Free Loving Treasures by Gail Gaymer Martin Page B

resorts and—”
    Latrice frowned. “They’re not happy here?”
    “No, that’s not it. I’ve asked about some of the other resorts’ conveniences—things that appeal to customers.”
    Though Latrice looked straight into her eyes, Jemma sensed the woman was puzzled.
    “Well…I was thinking that this area has so many resorts, but what could make Bay Breeze different…and so I…” She studied Latrice’s puzzled expression. “Should I go on?”
    “You better, girl, ’cause I have no idea where you’re headed.” She loosed a piping chuckle.
    “I’m talking about amenities,” Jemma said. “You know, special things that are added to the room. Things people talk about when they leave. It’s good public relations and good advertising copy.”
    “Like those big ol’ terry-cloth robes,” Latrice said. “Our suites have those.”
    “Yes, but I was thinking about something less expensive,” Jemma said.
    “Chocolates on the pillows?”
    “Sure, that would be nice—but how about fresh flowers in each room, hot chocolate and tea to go along with the in-room coffeemakers?” Jemma watched a grin creep to Latrice’s face.
    “Girlfriend, you have some pretty fancy ideas.”
    “Maybe, but this is a pretty fancy resort, isn’t it?” Jemma countered.
    “You have me there,” Latrice said, slapping her leg. “Let me talk to someone in Rooms Division. They’d be the first ones to listen to new ideas.”
    “Thanks,” Jemma said. She took a step backward, wondering if Latrice was finished. “Then, I’d better get to work.”
    “You can say that again.”
    She handed Jemma a list of vacated rooms to be cleaned, and Jemma headed for the housekeeping supplies room on the second floor. She wasn’t assigned the elegant suites, just nice rooms with balconies and king-size beds. Decorated in mauve and green, they reminded her of fresh spring flowers.
    She bounced as she walked toward the elevator, knowing that her life had taken a positive turn. Ask and you shall receive. She hadn’t thought God had time for her small problems. But she sensed her goodfortune was a blessing, and today she felt spurred to send the Lord a thank-you.
    Although she’d moved back with Claire for the present, her new older-model car gave her independence. In a few weeks the next big step would be finding an apartment.
    And somehow she’d been inspired with these creative ideas. Today, telling them to Latrice had a second purpose. Jemma needed to prove herself. Philip had shown his usual charity by giving her a job at Bay Breeze. In fact, looking around at the number of housekeepers coming and going, Jemma even wondered if they were overstaffed.
    No matter. Philip had given her a chance, and she wanted to prove her worth. If she could find new ways to make the resort even better, it would benefit Philip, prove her resourcefulness and offer him a kindness in return.
    When she reached Housekeeping, Jemma put her shoulder bag in a locker and loaded the supply cart. Though she tried to concentrate on her tasks, her mind inevitably returned to sailing across the rolling blue water, watching Philip’s capable hands at the helm.
    Jemma didn’t know why she’d become so fixated on Philip, but lately, she wished she were free of the growing desire that addled her mind. She’d experienced a marriage with a man tied to his work and personal interests while she longed for a happy home and family. She’d never wanted wealth. Jemmawould have been content to live with frayed upholstery and nicked tables as long as she had a man by her side who loved her and cherished her company. Lyle hadn’t been that man.
    So why did she let Philip affect her so? His lifestyle alone should deter her feelings. Like Lyle, he spent long hours at the resort, burdened with the responsibilities of the vast complex of buildings and grounds. He held the reins alone. She sometimes sensed he preferred to be alone.
    And worse, he considered her a child—a lovely,