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CARTER WATCHED THE attractive photographer approach his table in the cafe. He appreciated the way she projected both professionalism and femininity, wearing a simple dress that flowed over her curves, yet covered them. He checked his watch. “Exactly an hour,” he said. “I like doing business with people who are punctual.”
“I prefer to be early, but I had work to complete before our meeting.” She scooted the chair toward the table and then folded her hands over her charcoal-colored, leather satchel. “As they say, ‘Time is money,’ so let’s get down to business. Tell me about your firm and what you had in mind for your photo shoot.”
He swallowed the smile that threatened to escape. All he wanted to do was get to know her better, and all she wanted to do was talk business. I’ll do things her way, and then I’ll convince her to do things my way.
They ordered two coffees, and then Carter continued their conversation. “Our firm practices real estate law in Scottsdale. We’ve been around for thirty years.”
“That long?” Her eyes twinkled with mischief.
You do have a sense of humor. Good to know. “I obviously have not been working there that long. It feels like it though. My father started the firm with two of his friends from law school. I practically grew up there. He found work for me to do around his office every summer for as long as I can remember. When I was seven, I sorted papers into folders for a conference.”
“We have something in common. I used to work for my aunt during my summer vacations.”
“What did you do?”
“A little of this and a little of that. Everyone I know worked the tourist trade during school vacations, especially over Christmas breaks. I think it helps build character.” She removed a notebook from her satchel and clicked a pen. “So, your father groomed you to be a lawyer,” she said, quickly changing the subject.
“I hadn’t thought of it that way, but I guess you’re right. Not that I mind. I enjoy what I do, and I always wanted to work for my father’s firm. It’s not like criminal law. No one I’ve worked with has gone to prison. It’s mainly paperwork. Nothing as impressive as what you do. You’re an artist.”
I am an artist. The thought brought a warm smile to her face; the first since she photographed the couple earlier that evening. “I have a degree in digital photography. I graduated from college three and half years ago, and I have been building my business ever since.” She put down her pen and dug a business card out of her satchel. “My portfolio is online.” She handed him her card. “You can check out my work before you decide who you want to handle the pictures for your press release. Although, I can assure you that I will make you look both polished and professional when you announce to the world that you’re officially the next partner in your firm.”
“Oh . . . I don’t know that it’s going to be me.” He lifted both hands, palms up, in a gesture of helplessness and shrugged. “I’m hoping it will be, but I have competition.”
“I’m sorry. I assumed.” The cutest blush washed over her face. “You know what they say about assuming.”
“No worries. I should be more confident and claim it will be me.” He tried to grin but failed.
“You don’t sound convinced.”
“Owen Douglas went to Harvard.” His jaw tightened.
“And that matters because . . .”
“Owen’s uncle is one of the partners. His uncle is campaigning for him.”
“And your father is campaigning for you.” She nodded her understanding. “Can’t you both be partners?”
“If only. Partners take home a lot more money, and the firm took a hit during the recession. We are just now recouping some of our losses. It could be another ten years before they choose to bring on another partner.”
She paused while she appeared to contemplate the situation. “It shouldn’t matter where he went to school. You’re the son of the partner, and he’s only a nephew.”
“He specializes in estate planning and probate law. Wheeler, the senior partner, due to the fact he invested more startup money into the firm thirty years ago, wants to expand the business. He has the deciding vote. If he makes Owen a partner, then he knows the guy won’t leave to work for another firm. Partnerships don’t come along every day.” Carter blew out an exasperated breath. “The man is arrogant, but he’s brilliant, too.”
“Wheeler or Owen Douglas?”
Carter chuckled. “Both.” He leaned back against the chair, admiring the way her angelic face formed a perfect heart. “I don’t know why I’m telling you all this.”
She leaned across the table as if sharing a confidence. “I think you needed to talk to someone. You have a lot on your plate.”
The waitress arrived with their coffee and a bowl filled with small creamer containers.
He thought about what Gina had said until the waitress left. “I don’t usually spill my guts.” His gaze locked with hers. She had mesmerizing, chocolate-brown eyes. There’s something about you. I don’t know why, but I want to know everything about you. “Thank you for listening.”
“You’re welcome. Now, I must admit, if Owen is named the new partner, I don’t know if I want to take the pictures for the press release.” She sounded matter-of-fact, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice.
“But you will because you’re a professional.”
“Are you the one making assumptions now?” She lifted her brow and smirked.
“I could tell by your website. You’re also an amazing photographer. I already checked out your online portfolio.”
“How did you find my website?”
“I watched how you set up your shots. I was impressed so I asked the front desk for your name and I looked you up. You do good work.”
“Thank you.” Her smile traveled to her eyes.
“You now know all about me, tell me something about you,” he said.
She flinched.
He felt the invisible wall form between them once again and decided to act quickly. “Nothing too personal. I like to know who I’m doing business with.”
Gina nodded. “In that case, my full name is Gina Renee Ferari. No relation to the car. Although our last name is pronounced the same, we have one r in the middle, and they have two.”
