“My bad,” Egan muttered. “I didn’t see your coffee sitting there. You better run along and take care of that situation. I’ll stay here and watch the cameras for you.” Egan did a good job at hiding his laughter at the other man’s red face and protruding eyes that looked like one of those dolls Finley had that had eyes that popped out when its stomach was squeezed. The dick got what he deserved.
Once alone, Egan worked the controller, panning out the camera so that he could watch Novah as she paraded her way through the mansion halls. Several times she’d paused at the intersection of two corridors as if she were lost. She was unaware that she was being watched and probably had no clue that there were cameras.
Through the material of the lace dress, he caught a glimpse of a yellow bikini. So she was headed to the pool.
Stopping at the elevator, she pressed the button. While she waited, she pulled a book out of the tote and thumbed through the pages.
The elevator doors swung open and she moved inside, and much to his disappointment out of the view of the camera. He started to turn away, but then he saw a floating piece of paper fall to the floor. It must have come from her book…
CHAPTER FIVE
“MA’AM? CAN I get you anything else? Another iced tea, or lunch perhaps? I could have the cook make you a sandwich.”
Novah looked up from the book she was reading and met the friendly face of the young man who worked on Mr. Langley’s wait staff. The second she sat down he’d been right over to offer her a drink.
Arriving at Lake Jade a few hours ago, she was shown to her elegant room in the guest quarters and had been surprised to find a large white box with a big red bow placed on the bed. Attached was a note from Peter.
“As a thank you for coming along this weekend, here is a little gift. Use the bathing suit and book to enjoy yourself by the pool since I’ll be arriving later than expected. P.L.”
Normally it would only be appropriate to return a gift from the boss, but when she opened the lid and found the Gucci two piece and cover-up in her exact size she didn’t see any harm in taking the present as a bonus. After all, she had switched up her entire weekend that she’d planned to spend with Finley.
“Brett, I told you that you don’t have to wait on me. I’m not a guest. I’m staff too.”
“Ma’am, it’s my pleasure.” He brightened. “I usually don’t get to help such nice visitors here.”
“Then I’ll take another iced tea. Thank you.”
She went back to reading her suspense novel and sipped the fresh glass of tea. Hearing her phone buzz, she reached for it from the tote and read the screen. She clicked “talk”. “Hi, sweetie. Why aren’t you at school?” Novah immediately shifted into worried mom mode.
“I felt sick, so Grammy came to pick me up.”
Sitting up straight, Novah squeezed the phone tighter. “What’s wrong?”
“Here, Grammy wants to speak to you.” There was a soft mumbling in the background and then Novah heard her mother say, “Relax, honey. She’s fine. I made her some chicken noodle soup and she’s feeling better already.”
“Are you sure? Do I need to come home?” She swung her feet off the lounger.
“Don’t you dare! I have this under control. Who do you think took care of you when you got sick? You deserve a vacation.”
“This isn’t a vacation, Mom. I’m working.” Although not now.” She stretched back into the lounger and resituated her sunglasses. “Fin likes apple tea. There’s a box in the cabinet.”
“I’ve already given her a cup.”
“Call me if anything changes.” But as she hung up, she knew her mother wouldn’t, unless it was a matter of life or death. She’d made it clear many times over the last few years that Novah needed to have fun and enjoy life more. While here, she did plan to soak up some sun and enjoy the peaceful views in between working, that was if Mr. Langley ever arrived. He was famous for not being punctual.
Turning the page on the book just as the heroine was about to be attacked, she heard, “This doesn’t look like work to me.” The familiar husky tone invoked a variety of sensations in her.
Egan was standing near the iron gate and although she couldn’t see his eyes through his mirrored sunglasses, she could feel the scorching heat of his gaze across the short distance. Her nipples beaded against the soft cups of the bikini top. Swallowing against the invisible cotton ball in her throat, she asked, “What are you doing out here?” She jetted a glance around the pool area to make sure they were alone. Where had Brett disappeared to?
“Checking the perimeter,” he said and took the space between them in three quick, panther-like strides. “Care if I have a seat?” He nodded at the lounger next to her.
“I’d rather you didn’t—” He was already seated, and she groaned in frustration. “Go right ahead then.” Immediately her body was on high alert, fully aware of the vibrations forming at the apex of her thighs. She closed her book and set it aside. “There’s nothing to worry about here by the pool.”
One corner of his mouth lifted. “Everything looks good so far.”
Realizing he was referring to
