the best of the best.
Even my father, former PGA favorite Bryce DeMille, had been in awe when heâd played the Luxâs links with Dane. Getting my dad to admit to being impressed when it came to anything related to Dane was a major feat, the courses included.
My father wasnât exactly onboard with my budding relationship. Nor was Kyle, who also worked at the Lux, in the Marketing department. In fact, he was currently up in arms over learning Iâd recently moved in with Dane. But that was nothing new when it came to Kyle and anything concerning Dane and me.
âWeâll be taking down all the Thanksgiving decorations over the weekend, following the dinner you want to host for the staff today,â I said. âExcellent suggestion to treat them all, by the way. They deserve it. And what a great way to do an initial run-through before we get into the pre-launch festivities.â
His dark brow crooked the way it did when he wanted to call me on my bullshit without actually having to say anything.
âOh-kay,â I amended. âIt was an excellent suggestion from me. â
Itâd occurred to me that, since everyone on-staff had been going through the motions, learning the ropes, perfecting their positions and the world-class service that would be expected of a hotel of 10,000 Luxâs magnitude, it would be great to hold a few parties throughout the day before Thanksgiving. The Banquets employees would take turns serving and enjoying a meal themselves.
Plus, it was an excellent trial for the kitchen staff, working cohesively on several large, back-to-back feasts. Iâd also talked Dane into being present at each formal seating, to mingle and bond with everyone and to thank them for their hard work.
Everything had been coming together so beautifully of late. A huge relief, given how questionable the future of the resort had been with all the recent mayhemâa delicate term for what weâd experienced because of the corrupt society members.
I shivered at all that had gone wrong. And how Iâd been targeted because of my close association with Dane.
His arms tightened around me. âWhatâs wrong?â he murmured against my neck.
âNothing. Just thinking that winterâs moving in. Itâs a little chilly.â A tiny white lie. I didnât talk to Dane about that day Iâd been held hostage, not even following a nightmare.
My lips grazed his and, against them, I said, âYou promised flannel sheets to keep me warm.â
âNo,â he said, his emerald eyes holding mine captive. âI promised that Iâd keep you warm.â
âOh, right.â I kissed him again, my fingers combing through his hair and my upper body melding to his. My other hand skimmed over one broad shoulder.
With the outdoor heaters placed around the perimeter of the patio, he was able to have breakfast sans shirt. My preference. If I could convince him to strut around naked at all times, that would be even better. But Dane was the type to always be on high alert, fully cognizant of his surroundings, and prepared for anything. That meant at least having his pants on when he wasnât making love to me. Though I knew he lost himself in our kisses, which was when he fully relied on his state-of-the-art security system that monitored the premises.
It was a little disconcerting being so under lock and key but also comforting to know Dane had the danger contained now. Though, obviously, he remained cautious.
I nipped at the corner of his mouth and said, âItâll be a good two and a half or three weeks before weâre done putting up all the Christmas decorations. Just in time for our first few pre-launch events with the press and potential members you want to woo.â
âI asked Sales to crunch numbers so that we donât oversell the various levels of memberships. And I donât want anyone to ever be turned away from a suite, the dining room,