Pining For You (Man of the Month Club)

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

ROSEMARY

“Yes, I want a classic real Christmas tree. A live tree right in the lobby. A giant massive tree. But the guests can add notes or handmade ornaments to the tree. It’ll give it a personal touch and it’ll be like a family Christmas at home away from home.”

Van sits behind his desk and nods. “I like that. Nice touch.”

“Along with that, I’m thinking we could add more outside Christmas decorations. Like a winter wonderland. Or a Hallmark Christmas movie. The beginning of Lady and the Tramp.”

“What’s in the budget for this?”

Uh-oh. I hadn’t thought about that. I’m clueless on the cost of lights and how many we’d need. “I’ll have to get back to you on that.” Before Van can shut me down, I push forward. “This would also go with my Christmas Ball idea.” He still isn’t buying it. O..kay. “It’s going to be magical.” He isn’t concerned about it being magical. But he would be concerned with how it looked if… “It could even double as your engagement party.”

His eyebrows raise. I give him a wink and smile before nodding. “Yes! I bet Ava would love it. You know this is one of her favorite places. Imagine all the lights twinkling around the water.”

At least if I somehow sway these decorations to work for Van’s engagement party, I’ll be able to get funding from the hotel and our parents. It’s a win win. I doubt they’d give me the funding I’ll need to make my vision come to life for my event. There’s no way it’s in the resort’s budget when I want to rival some of the biggest resorts in America. Now I’ll plan the engagement around the Christmas Ball.

“I’m not sure if Ava – ”

“A surprise engagement party! She’ll think everything is for the Christmas Ball when in reality it’s also your engagement party. Surprise! And how romantic. We could have an ice sculptor of a mermaid!”

He chuckles and then bites the end of his pen in thought. I’ve almost gotten him on board. As soon as I get the green light I’m running with this and completely taking over. By myself. No help. Other than with funding, of course. I won’t turn down help in the form of money.

There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” my brother calls out.

I force a smile in place before I turn to see who has interrupted us. The smile turns into me baring my teeth like a feral dog. This can’t be happening. Alexi is standing there looking like pure sin in black slacks and a maroon button up. His black hair looks messy yet styled to perfection at the same time. Those blue eyes lock on me but they’re not full of mischief. No. Today they’re full of distrust and anger. Interesting. Since I didn’t fall for his scheme he no longer wants to shower me in flattery.

“I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything important.” He gives a patronizing smirk.

Van is completely oblivious to us glaring at one another and happily welcomes the intruder in. “Perfect timing! Come sit.”

Alexi passes by me to take the other seat in front of the desk. I hate how he always smells so intoxicating. Like expensive whiskey, mint, and woodsy. I don’t even like whiskey! But I like the way he smells. Does he drink a lot of whiskey to smell that way?

I turn to him and ask, “Are you an alcoholic?”

Startled by my question he looks taken aback. He releases a surprised laugh as he says, “Uh, no. I mean I drink on occasion, but I’m a far cry from an alcoholic.” Then he asks slowly, drawing the word out. “Why?”

“You always smell of expensive whiskey.”

“I do bartend for a living.” I feel like idiot. Of course. Van rolls his eyes before holding a finger up as he accepts a call on his cell. He steps out of the office and I release a frustrated sigh. Our meeting was going great. Not only did we get interrupted but now he’s left me alone with Alexi.

Then to make matters worse, Alexi leans forward. “This might be a little personal but I’ll go ahead and tell you. It could also be my body wash. I do shower. Or my deodorant. Shush. Don’t tell anyone I wear that stuff. Another option is my cologne. What I can tell you is I’m not currently intoxicated so the smell isn’t because I’m drunk.”

I bite the inside of my cheek as I narrow my eyes at him. It was a silly question to ask. I can admit that. But he doesn’t have to be such a mocking dickhead about it.

“So what about you? Wearing any… deodorant?” He asks me in a seductive way like it’s something naughty. Like he’s asking if I’m wearing any deodorant. The jerk even has the nerve to look me up and down with a naughty smile in place.

“That’s none of your business.”

“I’d like to find out. Make it my business.” He leans in and whispers. “See for myself if you’re wearing any.” I scoff and turn to him to ask how he’s going to ‘see for himself.’ But he bites his bottom lip in a way that has me crossing my legs. In a sinful voice he whispers, “Get you worked up. Body glistening in perspiration.”

I think he’s talking about sex. And I shouldn’t be aroused by this man talking about how I’d smell while sweating or how well my deodorant would hold out after some serious physical activity but here where are. It’s weirdly erotic. Only Alexi could pull off the stupid stuff he says. It’s his Greek mythical powers I guess.

“How do you plan to get me worked up and my body sweaty?”

