Secrets Under the Sun Read online

  Secrets Under the Sun

  Last Chance Beach

  Kari Lemor

  Rycon Press

  Secrets Under the Sun

  Sometimes riches have nothing to do with money…

  Konstantine Petrakis, reclusive owner of The Ocean Pearl Resort, needs to find who is giving away marketing secrets. Going undercover to ferret out the culprit, he dons his Dean Peters persona and takes a position there. After all, no one pays attention to the maintenance staff.

  Eleni Griffin puts in long days and strange hours as the only administrative assistant to the top brass at the large resort on Last Chance Beach. Homeschooling her eight-year-old twins and taking care of her mother isn’t easy as a widow on a small salary.

  Eleni’s position puts her squarely in the suspect category. Yet, once Dean gets to know her and her charming family, he realizes she’d never betray the resort. His money can make her life easier, but then he’d have to confess he’s been lying to her for months. What started as a short-term project to find a turncoat might have Dean finding a permanent reason to stay on the island.

  SECRETS UNDER THE SUN © 2021 by Kari Lemor

  * * *

  Cover Art by: Karasel

  Photos: depositphoto

  RyCon Press

  * * *

  First Electronic Edition: Nov 2021

  ISBN - 978-1-954056-10-7

  First Print Edition: Nov 2021

  ISBN - 978-1-954056-11-4

  * * *

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Books By Kari Lemor

  Love on the Line – light romantic suspense

  Wild Card Undercover

  Running Target

  Fatal Evidence

  Hidden Betrayal

  Death Race

  Tactical Revenge

  * * *

  Storms of New England – small town contemporary

  Elusive Dreams – Erik & Tessa

  True Dreams – Sara & TJ

  Stolen Dreams – Alex & Gina

  Broken Dreams – Nathaniel & Darcy

  Lost Dreams – Greg & Alandra

  Faded Dreams – Luke & Ellie

  Forgotten Dreams (Christmas novella)

  * * *

  Last Chance Beach World

  Secrets Under the Sun

  * * *

  Coming soon 2021

  Sweet Dreams (Christmas novella)

  This book is dedicated to everyone who loves the beach.

  There’s nothing better than the wind and the waves to bring peace to our lives.

  Acknowledgments

  I have many people to thank on this journey. My husband and children who give me all their love and support. Kris and Meredith for so much support and encouragement, even when you are short on time yourself. Especially to Em, who has been the best editor I’ve ever had, giving me suggestions, guidance, and so much assistance making my books super shiny. To Donna for the honest feedback and excellent suggestions. To all the Gems authors who encourage and share my books with others. To all the amazing readers who have left reviews letting me know I have a purpose in writing. And to the other Last Chance Beach authors who also believe in Island Magic.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Epilogue

  Last Chance Beach Series

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  “They’ve done it again.”

  Konstantine Petrakis ran his hands through his hair as he listened to his younger brother over the phone. “What was it this time?”

  “The marketing logo and logline for the weekend getaway package. Almost exactly word for word. If we put ours out now, the logo is similar enough to be noticed.”

  “Didn’t we trademark our logo? We can take them to court.”

  Demetrius cleared his throat. “We still hadn’t finalized the logo, so we hadn’t put in for the trademark yet.”

  Konstantine pounded his fist on his desk and clenched his teeth. “We need to find out who’s doing this, Trey,” he said. Konstantine and Demitrius had taken forever to yell out when they were younger, so they’d become Dean and Trey.

  “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I don’t know who to trust there. Hugh has been at the resort for years, but he wasn’t too pleased when we hired Aarya as the manager instead of promoting him.”

  “Did he tell you he was upset? Why is this the first I’m hearing of it?”

  Dean was president and CEO of Yios Corporation that owned and managed a dozen luxury oceanfront hotels and resorts around the world. Trey was his equal partner, vice president, and the CFO. Trey was the face of Yios, while Dean preferred to stay in his home office and run things remotely. It had been that way since their father passed away over ten years ago when Dean was only thirty-two. Vasileios Petrakis had started the company back when the boys were little, so they’d grown up learning the business from the ground floor up. Literally. They’d worked in housekeeping, registration, accounting, marketing, and even did lifeguard and towel boy duties over the summers.

  “I didn’t hear it from him. Reva mentioned it last time I went down there. She said it on the QT, so I didn’t talk to him about it. Maybe I should.”

  “No, don’t accuse him of anything until we have more solid evidence. This is the fourth time we’ve had The Sands jump our plans. Once, maybe it’s a coincidence. Marketing for a beach resort all fits in a similar category. But four times they come up with the exact new promotion we’ve been working on? Someone wants The Ocean Pearl Resort to be second on the island.”

