Shane's POV

I looked around to see who could have done this. It was the she-devil herself - Milena Castiglione. She has been after me for years. I do not want her - never have and certainly never will.

"I can't get up! My ankle hurts!"

"Shane, I will go find a chair."

"Thank you, Wyatt."

"Give me your hands, Bliss. I will help you up. I won't try anything funny, okay?"

"Okay." She looked like she was on the verge of tears, but being the strong-willed person she is, the tears did not fall.

I would have stood by and watched if Milena was close to getting her butt whooped. Instead, I saw anger. Wyatt came back with a chair and first aid tech.

Bliss' POV

"What the heck is your problem, lady?!!!"

"Excuse me, how dare you accuse me! Don't you know who I am?!"

"Lady, I don't give a hoot who you are! All I know is that you tripped me!"

"Milena, cut the crap! You tripped Bliss, and you know it!"

"Shane, you and this, whatever she is, need to back off!"

I was about to jump out of my chair and smack this chick, but Shane stopped me. "This whatever has a name. It is Bliss Sanders. Get used to it because you are going to hear it!"

"Ma'am, we have a first aid station with an x-ray machine. It is not far from here. Are you able to put any pressure on your ankle?"

I tried to stand up, but it hurt. "No, it hurts!"

"I will carry you, Bliss." Shane came over and carried me over to the station.

As he started to pick me up, I saw the look on that heifer's face. That heifer was not happy at all. And the trick smirked at me and imitated a tripping motion.

"Why would she purposely trip me? My ankle hurts big time. I hope it's not broken."

"She has been after me for years. I have told her numerous times that I don't want to be with her. Plus, she is an attention seeker. She feels threatened by anyone who will take it away from her."

"I wanted to play volleyball. It is one of my favorite games. I may be short, but I know how to play. It's not fair. And what about tomorrow's meeting? I won't be able to go. And, the formal dinner?"

"Don't worry about it, Bliss. Right now, we need to ensure your ankle injury is not serious. I will handle Milena. I know, for a fact, she did this."

We arrived at the first aid station, which was like a mini-hospital. The first aid station was equipped with everything but the OR. Shane sat me down on the exam table closest to the X-ray machine. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

When I looked at Shane, I could not figure out his facial expressions.

Shane's POV

I know Milena tripped Bliss. I hope her ankle is not broken.

"Sir, we will be right back with your wife's x-ray."

"We are not married. Mr. Landes is my boss."

"We are not married yet."

"I apologize for the mistake. I will be right back."

"Think positive, Bliss. Maybe it is just a sprain. You will definitely miss the morning meeting. But we will see about the formal dinner. We will think of something."

"I am still hungry, Shane."

Twenty minutes later, a different person came in.

"My name is Doctor Richards. I am one of the doctors on-site for this event. Your name is Ms. Sanders, correct?"

"Yes. And this is my boss."

"I'm Shane. Shane Landes."

"Ms. Sanders, you have a grade 2 ankle sprain. Meaning there is some ligament damage, and I noticed that there were no broken bones. You will not need surgery. What I did do was have the hospital send over a walking boot and crutches for you. Where are you from, and how long are you visiting for?"

"I am from New York City, and we are returning on Monday."

"Okay. For your ankle to heal properly, I want you to follow the RICE method. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and, Elevation. We will give you a supply of ace bandages for your stay in Miami. Advil is a good pain reliever for your injury. It can take up to 12 weeks as long as you follow the treatment."

"Doctor Richards, here is my company's information. Please send all bills to the address on this card." I handed the doctor one of my cards that were in my shorts pocket.

"After about four weeks or so, make an appointment with your primary care physician for a follow-up visit. Here is my card, just in case you need to call me."

"Thank you, Doctor Richards."

"You're welcome. I will get you another ice pack."

The doctor came back after five minutes with another ice pack for Bliss. But, before the first aid tech returns, I need to ask this question.

Bliss' POV

"Why didn't you use the company credit card for what you purchased earlier today? I told Mercedes to tell me if you didn't. So, do not be mad at her."

I was livid that he asked me that darn question while my ankle was screaming in pain.

"I just sprained my ankle, and here you are irritating me about not using a company-issued credit card to buy a bathing suit!!!! How will it look to Accounts Payable when they see that?!!"

"I don't care how it looks. Everybody in that building knew we went on a business trip!"

"Of course, you don't care! You are accustomed to this, Shane. I am not! $20k is a lot of money! I didn't even want to use it for the dress I bought! So, leave me alone!"

A male nurse came in with the crutches, a walking boot, and a package of ace bandages. He took off the ice pack I had on, wrapped my ankle loosely, and placed the boot on my foot.

"The doctor suggested that I take Advil. Do you have a few pills that I can have until I can buy some from the store?"

