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Nell gave Miles the sharp eye. “As in sleeping with, Mom. Damn it, Miles.”
“Sorry. Did you want to sleep with her?”
“Aren’t you just adorable? Are there not enough women in Vermont you can choose from without sleeping with someone who works at the resort, and inmydepartment?”
“Apologies again. I’ve run through all the others. She was the only one left. Once I’m done with her, I’m hitting on New Hampshire.”
“All right, kids.” Their father held his hands up, palms out. “That’s enough. First, this is Miles’s personal life, and he’s entitled to it just like the rest of us. Next. Everyone at this table, everyone who knows him would have no reason, whatsoever, to think he’d in any way coerce or pressure any woman, any employee into a sexual relationship.”
“Morgan may not feel that way.”
Liam let out an impatient hiss as he turned to his sister. “Come on, Nell, Morgan’s worked for us long enough to give a solid impression. If she felt pressured, and I don’t buy that, not with Miles, she’d come to you, or Grand, or Mom. Or, more likely, she’d tell Miles to back right off. I’ve seen her handle guests who come close to the line. So have you.”
“I also know she’s coming out of a trauma. Major trauma, and one that’s not over.”
“I’m aware.” He spoke coolly—a clear warning signal. “And you’re crossing the line if you think I’d take advantage of that.”
“I don’t. I’m saying she might. I need to talk with her. I do,” she pressed before Miles could speak. “I’m her direct supervisor. I’m responsible.”
“I have something to say.”
When Lydia Jameson spoke, no one interrupted.
“Rory is right in that this is Miles’s personal life, and his family needs to respect that. And his family should trust him, as he’s never given any of us reason to do otherwise.
“Nell is right,” she continued. “Though I have no doubt Miles is confident this relationship is on mutual and even ground, Nell, as Morgan’s supervisor, should have an open and frank discussion with Morgan. She’s Olivia Nash’s granddaughter, and so I have no doubt Liam is also right. If she didn’t want a relationship of this nature with Miles, she would make that clear.
“But,” she continued after a pause, “we can’t forget what she’s been through, is still dealing with. Nell, I think we’d all appreciate it if you’d arrange to have a private conversation with Morgan tomorrow. I expect you’ll have the answers and responses that allow all of us to let two unencumbered adults live their personal lives.”
“I’ll arrange it.”
“That’s settled then.” Mick knocked a fist lightly on the table. “Miles will, no doubt, respect whatever Morgan has to say on the subject.”
“Of course I will.”
“She’s a very appealing young woman.” Mick smiled with it. “On several levels. And an asset to the resort. We look after our own. I’ll add if Miles wasn’t who Miles is, he wouldn’t have brought this up at the meeting. And now, let’s fire up the grill.”
Outside, Nell made a point to draw Miles away. And watching them, Drea winced.
“Let them hash it out.” Rory gave her shoulder a squeeze. “We didn’t raise shrinking violets.”
“That’s my worry. I’d hate to see this end up in a fight.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“Not even close. But you’re right, let them hash it out. We can mop up the metaphorical blood later if necessary.”
Nell drew Miles around to the side of the house. “Listen, I have to do this.”
“So you’ve said, and so everyone agreed.”
“It’s not that I don’t know you, don’t trust you.”
“It isn’t?”
“No, and you damn well know it, so get off the high horse.”
“I couldn’t get in the saddle because you took up all the room.”
