"I just bet," Haley answered, her eyes narrowing. She'd learned that about him, herself. That's why she wanted him to be her teacher so dang bad.
"Well, don't you worry, honey, he simply gives them a little kiss, then a night of lovin', then he slips right out of their grasp, and they never knew what hit 'em. They think he's the man of their dreams, but they wake up and it's all just been one big fantasy. Yet somehow they're grateful for even just a night. He's still available for ya. Maybe you can even make the rogue settle down," Marlin said with a chuckle.
"I don't want Crew for myself. I'm in love with another guy. I just want Crew to teach me his secrets - show me how to be one of those women men can't resist. But, you know what, I see a bar full of men who would probably be more than willing to teach me what I need to know," she said as she looked around the room.
The piano player was looking her way, and before she turned back to Marlin, the man gave her a wink. Oh yes, it was time to come out of her corner and fetch herself a teacher. Who said she couldn't mix business and pleasure?
"Sure, missy, sure. That's what they all say. If you think you can dance on a cliff without the wind pushing you over, then you just be my guest, but one night with a man like Crew and you'll forget all about this other guy you're trying to win."
"We'll just have to see about that," Haley said with confidence. "I think I'm going to request a song," she finished with a wink at Marlin. He just laughed and handed her a fresh drink.
As Haley stood up, feeling just a bit wobbly from too many of Marlin's drinks, she wished she knew how to sashay like a model, how to sway her hips provocatively. Oh, well. She'd have to do her best. With glinting eyes and a determined step, she approached the musician, and he wasn't taking his eyes off her.
Invisible? Not this time.
Chapter Six
Everything was running smoothly. Crew's staffers, all of whom he'd handpicked, were efficient, unobtrusive, and expert at anticipating a guest's needs. The customers were smiling and complimentary about his beautiful resort. On top of everything, they were spending - and spending plenty.
The kitchen staffers were working nonstop preparing stellar dishes, and room service orders were flooding in. This was a perfect grand opening. But somehow, Crew eventually found himself with a few minutes to spare.
He was drawn toward the bar, in part because he loved spending a few minutes with his head bartender. Marlin wasn't a pretty sight, but he was shrewd and knew his business. Each time Crew passed by, business was in full swing.
Stepping into the dimly lit, smoky room, he closed his eyes for the briefest of moments and enjoyed the sound of ice clinking in glasses while murmurs, chortles, and titters filled the room. Spirits were high, and the cash register was working overtime.
Business was good.
When Crew's potential buyer came in, he'd have nothing to fear in purchasing this establishment. It was a sure investment for anyone who was dedicated to continuing what Crew had started, because Crew didn't do anything by half measures.
Almost at the bar, he glanced back for the briefest of moments, started to go forward again and then whipped his head back around. He recognized that golden hair, even from a distance. The woman who'd propositioned him was cozying up real close to his pianist, and the guy didn't seem to mind one bit.
What should it matter to Crew? He didn't know her. If she had moved on to find the next man foolish enough to grant her request, then good for her. It meant she'd leave him alone.
If he felt that way, why was he suddenly changing direction and heading toward the happy couple? He was the owner of this establishment, that was why. He couldn't have her trying to prostitute herself to his staff. This place wasn't that kind of business.
As he approached, he saw her hand lift and settle on Sid's leg. His piano player just slid her a wink while his fingers continued to fly over the keys.
"That's lovely," she purred, her face inches from the guy's ear. Crew had heard enough.
"Ms. Sutherland," he said, his voice quiet but hard.
He had to give the woman credit, because her shoulders tensed in surprise for only the briefest of moments before she turned - slowly, quite slowly - to look at him.
"Hello, Mr. Storm. How nice to see you again." Her voice gave nothing away, but her big green eyes were pretty damned eloquent. The woman didn't need a teacher; her eyes alone had the power to seduce.
"I wasn't expecting to see you again - ever." His voice must have been more cold than he'd meant it to be, because his piano player stumbled on his notes before quickly recovering.
"I'm a determined woman, Mr. Storm. Now, if you don't mind, I was having a conversation with Sid. His music is breathtaking," she sighed before turning from Crew and giving him the brush-off. He had no idea that inside she was shaking terribly.