A giant bus.
“Well, the tour bus just pulled in. The Lodge is gonna be full for the weekend.”
Here we go again.
What an excellent distraction.
29
ADAM
A storm is brewing at the Lodge, dark clouds ready to dump feet of snow down across us. Which means there’s a big influx of visitors arriving just in time to miss it.
Guests flood the Lodge.
I’m used to being in charge, making things happen, creating order out of chaos, but even I’m feeling the strain from this one.
They had reservations at a resort hours away but needed to find shelter before the storm caught them on the road.
The lines are long, and we need a strategy.
I catch Gabe as he’s coming out front to help. “Take Jacob and go help Greyson grab the extra supplies we’re going to need tonight. Sandy and I will man the front.”
Because there are only two computers up front for check-ins, and I want to be in charge of finding everyone a room in case there’s some pushback.
It’s hard to argue with the owner.
And logistics are my bread and butter.
First thing’s first, I talk to the person in charge.
How many groups do we have?
Her name’s Janice, and she’s well prepared with a list and everything.
We exchange a knowing smile and compare the list to the open rooms I have left available.
While Janice and I pour over the best options, I keep an eye on Drew as she dives in to chat with the visitors, talking up the possibilities when the storm is over—the festival, the skiing, the attractions downtown.
She’s teasing and laughing with the kids, making and dispensing hot drinks.
She pitches in like she belongs, and I find myself watching when I should be working.
But I’m proud of her—and protective when two of the single men obviously hit on her.
Mostly, I want to be out there with her, pulling her to my side, staking my claim on her with my touch, sneaking her off to a private corner for a kiss.
I’m hungry for her in ways I haven’t been since I was a teen.
Only it’s worse now.
Because it’s more than mere desire. I don’t think I’ll ever find a woman like her again.
It makes me a bit desperate not to lose her. And it’s been a hell of a long time since I’ve ever been this desperate.
Janice smiles at me, gaze flicking to where Drew is talking animatedly about what I can only guess is the town. “Got it bad, don’t you?”
I meet her bright eyes and smile back at her. My head tips to the side in agreement. “Worse than you can imagine.”
