venture back into personal territory
Eventually, we take our leave, and our driver takes us back to the hotel. She is quiet on the ride back, and I let her have her space and don't instigate conversation.
When we enter the lobby of the hotel, I stop by the front desk and ask for my messages. There are several, as usual. What I wouldn’t give to just have one actual night off. To not be tied to my work and to live a normal life. I do live a privileged life, but there are days I would love a break from it all. At least here on the island, I am free of the random paparazzi that hound me from time to time, usually when London has done something newsworthy.
She heads to the stairs while I'm at the front desk, and I call out for her to wait for me and she does.
"No elevator?" I ask when I catch up to her.
"After that night of indulgence, I think a few flights of stairs will do me some good. Besides, it's only three floors." She notices the stack of messages in my hand and holds hers out.
"Well, let's go for a walk around the property then. Burn off some calories."
Her answer is a simple nod.
"Did you want me to take those for you? I probably should have been the one to check on those. I am so sorry, sir. I'm getting used to this new role, and it completely slipped my mind. Here let me take those off your plate for you."
"I don't expect you to handle my personal messages for me. I love that you want to dive in and get involved, but I don't expect all of that."
I guide her to the gardens, and I love the brief moment that my hand touches the small of her back. She's like a magnet, and I am completely drawn to her.
"You are a busy man. I have no idea how you do it. You never get rattled. Not even your father seems to get to you."
At just the mention of my father, I go cold, but she carries on.
"I mean, I know you've known him your entire life, but he is still quite a force to be reckoned with. If I'm being honest, he scares the bejesus out of me."
"He has that effect on a lot of people. He can be very terse.”
"Is your family close?"
I see, now that the evening is ending, and we're talking about my family, she wants to get personal. Nice try, gorgeous.
"We're as close as we can be. You've met my father. He's not the warm and fuzzy type."
How do I explain my relationship with my father? Nobody really knows the truth about it, but she is the first person I feel like I want to tell. The first person I could trust.
Not yet, though.
We spend the next few minutes walking the property in silence, and much too quickly we're taking the stairs to her floor. Before I know it, we've reached her room. She seems reluctant as she unlocks the door, and I can't help but wonder what's going on in that beautiful head of hers.
She steps into her room but leans against the door jam and holds the door open. "Thank you for a lovely meal and for bringing me to this beautiful island. It was amazing to get to spend time here, and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to explore today."
She always seems so genuine when she speaks. I'm used to being surrounded by business and bullshit. Her sincerity always takes me off guard for a split second.
"It was my pleasure, Olivia. I'm hoping you won't mind leaving the island with me tomorrow, though? After hearing all of your ideas tonight, I would love to have you join me at the meeting tomorrow with the Historical Preservation Committee. I’d love the back-up when I meet with them about the old Prima Hotel. You game?"
"Oh, sir, that would be fantastic! Thank you so much for your confidence in me. I promise to sit back and take it all in. You won't even know I'm there."
Her appreciation makes my out–of-the-blue plot to spend more time with her seem like the best idea I've ever had.
"Well, I love your ideas and want you there to see what ideas you might have for this historic property. A fresh set of eyes will be good for everybody."
"I look forward to it, sir."
"Olivia."
"Mr. McKinley." She can't help the