"Sure thing, cutie." Shane didn't like that at all.

"Are you seriously flirting with my assistant?!"

"Sorry, sir. Here is a cup of water and some Advil. I put a small travel bottle in the package with the ace bandages."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. There is a golf cart waiting outside for you when you are ready to leave."

As soon as the guy left, I let Shane have it.

"What is your problem?! You just can't go around barking orders to people! We are not together! When I said I don't want to date, I meant it! I don't want you, Alexander, or anybody else! I am tired and hungry now, and my ankle is in pain. GET ME OUT OF HERE!"

"The conversation about the credit card is not over."

"Shane, don't bother me with that darn credit card!"

Shane started walking towards me. I struggled to get off of the exam table.

"Do not touch me! I have to do this by myself. I will not always have someone near me."

It took me about ten minutes to feel comfortable with the crutches. After that, we left to find the golf cart. Wyatt and Mercedes were standing near the golf cart.

"I want to go back to my room. You guys can stay and enjoy the rest of the evening. I don't need pity looks from you all or anyone else."

"We will ride with you to the hotel, Bliss."

"It's not pity looks, Bliss. We are concerned about you."

"Whatever. Please, just take me back to the hotel."

After the short ride, we got out of the golf cart and headed toward the elevators. But someone called out my name. "Bliss?!"

Of course, it was Alexander. But someone else was walking with him. "Why can't this guy just leave me alone?!"

"What do you want, Alexander?! I need to get off of my ankle!"

"Mr. Rice, this is my assistant, Bliss Sanders. She really needs to get off of her ankle."

"Mind if we talk for a minute in the restaurant?"

"That is fine. I am hungry anyway. And, thank you."

"Welcome to The Waterfront Taste. How many are in your party?"

"There are four of us. But, the young lady will need room to elevate her ankle."

"That is not a problem. I will be right back."

Five minutes later, the hostess returned. "Follow me, please."

We followed her to a small room near the front entrance. There was enough room to elevate my ankle in one of the chairs at the table. "Is this okay?"

"It is great. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome. Your waitress will be in shortly."

"Ms. Sanders, the committee would like to apologize for your injury sincerely. Mr. Mahoney here recorded the whole incident on his phone."

"Of course he did. The perv probably was taking a video of what I had on. I can't stand that man."

"Ms. Castiglione will be dealt with accordingly."

"Thank you, Mr. Rice."

The waitress came over, and I instantly did not like her. "Good evening, gentlemen. My name is Shannon, and I will be your waitress this evening."

The first mistake was not acknowledging that I was even there.

The second mistake was trying to flirt. The waitress stared at Shane the whole time while she was standing there. He wasn't paying her any attention.

So, she shifted to Alexander, who was just plain horny. She winked at him, and he whispered something to her that made her start fanning.

"How can he invite me to dinner two times, then flirt with someone right in front of my face? He doesn't care about anyone but himself. I can't stand him."

"What can I get for you all to drink?"

"Beer."

"Beer."

"Shot of vodka."

Mistake number three - the heifer didn't even ask me what I wanted. "Um, excuse me, but I want a glass of water, please. Is that going to be a problem?" I rolled my eyes at this chick.

Mistake number four - she placed their drinks down gently on a coaster. "Here is your plain, old water." She slammed my glass down on the table. Water splashed out of the cup in my face.

Shane was not happy. "Is there going to be a problem with you serving my assistant? Bring her another glass of water now!"

"Yes, sir. While I am getting the water, does everyone know what they would like to order?"

Mr. Rice then says, "Ladies first."

"I would like the alfredo pasta with broccoli."

"Will that be with shrimp or chicken?"

"Chicken. I am allergic to shrimp."

Shane, Alexander, and Mr. Rice ordered their meals. "I will be right back with the water."

As she walked away, she bumped into the chair that my ankle was on. "OUCH! Shane, if this is no tip, getting chick bumps into that chair again, I will hurt her with my crutches."

Shane's POV

Twenty minutes later, she came back with everyone's orders but Bliss.

"Excuse me, but where is my assistant's meal? Her meal should have been out before ours. We ordered steak, and she ordered pasta. And please stop the pathetic attempts to flirt with me. It is very unprofessional."

When the waitress finally brought out Bliss's food, I could tell it was shrimp in the dish before she sat it on the table. I did not care who would hear what I had to say.

"Are you freaking kidding me?!!! You heard her say she was allergic to shrimp!!!! So, why in the heck is shrimp in her pasta?!! Do you think this is a joke?!!! My goodness, she could die from eating that shrimp!!! Get your manager out here now! And, as for you, do not come anywhere near this table!!"

"Shane, may I have a piece of your steak? I have not eaten since breakfast, and I really am hungry."

