Stranded in Paradise (The Blake Boys Book 13) by Rhonda Laurel Read Free Book Online

down a long, winding road and continued for about two miles before it reached a gate. The driver flashed a badge at the guard and the gate opened. The property was finely manicured with palm-lined paths leading to the hotel. As soon as he stepped out of the limo, a tall, strawberry blond woman in a crisp, white linen suit greeted him.
    “Hello, Mr. Reed. I’m Amber. Welcome to the Executive Desires Resort.”
    “Hi, Amber.” He smiled. She didn’t have to say her name. He’d know that soothing voice and English accent anywhere. “It’s nice to finally put a face to a voice. Sorry it took so long to get here.”
    “No worries, Mr. Reed. I’ve enjoyed our conversations. Our policy is no one comes to the resort until they are ready.” She smiled. “And I could tell you weren’t ready.”
    “I’ve been very busy and I’m passionate about my work. When I commit to a project I can’t let go until it’s completed.”
    She nodded and motioned into the hotel lobby. “Let’s get you settled.”
    Jared’s architecture antennae perked up when he saw the exquisite hotel lobby. “This is a lovely structure.”
    “You’ve designed some impressive buildings too. I particularly like the interior of Oasis Palms,” she replied.
    “You’ve done your homework.” He raised an eyebrow. Oasis Palms, the latest Blake resort, broke ground four months ago.
    “We make it our business to know our clients. Care to join me in my office so we can review your itinerary?”
    “Sure.”
    Jared followed Amber into her office, continuing to be impressed by the décor. When he finally plopped down opposite her on a white leather chair, he was ready to get back home and work on the new ideas that were popping into his head.
    Amber sat down and began tapping away at her computer keyboard. “I see from the profile form you completed that you’re quite the seafaring man. You like snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, boating, and photography. Well, you’re in for a treat. This island is picturesque from almost every angle, and we do have a lot of aquatic activities. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do on land. We have sightseeing tours and a casino just down the road. We encourage our guests to mingle, and there’s a nightly mixer at six in the main dining area. There are plenty of gorgeous, single ladies fluttering about. I’m sure an attractive man like you won’t be lacking for company.”
    “I’d really prefer to be alone. If you don’t mind, I’d like accommodations somewhere off the beaten path,” he replied. He didn’t want to get trapped into a never-ending conga line when all he wanted to do was keep to himself.
    Amber looked up from the screen. “If you don’t mind me asking, what exactly do you want to get from this vacation?”
    What did he want? He was trying to prove that he could step away from work and enjoy himself. The problem was that work was his life. He could spend a week doing nothing but listening to the waves crashing to shore and maybe break the hold work had on him.
    “I want to have fun. Nothing too crazy, and I stated in my profile that I wasn’t interested in any role-playing activities.”
    “Got it. I’ll go ahead and cancel the order for the ass-less chaps.” Amber smiled wickedly.
    Heat crept up his cheeks. “What?”
    “I was joking.” She stood and handed him the keys to his room. “I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for on this vacation, Mr. Reed.”
     
    * * *
     
     
    Autumn hadn’t been on the island three hours and she was already in love with the tropical oasis. The locale was perfect. The staff was friendly. This was just what she needed to unwind after working non-stop for months. She took Teri-Lyn’s advice and met with Jenna from Marry Me Now and was pleasantly surprised at the woman’s proposed approach to the wedding. Jenna said navigating family minefields was her specialty. Bonnie was sweet, but she was trying to take over. When their