Page 42 of Captivating Nights

“I’d love to go on one of those. I...” She paused mid-sentence, and he looked down at her.

He had no idea what had caused her to stop until he saw one of the resort employees standing in the middle of the walkway. “Mario?”

The man cleared his throat and then flashed an apologetic look at Calista before speaking. “There’s an emergency with one of the rooms, Mr. Rivera. Do you have a few minutes?”

Xavier sighed, mostly in relief, and then gripped Calista’s hand. “I’ll be right back.”

“Actually, this may take some time, Mr. Rivera. I’m sorry,” the man said.

“It’s okay, Xavier,” she told him. “Why don’t I take the shuttle that’s coming up the drive and go on the dive myself.”

“But I promised Zane I would look after you this afternoon,” he said, and she flashed him a glare.

It was one of the first signs of fire she’d displayed since they’d met, and Xavier had to admit that it was quite the turn on. He was about to continue when she placed her dainty hands onto her hips.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” she argued, and he cursed under his breath.

“That’s not what I meant,” Xavier said to Cali before turning to Mario. “Is this something that can wait? Or at least something that won’t take too long?”

“I’m afraid not. There’s been a water leak in the main restaurant and the floor is flooding.”

“Fuck,” Xavier cursed, this time loud enough that all three could hear. He knew he’d have to handle this issue before the entire damn building flooded. His string of resorts were his pride and joy, and the one thing in this world he loved above all else. “I’m sorry, Calista.”

“Don’t be sorry,” she said, placing her hand on his arm. “I can go on the excursion and then meet you and Zane back here this evening for dinner.”

“I’d hate for you to have to cancel your plans, but I have no idea how long this problem’s going to take to fix.”

“I know. That’s why you need to stay here and work and I’ll be okay. I have my scuba diving certification and everything. I’d hate to think that I’d gotten it for nothing.”

In that moment, Xavier finally realized what she’d given up when she’d agreed to spend all of her time with both him and Zane. She’d planned things for this trip and their selfishness had cost Cali a lot of wasted time. He couldn’t ruin this day for her. “Okay, but I want you to be careful, belleza.” He looked up as the shuttle pulled up out front. He held his hand up to the driver and then leaned in to kiss his woman. Their lips met briefly until he abruptly pulled away. “Go ahead, but be safe.”

“I will,” she said hurriedly and then grabbed her bag and headed toward the small van.

Xavier watched her get into the vehicle and then turned his full attention back to Mario. It would figure that something would go wrong at the Paradise Resort. Without fail, it always happened whether it was Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok, Sydney, Miami or here in Virgin Gorda. Every time he’d stayed at one of his places, something had always gone awry.

As the shuttle drove off in the direction of the sea, Xavier followed his maintenance man to the restaurant. He had the number for a local plumber and hoped he’d fix the leaking pipe before the dinner rush tonight. If not, it’d be a long night for sure.

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