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of us,” Lessa added.
    â€œSo my purchasing stock was enough to heal a…” Sabrina glanced at Rick. “How did you describe it? A lovers’ quarrel? Perhaps you should be thanking me, Rick, for winning back your job.”
    â€œLet’s face it, Sabrina, If not you, it would’ve been someone else.”
    â€œIf I remember correctly, there was someone else,” Sabrina snapped. “There were several in fact.”
    Was she implying that he’d been unfaithful when they’d been seeing each other? Lessa wondered.
    â€œLet’s hear your offer,” Sabrina said.
    â€œWe’re willing to buy back your stock at a decent premium,” Lessa explained as Rick opened his briefcase and handed Sabrina the contract.
    After scanning the document, she put it on her desk. “Why should I agree to this when I could have all the properties?”
    Rick leaned forward. “Because you’re never going to get all the properties.”
    â€œI’m not so sure. You two seem to have a tumultuous relationship, to say the least. One that is not having positive repercussions on the company. Your stock has dropped rather dramatically.”
    â€œActually,” Lessa said, “when you look at our revenues in the context of the economy, we had an excellent year. And Rick has some properties due to open that should dramatically increase our value. But then again, you know our property is valuable, otherwise you wouldn’t want it so badly.”
    Sabrina hesitated and glanced down at the contract. “I’ll need some time to discuss this with my advisers. Unfortunately, they’re out of the office right now, inspecting some properties. Perhaps, if you’re not in a rush, you could stay until dinner. They’ll be back by then and we can all discuss this further.”
    Lessa felt her heart stop. As excited as she was to think that perhaps Sabrina would abort the takeover, she couldn’t bear the thought of carrying on this charade any longer than necessary.
    â€œWe would be happy to,” Rick said, glancing at Lessa. The look in his eyes was clear. Don’t blow this.
    â€œIt’s settled,” Sabrina said. “We have a couple of hours to play before we return to business. I’ll have my secretary show you to your room. Why don’t you change into your suits and meet me at the boat docks? I know how Rick loves to water-ski.”
    Water-ski? “Unfortunately,” Lessa said quickly, “we didn’t bring suits.”
    â€œI’ll have some sent to your room.”
    Her heart jumped into her throat. Room? As in one room, not two? “It’s not necessary,” she said quickly. “We’ll just pick some up at the gift shop.”
    â€œThe gift shop is closed temporarily. Renovations,” Sabrina said with a shrug.
    â€œWell then, thank you,” Lessa managed to say.
    Rick took her arm and they followed the secretary, Christa, outside and down a palm-shrouded walkway. Beyond the walkway was a white sandy beach framed by the Caribbean. Christa stopped at a bungalow just feet away from the crystal-blue water. Their quarters were isolated from the rest, a special little love nest next to the sea.
    Christa slid a card through a lock and opened the door. “Enjoy,” she said cheerfully, handing Rick the card.
    It was an opulent and meticulously appointed suite, with French doors that were open to the sea. A bottle of champagne sat chilled in an ice bucket, while two plush robes lay across a bed.
    Lessa shut the doors and turned to face him. Her eyes were cold, her face set in a frown. “I thought you didn’t like games.”
    â€œIf you have a problem, Lessa, I suggest you tell me about it. I don’t like dissent in the office.”
    â€œYou know Sabrina Vickers?”
    â€œI knew her,” he said.
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell me she was your girlfriend?” she asked. The accusations