He snapped his finger in an ‘ah, shucks’ manner. “I was hoping to get a peek at next year’s models.”
She chuckled. “Sorry. I grew up here in Garland Creek, not Italy. My father raised me, not a car manufacturer.”
“Your father?” Carter creased his brow, waiting for her to go on.
“Long story. My aunt helped a lot. She works here, too.”
“Have you ever thought of moving?”
“No. I know it’s small. We don’t even have a mall, but I pick up whatever I can’t buy here when I’m in Phoenix for a photo shoot. My trips to Phoenix, with all its suburbs, reminds me how loud and crowded the city has become. Garland Creek may be quaint, but, for better or worse, this is my home. Besides, living in a town that goes all out for most holidays and offers a multitude of activities year-round makes people happier and friendlier.”
“I see what you mean. Garland Creek has a lot to offer.”
****
AFTER THEY FINISHED their coffee, Gina followed Carter out of the restaurant and showed him the way down the hall to the administrative offices. They headed toward the office she occupied for the duration of the grand opening events. After New Year’s, the manager or wedding planner would call her to contract for special occasions. She needed the additional income provided by the resort to pay her rent and eat three meals a day. The last thing she wanted was to become a burden on her father. He had enough trouble supporting himself on his pension. If her business failed, she would have to find a job working for someone else. The thought of that made her stomach churn. Ever since her father took her to see a traveling exhibition of photographs when she was ten, she wanted to be an independent photographer choosing who, what, and when to shoot.
“I have a copy of the resort’s press release on my desk,” she told him. “You can give me your impression and then we can work from there.”
“That’s fine. Take your time.” Carter’s calm voice reassured her.
She stole a glance in his direction. Her insides warmed like hot fudge, forcing her to look away. Her attraction to the man both surprised and troubled her. The fact he’s attracted to me makes things more complicated. I don’t do flings. If I’m not careful, I’ll end up with a broken heart. I need to remember that we have little in common.
He seemed like an average guy when they spoke. He even shared his fear over not getting the partnership, but she couldn’t let that fool her. They were from two different worlds. He wore expensive name-brand everything from head to toe, and she didn’t even know which designers were in vogue.
They continued down the hall in silence. She felt self-conscious around him and didn’t know what to say. As they neared the manager’s door, she overheard a conversation taking place inside his office.
“Another valuable piece of jewelry was stolen. This time a two-karat ring.” The angry voice projecting a sense of urgency belonged to the manager. Joe had an easygoing reputation as long as no one pressured him. A threat to the resort’s reputation qualified as volcanic-sized pressure.
“I have already ordered extra video cameras. I’ll install them tomorrow.” The man speaking with a firm, professional voice was Isaac, the head of security, known to be efficient and trustworthy.
Gina stopped abruptly, and Carter followed her lead. She didn’t know if she should cough loudly or turn around and leave.
“I hate to cast doubt on anyone,” Joe continued, “but Sophia Ferari was seen entering the room while the guests were in the jacuzzi. The ring was in the room’s safe at the time.”
“Sophia is a valued employee. I have known her for years. She would never—”
“I know you want to defend her, but I have learned the hard way that when it comes to criminal activity, no one is above reproach. Everyone should be considered a suspect.”
“Even you?” Isaac sounded more annoyed than accusatory.
“Yes. Even me. I was meeting with the owner when the theft occurred. Check my alibi.”
“Yes, sir.” Isaac did not sound happy.
Gina could feel her face growing red as her jaw tightened with the rage boiling inside of her. My Aunt Sophia is not a thief! She clenched her fists and marched forward. Two steps from the door, she felt a hand grip her arm and spun to find Carter gesturing in the opposite direction. He glared at her until she agreed to follow him back down the hall.
Inside the lobby, he motioned for her to follow him outside to the courtyard. The cold air hit her as he pushed open the door. White Christmas lights lined the patio.
“Why didn’t you let me say anything? They’re accusing my aunt of stealing.”
“That’s why. They have not accused her of anything, yet, and if you go in there ready to rip their heads off, you’ll be labeled a trouble-maker. I would hate for them to tell you that your services are no longer needed.”
“I have to do something. My aunt wouldn’t sit by and do nothing if they were talking about me.”
“And you will. Tell her what’s going on so she can watch her back. What does she do here?”
“She’s the Director of Housekeeping Services.” Gina waited for the look that other men had shown when she told them her aunt was in housekeeping, but Carter’s expression never wavered. “She told me about a necklace stolen earlier today. I promised to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”
“Good idea. The two of you are in a good position to discover the identity of the thief. You both have the freedom to walk the property while you work.”
“True.” She felt slightly better. It’s a shame you live in Scottsdale. She could use a friend who was both calming and rational. Of course, the whole attraction issue would interfere with any friendship.
His gaze locked on hers. “I’m sure everything will be okay.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“The way both you and that other man stood up for your aunt,” Carter replied. “She has to be innocent.”
“She is, but the truth doesn’t always matter when a resort is trying to build a favorable reputation. I’ve seen suspicion and rumors kill a career.”