of shaggy blond hair that hung to his shoulders, curling pleasingly at the ends and around his ears.
“You don’t have to say a word if you prefer not to,” Braelyn informed him. “Or you can say anything you’d like. Right now, you belong only to me. Not to the resort. Not until you’re ready.”
I was surprised by this, but I didn’t say a word. This was Braelyn’s show.
She peered over at Gideon. “Which room is his?”
“Second floor, number nine.”
Braelyn nodded, met my gaze, then took Jones’s hand. I followed as she led him to the elevator, then joined them, along with Taurus, who was still at my side, as we made the trek to his assigned room.
Once inside, Braelyn led him to the sofa, urged him to sit.
“Have you slept?”
Jones shook his head.
“Okay. Then that’s what you’ll do first,” she said decidedly. “You’ll sleep.”
I noticed her voice was taking on a more demanding tone, as though she sensed his need for her to be the authority.
Braelyn looked up at me. “Could I please have one of those electronic tablets?”
I nodded to Taurus, who headed off to retrieve it.
“I want you to sleep, Jones. Once you’ve rested, I want you to shower and get dressed. Jeans only, as is required here. I’ll make sure you have what you need.”
He nodded, his eyes peering into hers. There was so much hope there, I had to wonder whether or not this possession was going to latch on to my girl. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about that if he did.
“Once you’ve done that, you’ll update the information here,” she said, taking the tablet from Taurus and passing it to Jones. “I’ll be back then. With food. Okay?”
Jones nodded.
“Then we’ll talk,” she told him. “It might not be what you’re familiar with, but it’s necessary. That way I can get a better understanding of what you need. Just know, there’s no rush. We’re going to move at your pace, and I’m going to help you through this. You’ve lost someone very important to you, but you’re safe now. Understand?”
Another nod.
Braelyn released his hand, and when she did, Jones leaned forward, wrapping his arms around her. I watched, surprised by the emotion that simple gesture stirred as he held on to his lifeline, the woman who had come to his rescue.
“It’s time for you to sleep now,” she said when he let go. “Do what I told you to do, Jones, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
He nodded, getting to his feet.
I moved to stand beside Braelyn as she watched Jones disappear into the bedroom. Once he was inside, she led the way into the hall.
As the three of us were stepping into the elevator, she turned to Taurus.
“Will you keep an eye on his updates for me? Let me know when he’s completed his tasks.” She smiled softly. “Please.”
Taurus nodded once, his eyes never leaving her face.
Not many people would’ve noticed but I saw the delight that lit Taurus’s light brown eyes.
Not that I was surprised.
Considering I’d fallen for her charms, it seemed appropriate they did, too.
FORTY-ONE
TALON
I considered the week that followed Jones’s arrival to be relatively normal.
Aside from Braelyn spending some of her free time checking on him, it wasn’t much different than a regular work week.
Well, aside from the fact that we were moving at a faster pace. With Memphis and Ransom now well into their new roles, as well as Braelyn taking over as my assistant, they didn’t seem to be wasting time. And while it had started off with me having some free time, that was no longer the case. I found myself spending additional time reviewing new proposals, providing my input, and giving them the approval to implement.
“Any updates?” I asked the group gathered around the conference room table.
I noticed Braelyn peering around, waiting for someone to speak up. Her gaze swung to the telephone as she waited another second.
“I have something,” she finally said.
I nodded in her direction.
“I’ve been putting together the preliminary details for the next Owners’ Retreat,” she informed everyone. “Based on the calendars as they are right now, I’d like to suggest we schedule for February fifteenth through the twenty-first. I’d also like to suggest we go with a theme this time. It’ll be a belated Valentine’s.”
I smiled to myself but kept my expression masked.
“I know that’s only three weeks from now, but I’m happy to say, I’ve already got a list of Owners requesting they be added to the guest list.”
“How many?”