Waiting for Willa (Big Sky, #3)(51)

“You look—”

“Lazy?” I ask with a grin. “Spoiled rotten?”

“If this is your definition of spoiled, we have more work to do,” he says, shaking his head.

“I know this is probably small potatoes for you, but it’s a big deal for me,” I remind him. “How long have you owned this place?”

“The resort, or the condo?” he asks with a sly grin.

“You own the whole resort?” I squeak, sitting up in surprise. “Jesus Christ, Max.”

“I bought the condo about four years ago. I wanted a little getaway that wasn’t too far from Montana but was warm in the winter.”

“This fits that bill.”

“I liked the all-inclusive style of this place. There are six restaurants on the property, along with a spa, and charter services for fishing. All kinds of stuff. And half of the property, where my condo is, is privately-owned, while the other side has nightly rentals.”

“Smart,” I say, nodding. “Very smart. This would be a beautiful spot for weddings or reunions. Honeymoons. And I bet those who don’t want or can’t afford to buy a condo but want luxury love coming here.”

“Exactly,” he says. “It’s a notch above a Super 8.”

“A notch or two,” I say with a laugh. “Now, tell me about owning the whole place.”

He shrugs a shoulder as if it’s no big thing.

“It discreetly came up for sale about two years ago. The owners were headed to bankruptcy. I didn’t want it to be sold off and changed. I think this place is special.”

“Were they headed for bankruptcy because of personal reasons, or because the resort was sinking them?”

He tilts his head. “I’m a shrewd businessman, Willa. The resort is turning a nice profit annually. The previous owners mismanaged their money.”

“I never doubted you,” I say and stretch my arms high above my head. “From what I’ve seen of it in the couple of hours we’ve been here, I love it.”

“I’ll show you more,” he promises as he checks the time. “I wanted to get you out to the pool ASAP. But now, we have to go because you have an appointment.”

“I do?” I frown and sip the last of my Coke. “With whom? Are you going to make me sit with your in-house real estate agents and listen to a spiel about becoming an owner in exchange for my stay here?”

He laughs and shakes his head. “No, smartass. I have you set up for a few hours in the spa.”

I feel my eyes widen in surprise as I stand next to him. Before he can tug his shirt over his head, I launch myself into his arms and kiss him hard.

“You’re the best,” I say, brushing my fingers through his hair. “And not just because of all of this. You’re so damn thoughtful and good, Max.”

“Don’t say that too loud. I don’t want the employees to hear you.” He grins and drags his fingertips down my cheek. “You deserve all of this and much more, Wills. But for today, it’s going to be lazy pool sitting and pampering at the spa.”

“Thank you.”

I take his offered hand, and he leads me into the main building, up one flight of the grand staircase, and to the end of a hallway where water falls on either side of wide, glass doors.

Grandview Spa.

“You’ll see why it’s called that in a minute,” he says with a wink, then opens the door for me and leads me through a lobby with another water feature and shelves full of skincare for sale. “When you’re finished, you’re welcome to shop through here and take anything you like. Just let Sarah know.”

“Hi,” a redhead with thick, black-rimmed glasses behind the counter says with a smile. “I’m Sarah. You must be Willa.”

“Nice to meet you,” I reply. Sarah doesn’t stare dreamy-eyed at Max. She’s completely professional and kind as she asks me to disclose any medical concerns.

“This is where I bow out,” Max says, pulling me in for a hug. “Enjoy yourself. Take all the time you want. The only thing not on the menu for you today is massage.”

I frown. “Why?”

“Don’t ask questions.” He kisses my forehead, then turns to Sarah. “She can have anything we offer. Just write it down, and I’ll settle up later. That includes the items in the store.”

“Of course, Mr. Hull,” Sarah says with a polite smile. “If you’ll follow me, we’ll get you a locker and ready to go.”

“See you later,” Max says, then kisses me softly again and walks out.

“Okay, it sounds like I’m all yours,” I say with a grin. “It’s been a while since I’ve been to the spa.”

“I’m excited for you,” Sarah says. “I have a robe for you, along with slippers. Go ahead and stow your things in the locker. You can sit in here.” She leads me into a room that feels like it’s sitting over the ocean.

“Wow.”

“Best view in the resort,” she says with a nod. “So, if you’d like thirty minutes or so in here before we start your treatment, we can accommodate that.”

“Do you have tea?”

“Of course.”

“I’d love that.”