Page 30 of A Taste of Paradise

Each morning so far, she’d tried to take a moment to walk the grounds before the day got too crazy, just to enjoy the raw tropical beauty it had to offer. And today she needed it more than ever.

‘A little early for a break?’ she heard a voice from nearby say. Mack was coming toward her, dressed in swimming trunks and had a large towel draped over his shoulder.

‘No rest for the wicked,’ she commented. ‘Heading to the beach?’

‘Yep, much safer than the pool apparently.’ He grinned.

Today he seemed to be all smiles and joking again, and Erin didn’t know what to make of this sudden change of heart.

‘I’ll take your word for it. I’ve never been in,’ she replied, swallowing down the deeply troublesome jitters that seemed to bubble up whenever she was near him. What was it about this guy that unsettled her so much?

‘So why are you hiding out in the bushes?’ he continued amiably. ‘Making sure our slithery friends don’t come back?’

She made a face. ‘Thanks again for that. And no, I’m simply taking a breather on my way to check in with some guests. The gardens are amazing at this time of day. Lots of birdsong. It’s a very peaceful way to start the day.’

‘You almost sound like you like the place.’

‘I do.’ She turned to face him head-on and squared her shoulders. ‘I know you didn’t think much of my business pitch, but please don’t doubt that I do love it here.’

He watched her with keen interest. She noted the way his gaze seemed fixed on her face as if studying it for any sign of deception. Well, he wasn’t going to find any. She meant what she said.

‘Can I walk with you?’ The question took her by surprise, but Erin wasn’t about to pass up the chance to talk further to him either.

‘Sure.’

They ambled along the path that wound through the gardens for a few minutes in silence and she wasn’t sure what to say.

‘Mack?’ Erin began, finally making a decision. ‘I’d really like it if you’d give us – me – another chance.’ She could see his hesitation and quickly continued. ‘Once you see what this whole area truly has to offer, I’m sure you’ll agree that The Palms is a national treasure and deserves recognition.’

He looked at her dubiously.

‘I mean it. You might remember I offered to show you what we had to offer during that first … terrible presentation,’ she added guiltily. ‘So let me try again. No expectations and no sales pitches this time. What do you say?’

The look of suspicion had faded, and now he regarded her with curiosity. ‘OK, what did you have in mind?’

‘Well, why not start now? We have some of the most incredible native plant species right here, outside of the botanical gardens even.’ She looked at him. ‘Have you had a chance to visit there yet? If not, you should. It’s magnificent. Acres of pristine nature and diversity, with its own hot mineral springs. There’s even a waterfall.’

Erin plucked a bloom from an overhanging branch as she continued to amble with him down the path toward the beach. It was a beautiful pink Ixora – West Indian Jasmine – and she inhaled its scent as they walked. He had moved from behind her to alongside her as they stopped to admire various flowers. There were hibiscus and heliconia, anthuriums, and roses. Plus several more that she didn’t know the name of.

‘Well, I better let you get on with your swim,’ she said, turning to walk away once they reached the sand.

‘Wait,’ he said, his hand gently holding her wrist. ‘You’ve got something in your hair.’ He pulled her back towards him and took a step closer.

She could feel her heart racing involuntarily as his hand rose along the edge of her face and then moved to her hair. She felt a soft tug as he plucked whatever it was out.

‘The Ixora certainly seems to like you anyway,’ he mused, holding out two small blooms to her.

‘Oh. Thanks,’ She allowed the flower to join the one she already held in her hand. His fingers still gently remained on her wrist, however.

‘I should go. I have to get back,’ she mumbled, a little discombobulated by the effect he had on her.

‘Do you, though? Isn’t it part of your job to show me around?’

‘Well, yes. But you didn’t …’

‘I didn’t before, but I do now.’ He looked into her eyes and Erin’s stomach flipped.

Until she remembered everything she had to do that day.