Loving Treasures by Gail Gaymer Martin

Author:Gail Gaymer Martin [Martin, Gail Gaymer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2002-10-19T20:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“What do you think?” Philip asked.

Ian shifted in the chair, apparently weighing the idea. “You’re the boss. But…”

“But what?” Philip rose from his chair, came around his desk and propped a hip on its polished surface.

“I don’t understand your strategy. It would help if I saw the need for all of this.”

Philip understood his strategy but he couldn’t explain it to Ian. “I think you should pick Jemma’s brain. Maybe the two of you could scout out some of the other resorts and see what they’re doing to draw in guests. That seems clear to me.”

Ian frowned and stared at the floor. As if in thought, he propped an ankle across his knee and tugged at his navy-blue dress sock. “I know she has some interesting ideas…but we don’t need to bring in more guests, do we?” He lifted curious eyes to Philip’s. “We have a full house most of the time.”

“Most of the time, yes. How about the winter months? We want to grow, Ian, not stand still…and that’s what we’re doing.”

Philip could see from Ian’s expression that he didn’t agree, but being a good employee he pushed his opinion aside.

“Like I said, you’re the boss.” Ian lifted his hand and, in his characteristic gesture, adjusted his eyeglass frames. “So then, what is it you want me to do?” He leaned forward. “Don’t get me wrong, Philip. I don’t mind spending time with her. She’s a good-looking woman…. That is—” he looked pointedly at Philip “—if you’re not interested.”

The words hit Philip like an arrow, and he reminded himself of his reason for continuing with his plan to make a match between Jemma and Ian. “Look at me.” Philip touched his more-salt-than-pepper hair. “What would a young woman want with an old codger like me?”

“Codger? Don’t be ridiculous You’re in your prime. You need to get away from this place more often. Have you ever looked at the women around you? And their come-hither eyes? You’re a good catch—nice-looking, respected and wealthy. What more could they want?”

Philip knew what more they wanted, and it wasn’t a man like him. “Nice try, Ian.” He swung back around his desk and sank into the chair. “Now, let’s talk about the Fourth of July.”

“The Fourth of July?”

“Right. I’m working out details now, and I’ve decided to have Jim Mason on as manager so you’re free to help with my party upstairs. You and Jemma, that is.”

Ian frowned. “Why Jemma?”

“Why not? I figured you could meet guests at the door. You know, help me out. That’s why I have assistants.”

With a look of resignation, Ian shrugged. “Sure if that’s what you want. I’d rather spend the night looking at her face than my own.”

Philip felt the same, but he wouldn’t let it happen. “Okay, that’s settled. Now, let’s get back to visiting the resorts.”

Ian opened his notepad, scribbling the instructions as Phillip reviewed what needed to be done. When he finished, Ian closed the folder, rose and headed toward the door. “Are you talking with Jemma about this or should I?”

A weight fell against Philip’s chest.

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