Page 71 of Wild Promise

“That’s terrific,” I said, smiling at Cassandra, but still not convinced Becky wasn’t full of shit. The girl had some serious issues. “I’ve got a busy day but let me know if there’s something I can do to help.”

“Thank you,” Cassandra called as I left them and headed toward the guest services office.

Maybe I was wrong about Becky. Then again, maybe I wasn’t. At that moment, I couldn’t be bothered to care. The phone was already ringing when I entered the office, and my mind shifted into professional gear.

The day flew by as I focused on one task at a time, marking each item off my list as I went. By the time dinner rolled around, I realized I hadn’t taken a single break. And damn, I was tired.

Stretching my back, I leaned forward over the desk, resting my head for just a moment. My eyes closed. If I stayed too long, I’d fall asleep.

I was just standing to stretch some more, and maybe find something to eat, when Becky entered the room.

“Hey,” she said, clasping her hands around her middle. “I’m just about to leave for the day, but do you have a quick minute?”

Not for you. “Sure. What do you need?”

“I just wanted to apologize for the other day. It wasn’t very professional of me. I’m sorry I took it that far.”

She was sorry. Sorry.

And it didn’t bother me in the least.

My lungs filled with air, and my mind wandered to the tasks left for the day. Nothing she had to say could derail me right now. Or maybe ever again. Not even that one word I used to dread.

“No problem,” I said with a shrug. “We probably both took it a bit too far.”

Her smile was a thin, tight line, but at least it was a smile.

“And, hey, thanks for helping Cassandra,” I offered, wanting to make peace and be done. “I think she’s going to be great.”

“Can I ask you one more thing before I go?”

It was hard not to sigh out loud, but I nodded. “Sure.”

She swept a lock of hair off her forehead. “Are you two actually together now?”

“What do you mean?” I asked, even though I understood her question perfectly.

What the hell was I supposed to say? There was no way I trusted her. Not even with the contrite look on her face. I couldn’t risk my job, my reputation, or my budding relationship with Zane. Not for Becky.

“You and Zane. I’ve seen you together a lot lately, and I guess I just wanted to know if you’re an actual couple. I’d hate to think I’d interfered if what you’ve got with him is something serious.”

The laugh I let out was real—as if I’d tell her a thing—but every word I uttered after it was a bald-faced lie. “Do you really think Zane would know the first thing about a serious relationship? I was only with him because I needed to lighten up, and he’s a lot of fun in bed. We’re not a real couple.”

Her eyes glinted with something devious, and my stomach seized.

“Melina.” Wyatt’s voice came from the doorway, and my stomach dropped. “Do you have a moment?”

The color washed out of Becky’s face, making her red hair and lips look garish against her pale skin. “Sorry,” she muttered, but the word wasn’t directed at me.

Wyatt tipped his head to her. “We’ll discuss this later,” he warned. “Please go home and think of how you can come back tomorrow with a better attitude about work.”

“Yes, sir.” She scurried out of the room as fast as her heels could carry her.

My chest burned and stomach lurched. This was it. He’d heard everything. My career was over.

Wyatt closed the door behind Becky and turned to face me. He didn’t sit. Didn’t lean against the doorframe. Just stood there with his hands clasped behind his back and an expression I’d never seen on him before.

Not anger. This was something far worse. Disappointment.