His smile widens revealing his beautiful white teeth. “Because you’re going to be fuming mad. So furious steam will be coming out of those pretty little ears when you hear my proposal. I bet you’re going to pant, and huff and puff, and blow this place down after you tried to cut me out but here I come and take the lead. Might need to go get your blood pressure checked afterwards. You’re likely to stroke out.”

“You. Fucking. Asshole.” I point a finger at him. “Don’t you dare take this from me!”

“Here it comes. I see a vein about to pop and little beads of sweat. Your chest is already flushed. Nice color. Does your chest do that during sex too? Any time you get worked up?”

The door opens and Van strolls in apologizing. Alexi turns in his seat to face forward. A picture of innocence. Well joke is on him. I’ve already sold Van on my ideas.

“Van. There’s been some misunderstanding. Alexi seems to be under the impression he’s still helping me. Please explain that we’ve already discussed everything, and I’m perfectly capable of handling this. On my own.”

My brother sends Alexi an apologetic look. I want to scream you hated him! “Let Alexi say what he came here to say.”

“Why thank you, Van. I told Ava you were a good guy.”

“Never mind. Leave.” My brother deadpans.

Alexi chuckles. “Right. You’re still the jealous type. But I’m your friend too now.”

“Are you?” I narrow my eyes at him. Traitor. Leech. He’s laying it on thick. How’d I never notice what an opportunist he was before? Because he’s gorgeous and charming.

“Speaking of jealous. You’re just mad I’m giving someone else attention.”

Van points a finger at me. “She’s completely off limits. No giving her the wrong kind of attention. No becoming close friends. Not kidding one fucking bit, Alexi.”

I hold my hands up. “No worries there, my man.”

That hurts. I’d expected Alexi to say something flirty even to simply annoy Van. But he doesn’t. He assures him that there’s no threat of that happening. No need to fear him making a play for me. He’s right that nothing is going to happen between us but it still stings.

“Anyways, back to business,” Alexi announces in a tone I’d never heard from him. He’s always spoken in a carefree and light hearted tone. This one is firm. Demanding attention. It’s embarrassing how wet I’m getting from hearing him speak. “If we were to throw an event that involved music and dancing.” I don’t speak it but I think like a ball. He continues describing what I’d been suggesting. Until the family holiday ball takes a turn. “But that’s one side of the resort. We’d call it the Nice List. On the side in the other banquet hall we have the Naughty List. Singles can go over there. We can attract a broader audience. It’s a family event, couples wanting a Christmas getaway, and people who have someone on the holidays will attend the Nice List side for our Christmas Ball. But what if on the other side with the Naughty List we have people looking for romance over the holidays. Maybe even swingers or couples wanting to add some kink to the marriage by trying something with a new friend. If they’re nervous we can even make it a Masquerade Ball.”

The whole idea has me excited. I want to be on the Naughty List. I wonder if Alexi’s name will be on that list as well. But it might be sweet to be on the Nice List as well with him.

Wait! Why am I sitting here fantasying about him and his idea – an idea that’s ruining mine? His idea is more unique and full of whimsy. It offers magic to a broad audience and both set of consumers have their needs being met. It’s genius. I love it, but I hate I didn’t think of it. It’s definitely the way to go. I hate to admit it.

“That’s a fabulous idea.” Alexi looks shocked. I sigh and say it, again. “I’ll admit it. It’s perfect. This is what we should do. Guests would love it. It’d ensure repeat guests and it’s a good way to attract a broader audience because we have something for the conservate guests and the more free spirits.”

Van tilts his head and studies me. “I agree. I’m proud of you Rosemary. I know you didn’t want to admit that, but you’re putting the business first.”

I give a single nod. I’m ready to move forward and figure out what now I can do to prove my worth. Van speaks again, “You two will work together on this like I’d originally planned. I want both your ideas incorporated.”

Alexi and I both open our mouths to object but Van stands. “I have a lunch date with Ava. Have plans ready to go by tomorrow. Remember Alexi, don’t get any ideas with my sister.”

“Then perhaps,” I stand and to chase after him, “we shouldn’t be working together.”

Van stops and turns to me. “I don’t want him, either. But he’s the most experienced on Christmas events and as you heard, he has some really great ideas.”

“Thanks,” Alexi grumbles. “You know, on second thought. I don’t have to put up with this.”

My brother becomes visibly panicked. “No, no, no. Look, this event is also going to double as an engagement party for me and Ava.”

Alexi laughs. “Of course you’re only doing this because it’s something for yourself.”

“No. Rosemary had that idea. I’d like to surprise Ava. Wouldn’t you like to do something nice your best friend? Do it for Ava.”

Jealousy sears through me. Evidently Alexi will do anything for her, even if it means working with me.