  “The best bet would be to get someone inside to snoop around,” Trey suggested.

  Dean tapped his fingers on his desk. “Do we still have that detective agency on retainer? Maybe they have someone to send who can figure out this mess.”

  “Mm,” Trey hummed. “They’re great for checking out new employees, but I think this needs a personal touch. Who knows if it’s at the level of the Pearl or if it goes up to corporate? What do you think? A little sun and sand?”

  “I don’t think you’d blend in too well down there. The staff all know you. You visit at least a half dozen times a year.” And Trey usually came back with stories of how many women he’d scored.

  “Oh, no, dear brother, I wasn’t suggesting I go there. I thought perhaps you’d like to come down from your gated castle and enjoy a few months in the sun. Your olive skin is looking quite pale lately.”

  “Me? I don’t really blend in either.” For a completely different reason. As he glanced at the window beside him, the scar that ran down the side of his face pulsed to life. Well, not literally, but it felt like it.

  “Oh, please. You simply don your Dean
Peters disguise, and no one will ever know you’re the wealthy Konstantine Petrakis, mystery owner of Yios Corporation.”

  Dean hated the fact his brother knew of the alter ego he’d made up when he wanted to slip by and go unnoticed. He’d made sure to stay out of the limelight his whole life. Trey loved that job, and Dean gave it to him with pleasure. But every now and then, he had to make an appearance at the corporate headquarters. The khaki uniform pants and shirt with a cap on his head was never looked at twice. Not when he hadn’t shaved in a week.

  “You know I don’t like being out in public. It’s not a good plan.”

  “It’s a great plan, Dean,” Trey said. “You need to get over this idea that people see you as less than you are. So you have a scar and a limp. Big deal. Lots of people have them, and they don’t stop their lives because of it.”

  Dean took a deep breath before he responded. “I’ve hardly stopped my life. I work ten hours a day in the office keeping this business going.”

  Trey’s sigh could be heard across the line. “I know you work hard, but you need to get out of your gilded cage and live a little. It’s not healthy for you to stay by yourself all the time.”

  “I get out now and then. I go down to the Greek deli for lunch sometimes and to the Athena pub once or twice a month.”

  “Yeah, I’ve gone with you. You sit on a bar stool, have two beers, maybe say hi to the bartender, then go back home. Hardly the social event of the season.”

  “I don’t need to be social. I’ve got plenty of money, and I can do whatever I want.”

  “But you don’t, Dean. You don’t go anywhere or do anything or spend any of your money. I hate seeing you all by yourself. You need to have some fun. Stop being such a Scrooge all the time. Find a nice girl and have a good time.”

  “Nice girls don’t have the kind of good time you’re referring to. And just because I’m not having sex on a daily basis like my playboy younger brother, doesn’t mean I don’t partake at times.”

  “This is the perfect opportunity for you to participate even more. Go to Last Chance Beach. I’ll set you up with a job there as Dean Peters, and you can work your way through some of the island girls. There’re a few I can recommend to show you a little fun. In the meantime, you can do some snooping and figure out who’s been leaking our marketing strategies to our rival resort.”

  Dean clenched his hand around the phone and gritted his teeth. They did have to find the culprit, and Trey was too well known on the island. While Dean had visited twice, he’d never stayed at the resort and hadn’t introduced himself to anyone there. He liked his anonymity.

  Could he do this? Sure, he could. It would be like a mini vacation for him. But what position would be least noticeable? Not front desk clerk or anything in management. It had to be something no one paid any attention to.

  His gaze fell to the wastebasket under his desk. It was emptied every day, and he never thought about who did it. The maintenance staff moved about easily, and most people ignored them. It was perfect.

  “I’ll do it. Make arrangements for Dean Peters to be transferred from one of the other resorts to the Ocean Pearl in the maintenance department. He’ll need a place to live. Nothing fancy or on the beach. There’re a few older houses that rent rooms on that street behind the library. Something near that would be good. And I’ll need an old truck to use. I think the maintenance guy would be a tad conspicuous driving a BMW.”

  “Perfect. I’ll make the arrangements myself. With the college students going back to school next week, there should be a few holes to fill. And Dean…?”

  “What?”

  “I know you’re going there for a purpose, but maybe take in a little sun, surf, and sand while you’re there.”

  “Sure, why not.” After he’d caught the person sharing their marketing strategies.

  Eleni Griffin finished typing the e-mail, double-checked it for spelling and accuracy, CCed Aarya Lanka, her boss, then hit send. One more item off her ever-growing list of things she hadn’t planned on today. At least Aarya was pleasant and thanked her for her time and effort.

