He smiled. When he smiled like that, a real smile where his eyes crinkled at the corners and warmth brightened those dark blue depths, he was even more frustratingly handsome.
“I wish I could take credit for it. The Cunard Line did something similar with theQueen Mary. The ship we’re retiring,La Reina, is in good condition. She’s just old. Once a ship hits the thirty-year mark, clients and stakeholders get nervous.”
The change in tone caught her attention, the serious, businesslike tone he’d occasionally let slip into their past conversations.
“Still, it must cost a lot to remake a cargo ship into a hotel.”
“Yes and no. We’re not doing the whole ship. Just the upper portions where guests will be staying and eating. The lower portion will be left as is.”
Pride ran deep in his voice. His eyes usually glimmered with amusement or teasing, but it was excitement that lit them now. It lit a similar fire in her, all the possibility thatLa Reinaoffered. Crafting events from scratch and seeing her ideas come to life had been her favorite part of working for Cabrera Wines. “You could offer tours. Make use of the space.”
His smile deepened. She fought the pleasant sensation that spread through her veins upon realizing that his smile was directed entirely at her.
“This is why I’d like to hire you. The board must approve my proposal. At the end of every fiscal year, we have a final meeting, vote on any major issues and then celebrate with a small party at my villa in Marseille. This year, a week from now, I’m hosting it onLa Reina.”
“So where do I fit into this?”
His face darkened as his eyes hardened. “My father is the majority stakeholder of Cabrera Shipping. He thinks I’m throwing money away on this idea. If the board votes against my proposal, let’s just say my life will look very different.”
She wanted to ask how, but his expression offered zero room for inquiries.
“I’m still not sure why you need me.”
“One of the things that will makeLa Reinaa success is if I give a glimpse into the luxury experience we’ll offer. You specialize in such events. Help me sway them.”
Her thoughts turned to the young man she’d seen on the balcony with Adrian and Everleigh the night before. “What about Antonio? He already runs successful resorts.”
“He’s helped me with the renovations, suite designs, that sort of thing. But he’s busy with his own upcoming launch in Italy. And you,” he said with a seductive smile, “have all the experience I need.”
“Planning a party of that magnitude will take more than a week.”
“Most of it has already been planned. But I need someone to bring all the pieces together, to supervise. Still a lot, which is why I’m prepared to pay you half a million dollars.”
Her hands tightened on the railing.
“That’s too much.”
“No, it’s not.” He held up a hand as she started to object. “Whatever plans you put together have the potential to make my company, and therefore me, a lot of money.”
“What if the board votes no?”
“They’ll vote yes.”
She envied his assurance, the complete and total confidence she’d had before she’d had sex. Was sex always so complicated?
“Two bonuses from this arrangement,” he continued, oblivious to her questioning herself. “One—once completed, you’ll have my personal reference that will secure you any job you want. And two, we get to know each other better so you’re comfortable with me being involved as a father and we avoid the nasty legal battles.”
Oh, it was a neat solution, all tied up with a pretty bow. Never mind it scared the hell out of her—a week alone with a man she could barely control herself around.
“I’ll also help beyond the job. Financially.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Alejandro, you’re already offering an outrageous salary—”
He grasped her hand and gave it a gentle but firm squeeze. “That part is nonnegotiable, Calandra.”
She stalled for a moment, trying to think of something, anything else that might change his mind.
Nothing. Finally, grudgingly, she murmured, “All right.”