Not for the first time in our lives, I completely disagree with him. I know what I’m doing. So I screwed around in college and didn’t get the best grades—so what? I might’ve spent more time chasing women and going to parties versus studying and actually attending classes, but guess what? I got my education in the real world. Growing up in the Bancroft Hotels gave me the hands-on experience and vision needed to take the company to the next level.
Too bad my father didn’t realize it.
“Do you miss the city?” Ivy asks, knocking me from my thoughts.
I glance over to find her studying me. “Sometimes. Not that it’s far, but I haven’t had much time lately to make it over. Not as if I want to visit my parents . . . I like the pace here, though. It’s a little slower. More reflective.”
“Are you trying to say you’re reflective?” Gage pipes up from the back seat. “Give me a break.”
I press my lips together to keep from calling Gage an insensitive prick.
“Ignore him,” Ivy whispers, reaching over to pat my thigh. “He’s just jealous.”
“Yeah, right,” Gage laughs, but I don’t reply.
I’m too caught up in the fact that she touched my thigh, and just like that I’m sporting a hard-on. A full-blown one too, all from a light touch of her fingers on my leg.
This is . . . bad. If I can barely handle her touching me on the leg for a brief second, then I need to get her out of my life pronto.
Or pull her so deeply into my life there’s no way she’d ever want to leave my side again.
Keep dreaming, ass**le.
Funny how the nagging voice inside my head sounds just like Gage.
Chapter Seven
Ivy
THE RESORT IS gorgeous. Unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to more than a few exclusive spas and resorts in my life. My mom loves to indulge in spas and she’s taken me on many a “girls only” trip the last few years. She’s all about the detox.
But the Hush Resort is more than just a simple spa. And it’s definitely more than a hotel too. From what I can see since Archer’s taken us on a tour of the lush grounds, it’s all about promoting a lifestyle.
Indulgence. Decadence. Sex. That’s the message Hush is sending me, albeit in a sophisticated, understated package. I noticed from the moment we were seated in the small on-premise restaurant we’re surrounded by couples. Young, old, middle-aged, every one of them is so in tune with each other, so focused and seemingly happy, I can’t help but admire each and every one of them.
And also feel a little jealous.
I sat with two men, the lone oddity in the entire restaurant. One is my jerk of a brother who can’t quite stop giving Archer grief while stuffing his face. I have no idea what’s gotten into Gage but it isn’t a pleasant sight.
Then there’s Archer, who’s been quiet since we arrived. He seems almost . . . nervous, and I’ve never seen Archer nervous. Of course, I’d never seen Archer naked either, but I sure remedied that last night now, didn’t I?
I feel like I’m seeing all the bits and pieces that make him up. It’s rather fascinating, though I tell myself I most definitely should not be fascinated. What happened between us was a mistake. Why I can’t seem to remember that, I’m not exactly sure.
Hormonal issues maybe? Yes, that must be it.
After breakfast, he takes us for a tour, showing us the gorgeously landscaped grounds with what seems like miles of lush green grass spread around the facility. The rolling hills that surround the hotel location are dotted with the vineyards’ neat rows and my eyes are constantly drawn to their simple, efficient beauty. The day is crisp and clear, the sky a startling blue, the sun warm on my skin, and I glance around in utter amazement, overwhelmed with all the natural beauty that’s surrounding me.
“You like it?” Archer asks, sounding eager.
“I do.” I smile up at him, unable to contain it. I don’t want to give him any wrong ideas, but wow, I’m blown away with his resort. “The location is unreal.”
“My father bought the property years ago, before I was even born,” Archer explains, his gaze going to the vineyards, just like mine does. “The old Bancroft Hotel in Napa that’s not too far slowly turned into a complete loser, a financial drain. Couldn’t turn a profit, was considered in a less-than-ideal location.”
“I’m surprised,” I say, interrupting him. He turns to look at me, his eyebrows raised, and I shrug. “Just the beauty of the location alone is breathtaking. And you haven’t taken us inside any of the buildings yet besides the restaurant. I’m sure I’ll become even more impressed.”
Gage wanders off, seemingly bored with the conversation, but I’m sure he’s heard it all before. Funny, how Archer and I have never spent any sort of time alone together like this. Until now.
“Well, I had the original hotel building razed when my father sent me out here. I started over completely from scratch. And when I say it wasn’t an ideal location, it’s because so many other hotels were built in another, much more populated area. This one was considered out of the way.” He slips his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, looking so gorgeous as the breeze ruffles his dark hair I want to lunge at him. Grab hold and never let go.
I keep myself in check instead.
“You’ve done an amazing job,” I say softly. “You must be proud.”
“Yeah, I am.” He smiles, his eyes warm. “It wasn’t easy. My father sent me out here to fail.”