A tiny whimpering sound as she hears my harsh panting.
“So…” All my polite words have left me as I grapple to give the impression of humanity.“Are we still on for breakfast tomorrow?”
A painfully long wait.I have never felt the sting of rejection before, because I have never cared enough about anyone to bother.This is different.
I think I might even be sweating tiny droplets of blood as the desire pulses in my veins.
A small noise as Aila licks her lips.“Go away, Theron.I share a room with my mom, for God’s sake.I’ll have breakfast with you tomorrow if you promise not to look at me as if I am on your menu.”
“Sorry.”I’ve never said that word before, but it seems appropriate.“Until tomorrow then.”
ChapterFive
Aila
It wasn’t Theron who scared me but my own reaction to him.Sure, he looked formidable as he loomed over me like a grim giant, but it didn’t change how sexually charged I became just from being close to him.
I shouldn’t be like this.I’m notthatgirl—in love with drama—the one who puts the “X” in extra.I have made such an effort all my adult life to never be that girl.This is why the visceral compulsion I experience when I’m close to him is so frightening.
I feel hunted by my emotions, by the break in my self-control, and by my intense attraction to him.
Something doesn’t feel right.No, there’s a better way to put it.Something doesn’t feelnatural.I know myself as well as the next person.IknowI’m not the sort of person who goes on a date with guns blazing.My approach to dates has always been cautious.
Sure, I’ll meet up with a man in a public place.I will watch him carefully while we chat.And I will weigh up the options before accepting a second date.I have been this way since college.Nothing has changed.
Blowing air out slowly through pursed lips, I listen to the sound of Theron’s footsteps moving away.Leaning back against the closed door, I force my body to relax.Finally, I can breathe normally.
Snap out of it!
Fumbling in the dark, I flip the light switch on the wall.A dim orange glow floods the room.It’s sweet and quaint, just like the exterior of the inn.The two single beds definitely do not give “come fuck a beefcake biker on top of me” energy.
They are narrow and made up neatly with old fashioned linen: light mohair plaid blankets and white, starched cotton sheets.Gossamer fine mosquito nets hang over each bed like guardian angels.The bedside lamps are covered with shades made of lace, and there are hand-knotted rugs on the floor.The mirror on the vanity dresser is scratched and worn.
“I suppose no one bothers looking in the mirror here because they are all so gorgeous.”I share my thoughts with the room.
Okay, not the older men, but definitely the younger ones—the Midnight Riders.And the lady behind the bar.She must be the innkeeper Monty Hubble was telling me about.Luna Blackwood.The woman is absolutely stunning.Vibrant red hair, full lips, high cheekbones.No wonder the Riders like hanging out at the bar.
If I’m honest, they looked more like a casting agency callback than a motorcycle club—Theron included.I found it a bit unnatural, the way the bikers were sitting around in their t-shirts and leather jackets, like they were posing or something.
I dare not say it out loud, but they looked predatory.As if they were skulking around the inn like wolves waiting for the bulk of the summer visitors to arrive.
I suppose they like to hook up with inn guests if the visitors are attractive.And I guess that’s what Theron wants to do with me.
Funny how dreams have a way of coming true…
By the time I’d showered and unpacked, Mom had called it a night.Bouncing into the room, she plops down on the bed I haven’t claimed as my own.She falls back against the pillows staring happily at the ceiling and sighs.
“Oh, Aila, I have a real good feeling about this place, don’t you?”Turning to face me, she continues.“Okay, I’ll admit I wassomad when you left me on the jetty alone like that, but God works in mysterious ways, doesn’t he?”
Whenever my mom starts making religious references, I know she’s a couple inches away from falling in love.But I have a few things I want to get off my chest first.
“How much are we going to have in the account after paying our bill here, Mom?I know Laura says we can stay in the guest room when we get back to Winnipeg, but please don’t get too attached to Landslide in case things don’t work out.And remember that we have to keep four or five hundred dollars for the trip back.”
I’m talking about my bank account.My mom’s account always seems to be permanently overdrawn until she finds her next meal ticket in the form of a generous man.
This makes my mom sit up again.
“Actually, Aila, we might just end up staying here for free.”
