decided now was the perfect time to track down Charlene and strode out of her office. The beauty and grandeur of the Belleza Resort and Spa never ceased to amaze her. Palm trees and vibrant flowers added to the tranquil ambience of the property, the air held the scent of tropical fruit, and the postcard-perfect views were nothing short of spectacular. The resort had a golf course, a fitness center and a state-of-the-art spa that attracted celebrities from around the globe, but Robyn’s favorite place at the Belleza was the pool area whenever she was stressed out, she swam laps in the pool. The moment she dove into the water, her thoughts cleared, and she felt an overwhelming sense of peace.
Her gaze swept the lush, manicured grounds. For the second time in minutes, her thoughts turned to Sean. Even though her heart knew he was off-limits, she couldn’t stop thinking about him and found herself wishing he was at the resort. Robyn remembered all the times they’d played tennis and jogged along the trails, talking and cracking jokes. Robyn missed seeing Sean every day and hanging out with him on their days off. Things hadn’t been the same at the Belleza since he’d quit, but she’d never admit that to Kim. He was enemy number one, and whenever she tried talking to Kim about making amends with Sean, her friend became defensive and angry. No, she was better off keeping her thoughts to herself.
And while you’re at it, keep your lips off Sean, too, her conscience warned.
The Pearl, a five-star restaurant with award-winning food, was the crown jewel of the Belleza Resort and Spa. Robyn was surprised to find Charlene standing in front of the dining room, flirting with a French film star. Fraternizing with guests was against hotel policy, but ever since Kim had got engaged to financial investor Jaxon Dunham, Robyn noticed the female staff were more touchy-feely with male guests—especially the ones worth millions.
“Charlene, may I have a word with you?”
The hostess flashed a sheepish smile. “Yes, of course.” Her face covered in guilt, she nervously bit her bottom lip. “What’s on your mind?”
“Let’s go inside. We’ll have more privacy.”
Waving goodbye to the actor, Charlene flipped her wavy blonde hair over her shoulders and sashayed into the restaurant with a provocative swish of her hips. She stumbled in her stilettos, and Robyn feared she was going to trip over her feet. Righting herself, she continued through the lounge, smiling wide. Charlene had a beautiful figure, and her slinky, cutout dress drew appreciative glances from several male patrons.
“I can’t believe how busy it is in here,” Robyn said, noting that every table in the dining area was occupied. The patrons were a mix of silver-haired guests, well-dressed couples and young families. “It’s only eleven o’clock.”
“Welcome to my world.” Charlene glanced around her. “It’s been crazy around here all morning. Guests love the new menu, but that’s no surprise. Gabby’s a whiz in the kitchen.”
Robyn felt her cell phone vibrating inside the pocket of her blazer, but she ignored it and gave Charlene her undivided attention. “As you know, I’m planning several high-profile events, and I could really use your help finalizing details for the Dunham Foundation gala and Kim’s wedding.”
“Sure, why not? I could use the extra money, and besides, I just love weddings.” Charlene clasped her hands together and swayed from side to side to an inaudible beat. “Who knows? Maybe if I do a good job, Kim will ask me to sing at the reception. Wouldn’t that be something?”
Robyn swallowed a laugh. The hostess had a better chance of winning the Mega Millions Jackpot than performing at Kim and Jaxon’s wedding.
Charlene had few friends at the resort, but Robyn liked her good humor and positive energy. She could always count on the perky blonde for a laugh, and she was looking forward to getting to know her better. “I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep you. Just swing by my office after your shift, and I’ll fill you in.”
Charlene adjusted her dress to reveal more cleavage. “Sounds good, Robyn. See ya!”
A spicy aroma wafted through the dining room, causing Robyn’s empty stomach to rumble. Deciding to order a chicken salad, she entered the lounge in search of a waiter.
Stopping abruptly, Robyn narrowed her eyes and hitched a hand to her hips. She was surprised to see Gabby and Kim sitting together at the bar. Why hadn’t they invited her for lunch? she wondered, her gaze zeroing in on them like a laser beam. And what was so funny?
Their voices were filled with enthusiasm, and their excitement was palpable. All business in a fitted black suit, her long black hair cascading down her back, Kim radiated confidence and femininity in equal measures. Just like Gabby. Pretty and petite, the Harvard graduate was often still mistaken for a college coed. Though she was casually dressed in a white T-shirt, skinny jeans and sandals, her beauty was undeniable. Her eyes were striking, her complexion flawless, and her lush auburn curls tumbled around her face every time she laughed out loud.
Robyn smiled at her friends despite her annoyance. They were probably gabbing about their fiancés, she guessed as she headed toward the chatty twosome. That’s why they had stars in their eyes and giddy expressions on their faces.
Robyn was thrilled her best friends had met their soul mates, but she couldn’t resist teasing them. “Squeal a little louder,” she joked, sidling up to the bar. “I don’t think the people across the room heard you.”
Kim and Gabby burst out laughing and greeted Robyn with one-arm hugs.
“You’re not going to believe this.” Kim’s words fell from her lips in a gush, and stars twinkled in her big brown eyes. “Yesterday, I told Jaxon how much I love sailing, and this morning, I found out he rented a fully staffed yacht to celebrate our two-month anniversary.”
Robyn whistled. “Girl, your man’s the real deal.”
“Tell me about it. I almost fell off my chair when he showed me pictures of the yacht, and he booked live entertainment, too.” Kim admired the marquise-cut diamond on her left hand, gazing at the engagement ring adoringly. “Jaxon is the love of my life and, hands down, the most romantic man I’ve ever met. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to prove I’m not dreaming.”
“Me, too!” Gabby shrieked, giving Kim a high-five. “Geoffrey means everything to me, and I cherish every moment we spend together.”
Robyn cocked her head to the right, studied her friend closely for several seconds.
Were her eyes deceiving her? Was that a love-struck expression on Gabby’s face? The trio had been besties ever since Merriweather Academy—but this was the first time she’d heard her friend gush about someone. “You sound head over heels in love.”
“I know,” Gabby said, releasing a dreamy sigh. “Isn’t it great?”
“I never thought I would feel about a man the way I do about Jaxon, and I wish that kind of love for you, too, Robyn. I hope you find your soul mate and live happily ever after.”
Robyn wanted to tell Kim about her feelings for Sean, about how much she enjoyed spending time with him but couldn’t. Kim would be upset, and Robyn didn’t want to put a wedge between them.
“Have a seat,” Gabby said, patting the empty stool beside her. “Take a break.”
“Shouldn’t you be in the kitchen, whipping up one of your new signature recipes?” Robyn asked, helping herself to a garlic shrimp
