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Tomorrow morning I would go for a run, work out, or do some form of physical exercise. Something that would help all the alcohol and junk I had been ingesting not end up on my ass. That’s where it always ended up.
Once my food arrived, it didn’t take me long to gobble it down. Dinner in a fluffy, soft king-size bed made it taste so much better. Clicking through the television channels there was nothing good to watch. It was almost ten o’clock, and I found myself wide awake. Just wonderful. That nap was a horrible idea.
There were plenty of things I could do right now. Parties were never in short supply and there were clubs down the block. None of that interested me. All it would do is lead to unwanted male attention. I decided that a nighttime dip in the pool might tire me out. A few laps certainly could help with that massive burger I just ate. I also liked that there wouldn’t be too many others in the pool at this hour. The one-piece I brought was still more revealing than what I was comfortable wearing in a big crowd of strangers.
When I was tanning by the pool, I kept my coverup on. It left enough of my skin uncovered to get a nice tan without being overly sexy. It was probably why most of the guys walked right past me saying nothing. Why work for it when plenty of girls had skimpy two pieces on?
Placing my bag down on one of the chairs, there were a few older couples out. Lifting my makeshift coverup off I tossed it next to my bag and made my way to the pool. Seven laps later I decided it wasn’t helping me get any more tired. If anything, I felt more awake than when I stepped foot out of my room.
“Good evening.”An older gentleman, at least ten years my senior, handed me my towel as I approached my things. My heart was racing as I took the towel and wrapped myself quickly. My eyes darted around to see who was around this late at night. A few employees were cleaning up but not any that would be helpful to me. The other couples had all left already too. Probably past their bedtime.
“Hi.” Making my voice even and assertive I wasn’t stupid to know where this could go. True crime shows on tv weren’t jokes.
“I couldn’t help but notice you were out here by yourself. So late at night for a pretty girl to be alone.”The deep voice that rumbled from his throat wasn’t sexy in the least to me. His tone dripped with suggestion that he was happy to have found me by myself. His salt and pepper hair was combed back with what looked to be a decent amount of hair gel. Whatever cologne he was wearing had a strong musky scent that made me want to gag as it mixed with the smell of nicotine.
“Yeah, my brother is supposed to be coming down soon. I just didn’t feel like waiting for him anymore.”
He took a step closer, minimizing the distance between us. The hairs on the back of my neck even recognized that something was amiss.
“I should probably go find him. Idiot would lose his head if it wasn’t attached to his body.”
Snatching my bag, I turned and walked away at the fastest pace I could without breaking into a run.
Turning my head, in the most casual manner as I entered the lobby, he didn’t seem to follow me. That was good, but he was still around and that left me feeling unsettled. My vacation was still another three days. The thought of cutting it short because of some creep pissed me off.
Reaching my hand out I pressed the elevator button. Praying all the while that it would come fast, and I wouldn’t have to make another excuse if the guy tried to get on it with me. The doors parted in front of me. Salvation at last. Stepping in I finally felt my lung release the breath I had been holding since I got out of the pool.
“Hold the elevator!”
Rushing toward the now-closing door I decided to not be a complete bitch and stuck my foot between the doors. Opening back up he raced into the small, confined space next to me.
“Thanks, darlin’. No not you, you idiot. You should have been the one down here getting another room key since you lost it. I’ll be up in a minute. Relax. Yes, I’m in the elevator now.” There was no hiding the sarcastic tone he was giving the person on the other end as he spoke. “Hanging up now Rowan.”
He shook his head as he pressed the button for his floor. His sandy blonde hair wasn’t as dark as I remembered it from earlier. His torso was covered now too, which was a damn shame. Guys like him should have a free pass to walk around shirtless all day and night. Although, his white tee was hugging him snug enough to allow me to recall exactly what he looked like. The signature cowboy flannel unbuttoned over it explained the slight accent I thought I heard.
This cowboy was far from home. Probably a quick vacation or maybe it was that he was visiting family. A girlfriend? Maybe a wife. Looking down, I didn’t notice a ring on his finger. Not that he couldn’t have taken it off. He looked young. Probably wasn’t even legal yet.
He was looking down at his phone as if he was completely oblivious to me being in the elevator. It shouldn’t have bothered me. Yet I felt compelled to talk. Something I promised myself I would not do. I wasn’t here for anything but to blow off steam and figure out life. Talking to some overly attractive cowboy was not the plan.
Chapter Two
Bryce
This elevator was moving too damn slow. When I yelled for the person to hold it I didn’t notice it was her. The bombshell from earlier at the pool. Except this time, she had on just a bathing suit and towel. My mind immediately went somewhere it didn’t belong. A place my brothers and Rowan would be proud of, but my grandmother and sister would smack me in the back of the head for.
She was without a doubt the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Blonde hair that you could tell wasn’t from hours in a salon. Her green eyes sparkled more at the poolside, picking up an almost sea foam shade when the reflection of the water hit them. Not that I was looking. She kept her glasses on almost the whole time but once or twice I was able to sneak a glance when she removed them to reapply sunscreen on her face. God, I shouldn’t have been staring like I was all day.
The first thing I noticed about her was her curves. Every other girl, the ones Rowan was hitting on since we got here this morning, were all skin and bones. I was certain they wouldn’t know what animal a juicy hamburger came from. Salads and diet pills weren’t how I envisioned my time with a girl.
She kept herself covered up mostly which made me wonder even more what was under her clothing. Better yet, it made me want to ask why someone so beautiful wasn’t flaunting her body.
“So, you’re here on vacation?”That sweet voice of hers sent a chill up my spine. It wasn’t high-pitched and annoying like most of the girls Rowan had made me talk to today. The ones where the end of their sentences either went up an octave or they giggled despite it not being a funny conversation.
Turning enough to not be rude but still keep a distance between us I nodded.
“Sort of. It’s more of a birthday present sort of thing. You?”
Girls never made me nervous. It was the whole reason at Gregory Orchards, my family farm, they shoved me in the store most days. I was a people person. From babies to grannies, I flashed a smile, and they melted. This girl, something about her had me forgetting how to form words much less be charming.
