don’t you let me be the judge of that?”
Kimberly laughed at his bossiness. “All right, if you must know, not everyone in my family is as happy as I am that I’ve been named general manager of the Belleza. You would think they’d approve, given all the time and effort I’ve put into the renovations. After all I’ve given—” She stopped herself before she revealed too much.
“Are they jealous?”
Kimberly frowned. “Perhaps, but I don’t believe that’s the only reason.”
“What else could there be?”
“My older brother felt like it was his birthright and that I stole the job from him. Sean and other staff members assumed because he was the oldest, he was an automatic shoo-in for the position. But if I was just in it for myself, why did I suggest to my parents that Sean and I run the Belleza together?”
“Hmm...” Jack nodded in understanding.
“What?”
He shrugged. “Well, from Sean’s position he didn’t want a consolation prize, and if I were him, I’d have to agree. If my parents didn’t deem me worthy of the responsibility I wouldn’t want any of it.”
“So you’re taking his side?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. I’m just trying to get you to see things from his side and that the situation isn’t black-and-white.”
“I get what you’re saying and I know it was a tough pill for Sean to swallow, but if the shoe were on the other foot, I would have supported him no matter what. I’d be proud of him.”
“Then you’re a better woman than most,” Jack responded, “considering it would have squashed your own dreams.”
“But that’s what you do for family.”
“I agree with you, but he’s too hurt to see that now. Give him time. I’m sure he’ll come around.”
“I hope so. We’ve always been so close and I hate having this division between me and my big brother.” Kimberly couldn’t help the tears that stung her eyes. But she didn’t want to blubber in front of this handsome man.
Jack reached across the table and laid his large hand on hers. “It’s okay. Disagreements happen in families, but if the love is there, in time you’ll get over the hurt and disappointment. And who knows, your relationship might be better for it in the end.”
Kimberly stared at Jack. If anyone had told her that this sexy stranger would be so insightful, she would have told them they were a liar, but he was. And he’d made her feel as if there was hope for her and Sean’s relationship. “Thank you. What do I owe you for the session?”
He laughed. “You owe me nothing. Well, perhaps—”
He didn’t finish his sentence because Kimberly’s cell phone rang on her hip. “Sorry. I have to take this.” She rose from the table, stepped several paces away and took the call.
When she returned several minutes later, she apologized. “I’m sorry, but I have some important business to attend to.”
“Not a problem,” Jack replied. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”
Kimberly nodded and began walking away. She sure hoped she’d be seeing a lot of Jack Scott around.
* * *
After she’d gone, Jaxon exhaled deeply. Kimberly Parker was even more beautiful up close. She’d been more approachable than he’d ever seen her, and a bit vulnerable. He hadn’t expected her to confide in him of her family and business troubles, but he was glad she had because he could relate. He knew what it was like to be angry with your family and to want to write off the lot of them. Not that he would. He just needed time to cool off.
Staying at the Belleza was supposed to be a retreat, a time to reassess his life and come up with a game plan, not fall for the first beautiful lady that came into his view. But Kimberly Parker wasn’t just another set of legs. She had brains and wit. How else could she have achieved the success she had at the Belleza? But what surprised him the most was that she was more than just a suit hiding behind her work. She had heart.
The way she’d talked about taking a backseat if her brother had been chosen to run the resort told Jaxon just how special she truly was. And that was trouble. He wasn’t just attracted to her physically, even though the sparks had been flying back and forth between them during their exchange. No, he was also attracted to her spirit. And that was much worse.
If he intended to keep his vow of not getting involved with another woman, he’d have to keep his distance.
Yes, Kimberly Parker was a big problem.
* * *
After she finished handling a small inventory crisis with cleaning and bedroom supplies, Kimberly returned to the administration offices to study labor and revenue reports to get a sense of yesterday’s results. Then she began forecasting the day ahead, studying any issues that might arise. Some VIPs were due to arrive at the hotel that afternoon, and a significant catering event was coming up this weekend.
Still, her mind wandered to the short time she’d spent with Jack Scott earlier. He’d been an excellent conversationalist and she’d felt comfortable opening up to him, which had surprised the heck out of her. She hadn’t intended to be so honest about her family with Jack, yet—and that was when it hit her. During the entire conversation, Jack hadn’t revealed a single thing about himself.
Robyn poked her head into Kimberly’s office.
“C’mon in.” She motioned her forward.
“So,” Robyn asked, her eyes wide and full of questions, “how did it go with Jack Scott?”
“Couldn’t you tell?” Kimberly asked. “You guys were gawking.”
“We were not.” Robyn lowered her head. “Anyway, someone had to give you a little push.”
“He was a perfect gentleman,” Kimberly replied. “And kind.”
“Kind?” Robyn said. “That wouldn’t have been the word I would have used to describe him from where we were sitting. Hot. Sexy. Gorgeous. Fine. Those are all words I would use.”
Kimberly chuckled. “And normally I would agree if Jack hadn’t shown me that he’s more than a pretty face.”
“How so?”
“Somehow I ended up pouring out my heart to him about Sean.”
“Sean?” Kimberly noticed that Robyn’s ears perked up at the mention of Sean’s name. At times, she’d wondered if Robyn fancied her brother, because she was always popping up in his kitchen, but nothing had ever come of it, so Kimberly had dismissed the notion. “What about him?”
“I told him that Sean was angry that he wasn’t chosen to run the Belleza.” Kimberly rose and walked to the windows. She stared out. The administration offices overlooked the Plaza’s lush foliage
