“See you around.” The dad and Quinn both waved as he walked off toward a family gathered around a grouping of couches by one of the fireplaces.
Jace turned back to Ayla, Bryan, and Tanner. None of them had moved. Ayla blinked those beautiful blue eyes at him as if begging for his help. Jace had resisted more women than he could count. He had no idea how to resist her.
Bryan looked seriously ticked off. “Stop making such a big deal out of this Ayla,” he said condescendingly to her. “You got a free vacation, just enjoy it.”
The guy was a jerk and tryng to trick her into sleeping with him because he brought her on vacation? Not on Jace’s watch. The protectiveness he felt for Ayla was surprising, new, and fierce. He’d keep her safe from this guy and anyone else who tried to cajole her.
“Just enjoy it?” Ayla fired right back and Jace loved her grit and confidence. “I earned this trip through my own hard work, hitting every unreasonable bonus box you put out there. Imagine my surprise when you are not only on the plane with me but booking a two-bedroom suite together? It is not acceptable and I refuse to stay in the same suite with you. I’ll sleep on that couch.” She pointed at the gathering area in general.
“Sheesh.” Bryan arched an eyebrow. “Do I need to remind you who owns the company you earned those bonuses from?”
So they weren’t married but employer and employee? Jace’s hopes took a leap and he took a side step closer to Ayla. Maybe she wasn’t duplicitous like Iluminada. Maybe she was every bit as incredible as he’d first felt and the woman he could trust.
“I don’t need another reminder, sir,” the sir was said with a lot of sarcasm, “But maybe I could remind you that you wouldn’t have a successful business without me running it while you vacation. So I’d appreciate lots of space, as in I don’t see you until the airplane ride home, my own room, and the chance to enjoy the vacation I earned.” Her lip trembled and Jace’s neck tightened.
“Sir,” Tanner said in a stage whisper, “We don’t have any other rooms available.”
Ayla’s shoulders seemed to round and Jace knew he absolutely wasn’t letting her stay on a couch, or worse, in a suite with her boss who seemed to be trying to manipulate her with the relationship. No way.
“There’s a cabin available,” Jace shot out there before he could second guess. His hand naturally cupped Ayla’s elbow as if they were a couple and he did that all the time to steady and reassure her. It did feel natural but also thrilling to touch her.
“No there isn’t—” Tanner broke off at a quick look from Jace. He cleared his throat and rolled away with the bags. “I’m sure Julie has your room keys and everything ready for you, Mr. Finland. If you’ll just come with me, please. And Miss … Mr. Jardine can assist you?” He looked to Jace for help.
For once Jace didn’t correct him not to call him Mr. Jardine, he simply nodded, but also reached out for the red suitcase with the floral bag strapped across the handle. “Is this yours?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you.” She smiled gratefully at him.
Bryan stormed after Tanner and Jace didn’t care to watch him go. Ayla wasn’t married to that guy. It was a huge relief. Massive. Epic. The dream woman Jace had never dared hope existed was single.
Why did Bryan act like he owned her then? Maybe just that type of jerk, or had they been involved and he was hoping they would be again? Jace was letting his brain go off in all kinds of directions and that wasn’t good.
Ayla smiled up at him. She was beautiful and feisty and happy and … he didn’t know her at all. Was he really thinking she was his dream woman? Was he actually going to have her stay in his own home? Luckily the cleaning crew from the lodge went through their houses once a week and today they would’ve polished his. But how to explain it was his house and what if he was overstepping with his generosity? What if she lumped him with guys like Bryan who tried to coerce her through giving something? Maybe it should’ve been more important that she was a stranger and could steal or wreck his house, worse steal or wreck his heart. But he didn’t get that vibe from her, not at all. She seemed vulnerable, innocent, and perfect to him.
Was he being blinded by her beauty and appeal? Like he had been with Iluminada?
Possibly.
Did he mind?
He should but somehow he didn’t.
Was Ammon going to beg him to finally trust a woman again?
For sure.
Was this woman anything like his former wife?
Please say no.
Would his mom be ecstatic and think he’d met his future happiness and match?
Definitely.
Was his mom right?
He wanted her to be.
With a woman like Ayla around, he could only imagine the excitement and joy that would be in store for him. And the pain and heartache when she left. How could he convince her to stay? He was insane to even want to try. He didn’t know her. She smiled up at him and his stomach lifted in a happy lurch. Getting to know Ayla seemed painless.