"Just take the whole plate. And I don't want to hear any fussing about it."

"Thank you, Shane. I want to apologize to everyone if I seem snappy. It is just that I have never been in this much pain before. I really was looking forward to attending tomorrow's meeting and gala. I had planned to play volleyball this evening as well. But to have that taken from me really hurts. I want to try to attend the gala tomorrow evening."

"Don't worry. Whatever you need, we will take care of it. My assistant's name is Beatrice. Here is her number. I already gave her your name."

Mr. Rice gave Bliss a business card with Beatrice's number on it.

"Thank you, Mr. Rice. The only thing I can think of is a chair to elevate my ankle and to sit where no one will brush the chair."

"You got it. I'll make sure that gets taken care of tonight. And I am very sorry about the service you had here this evening. I know the owner. I will see if I can find him for you. I will be right back."

I wish Alexander would stop staring at Bliss.

"Thank you for that video, Alexander. That still doesn't change my thoughts about you. I knew it was her. But, she would have found a way to get away with tripping Bliss."

"Shane, I didn't do it for you. And I don't like you either. I did it because Ms. Bliss deserved to know the truth."

"I got something to say to the both of you. Please do me a favor. Could you stop asking me out on dates? You are both very handsome and rich and can have any woman you want. I don't want either of you. It is that simple. I appreciate what you both have done for me - Alexander taking the video and Shane carrying me to first aid."

"I understand and respect your decision," Alexander says. He certainly does not mean it. I could be wrong, but I think Bliss is fighting feelings for someone. Mr. Rice returned with the owner of the restaurant.

Bliss' POV

I saw a man and his wife that looked old enough to be my parents, walking with Mr. Rice. They spoke in Italian.

"Siamo così dispiaciuti per quello che ti è successo stasera. È stato licenziato e ci assicureremo che non lavori più in questo settore. Quello che ha fatto è stato non richiesto. Stiamo preparando il pasto giusto per te e la cena è per noi." (We are so sorry for what happened to you this evening. She has been fired, and we will make sure she no longer works in this industry. What she did was uncalled for. We are having the correct meal prepared for you and dinner is on us.)

Scouse accettate. Questo è un posto bellissimo che hai qui. (Apology accepted. This is a beautiful place you have here.)

The owner's wife was ecstatic that I spoke Italian. "Sei una donna molto bella. Tu e tuo marito siete una bella coppia." (You are a very beautiful woman. You and your husband are a beautiful couple.) She came over and placed both of her hands on my face.

"Non siamo sposati o fidanzati." (We are not married or dating.)

She was surprised when I said that. "Vedo l'amore nei suoi occhi per te. Un giorno, tornerai qui e dimmi che sei sposato. Posso sentirlo. Mamma Rosa non sbaglia mai." (I see love in his eyes for you. One day, you are going to come back here and tell me that you are married. I can feel it. Mama Rosa is never wrong.) She winked and smiled at me.

"You never told me that you were fluent in Italian."

"You never asked me. Every year in college, I learned a different language. I am fluent in Spanish, Italian, French, and Japanese."

"I guess I deserved that after what happened on the plane this morning."

"Yup. Sure do, mister."

******************************

Narrator's POV

The owner and his wife stayed and chatted with the group for an hour. Shane noticed that Bliss had fallen asleep on his arm. He didn't mind. He had a grin on his face, while Alexander was jealous.

"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Bianchetti, for your hospitality. We are coming back here the next time we visit Miami. I am going to take Bliss upstairs to her room. Good night," Shane says to the owners.

Mr. Rice translated what Shane said to them, and they waved. Shane hated what he was about to ask Alexander, but I had no choice. Shane didn't want him touching Bliss. "Alexander, can you carry Bliss' crutches and follow me?"

"Of course I will," he said with a smirk. Shane slowly picked up Bliss and made his way out of the restaurant.

Shane started pondering as they got on the elevator, "I could get used to this scene - me carrying Bliss to our room. I really need to apologize to her for the credit card incident. I turned it into a big deal, and it wasn't. I even had to fire some people for spending up to the limit. But Bliss is different. That is what makes her special."

"Ding!"

They reached their floor. Before Bliss and Shane left the restaurant, Shane texted Mercedes to meet him in front of Bliss's room, and there she was.

"You can give Mercedes the crutches now. Goodbye, Alexander," Shane barked to him.

Alexander's POV

I am surprised Shane even asked me to help him. But I don't care about him. All I know is that I now have Bliss's room number. I told her I understood and respected her decision' just to give her an answer. I am not giving up by any means. Getting with her is going to be tough. And I know just the person to call to help me get what I want.

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Thank you all for reading chapter 8.

Pictures of courtesy Can Stock Photos:

1. opening picture - © Can Stock Photo / roxanabalint

And thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