  The outer door to the management office opened. Hugh Tomlin walked in and waved at Aarya’s door. “Is she in?”

  “She’s currently meeting with Chef in the banquet hall kitchen.”

  Hugh rolled his eyes and huffed. “Tell her I need to see her ASAP.” He spun and was out of the room in seconds, leaving the door wide open.

  “Of course, I will, sir. Anything you say, sir. Oh, and you’re so very welcome. I’m happy to help you any time I can.” Yeah, Aarya was much easier to work for. Unfortunately, The Ocean Pearl Resort only had one administrative assistant for both the manager and assistant manager. She was it.

  As she jotted down a note for Aarya about Hugh, a shuffling from the doorway had her looking up. A man in the standard black pants and light blue Ocean Pearl polo shirt stood there, empty trash bag in hand. She’d never seen him before.

  Rising, she greeted him. “Hi, I’m Eleni Griffin. Slave labor for the higher ups here. I’m assuming you’re new. The training must have finished then.”

  The man tugged on the brim of his matching Ocean Pearl hat and nodded. The hats weren’t required uniform, but some of the employees liked them if their jobs took them outside in the sun often.

  “Dean.” His voice was low and gruff, but pleasant.

  “Dean. Nice to meet you, Dean. What’s your position here? I’m sorry. I know I should have memorized all the new staff and their jobs, but it’s been hectic with the college students leaving and having to find new replacements.”

  “Maintenance.” His eyes stayed on the floor. Not much of a talker, apparently.

  “Wonderful. I assume Santos gave you a tour of the place.” Their facilities manager took his responsibility very seriously and would have already given out instructions to the new staff, no doubt.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Did you need something in the office, or are you here for the trash?”

  “Just the trash.” He held up the bag.

  “Fine. Both Aarya and Hugh are out of their offices for the moment, so go on in. It was nice meeting you. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

  He tipped his head and shuffled past her into Hugh’s office. As she sat back at her desk in the outer office, she couldn’t help but notice Dean’s gait. It was slightly off. Had he hurt himself recently or did he always limp? She certainly wouldn’t ask him today. He already seemed withdrawn enough.

  She ran her finger down her planner, checking for her next task. Noises drifted out from Hugh’s office, and a few minutes later, Dean exited and went into Aarya’s office. When he came out, the bag almost full, he stopped and stared at her.

  “Do you need something, Dean?”

  “Is there trash in this room, too?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, yes. It’s behind my desk. Right there.” She pointed to her small wastebasket, brimming with paper and pencils shavings. What could she say? She liked her pencils sharp.

  Dean shuffled past her desk to reach the barrel, and she finally got a good look at him under his cap. Strong features, probably late thirties or so. A bit of gray peeked out at his temples among otherwise dark hair. Not that she could see much of it with his hat on.

  He was tall and lean, but his arms and chest had good definition and filled out the polo shirt nicely. She had to remind herself he was a new employee, and she shouldn’t be gawking.

  When he turned after emptying her wastebasket, he ducked his head again. A scar ran from his temple down the side of his cheek and disappeared into the scruff on his chin. Was he embarrassed by it? It hardly detracted from his handsome face. She had to admit it had been a while since she’d felt any kind of flutter in the presence of a good-looking guy. The resort constantly had them, all ages, and occasionally they hit on her if she was out of the office. But fraternizing with the guests was a big no-no. For her, anyway. Guests were here short term. No sense in getting to know any of th
em as more than guests.

  “Thank you, Dean. From now on, don’t feel you need to ask permission to come in. As long as Aarya or Hugh aren’t in the middle of a meeting with someone, just go right in.”

  “Great.” He tied the bag and glanced around.

  “If you have any questions or need anything, let me know. I’m happy to help. I’m sure once you’ve been here a while, it’ll all be easier. I’m here Monday, Wednesday, Friday from seven in the morning to six at night, and Saturday until two.”

  That made him tilt his chin up. And those eyes. Deep brown with full lashes surrounding them. They were gorgeous. Her stomach fluttered, and she held her hand there to try and calm it.

  “Those are strange hours.”

  She cocked her head. “They work for me and for the resort.” The three twelve-hour days, with a half day Saturday, made it easier for homeschooling her kids. She loved the island, but one negative was no school here. There was talk of building one, but the plans had been put on hold due to piles of red tape. For now, the kids who lived on Last Chance Beach had to be bused to the mainland. When Xander and Thea started high school, maybe even junior high, she might consider it, but for now she didn’t want them having the long bus ride over the bridge.

  His mouth tightened, and he nodded again. “Right. Thanks.”

  “Thank you, Dean. And I meant what I said. If you have any questions or forget something you were supposed to do, let me know. I’m happy to help.”