Hurricanes in Paradise by Denise Hildreth Read Free Book Online

hospitality. Max chose to enjoy his in the hotel business, while her father took his to politics, where he was one of the longest-serving senators in South Carolina. Riley had the same gift. But since she had no interest in politics, Max had paved the way for her first job in the hotel business. When he moved to the Atlantis property and left South Carolina, both she and her father had grieved. But when her life fell apart, Max had been a steady voice. Loving. Compassionate. But true. He got Gabby into the international school. And he was another reason living had been worth it. “I’m good.”
    “Yeah?”
    “Yeah. I’m really good.”
    He clapped his hands together, scooted to the edge of the sofa, and reached over to his desk to retrieve the papers he had laid down. “We’ve got a new contract from The Friesen Group. They want to hold their next convention here, and it’s going to be a large undertaking. I’m finalizing most of the contract and will send it over to you later today. I want you to make sure all of the items pertaining to The Cove are on point. This is a big one, so I wanted you to know it was coming. We need to be on it promptly. If not, someone else will entice them to their property, and we want their money spent here. To help ensure that we get them, we’re flying a group of their vice presidents in this Thursday just so we can make them feel special,” he said with a wink.
    “And special they will feel. I’ll be looking for the contract and get it right to you.”
    “Go over it thoroughly. Then have it sent to legal and they will finalize everything tomorrow and get back with Friesen first thing Monday morning.”
    “Does Claire ever take a weekend off?”
    “Claire thinks the Atlantis is her hotel.”
    “Well, by the way she runs legal, I think so too.”
    Max laughed.
    “When can I expect the contract?”
    “You’ll have it on your desk before you leave.”
    “Then I’ll have it sent to legal first thing in the morning.”
    Max stood. She followed. “Sorry you’re having to mess with any of this tomorrow. I know it’s your day off.”
    “It’s no problem. With Laine Fulton here this week, I don’t think there will be a day off.”
    “Well, she’s a huge author. Best sellers every time.”
    “That’s what I hear.”
    “Hopefully this storm out there won’t mess anything up for her or our VIPs.”
    They walked to the door. “I had heard there was some trouble churning out there.”
    “September can be a brutal month for hurricanes. But we’ve lived through worse, haven’t we.” He patted her on the shoulder.
    She reached up and patted his hand. “We survived tsunamis.”
* * *
     
    Riley walked down the covered walkway that connected the Royal Towers and The Cove, past the spa, and headed toward the fitness center.
    “Just pick up the phone and call him,” she said, shaking her head.
    “Excuse me? Did you say something?” a guest asked as she exited the fitness center, a ring of sweat around the collar of her dark blue T-shirt.
    “No, um, no. Sorry. Just talking out loud, I guess.” She walked hurriedly past the lady and pulled her BlackBerry from the pocket of her slacks, then dialed Christian’s cell. She’d just as soon get it over with.
    His voice came over the other end. “I can’t take your call right now.”
    She felt her resolve weaken. Even his voice was beautiful.
    “But just leave a message and I’ll get right back with you. Thank you.”
    The beep that followed fortified her nerves slightly. “Hey, Christian, it’s Riley. I’m sorry about tonight, but the author that I have in town is expecting me for dinner. And it looks like I’m going to be pretty swamped with her all week. So, sorry, but I think dinner is out for a while. But . . . um . . . thanks. I mean, thanks for asking and everything. But I’ve just got to, you know, make sure my guests are taken care of and all, and well, yeah, I guess . . . well, I guess that’s