Nick stood up and came around the desk to take a look at the computer screen. “What’s that you’ve got going on?”
“There’s a wounded warrior home in Crystal Rock, and they’ve got me scouting for potential training facility locations. When it comes to retraining wounded warriors for active service, there’s a long list of requirements,” Rand answered.
“Really?” Jack asked, his eyes going wide. “That’s how much I know. I guess I never really thought about the fact that those who were injured might actually want to return to active duty.”
“A lot of these men and women haven’t known anything other than the military. Plus, there are surprisingly few opportunities for disabled veterans available once they opt out,” Rand murmured, scrolling through information on the screen to show Nick.
“Where do we come in?” Nick asked.
“I need someone there on hand to manage the office and negotiations – take clients on tours of the properties, prepare paperwork, be there at the closings, etcetera.”
“That is a long list,” Nick said, suddenly scowling and becoming disapproving. “Why don’t you want to go back to the states and do it yourself? You’re not afraid to compete with your old man. Are you?”
Jack held up a staying hand. “I know why, Nick. Can’t you guess? Rand isn’t who you think he is.”
Nick blinked. “Huh?”
“Just think about it for a minute,” Jack murmured.
Becoming thoughtful, Nick looked around the office first before studying Rand, who deliberately avoided Nick’s gaze.
“My old man doesn’t even know I own the company. That branch of my corporation is called Northwest Property Management.” Rand grimaced. “But as far as why I can’t take care of the company in Crystal Rock – at least right now? All I can say is I’m probably not going to be here in Bali much longer. Alright?”
Nick looked dazed. “But…”
“I need a manager,” Rand continued. “And Jack, if you really want the job? I can use someone who likes to travel, to scout and investigate available properties. The more I think about it, the better I like the idea of you two working together. I just never realized you were unhappy with your career, Jack.”
“Selling insurance is a depressing job,” he murmured. “I feel like I’m ripping people off sometimes, just because I have a monthly quota to meet. I hate sales.”
Rand looked thoughtful. “So far, I’ve been handling commercial property and investing in land for residential subdivisions. I’ve been considering investing in homes and vacation properties for a while now. How would you feel about selling homes, maybe getting your realtor’s license?”
Jack pursed his lips. “I think I might actually enjoy something like that.”
“Me, too,” Nick answered.
“Good.” Rand grinned. “When can you two start?”
“If you’re that sure of us, I’ll give my notice as soon as I’m back in Virginia,” Nick said.
“What about your condo?” Jack smirked, looking curious. “Where’s Marissa going to live?”
“If Marissa isn’t willing to buy it straight out, I’ll sell,” Nick declared grimly, sounding certain. “That’s the one thing I was hesitant about. I guess something about our relationship was bugging me, so I was going to wait until we were married before I added her name to the title. I don’t think she’s aware of it either.”
Jack barked out a laugh. “I want to be there when you tell her.”
Nick grimaced. “I’ll probably need you to be there in case she tries to kill me.”
Rand began laughing along with Jack.
Chapter Four
A few hours later, Emma walked out from the bedroom wearing a sundress and high heels. Her white-blonde hair was piled high, and her violet blue eyes were highlighted with shadow and liner.
“Geez. I wish I could come out of my room looking like you do, Emma,” Janelle murmured.
“I don’t see why you can’t,” Emma growled. “You know I’ve been waiting to get my hands on you since the moment we met.”
Ciara started laughing.
Janelle was finally considering caving in, but she wouldn’t give Emma the satisfaction of knowing it yet.
Ciara said, “Emma’s been doing makeovers for me since I was in high school. She said my hair and the clothes I wore made me look too much like a boy. I was a tomboy, so I always thought that was fine.”
“Until all the guys in our class saw how pretty she was. It was amazing to see how their attitudes changed when they got a look at Ciara after I was through with her,” Emma said, holding her head high.
Emma was proud of her job as a makeup artist and stylist in charge of the Dragonfly Pointe Inn Salon, which catered to elite clientele.
“Alright,” Janelle answered, sighing heavily. “Let’s do it.”
Emma’s eyes went wide, and she dropped her purse. “Really?”
“You’ve got fifteen minutes,” Janelle mumbled, looking at her watch.
“I’ll take it,” Emma said, guiding Janelle into her room.
Emma looked over her shoulder as Ciara tried to follow. “You stay here. I want you to get the full effect, so Janelle can see just how good she can look with minimal effort.”
“Whatever you say, boss,” Ciara answered, giving her a mock salute.
Emma laughed while Janelle groaned. “What am I getting myself into?”
Janelle sat down in the chair that Emma had placed in front of a mirror inside the bedroom.
“Hmm,” Emma murmured, comb and scissors in hand. “I hope you don’t mind if I trim up your hair?”
“Who packs a pair of scissors to take along for a vacation?” Janelle said dryly.
Emma snorted, defending herself. “I do, of course. You never
