Page 65 of True Abandon

Across the lobby, walking in through the main doors is a man with jet-black hair and olive skin. His spectacular build is accented by form-fitted, gray dress pants and a white dress shirt with a button undone at the top.

He walks over to the reception desk and lowers his sunglasses to reveal piercing, blue eyes as clear as the ocean.

“Aloha! Welcome to the Kauai Princess,” Lani greets him with a sultry tilt in her voice.

The man adjusts the leather computer bag on his arm. “I’m looking for Trish Hogan.”

I lean in. “I’m Trish. How can I help you?”

He holds out a hand. “I’m Eric Duvane.”

I blink at him for a moment, searching my brain for recognition, and then it hits me. “Mr. Duvane. Yes! I have you in the Maui suite.” I fumble with the mouse of my computer to look up his information.

I’ve been so flustered by Jax’s arrival, I forgot about Mr. Duvane’s on Tuesday—today. His travel plans were confirmed weeks ago as were the arrangements for him to plan an event here this weekend.

“I’m sorry. My computer is freezing up. It’ll just take a second.” I fumble with the wireless mouse, almost dropping it on the floor before making a quick save and bringing it back up to the counter.

Eric eyes me inquisitively. Instead of being pissed that his three thousand-dollars-a-night room is not prepared, he leans forward on his elbows and grins. “You forgot about me.”

“No. Absolutely not. I have everything prepared. As soon as this damn, excuse me, as this machine behaves, I’ll have a key for you.” I click on the program, but it keeps freezing.

I look up with an apologetic look. Eric is grinning at me, and it’s bewitching. There’s something in his playful gaze and the way he’s chuckling that has me throw my hands up and admit, “I forgot you were coming.”

“I knew it,” he says with a deep rumble in his voice. “I’m trained to read people. You, my friend, are an easy tell.”

“Hey. Who are you calling easy?” My words come out more teasing than I meant.

Lani gives me a nudge and then hands me a key card. “My machine works just fine. Why don’t you show Mr. Duvane to his suite?” She prods me again, unsubtly I might add.

Stepping around the desk. “Do you have many bags?”

“They’re with the bell hop.”

“Excellent.” I motion for the employee who has Eric’s luggage to follow.

Eric and I walk side by side toward the elevator that leads to his room. I hit the button, and the doors open right up. The bell boy lets us ride up first and will take the next trip.

When the doors close, it’s just Eric and me in the small elevator car.

“So, you work with Alexander Asher?” I say in an attempt to show him I remember the details of his travel plans.

“Yes. You used to work for him, too. He speaks highly of you.”

“Thank you. Well, thank him. The feeling is mutual.” Thankfully, the doors open quickly, and we are in the foyer that has two sets of double doors. I cast a glance at Jax’s room.

Placing the key in Eric’s lock, I open it and then hold the door open for him. “Here’s your suite. Two bedrooms, two baths. The kitchen is over here, and the dining room seats eight. I understand you’ll have some guests joining you later in the week. All other travel arrangements are set, and we’ll be outside to greet them.”

“Like how you greeted me?” he says with a smile.

“Again, I apologize. I promise everything else about your stay will be set as planned.”

“Don’t worry about it. This room isn’t me. In fact, I’m only keeping it warm until the big boss comes and kicks me down to a regular room. This is a company perk. I don’t need the hand-holding. I would however like a tour of the facilities, especially where this weekend’s concert will be held. I have some calls to make and a conference this afternoon. Are you free tomorrow?”

“Yes. Our event coordinator is in tomorrow. She can walk you through the planning from start to finish.”

He takes a step forward. He’s not very tall, but his presence is commanding. “No. I’d like you to show me.”

I stammer, but a nervous smile forms on my face, and I’m not exactly sure why. “Of course. Does noon work for you?”