through the crowd.
Dane said, âAs a result, VIPs global-wide have clamored for a membership at the Lux. And, according to Max Dentonââhe gestured to the VP of Memberships with his glass of bubblyââwe are less than a quarter of the way from capping all tiers of membership.â
I gasped despite Dane confiding in me earlier about the Luxâs grand success.
He grinned triumphantly. âWeâre the resort to own, the one everyone wants to be seen at, be a part of, be included in. I predict that, promptly after the launch, weâll close memberships.â
A round of applause resonated soundly in the enormous courtyard. Patricia from HR got to her feet. Margo from Legal followed. A second later, everyone at the table stood, giving an ovation to Dane as much as to their own hard work.
Tears of joy burned the backs of my eyes. This was really happening. Weâd overcome all the obstacles, setbacks, and terror. And there wasnât a single personânot even Kyle, for Godâs sakeâwho didnât take pride in the accomplishment and show respect and appreciation for Dane.
And to meet his goal so quickly ⦠That meant billions just from memberships alone, which only provided the privilege of setting foot on Lux property. Members still had to pay for meals, cocktails, suites/casitas, and greens fees.
My mind reeled. As if Daneâs wealth hadnât intimidated me before.â¦
He lifted his glass and concluded his toast. âThis is something weâve all achieved. And I want you to know that it couldnât have come about without you. It couldnât have happened, period. So I hope that youâll accept my sincere gratitude for the hours and the effort youâve put in and, as Iâve mentioned to your staff in our earlier festivities, you will find a bonus in your next paycheck that I hope youâll consider ⦠generous.â
My eyes popped. Holy shit. When it came to Dane, I knew what the word generous meant. Like pack up your family and treat them to two weeks in Bora Boraâfirst class all the way.
Kyle leaned toward me and deadpanned, âThink Iâm included in the bonuses?â
Tearing my gaze from Dane, I said, âDonât be an ass.â
He chuckled under his breath. âMaybe heâs hoping Iâll buy a boat and sail far, far away.â
âLikely.â
âTempting, but ⦠youâd miss me. And I couldnât have you pining. Itâs not becoming.â
I laughed. âIâm not sure where that ego comes from, though ⦠I do find you amusing.â
âThatâs something, now isnât it?â His eyes sparkled. He was too charming for his own good.
âYou do realize there are upward of a hundred women working here who would rip each otherâs hair out in order to get to you?â
âHmm, really? That many?â
âWell, I havenât taken an official poll and weeded out the marrieds and otherwise committed, but letâs face it. I get the evil eye when youâre chummy with me.â
âHa. Now you know how it feels.â
My gaze shifted to Dane. He glowered. Though only slightly.
He was clearly on a Lux high. The excitement dimmed and we all sat.
Mark said, âSo with memberships almost covered, I guess Iâm out of a job.â
Some laughed at his joke. Those sitting close to him offered condolences by way of pats on the back or hand.
Dane said to Mark, âFirst of all, managing all of the memberships is a huge, ongoing job. Trust me, youâll be plenty busy. Secondâ¦â He shook his head and let out a surprising chuckle. âWho says this is the only property Iâll offer?â
Surprise ran rampant. Patricia said, âYouâre not suggesting other resorts of this caliberâ¦?â
Dane shrugged noncommittally. Exhilaration permeated the courtyard, overpowering the surprise. Oh, the career