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I need a fresh start. My kids need a fresh start.
This has nothing to do with Smith.
Fine. This might have a little to do with Smith. Or a lot.
But he makes me feel alive again, a feeling I didn’t even know I missed. Until now.
Elise: Thanks for the advice, but I want to move forward with this. LMK what info you need.
Nate: You’re the boss.
I smile down at my cell. Yes, I am the boss and it’s damn well time I get to make my own decisions for once.
Pushing through the double-glass doors, I float into the lobby, heading straight for the coffee station in the corner. I grab a paper cup and fill it almost to the brim with steaming dark roast before topping it with creamer.
Then I make my way over to the front desk. Since the kids will be joining me in a few days, I’m going to need to change rooms or get a rollaway.
Poppy’s not at the front desk this morning. Instead, a burly man in a flannel shirt, jeans, and a cowboy hat sits behind the computer, tapping away. I stand at the desk for a minute, two, then clear my throat. He glances up at me, his eyes a shade darker than Poppy and Parker’s. A day’s worth of dark beard shadows his square jaw, and up close I can see fine lines on his tanned face from spending time in the Florida sun.
“Can I help you?” he grumbles.
“I hope so. I’m staying in Bungalow Four through next weekend and need to add two children to my reservation. My ex-husband is bringing them down on Thursday, and we might need a rollaway,” I explain, my stomach twisting in knots. For some reason, this man unnerves me. He’s gruff and stand-offish, the complete opposite of warm and welcoming Poppy.
“The couch in there’s a foldout bed. You need extra pillows or blankets?”
“Sure, that would be great.”
He taps at the keyboard, seemingly making a note in the computer. “Done.”
“Thank you—” I glance at his nametag. “King.”
“Welcome.” He goes back to whatever he was doing without any further eye contact or acknowledgement of my presence.
Friendly guy.
“One more quick question—”
His hands freeze over the keyboard and he glances up at me again, his brow furrowed with aggravation. He stays silent and I babble on.
“Is it spring break for the schools here now? I’m thinking of enrolling my children for next school year, but want to take a tour of the local elementary school.”
King shrugs. “I think the local spring break is over, but I don’t have kids. Check the district website.”
I lick my lips, my throat now dry. “Okay, I’ll do that.”
“Hey, y’all, good morning!” Poppy breezes in, knocking King with her hip and bumping him out of the seat. I hold in my giggle as he scowls at her.
“Morning. Payroll’s done,” King says, rising.
I’m surprised by his height now that he’s standing. He’s easily taller than six foot and so broad Poppy would be invisible if she stood behind him.
“Thanks, big brother. You’re the best.” Poppy grins at him, blowing him a kiss, and now I see the resemblance between them. Similar eyes, although his are darker and more serious, and they have the same nose and high cheekbones.
“We really need to hire someone to keep the books. I don’t have time to run two businesses,” King says, his tone sharp.
“Noted!” Poppy chirps, still smiling. She’s clearly used to his surly demeanor.
“Have a nice day.” King tips his hat at me and sidles out of the lobby, his cowboy boots clicking on the tile floor.
