AllFreeNovel
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I take both our duffel bags from the back of the truck and head into the front entrance of the hotel as she walks across the parking area toward the staffing quarters.
She’s right; that was the best sleep I’d had in a long time.
I feel like a new man.
Zoey
Imake my way to the cabanas, careful to make sure I don’t run into anyone.
I’m a big girl, and both Morris and I are adults, so it’s not like I’m ashamed to have spent the night with him. It’s just that workplace relationships, serious or not, can get messy. The last thing I want is to become a distraction to the other instructors or for our tryst to reflect badly on Morris in his brother’s eyes.
So, for now, discretion seems to be the best option for us both.
I spy Scooter and Clay entering the mess hall, and I duck around to the other side. When the coast is clear, I make a beeline to the steps that lead up to my cabana.
I’m tapping in my code when I hear my name being called by a familiar voice.
No.
I slowly turn to face the man standing against the railing of the porch.
Tobias.
“Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” he asks.
“More like an evil spirit,” I whisper.
“Oh, come on, Zoey. Don’t you think that’s a bit harsh?”
“What are you doing here, Tobias?” I ask.
“What? I can’t visit a new ski resort, check in on you, and scout the talent?” he asks.
He walks over and threads a finger through my hair while I stand there, frozen.
“You never know what potential is hiding in plain sight,” he utters.
At his words, my brain snaps into focus, and I jerk free.
“It’s not happening. You can pack yourself back up and go back home, and don’t even think about shopping for new victims here,” I spit.
He clicks his tongue. Something he used to do anytime he wasn’t pleased with me.
“Victims? Zoey, don’t you think you’re being a little dramatic?”
He takes a seat on the railing.
“No,” I bite out.
“Are you done running yet, darling?” he asks.
I see red.
“Don’t call me that. I’m not your little darling anymore, and I’m not running, Tobias. I’m rising. Rising above the control you had over me. Rising above the destruction you caused in my life. Rising above you,” I snap.
He opens his mouth to speak, but before he can say a word, voices float through the air behind us.
I turn to see Langford and my father walking across the parking area toward us.
