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four
WI-FI WORKS BETTER – BRAX
Aunt Annie hovers by the doorway, watching as I stumble around the office, muttering under my breath. She’s usually sweet as pie, but right now she has her hands planted firmly on her hips as she shakes her head at me.
I hold up a hand to discourage her from commenting. Frustrated, I snap, “What is it?”
“When you’re done kicking the trashcan, could you please help a guest with her luggage? She’s waiting in the lobby,” Annie says, before spinning on her heel and striding away.
“Yes. Of course.” My voice low is low and riddled with guilt for being so harsh.
As I follow closely behind her, I straighten my clothes before entering the reception area, hoping to make myself appear more like a human and less like a grumpy bear emerging from hibernation.
I take a deep breath and drag my fingers through messy hair, and the moment I see her standing in front of me, the breath is knocked out of my lungs. The beautiful stranger I never expected to see again is standing on the other side of the desk, staring at me.
Her lips form a perfect O, and her wide-eyed stare causes a reaction of epic proportions in my pants. Holy fuck, I’m imagining her O face while standing in front of my elderly aunt.
What is she doing here?
I don’t know what stroke of fate brought her right to my door, but I will not look a gift horse in the mouth. Knowing she’s a guest, even if it’s only for a night, makes the grin on my face stretch from ear to ear. I feel like I just won the lottery.
I step closer and offer my hand, yearning for her touch. “Brax Phillips.”
She inhales sharply and her eyes track across my face. “Brax?” She rests a fluttering hand over her heart, then brings her fingertips to her lips. She glances at me, then at Annie. “You’re Annie’s nephew?”
Although we shared an intimate moment, we’re strangers meeting officially for the first time. We stare at each other, unable to tear our eyes away. Her beautiful features are lit up, her skin flushed red, and the incredulous tone she uses makes her even more adorable.
She takes a deep breath and places the room key in her purse before shaking my hand. Her grip is firm, her hand soft and warm. She almost seems like a different person than the one I met by the elevator.
“I’m Sara Douglas from the Action Institute.”
“You’re Sara,” I say, as I gaze into her soulful dark eyes.
Reid didn’t hide the fact Sara is his sister-in-law, but no one gives family members jobs like that if they are incapable of doing them. She must be smart as a whip. She appears to be in her early or mid-twenties, which makes her ten years younger than me.
“I mean, Reid told me you live on the Sunshine Coast, but I never imagined you would be here…” Her voice trails off as she glances around the room.
I’ve been alone for so long, and I’d convinced myself I didn’t need anyone. But after meeting Sara, all that has changed.I want to find out what caused her pain and protect her.I want to embrace her and kiss her full, perfect lips.
It’s a weird moment and makes me start thinking things I shouldn’t be thinking. About a possible future with a woman. With her, Sara, who not only happens to be a complete stranger, but she’s also the executive in charge of the project meant to be my way forward, a step toward a new future.
“We were supposed to meet today, but I was late and I missed the meeting. I tried calling and emailing you, but there’s no—”
“No reception,” I finish for her, understanding the reason for our mix-up. “There was no reception inside the recreation complex either.”
“And then… well… you know the rest.” She drops her gaze to the floor.
“And now you’re here.”
Annie’s gaze burns and I must address the question in her eyes before she interrupts and spoils the mood. “I met Sara earlier today, but we, err…” I am at a loss for how to explain the situation without sharing personal information.
“Oh sure,” Annie says, waving her hand dismissively. “Don’t mind me. I will leave you to it.” She tucks a pen behind her ear, grabs a bundle of tourism brochures from the cabinet behind the desk, and vanishes into the back office.
My heart beats like a drum, blood rushing to my groin. I desperately want to take Sara’s hand and lead her out of the lobby and into the woods where we can be alone. One look at her sweet curves, and I want to do dirty things to her body and see her O face for real.
I glance at the luggage beside her feet. “How about I walk you to your room?” I offer.
“Are you sure, Brax?” she asks, before glancing at me. I love the way she says my name. As if she savors the sounds as they fall from her lips.
