across the parking lot. Colorful pontoons were docked in the back.
âI guess Iâve missed this experience,â Emilie said.
âLunch cruises, theyâre called. The marina showcases their boats for sale while their passengers have a pleasant experience. Some days itâs fishing vessels, others, sailboats or cabin cruisers. Today looks to be pontoon day. Itâs a pretty innovative idea, donât you think?â
Emilie had to admit it was quite novel. She was already thinking how to partner with the outfit and increase the resortâs business.
Rowan purchased their tickets, and they were handed box lunches as they boarded. They quickly found seats in the back. Emilie noted that the passengers were mostly families on vacation, but she did spot a few locals who looked at her curiously trying to assess the situation.
As they floated down the canal, Emilie shed her jacket and bit into her fish sandwich. She took a swig of delicious orange juice and decided to enjoy the time. However, relaxing was somewhat difficult when she was so close to Rowan. She could smell his uniquely masculine scent, and feel the brush of a muscular arm. She decided to focus on the water and the homes being renovated along the shore. Being away from the hotel was exactly what she needed after that stressful sales meeting.
âLet me be the first to tell you the good news,â Rowan said, breaking into her thoughts, his arm grazing hers again. He swigged his orange juice while Emilie tried not stare at his hands. Those very large hands were capable of magic.
âIâm all for good news.â Emilie tossed a mass of curls back and took a rubber band out of her purse. She bunched her hair into a ponytail and gave him her full attention. âWhat?â
âStephen Priddy should be calling you.â
âWhoâs he?â
âThe Seminolesâ chief financial officerâ
One of Emilieâs shapely eyebrows rose. She couldnât help being suspicious. âWhy would he call me?â
âBecause I put in a good word for you. Stephen is going to need two hundred of your rooms for the next six months. I thought you would be pleased.â
âPleased is an understatement. Iâm ecstatic.â
Not caring who saw, Emilie threw her arms around Rowanâs neck and kissed him. He reciprocated by wrapping his arms around her waist and really kissing her, giving her tongue and all.
âBad, boy,â she said, pushing away from him. âBy far this is the best news Iâve heard in weeks. Reason to celebrate. I owe you big-time.â
âHow about we celebrate together on Saturday evening at the jam session?â
After what Rowan James had just done for her there was no way she could say no.
âOkay. Youâre on. Come over to my place around six and weâll go together.â
âBaby, baby, baby, you know Iâll be there.â
Chapter 4
T he first of Joyaâs singles parties looked to be a huge hit when Emilie entered the lobby. There were wall-to-wall people. The noise level was deafening and the bar packed. Emilie had noticed how crowded the parking lot was when sheâd pulled into the employee lot. Cars were double-and triple-parked.
Joya was to be credited for bringing in the business. As the resortâs in-house event planner, it had been her idea to partner with a party organizer. Sheâd negotiated a lucrative contract for at least half a dozen of these parties. The resort was also offering discounted rooms to those who hoped to get lucky.
Emilie was surprised Flamingo Beach had this many singles. She figured the advertisement must have gone out to the neighboring towns. It amazed her how much people were willing to pay for a social function with no guarantee of finding a soul mate. That reminded her it was high time she did something about finding her own Mr. Wonderfulâsomeone with the potential to go somewhere.
As Emilie was about
Jr. (EDT) W. Reginald Barbara H. (EDT); Rampone Solomon