Page 51 of Just a Little Tempted

Two seats had been left empty for us at the large table, and Simon guided me into one before settling beside me, his arm draping casually over the back of my chair. The gesture felt possessive in the best way, a quiet claim that sent warmth spreading through my chest.

Breakfast was a more relaxed affair than last night’s dinner. The formal atmosphere had given way to something easierand more intimate this morning. No one seemed in a hurry to leave once their plates were cleared, lingering over coffee and conversation as morning sunlight streamed through the windows.

Throughout the meal, Simon kept touching me. A hand resting on my knee beneath the table. His thigh pressed against mine. None of it was overtly sexual, nothing that would raise eyebrows in polite company, but every point of contact felt electric and intimate. A secret language only we understood, and my heart seemed to skip each time.

I ordered a stack of pancakes and bacon, ravenous after last night’s activities, and Simon had the same. As we ate, I fell into easy conversation with Brenda about her daughters, her grandchildren, the early days of building Neptune’s Kingdom from the ground up. She was warm and engaging, and I found myself genuinely enjoying her company rather than simply performing for Alexander’s benefit.

Beside me, Simon discussed some of the firm’s recent acquisitions with Alexander’s son-in-law, who seemed fascinated by the scope of Simon’s work. I caught fragments of their conversation—something about sustainable growth strategies and long-term investment horizons—and felt a swell of pride at how knowledgeable and confident Simon sounded.

Unfortunately, this arrangement left Chuck free to monopolize Alexander’s attention.

At first, I felt a flicker of concern. But as I sipped my coffee and listened to the conversation drifting across the table, that worry evaporated entirely.

“I noticed you have open cubbies and shelving in the waterpark,” Chuck said, leaning forward with the air of someone about to dispense brilliant wisdom. “Have you considered eliminating those? It would force guests to pay for your locker rentals instead.”

I kept my expression neutral, but internally I winced. Those lockers cost fifteen dollars a day. Alexander had built his entire brand on creating a welcoming, family-friendly experience. Nickel-and-diming guests for basic conveniences was antithetical to everything he stood for.

Alexander’s face revealed nothing, but I noticed the slight tightening around his eyes. “It’s an interesting thought.”

Chuck, oblivious to the cool reception, plowed ahead. “And you could charge a rental fee for the inner tubes on the lazy river. Providing those for free? That’s a missed opportunity to generate additional revenue.”

“I think our guests appreciate that we don’t charge for essentials like that,” Alexander said mildly. “It’s part of what sets us apart.”

“Sure, they appreciate it,” Chuck said with a chuckle that grated on my nerves. “Everyone loves free stuff—except for us hardworking business owners who are missing out on the profits. But don’t worry, I’ve got a ton of ideas like this to increase your margins when we go into business together.”

When, notif. The presumption was staggering.

I took another bite of my pancakes, hiding my satisfaction behind the act of chewing. Chuck might have arrived this weekend with the advantage of his ready-made family, but he clearly didn’t understand Alexander at all. This resort wasn’t just a business to Alexander. It was a legacy, a labor of love built on principles that Chuck seemed eager to dismantle in the name of profit.

Simon was going to win this. I was more certain of it than ever.

“Dad! I want to check out the rock wall!” one of Chuck’s sons announced loudly, while the other insisted they go to the arcade instead. The argument escalated quickly, voices rising, until Chuck’s wife suggested they divide and conquer.

I watched irritation flash across Chuck’s face before he smoothed it away—too late. Alexander had seen it too. The barely concealed annoyance at his own children, the way he seemed relieved when his wife and other son left the table rather than disappointed to see them go.

Having a wife and kids doesn’t make you a family man, I thought.It’s how you treat them that matters.

Alexander’s daughter and her family departed shortly after, heading back to the waterpark with promises to meet up later. That left just the four of us—me, Simon, Alexander, and Brenda—in a pocket of relative quiet.

Simon leaned forward slightly, his demeanor shifting from relaxed to purposeful. “If I could be direct,” he said, addressing Alexander. “I’d like to ask if you have any sense of which direction you’re leaning regarding the partnership?”

Alexander didn’t answer immediately. He lifted his coffee cup, took a slow sip, set it down again. The pause stretched long enough that I felt tension coiling in my stomach.

“I’ll be honest with you, Simon,” he finally said. “I’m worried about making the wrong decision.” He glanced at Brenda, who gave him an encouraging nod. “I’m sure you’ve worked with plenty of ambitious, confident businessmen throughout your career. But I’ve never been like that. I built this place on trust and integrity, not cutthroat tactics. I want to go into business with people who understand that. People who value honesty as much as I do.”

“I understand completely,” Simon said, and I knew he meant it. After everything he’d told me about Chuck’s betrayal—the cheap fabric, the ruined manufacturer relationships, the collapse of their first company—I knew Simon valued honesty far more than most in his position.

A twinge of guilt pricked at my conscience. I thought about how this had all started—a desperate lie about dating my boss,spun to keep Alexander interested. At the time, it had felt necessary. Strategic. But now? Now I wasn’t sure it qualified as a lie anymore. We hadn’t discussed what sleeping together meant, hadn’t put labels on whatever was growing between us, but my feelings for Simon had evolved into something real and undeniable.

“I want you to know,” I said, drawing Alexander’s attention, “that Simon is a good man to work with. I’ve seen firsthand how much he cares about the companies he invests in. He’s not interested in stripping businesses for parts or squeezing out short-term profits at the expense of long-term success.”

Simon’s hand found mine beneath the table, squeezing gently.

“If you choose to partner with him,” I continued, “this business will grow and flourish, but in the wayyouwant it to. Changes might need to be made along the way, but only to enhance the guest experience. Because that’s what matters to you, and Simon respects that.”

“She’s absolutely right,” Simon added, his voice steady and sincere. “I don’t want to invest in Neptune’s Kingdom just to turn around and change everything that makes it special, or gouge customers to make more profit. You’ve created something magical here, Alexander. My goal would be to help it grow, not ruin it.”

Alexander studied us for a long moment, his gaze moving between our faces. Then a smile spread across his features. A real one that reached his eyes and crinkled the corners.