“That’s a good friend,” he said. “Most people run from quiet. It tells too much truth.”
We chatted about small things like where he was from and why he was here. He told me he was a contractor from Virginia who made it his business to come here every December, alone, to reset before the new year. He was charming in a respectful, older-man way and I could tell that he wanted harmless conversation. Still, my mind went back to Mr. Fine ass at the door. I snuck a glance down the bar. He had taken a seat at the far end, profile in full view. A presence that pulled my attention every few seconds no matter what Raymond said. He did not look my way again, but I felt him. I felt the chills return that he caused when we first made eye contact. After a while, I checked the time on my phone. The day finally caught up with me, and the tub I saw in my room earlier started calling.
“I should head up,” I said, finishing my drink. “I’ve had a long trip. I need to unpack and figure out what I signed up for.”
Raymond nodded. “Rest well, Elise. Maybe I’ll see you around.”
“Maybe.”
I reached for my bag and turned to the bartender. “Can I close out?” She wiped her hands on a towel and shook her head.
“You’re all set.”
I frowned. “I didn’t give you a card.”
She leaned closer. “The gentleman at the end of the bar took care of it, sweetie.” I followed her gaze to the far side. The stool he had been sitting on was empty. I scanned the room, but he was gone. No trace of his fine ass… just the faint memory of his eyes on mine.
“Damn,” I whispered under my breath. I had at least wanted to say thank you to Mr. Fine Ass. I was feeling the drink and the mountain air and I would not have minded a little harmless flirting to end my night.
“Want me to add something to your room instead?” the bartender asked.
“No, I’m good,” I said. “Tell him thank you if you see him again.”
“I will,” she replied, a small knowing smile on her face.
The minute I made it to my cabin room and closed the door behind me, the warm buzz hit me. I tossed my coat to the side, kicked off my boots, and went straight to the bathroom. I turned on the faucet, letting the tub fill deep and hot just how I liked it. Steam curled up immediately. I stripped out of my clothes, my skin still tingling from the way that man looked at me. And then it hit me. I left every single one of my sex toys at home.
“All this damn space in my suitcase… and I left the important shit,” I muttered. I thought I wouldn’t need them. Came up here thinking I’d drink tea, journal, mind my business. But afterseeing him, my body was throbbing and begging to be touched. I slid into the tub, the heat wrapping around me, water kissing my skin until a moan eased out my throat.
“Damn…” My legs parted under the surface before I consciously decided anything. My fingers drifted down my stomach, lower… then between my thighs. The first brush of my clit made my breath hitch.
“Oh—shit…”
I closed my eyes and instantly saw him again… that face, that stance, those shoulders, those eyes like he’d fuck the attitude off me without raising his voice. I could just imagine the monster he had between those bowed legs. My fingers drew slow circles at first, but the ache hit fast. I dipped two fingers inside myself, gasping as they slid in easy, the water making everything slicker.
“Fuck… yes…”
I pumped slowly, then faster, working my thumb over my clit, water splashing with every movement of my hips. In my head, he was watching me from the edge of the tub. My hips rocked as the pleasure built fast.
“Oh my God?—”
I tightened my fingers, thrusting deeper, rubbing harder, chasing that release. My legs shook under the water.
“Please… fuck…”
The orgasm hit hard, sharp, curling my toes, my back arching as heat tore through me. I moaned loud, not caring if anyone heard, riding it until the tremors faded and I collapsed back against the tub, chest heaving. Water rippled around me as I caught my breath. I covered my face with my hand and laughed softly. One night in this place and I was already in here finger fucking myself over a man I hadn’t even spoken to.
This week is about to be hell. Or fun… maybe both.
Chapter 4
Niko
Caleb: Aye bro, some shit came up and I ain’t gone make it. Have fun, nigga!
Istared at the text he sent while I was boarding the jet this morning and shook my head. That nigga thought he was slick and thought he was subtle, but I caught on quick. He never actually planned on coming. His whole goal was to get me up this mountain by myself. Truth was, I wasn’t even mad about it because a break was well overdue. This time of the year always had me in a funk so disappearing for a week felt like the smartest thing I’d done in a minute. Pops had already called three damn times and even had my mother on a guilt trip mission. I ignored all of it. I had good managers and staff so Fire & Frost would run just fine without me breathing down their necks for seven days.
By the time I stepped off the jet, a black suburban was already parked on the tarmac, the driver standing at attention, waiting to pick me up. I tossed my bag in the back and climbed in. The ride to Winter Haven was quiet as I looked out the window, seeing the winding roads, tall trees and snow-covered mountains the higher we climbed. The North Carolina mountains stretched out in every direction, and for once, theisolation didn’t bother me. Winter Haven was a spot made for people trying to disappear, and right now, that description fit me all too well.
