laughed out. “You’ve still got it, bro.”

“Not funny, Brandon.”

“Hey, I just thought I’d stop by and surprise you.”

“And scare the shit out of me?”

“Sorry, bro. I love you, you know that. Just don’t want you to ever let down your guard. Now, why in God’s name would you walk into a room with an open door? You lowered your guard, Mr. Maintenance Man Jack of All Trades.”

“Oh, trust me on that one. I’ll never let my guard down, Mr. Detective Bro and Former Spy.”

“Sure, throw that in my face.”

“When did you get here?”

“Just now.”

“I’m not even going to ask you how you got in here.”

“You should know me by now, Chase…oh, sorry, I mean, Chad.” Brandon grinned. “Does anyone suspect you?”

“Not a person…”

“Good. I’m going to hang out here for a little while and make sure things are copacetic before heading back.”

“You miss Faith, huh?”

“Are you kidding me? I’d never leave my beautiful wife behind.”

“She’s here?”

“Sure, she’s in one of the cabins. You know I have to maintain my cover, right?”

“Right. That makes sense. You’re here to play the part of a loving couple on a romantic trip.”

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