“My commute is short. I won’t need a ride,” I mumble as I try to clear the haze from my brain.
His concern for me is touching. And he has a point. It would be prudent to go home later in the morning, so I nod in agreement.
I can’t help but stare at him. Before the power failed last night, I noticed he was handsome. Now, in the daylight, he’s so much more than merely handsome.
He’s magnificent. I’d guess he’s at least six feet, if not taller. The sunlight from the window exposes the natural golden highlights running through his dark brown hair. I love that it’s long enough to show off the waves at the ends. I’m itching to run my fingers through his thick hair. And his brown eyes are like pools of my favorite chocolate. I could lose myself in his gaze.
Despite the pleasing view, I force myself to turn and sit on the side of the bed. It’s time to go.
As I start to stand, I wobble. Grabbing my head, I sink back onto the bed, admitting, “I don’t feel so good.”
Stuart hurries to my side, placing a warm, steadying hand on my shoulder. “Let me open the water for you. There’s also a new packet of headache pills on the table. You should take them and go back to sleep. You’re safe here. I promise.”
“I barely know you, but somehow, I believe you.”
“Get some sleep. I’ll wake you up in a couple of hours.”
“Thanks.”
Closing my eyes, I count the seconds, hoping the pills will stop the throbbing in my head. Eventually, I drift off, hoping to conjure dreams of Stu. That would make this hangover so worth it.
I wake again.This time, I know I’m in Stuart’s suite. The extra sleep significantly diminished the adverse effects of the whiskey from last night.
I stretch, looking around the room for Stu. He’s nowhere in sight, but I hear running water. He must be in the shower.
My mind is racing with various thoughts about him. Last night he was kind, comforting, and protective. He also exuded confidence and masculinity that made me want to be more than just his friend. I can only imagine what it would be like to see his naked body being pelted by hot water.
I allow myself to enjoy those thoughts until the water turns off. Now, it’s time to get up. Looking around the floor by the bed, I find my shoes. As I’m slipping the right one on, I hear the door to the bathroom open.
“Good morning, sleeping beauty. How are you feeling?” Stu asks.
Before answering, I look up to see Stu standing in the doorway, wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist. I swallow hard, my gaze riveted to his hard chest and sculpted abs dotted with droplets of water as they trickle downward until they’re absorbed by the low-slung towel.
A bit flustered, I stand, hobbling as I attempt to slide on my second shoe. “Umm. I’m okay. Thanks for all the help. I’ll be on my way now.”
Hurrying toward the door of the suite, I bump into a table. That’s going to be a bad bruise. I don’t stop though. Opening the door to the hotel hallway, I call over my shoulder, “Bye. Thanks again.”
I rush to the elevator, and when it closes, sigh with relief. I had to get out of there before my desire for that incredible man overcame my self-restraint.
Nothing good comes from acting impulsively.
3
STUART
Icall out, “Can I give you my number?” as Brooke disappears out the door. She doesn’t hear me, or if she does, she doesn’t acknowledge my offer.
I wanted to chase after her, but I already unintentionally spooked her by walking out in only a towel. I didn’t think it would be a big deal since I thought she was still asleep. I just needed to grab clean clothes to take back into the bathroom with me. Unfortunately, she was wide awake. Her obvious interest in me was amusing, but I hadn’t meant to make her uncomfortable, which is exactly what happened.
I’m kicking myself for not having breakfast waiting for Brooke when she awoke. I’d hoped to spend more time with her and ask her on a real date while I’m in town. Instead, in her haste to leave, we didn’t even exchange phone numbers. I don’t even know her last name.
I suspect she was embarrassed even though she shouldn’t have been. Her fear of confined spaces was real. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, and most of us have over-imbibed at some point. It’s no big deal.
I’m just glad I was there to take care of her. She would have been terrified stranded alone in the lift for that long. Instead, our conversation and chemistry distracted her.
Somehow, she was also sexy and cuddly at the same time. The bottom line is, she mesmerized me. If she’d been sober, I could have spent all night worshipping her with kisses and exploring her every curve.
The buzzing of my phone interrupts that thought. A familiar name pops up.
