Chapter 29

“Mr. Steele,” Nikki says at the bottom of the stairs, hand extended to Marcus. “It’s a real pleasure to see you again. And, Gabriela, I love your dress.”

“Thank you. You look amazing, as always.”

Nikki is beautiful enough to win pageants, but down-to-earth enough that mere mortals don’t hate her. Today she wears a flowing blue dress—elegant and casual at once. Her shoulder-length blonde hair frames her face. She practically glows with happiness.

“Let me get you something to drink,” she says, slipping between Marcus and me to take our arms and guide us up the grand staircase to the second-floor lounge. “I was so happy when Nick told me you’d agreed to build the resort, Mr. Steele. I think you’ll bring something very special to the project.”

“I’m glad to be part of the team,” Marcus says, and I can’t help wondering if Nikki notices the sidelong glance he gives me. “Sorry for the delay.”

“There was a lot of traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway,” I add, hop