The elevator doors swished shut behind her and started its descent to the lobby. She was grateful it was still early and that not many guests were mingling about yet, more than likely recovering from their New Year's Eve celebrations. Another message dinged.
You’re crazy if you think I’m waiting that long to hear details!
Padding her way to the front desk, she shot off another text Margaritas at your house when you’re back.
I’ll bring the chips and salsa. Have fun with your hubby!
The gentleman at the concierge desk gave her a kind smile as she stepped forward, stuffing her cell phone into the pocketof Kasey’s stolen sweatpants. “Hi. I’m in need of a shuttle or taxi back to my vacation rental down the road. Is there any available this early?”
“Absolutely, our shuttles and local taxi services are on twenty-four hours for the holiday,” he said, then picked up the phone in front of him. Dialing quickly, it was just a moment later that he said, “Yes, a shuttle to—”
“Oh, uhh, the Pike Lodge,” she stammered, juggling the dress in her arms. She knew it was painfully obvious that she was doing the walk of shame. Lord she was going to die of shame when she got back to the vacation rental and her entire family. The concierge relayed the message, and she whispered, “Thank you.”
“They’ll be here in just a few minutes. You’re welcome to wait in the lounge by the fireplace until they arrive,” he said kindly, motioning toward a wide arched doorway where she could see a smattering of leather sofas and armchairs surrounding a blazing stone fireplace.
She nodded and said another thank you, before wandering over to the lounge, conscious of the fact that she was just in socks and no shoes. Sinking into one of the comfortable leather armchairs, she was debating whether to look like a total moron and put the heels on over the socks or suck it up and go out in the snow in just socks when a shadow fell across the floor to her left.
Before she could react, a hand clasped around her neck, tilting her head up and back. Kasey loomed over her, trembling in anger, as he curled her long plait around his other fist, holding her still as he leaned down to growl menacingly, “I thought I told you I was going to take my time with you. You said you understood. So why are you sneaking out in the dead of morning wearing my clothes, Shaun?”
“Would you rather I find some more of Tommy’s clothes he left behind instead?” she taunted breathlessly. His eyesdarkened dangerously, and fear, excitement, desire all skittered through her and along every nerve ending.
His fingers curled around her throat, the space between his thumb and forefinger cradling the underside of her jaw just tight enough to bite and she swallowed hard as he drew even closer, breathing against her mouth, “If I ever see you wearing anything that belonged to him or to any man other than myself, I’ll turn your ass a pretty shade of pink.”
“I fucking dare you,” she hissed, but it didn’t hold the weight she wanted it to. No, it came out all breathy and needy and oh fuck she was in trouble because that… sounded divine.
“Bet, darlin’,” he growled low, his teeth bared in a snarl, but then his eyes softened, and he groaned a heartbeat before his mouth crashed onto hers. His hands still held her head captive, and she was powerless against him, instead simply clasping her hands over top of the one that still held her throat. When his mouth finally left hers, he growled low, “I haven’t had any coffee yet and I barely pulled on clothes on my way to find you, you infuriating, pain in the ass woman.”
Releasing her, he extended his hand down to her. She stared at it for a long moment before placing her hand in his and allowing him to pull her out of the chair.
Bringing her close to his body, he leaned in and whispered, “I’d follow you, you know.”
Her dress slid to the floor, her grasp on the slinky material giving way at his huskily spoken words, and she gasped, “What?”
“You were running. I’d follow you,” he murmured low, and this time she heard the warning in his voice. She had no doubts that he meant it. His lips flit over the corner of her mouth, causing electricity to zing across every nerve ending, making her shiver.
Taking a step away from her, he bent at the waist to retrieve the dress that had pooled at their feet and to take hershoes from her. “Were you seriously considering not wearing any shoes outside?” he grumbled, steering her toward the main lobby. Calling over to the concierge, he said, “The lady will not be needing the shuttle, she’s staying.”
“And just where are you taking me?” she hissed as his fingers tightened around hers. Her cheeks were on fire in embarrassment.
“Breakfast.”
“Breakfast?” Shaun parroted dumbly.
“Yes, breakfast. It’s the meal normal people eat when they wake up in the morning. Usually comes with a cup of coffee.”
“Kasey, I have no shoes—” she protested as he led her toward one of the several restaurants inside the massive resort. “They’re not going to let me inside. And I’m wearing your clothes with no bra on—”
“Oh, trust me, I’ve noticed,” he muttered darkly as they stopped at the hostess stand just inside a set of giant double doors that looked like they’d been carved from massive trees. The smell of a breakfast buffet wafted over to them, and her stomach growled. He smirked over at her. “Lucky for us, it’s so early in the morning after every other human on the mountain was up late as fuck getting hammered, so we should be relatively alone.”
A woman that appeared to be in her late forties welcomed them, taking in their rumpled state, Shaun’s dress and shoes in Kasey’s hands and smiled knowingly, then led them both to a table.
“Would it be possible to have a booth? Please?” Kasey asked, and the woman nodded, motioning to a booth situated in one corner, which held much more privacy than the table. “Perfect, thank you.”
Half a heartbeat later a petite, brunette waitress had sidled over to them as they settled into the booth on opposite sides.“Coffee?” the woman asked, and the chorus of ‘Yes, please’ made them both smile. The waitress was back just a moment later with two porcelain coffee cups and a carafe of coffee. Pouring out two servings, she set the carafe on the table for them. “Any cream or sugar?” When they both shook their heads, no, she continued, “Alright then. Do you need a few minutes to look over the menu? Our strawberry cream cheese stuffed French toast is our special this morning.”
“Oof, sold,” Shaun moaned and slid the unopened menu toward the edge of the booth table with a smile. “With a side of bacon, please. Limp. It smells amazing.”
Kasey’s mouth tilted up at one corner as he perused his menu, and Shaun’s cheeks heated again. Handing the waitress the menu, he said quietly, “I’ll have the western omelet and a side of sausage gravy, please.”
