Her fragrance lingers behind, further setting me ablaze. Yeah, I said this was going to be a long stay at Clearlake, but I didn’t realize it would only serve to amplify what was already there. Usually, I would’ve just resolved my physical needs with any of the wealthy businesswomen who come to this place for a little R & R. That was the usual drill in previous years.
This time, however…
This time I’ve only got eyes for Olivia MacArthur. I want her badly. So badly, it hurts.
CHAPTER14
OLIVIA
Istill can’t believe I said yes to dinner.
Of course, saying no would’ve been rude. I didn’t want to say no.
Argh, why do I keep doing this to myself? Live in the moment, Olivia, for once in your life. That’s what this whole trip is about.
Will is doing everything in his power for me to thrive, and I’m slowly but surely falling deeper and deeper for the guy. I don’t know where any of this will end, but I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let life get away from me any longer.
I’ve spent too many years in my pursuit of knowledge.
It’s time for me to have a little fun.
“I hope he likes this dress,” I murmur as I carefully take in my appearance in the floor mirror of my private suite. I didn’t bring anything fancy because this is a spa and resort hosting us for a working holiday. Work was still the primary driver for me. But I did bring this pale green linen dress that Mom got me last year for my birthday. “God, I’m wearing a dress my mother bought me. What am I, twelve?!”
But it’s a pretty dress, and it’s cut precisely in a fashion that narrows my waistline and emphasizes my hips. Combined with some silver earrings and a statement bangle bracelet, it’s perfect for what may or may not be a date night.
“What is it, exactly?” I ask myself. There’s no answer, only what I wish it would be and what I’m terrified it might be. I put on a pair of silvery sandals with a decent mid-heel and make my way downstairs to the Italian restaurant within the resort.
I’m excited and nervous, probably sweating rivers. Good thing I packed a good deodorant. Yeah, that’ll make me feel sexy, all right. Sheesh.
My palms rub anxiously against my dress as I go down the stairs and briefly check myself in another mirror. It’s not that I cannot get enough of myself, I’m just worried something will fall out of place. Nothing works about me—or so goes my stressed-out perception as I try to keep it together.
It’s just dinner, Olivia. It’s not the Oscars, and you’re not expected to walk down the red carpet.
“Deep breath,” I whisper as I enter the restaurant, pleased that my hair is currently staying in place, loosely combed over one shoulder and with just enough mousse in it to stop any unwanted frizzy moments. “You’ve got this.”
But do I?
I’m not sure. But it’s too late to turn back.
Will comes over to greet me. He’s wearing a dark blue shirt that somehow matches his eyes, and a pair of jeans that hugs his thighs in a way that makes my mouth go dry. Yet it’s the intensity of his stare that really does a number on me.
“You look beautiful,” he says.
“Well, you’re not too bad-lookin’ yourself,” I reply with a giggle. A clumsy attempt to break some of the ice.
A waiter comes over and takes us to our table outside, on the terrace overlooking the northern gardens and the thermal pools. Beyond, a thick forest rises, black against the night sky. To have wilderness within my reach is a new sensation altogether, and I am loving every second of it. We take our seats and are served with fresh ice water and a couple of menus.
My hands keep shaking. I can barely hold my menu, so I set it aside. It’s not like I can eat anything, anyway. My stomach is tiny, a vibrant ball of raw nerves that tightens every time Will looks at me. Hell, I’d better not forget to drink some of this water, otherwise he’ll think something is wrong.
I don’t think we should be doing this. Professional standards and whatnot. I read Alina’s onboarding package from cover to cover after my first day on the job. Doing the boss is decidedly frowned upon.
But I’m not doing him, am I?
Not yet.
Oh, my mind is already in the gutter, and he’s looking at me like I’m growing a third head.
“Is everything all right?” Will asks. “You seem… tense.”