Page 21 of Hate To Be Mine

Except they couldn’t find the reservation.

“I’m so sorry,” the front desk manager said after ten minutes of searching. “But I don’t have any booking under your name or your company’s name. And unfortunately, we’re completely full. The Blackwell production has taken up all our available rooms and bungalows.”

“That’s not possible. My company made this reservation weeks ago.”

“I understand, and I’m very sorry. But without a confirmation number or any record in our system…” She spread her hands helplessly. “There’s nothing I can do.”

My father. That bastard had forgotten to actually book my room. Or more likely, he’d delegated it to someone who’d forgotten, because God forbid he handle logistics himself.

I stood at the front desk, feeling the eyes of curious Blackwell crew members on me, and tried to figure out what to do. I could call my father, but that would just result in him yelling at me for not confirming the reservation myself. There was not another resort on the island.

What the hell was I supposed to do for two weeks?

“I hear you’re looking for a place to stay.” Sebastian’s voice, smug and amused, came from behind me.

I turned, drawing my shoulders back and jutting my chin out, defensive anger flooding through me. “Oh, I suppose you’re going to offer me a spot in your bed? Get over yourself, Sebastian. I’d rather sleep on the beach!”

Several people turned to stare.

Sebastian just looked at me, his expression somewhere between surprised and entertained. “Easy there, tiger. I was going to ask if you wanted to room with Annika. You two seemed to hit it off at the fitting. But fine. Sleep on the sand. Just watch out for night crabs. They’re aggressive little bastards.”

He turned and started to walk away.

I felt like a damn fool. He’d been trying to help, and I’d jumped down his throat because I was frustrated and tired and hated not being in control of a situation.

“Wait,” I called after him. “Hold on. Is Annika okay with this?”

He stopped and shrugged. “Let’s ask her.”

We found Annika directing the unloading of garment bags from one of the vans. When Sebastian explained the situation, she didn’t even hesitate.

“Of course you can stay with me,” she said with a smile. “I have a two-bedroom bungalow. The second room is smaller, and I’m using it to store some of the makeup supplies since Mary Jo’s team filled up their space. But there’s still a bed and you’re more than welcome to it.”

“I don’t want to impose.”

“You’re not imposing. I’d enjoy the company.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I really appreciate this.”

“No problem at all, darling. Come on, let’s get you settled.” She led me along one of the winding paths through the resort grounds. I pulled my bag behind me, loving the beauty of the place.

The bungalow Annika had been assigned was charming, with modern amenities like air-conditioning and a surprisingly spacious bathroom.

“Your room is through here,” Annika said, opening a door off the main space.

I realized that while I was waiting for my reservation to be found, Annika had already had all of her stuff delivered to the bungalow.

The second bedroom was indeed smaller, and yes, it was packed with equipment. But there was a double bed, a small dresser, and a window that looked out onto the jungle.

It would work.

“I’m sorry it’s all crammed in here,” Annika said.

“It’s fine. Thank you for letting me use your spare room.”

“Mary Jo’s team will come get most of this tomorrow once they organize their own space better. It won’t be so crowded for long.”

I set my suitcase on the bed and took a deep breath. It wasn’t what I’d planned but it was fine.