**
Next day it took less than fifteen minutes in office with Rock to realize that there was no going back to normal. She was too isolated with him, all the way down the hall in the executive suite. And her body was too aware of him, too tuned in to his presence. She could hardly think straight. Everywhere she turned there was something that reminded her of ‘the kiss’ – the chair that she’d hopped out of, the desk he’d circled to reach her, the door he’d disappeared behind after devastating her with his kiss. Was she going crazy? The most innocent of objects had now become her enemy.
She was sitting at her desk, mulling over her difficult situation, when the phone rang. It was Rock and he needed her in his office right away. He’d pretty much avoided her all morning, but what would his reaction be now, with her sitting right across from him?
If he totally ignored her, pretending that nothing had happened, it would be a good thing, right? That was what her mind said but as far as her heart was concerned if he did that, she would be crushed. It would mean the kiss meant absolutely nothing to him.
As the thoughts swirled inside her head Dana stood up then sucked in her breath. Come on, girl, get your act together. You can’t afford to lose your heart to your boss. Business is business. There’s no room for you to get your heart involved. Feeling more confident after her pep talk she walked boldly through the door and into Rock’s office.
Dana was surprised when she saw the smile on Rock’s face. Since taking over the company she could count the number of times he’d actually smiled. On one hand. So what had happened to him today? Was she the reason for his dramatic change of mood? She could only wish.
“Have a seat, Dana.” He waved her over to the chair. “I have some good news to share with you.”
Dana did as she was told and sank onto the edge of the chair, brimming with curiosity.
“Remember I told you of the new strategy I was planning to implement, where I would be acquiring a few luxury resorts?”
She nodded.
“I’ve finally made a breakthrough.” He stepped away from the window and walked over to the desk where he sat on the edge, looking down at her. “There’s a small luxury hotel for sale in the Bahamas, on the main island of New Providence, and the price is a steal. The owners are retiring and are looking to offload the property real fast. I want us to go down there next week, do a site visit, get a feel for the place. If it’s a good fit, then we’ll take it.”
At his words Dana’s breath caught in her throat then she frowned. Had she heard right? “Did you say…we?”
“Of course. I’ll be having meetings with the owners and I’ll need you there to support me. After all, you’re my right hand.”
A trip to the Bahamas. With her boss. Dana didn’t know whether to feel elated or scared so she ended up feeling both. And she had every right to be scared because, although this would be a business trip, she had absolutely no idea how she was going to handle it. She’d thought being in the executive suite alone with Rock had been difficult but being away with him on an overseas trip, now that was going to be a real test of her fortitude. Her body had turned traitor last night and she prayed she would be able to keep it in check.
“Now before we go there’s a lot of work to do,” Rock continued. “I need you to provide me with as much background information as possible on this hotel and its operations.” As he looked down at her he folded his arms across his chest and his face became thoughtful. “I’m already enthusiastic about this business possibility but I don’t want to be swayed by emotions. I want the facts to be my guide. And that’s where you come in.”
Dana nodded. “Just let me know how soon you need the information and I’ll have it ready for you.”
Rock smiled. “That’s what I want to hear. Let’s plan to have a debriefing on Monday around two o’clock. We leave for the Bahamas Wednesday morning.”
“Very good,” Dana said with a nod and rose to leave.
“And Dana,” Rock said, giving her an enigmatic look.
“Yes?”
“You’ll have nothing to worry about.”
Dana nodded and made her way out of Rock’s office, pulling the door closed behind her. Only then did she expel her breath. You’ll have nothing to worry about? Now what the heck did he mean by that?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Sun, sea and sand, the typical promise of the islands of the Caribbean and Dana was looking forward to it. This was her first visit to the Bahamas. In fact, it was her visit to a Caribbean island, and she could hardly wait. The closest she’d come to a tropical vacation had been a spring break trip to Mexico five years before but a visit to an island? That was a totally new experience for her. And regardless of the fact that this was not a vacation at all but a business trip, she was thrilled.
And what made it even more nerve-tingling was that she was making the trip with a man who made her heart forget that it was supposed to be beating steadily in her chest. Lately, that most critical organ seemed to be more interested in skipping and hopping than in beating at its steady old rhythm. Being in the company of a super-handsome man could do that to you. But if she had retained even a little of the good sense that God had given her, she would rein it in and take control. This was a business trip and she would do well not to forget that.
As the limousine sped away from the Lynden Pindling International Airport, Dana leaned back and settled into her seat.
“Drink?”
She opened her eyes to see Rock reaching for a chilled bottle of wine. “You look like you could use one after that flight.”
Dana almost smiled. It had been a bit of a bumpy ride. At one point she’d almost grabbed Rock’s hand but she’d caught herself just in time. She’d never been a big fan of flying but she’d thought that the trip to the Bahamas would have been a breeze, seeing that the flight time was only two and a half hours. She’d been sure she would be able to manage that. Now, though, she was just grateful to be on the ground.
She shook her head. “No, thanks. I just want to relax and enjoy the view.”