Gareth shook his head. “No. I wanted to get a look at the facility firsthand. It’s quite . . . impressive. It’s a hidden gem that many people don’t know about. With the right marketing, this place could easily expand.”
“We’re pretty set with things as they are at New Hope.”
“Really? I’d think your family would be looking at the developmental potential. When I flew in, I noticed there is another side to the island that doesn’t looked touched. If the Hendersons aren’t building there, I might know some investors who would be very interested.”
“And they would find they are not welcome.”
“Do you speak for the entire country?” Gareth asked. He knew it sounded rude, but he wasn’t opposed to pushing buttons to get what he wanted.
Alex glared at him and said firmly, “We are very protective of what happens in Tabiq.”
“And why is that?” Gareth asked.
Alex cocked a brow. “Why do I have a feeling you’re not here to sell steel?”
“What other reason would I have?”
“This isn’t a conversation I’d like to have in the lobby. What do you say we discuss it over dinner?” Alex suggested.
Gareth had plans with Brooke, but no matter how much he was looking forward to them, he’d break their date. He didn’t think he was going to get a second shot at this. “Sounds good. Where should we meet?”
“Not here. My home is close by. I’ll let Ziva know we’re having company. That is if you don’t mind leaving the resort for a few hours.”
Hell no.“I look forward to it. What time should I be ready?”
“I like to eat with my family, so I’d say we leave at six, if that is convenient.”
“It is.”
“Gareth, this is my family home you’re being invited to. I won’t tolerate any disrespect,” Alex warned.
“Understood.” Although he was thrilled for the invitation, he also was a bit surprised. It definitely couldn’t be something Alex did on a regular basis. It was going to be an enlightening evening. Hell, Brice couldn’t wait to get rid of us.
Before Gareth went to his room he went back to the desk. “Would you have an envelope and paper?”
“Of course.” She handed him the items and he picked up a pen from the desk.
BROOKE. WILL NEED TO RESCHEDULE DINNER. HOPE YOU’RE FREE TOMORROW NIGHT. SAME TIME. GARETH
He inserted the noted, sealed the envelope, then handed it back to the woman. “Could you please ensure Brooke receives this sometime today? Actually, the earlier the better.”
“Certainly. If I’m correct, she is working in the main dining room today if you’d prefer to give it to her directly.”
“I’d rather not,” Gareth replied.
She nodded and said, “I’ll have someone take it to her right away. Will there be anything else, Mr. Lawson?”
“No. That’s it. Thank you.” He felt like an ass not reaching out to her in person, but she was a distraction. Even the way she looked at him was enough to make him lose sight of what he was doing in Tabiq. He couldn’t afford to lose focus tonight. It was going to be hard enough for him to hold back and not ask a million questions that were running through his mind. If it was just Alex, fuck it, he’d let loose. But it wasn’t only his home he was going to, they had a little girl too. Brice would fuck anyone up for upsetting his little niece. He definitely wasn’t going to say or do anything to upset Alex’s daughter.
The afternoon flew. Gareth spent most of it researching Alex and found he was nothing like his brothers. A murder mystery author. Not the tycoon the others are. It also might explain why Alex invited him tonight. Might be using me for the next book.
But as he and Alex pulled up to the house and got out of the car, Gareth had second thoughts about going inside. Charisa, Alex’s daughter, came running out and Ziva was right behind her, catching her by the hand.
“No running,” Ziva said firmly.
“But Mommy, Daddy is home,” Charisa cried out, tugging Ziva.
Ziva didn’t let go and said, “I see that. And Daddy has brought home a guest. Remember what I said?”