The waiter completely blocked her view, not that she’d be able to see anything but shots of color and blurry movements.
“Stay!” Cole barked at her. “Just don’t… Stay right here, I have to take care of something really quick.”
“Staying.” Nikki lifted her hands. “But don’t get mad when your drink’s empty!”
“Ha!” His laugh was forced as he bolted away from her like she was diseased. If she didn’t know him better, she’d be insulted.
She shrugged and looked in the general direction of the waiter. “Put his drink in my hand and nobody gets hurt.”
“Are you sure you shouldn’t wait for Cole and—”
“—And?”
A cold drink was pressed against her palm. “Nothing, never mind, Cole’s probably just having a rough time dealing with Nadine Titus. Two employees got written up this morning already.”
“Two?”
She cringed. Good thing she was stuck in the spa or she would have been nervous. That didn’t sound at all like Nadine. Then again, the woman had forced Nikki to do something that wasn’t only painful but embarrassing. And Nadine was above all else a businesswoman.
“Did you want anything else?” he asked.
For some reason she felt embarrassed, again, and Brant wasn’t even there. How was it fair that even from miles away, he made her feel angry, resentful, and still hopeful that one day she’d be rid of him and all the memories that came with him?
Chapter Seven
Brant’s itinerary was specific.
Sushi bar by the pool at eight thirty, followed by dessert in his room at ten, with turn-down service at ten thirty.
Cole had thought of everything.
He was surprised the man didn’t add in bathroom breaks. On one hand, his attention to detail was impressive. On the other, Brant was never good at following directions. Besides, how the hell was he supposed to assess the resort if every staff member knew where he was at all times?
The food in the main lobby restaurant had smelled incredible. His stomach growled when a waiter passed with a tray bearing filet mignon and the biggest bread basket he’d ever seen, so he made a small detour.
And nearly ran into a passing waiter.
It didn’t matter that it was most likely Brant’s fault—the waiter didn’t even apologize. He wrote the guy up immediately, threatened him, and then asked to be seated at the best table.
Once seated, he cracked his neck. Guilt gnawed, the same guilt that told him it was unfair to take out his anger and frustration on the staff. Hell, he was just doing his job, making them better. At this rate he’d need another massage in order to deal with the stress.
But not with the same masseuse.
Although his muscles did feel looser, even if his pants felt tight. Damn it.
“Brant.” Cole approached the table, fists clenched, face grim. “What are you doing here?”
Cole bothered him. Maybe it was the cocky stance he seemed to always take in front of Brant, as if they were part of a pissing match he never even asked to participate in. And Cole seemed constantly…angry. Nothing like calling the kettle black.
“Eating.” Brant stared him down then returned his attention to the menu. “What’s the special?”
“I’ll send the waiter right over.”
“I’m asking you.” He was being a jackass, but Cole needed a reminder that regardless of whatever problem he had with him, Brant was still his boss, and he deserved his respect.
“I believe the special is a pan-seared rib eye with pineapple glaze set over a bed of asparagus and scallops…” He paused then added, “Sir.” Though that sounded more of an insult than anything.
Brant snapped his menu shut and handed it to Brant. “You’ll let my waiter know?”
Cole’s eye twitched, his teeth clenched, and then he nodded once as he took the menu. “Did you need anything else, Brant?”
“The massage was great.” He changed the subject. “She was very…thorough.”
Cole exhaled, his face softened. “Good, she’s…the best we have.”
“Really?”
Cole’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, why?”
Brant smiled politely. “Her room was a mess. I wrote her up, and if she doesn’t start taking care of her work area I’ll be asking her to leave. In fact I’ve found a few areas where you’ve been”—he shrugged—“lenient. I’ll be sure to give you my notes later.”
Cole grit his teeth together.
Brant had to give him credit—he was angry but he wasn’t lashing out.
Brant smiled politely and handed the menu to Cole. “You know, a few times I thought she was going to kill me.”