Chapter 3

Nestled at the cove, the Aqua Resort offered spectacular ocean views. The morning salty sea breeze hit Isla's face, as she lowered the windows of her Mini Cooper. Oh, those aqua colors never failed to mesmerize her.

As soon as, Isla sat at her neatly organized desk, her phone rang.

"Good morning Isla, how are you?" came John's sugar coated voice.

Isla glanced at the receiver as if stung by it. What happened to grumpy John today? She wondered, rolling her eyes. "Very well John, did you need anything?"

"Come to my office, I have a special job for you." He cut the line without waiting for her response.

Five minutes later, Isla walked into the General Manager's office. Instantly, curiosity grabbed her thoughts, when she saw a man in formal attire seated opposite John at the dark mahogany table. He had black-rimmed glasses on his handsome face, his hair sat like dark waves of a crown on his head with the sides short. First look and she liked what she saw.

"The Guest Relations Manager, Miss Isla Turner is here." John motioned for her to take the seat next to the new guy.

Isla checked herself in time, or else she would have been rudely staring. Ah well perhaps assessing was the correct word. She walked briskly on her flat heels and sank on the black leather chair next to him. A waft of his fresh woody scent teased her senses.

"Hi, I'm Zane." His large fingers engulfed her tiny sweaty hand, as she automatically extended it for a shake.

"Isla." Somehow the communications section of her mind was momentarily jammed.

"Zane, is our new trainee manager." After briefly smiling at him, John focused on Isla. "And Isla, your job is to guide and support Zane for the duration of…"

"Three weeks," supplied Zane.

"But I'm only in charge of guests, and I'm sure Zane would want to work in all the departments, to gain the experience he needs…"

"Just show me around and I'll manage the rest," Zane smiled at her hopefully.

God, the man had a toothpaste ad kind of smile, and she hopelessly nodded. "I guess I can do that, if John has no issues. At the end of the day, he would be the one signing your traineeship completion form." Isla could not help the sarcasm in her voice. Well, John should be blamed for passing the buck. When will he stop being lazy? Isla asked herself for probably the hundredth time.

Zane cleared his throat, "If I may, make a suggestion John." He waited for John to nod and only then continued, "Isla's problem can be solved by emailing department managers." Then Zane looked directly at Isla and said, "As for Miss Turner, she can take this as a mentorship opportunity."

"Sounds great, I like the way you think Zane. It is settled then, Isla, find Zane a desk in your room." John ordered, then busied himself on some loose sheets of paper on his desk, dismissing them.

- -

After introducing, Zane to the ogling check-in service ladies, including Anne; Isla ushered Zane into the room behind the main counter. In fact, Isla shared a spacious large room with a handful of service staff. On one corner of the room, stood two work desks, one used by Isla while the other was empty. "You can use the empty desk."

Zane nodded and put his laptop bag on the table, "Looks like this is a staff room and your office in one." His eyes scanned the kitchenette, and the average sized dining table with chairs.

"I don't mind. In fact, it's a good way to talk to staff as well. Keeps this place lively too."

He smiled and pulled the sleeve of his shirt up. "Let's start with the tour of Aqua Resort."

He was enthusiastic to work, Isla noticed, and she surely liked that.

As the day passed, Isla realized one thing; Zane attracted her. Her mind had an instantaneous positive reaction to him in John's office. By afternoon, Isla felt like a giddy teenager.

After spending the whole day in his company, Isla learnt that he was born and bred in the city. Zane was skillful in communicating, if the way other department managers warmed up to him was an indicator.

However, this puzzled Isla as well. Zane didn't look like a fresh graduate and a trainee at that, instead, he was probably in his late 20s. He spoke like an experienced manager, he knew the departments and job description of each employee in his fingertips. Her woman's instinct told her that there was more to this new guy than it met the eye.

At 4pm, Isla picked up her handbag, ready to sign off for the day. Then she remembered, as her gaze settled on Zane, who went about quickly punching the keyboard of his PC, a serious look shadowed his well chiseled face. "Is your accommodation sorted out?" Isla bit her tongue for sounding as if she was prying.

"Yes, I will stay in Aqua Resort for the duration of my internship."

"Wouldn't that be expensive," Isla furrowed her brows. Everyone knew accommodation at the elegant Aqua Resort came at a heavy price.

"I have an employee discount," he winked at her, followed by a grin that charmed her.

Gosh, that wink gave her sweet butterflies in her stomach and it would surely keep her awake tonight.

After her goodbyes, Isla walked towards the service counter. Immediately Anne cornered her. A cheeky smile played on her lips, "He's handsome, right?"

"Yes," whispered Isla fanning her face.

"Then go for it, girl. Don't worry I have checked his bio data, he is single and you should prepare to mingle with him." Anne eyed her from top to bottom, apparently indicating her attire.