A Fresh Start Read online

  ****

  Monday morning dawned bright and warm. Samantha dressed with care in a bright pink top that made her think of her sarong and gave her courage to face the day ahead. She wore a gray suit and heels and pulled her hair back into a loose bun. After she applied her makeup, she examined the entire look in the mirror and nodded at herself, satisfied. Professional but approachable, she told herself.

  ****

  She met Mr. Hayes at his office to fill out paperwork, then followed him to the elevator and up three floors. Mr. Hayes gave her some background on her new employer as they went. “Mr. Miller is a very private person, so no personal questions. Take notes and ask questions about the company and the job. He likes to see that.”

  They reached a reception area, and Mr. Hayes waved at the woman behind the desk before leading Samantha to a large door. He knocked, then opened the door. Samantha preceded him into Mr. Miller’s office, then gasped. Behind the desk, looking dangerous in a black suit, was Luke. He looked up from the papers in front of him and grinned at her. “Hi, Samantha. Mike.” Mr. Hayes smiled and backed out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

  “What the hell is going on?” Samantha said furiously. “What are you doing here?”

  Luke held his hands up. “Please, sit down, Samantha.”

  Samantha sat down, blinking rapidly to keep from crying. She wasn’t sure what she was feeling yet, but betrayal was lurking in there somewhere.

  Luke leaned against the front of his desk. “I own this hotel chain. I was visiting the Fiji hotel when one of the employees got sick. So I filled in. When I saw you…I couldn’t help myself. I had to meet you. Then I fell in love with you, and things got complicated. When I came across your resume, I couldn’t believe it. Fate definitely had a hand in this.”

  Samantha shook her head. “You own the hotel chain? You’re not a cabana boy?”

  Luke laughed. “I’m not a cabana boy, although I’d be willing to wait on you again if you like.”

  Samantha stood up and began to pace. “So where does this leave us now? And what about the job? Is there even a job?”

  Luke sobered. “Yes, there is a job and you are the most qualified candidate for the job. However, I was hoping you would agree to marry me instead.”

  She looked at him, tears running unchecked down her cheeks. “Really?”

  He walked over to her, grasped her hands in his, lowered himself to his right knee, and pulled a small box from his pocket. “Samantha, I love you. Will you marry me?”

  Samantha nodded. “Just try and stop me.”

  ###

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  Table of Contents

  A Fresh Start

  Midpoint