Shifting uncomfortably, Hugh said, “I’m sorry about your flight. Is there anything I can do?”
Aubrey wiped a stray tear away and straightened. “It was the last available flight out of San Francisco tonight. I’ll have to see what I can find tomorrow.”
He nodded. It wasn’t any of his business anyway. “Well…for what it’s worth…I hope you get home safely.”
“Thanks.” Her words were soft, quiet. She turned and secured her suitcase, slipping on her sandals.
“If it’s all right with you, I’d prefer you leave through the door rather than the window,” Hugh said, hoping to lighten the mood with a little humor. He was relieved when Aubrey smiled.
“That would be nice. Thank you.”
Hugh followed her to the door and admired the soft sway of her hips and the way her short skirt swished as she moved. His throat went dry again. Aubrey looked curvy and soft and…he made a mental note to call Riley as soon as he got to his suite.
Reaching around her at the door, he opened it and was about to wish her well when she immediately stepped back, bumping into him right before slamming the door closed. “I can’t go out there,” she said, her gaze a little wild.
“What? Why?”
“I…I can’t. Please. Can I just stay here? For a few more minutes?”
His curiosity was beyond piqued, but he nodded and put some space between them. “Of course.” He motioned for Aubrey to sit down on the sofa set up against the wall. “There’s some water and soda in the mini fridge in the corner. Help yourself. I’ll be right back.” Hugh saw her nod but also noted she was looking around the room as if planning her escape. He walked over to the window and closed and locked it. “Promise me you’ll wait until I get back, okay?”
Aubrey grimaced. “Fine.”
“Thank you.” With a nod of approval, Hugh strode from the office and out to the lobby. Tim was standing at the desk talking with a guest. Standing back for a moment, he listened to the conversation.
“You must have seen her. She would have had to come here to get another room!” the guest snapped.
“I’m sorry, sir, but we haven’t had any requests for a room from any walk-ins,” Tim said with a smile.
The man sighed loudly. “She wasn’t a walk-in. She arrived with me. Blond. In a white dress. Pink luggage.”
Hugh stiffened. This was the we Aubrey had mentioned? The guy sounded like a total ass. Unable to help himself, he walked over to the desk. “Is there something I can help you with?”
Tim seemed to sag with relief while the other guy seemed to bristle. “Who the hell are you?”
“Hugh Shaughnessy. I own the resort.”
“Finally,” the man grumbled. “I’m looking for the woman I arrived here with. She took off and I need to find her.”
“I’m sorry,” Hugh began, “and you are?”
“Paul Hollingsworth.” They shook hands. “Aubrey and I checked in this morning and now she’s gone. This is a real inconvenience and I demand to know where she is.”
“Tim?” Hugh said with a serene smile. “Have you seen Mr. Hollingsworth’s guest?”
Tim shook his head. “No, I haven’t, sir. Which is what I’ve been trying to tell him.”
Hugh turned back to Hollingsworth. “My employee has no reason to lie to you. Are you sure she didn’t go shopping?”
“No,” Paul snapped. “All of her things are gone!” He threw up his hands and took a few steps away while he muttered, “Inconsiderate bitch. I knew I should have asked someone else.”
The statement filled Hugh with rage. “Wait…did you say she had pink luggage?”
Paul nodded and came back to stand in front of him. “She did.”
“Long blond hair? White dress?”
Again Paul nodded.
“Right, right. I remember her now. I helped her get a cab. She said she was going to the airport.”
“What?” Paul yelled. “And you let her go?”
Hugh shrugged. “It wasn’t my place to stop her,” he said mildly. “Guests request cabs or town cars to take them to the airport all the time. Is there a problem?”
“Damn woman,” Paul muttered. “I’m going to need a car to take me to the airport too. I need to collect my things.” He turned to Tim. “Get a bellman to help me transport my luggage immediately.” Then he was gone.
“Yes, sir,” Tim said. “Right away.”
Hugh watched until Paul was out of sight before he turned to look at Tim. “Make sure he gets everything he needs and he leaves the property. Close out his bill and if he comes back, we don’t have any vacancies, understand?”