Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“I can be a dick,” he whispers, and I tip my head back to look up at him.
“Yeah,” I agree, watching his lips lift ever so slightly in the corners.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He lifts his hand, cupping my cheek softly and using his thumb to wipe under my eyes.
“You didn’t.” I swallow and take a step away from him, even as he seems reluctant to let me go. Once again, I miss his warmth. “I just needed to cry.”
With a nod, he takes a step toward me as I shiver from the cool air on my damp clothes, the buzz from the alcohol gone along with my tears. “Let’s get you back to your room before you catch a cold.”
“You can’t catch a cold from being cold,” I mumble as he wraps his arm around me, and we begin to walk toward the hotel.
“It’s scientifically proven that you can,” he mumbles back, and I sigh but don’t argue.
When we reach the second-floor balcony leading to both our rooms, I take my key out of my pocket and stop at my door. He stops with me as I open the lock and step into my room. Turning to look up at him, I fight the urge to bite my lip. Things feel awkward now. I feel more twisted up and confused than I did the first time I ever had sex, when I didn’t know how to act or what I was supposed to say. Or if I should say anything.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” It’s a question because he hasn’t said when he’ll be leaving. I could wake up tomorrow and find he’s checked out.
That thought should not bother me as much as it does.
“Are you working?”
“Yeah.”
“Just the bar or both jobs?”
“Both.” He nods and lifts his hand toward my face but then drops it to his side while taking a step back and clearing his throat.
“Night, Elora.”
“Night, Roman.” I close the door and stand there for a long moment before turning the lock. A few seconds later, I hear the door to the room next to mine close, and I look at the wall between his room and mine like I can see through it.
I can’t, but if I could, I would see him staring right back at me.
6
ELORA
45°52′55″N 123°57′34″W
Walking out of the bathroom I just finished straightening up; I practically jump out of my skin and let out a squeak of surprise when I notice a shirtless guy around my age going through an open suitcase on the bed.
“Sorry,” he says, and I hear him over the music playing in my ears.
“It’s okay.” I laugh, taking one of my earbuds out. “I just didn’t expect anyone to be in here.”
“I should have called out.” His grin is charming. “Mag was thirsty, and I needed to grab her bowl.” He motions with a hand toward the open door, where my cleaning cart is parked outside the room, and I see a big gray Husky sitting and waiting for him right next to it.
“Hi, Mag.” I smile at the beautiful pup, with bright blue eyes that remind me of Roman’s.
“She’s friendly,” he tells me, and I take that as permission to approach her. The moment I do, her tail begins to wag frantically, and she stands. Stepping outside, I rub the top of her head and laugh when she bounces.
“She’s so cute.” I smile up at the guy now standing over me with a bowl in his hand.
“She’s also a terror.” He grins back.
“I don’t believe you.” I turn my attention to Mag. “You’re a good girl, aren’t you?” I bend to rub her head and down her back. Her fur is slightly damp, and there’s sand in her coat. “Did she like the beach?”
“She loved it,” he says as she lets out an excited woof like she’s answering for herself. “She didn’t want to leave.”
“I never want to leave either.” I laugh when she tries to lick my face and back up to get away from her tongue. “Do you—?” I look up at him and start to ask if he needs anything before I move along, but his gaze is focused on something behind me.
Wondering what’s caught his attention, I turn to see Roman standing a few feet away, holding two paper cups. I can’t tell what he’s thinking with the blank look on his face, but his taut jaw makes him seem annoyed. Dragging his eyes off the guy standing next to me, he meets my gaze, his expression never shifting.
My smile slides away.
Okay, then.
I look down at Mag when she nudges my hand, obviously not happy with the loss of my attention. “I didn’t forget about you.” I give her a little more love before coming out of my bend and looking at her owner once more. “I’m finished in your room, but did you need anything?”