I looked up at him, bracing myself for being turned to stone.
“Just wondering what’s got his attention.”
“Ask him.”
“No.” My response was too quick. I had to admit to being a bit shy of Guy Babin.
“Guy, Dee wants to know what you’re looking at.” Rowan raised his voice enough to disturb Guy.
I felt my face burn.
Guy looked over, giving me a slight smile. “My daughters are in France for the summer with their mother, and they’ve sent me an email and some photos.” He stretched out. “It looks like the eldest has a boyfriend.” His tone was sharp.
“How old is she?” I managed to get over my schoolgirl nerves.
“Fifteen. The same age her mother was when I met her.” His expression tightened. Then he looked at Rowan. “And I pray she’ll meet someone like me, and not like you.”
Rowan looked non-plussed, his feathers clearly not easy to ruffle. “It just takes the right woman, and any player will settle down.” Blue eyes danced in my direction. “Isn’t that right, Dee?”
It was going to be a long journey.
The long journey got longer when we arrived at the lodges. The spa was open until eleven for us to use, and we had exclusive use of it. The last hour of the journey had been survived simply because I knew I’d shortly be in the sauna, then the steam room, then the hydrotherapy pool, followed by watching the stars from the rooftop heated infinity pool. Rowan had been weirdly quiet, staying in his seat instead of joining in what was happening with his teammates and the game of poker that had gotten far too raucous.
I’d caught him watching me a few times from over his book, almost scrutinising. I pretended not to notice, apart from once when I’d given him my biggest smile and offered him a piece of chocolate, which he’d accepted.
“You still not checking your goodie bag?” he said as the coach pulled up.
“No. I’ll save that surprise when I’m alone. Not saying I don’t trust you or anything.”
“I like the idea of you having alone time.” His grin turned wicked.
I shook my head. “You can’t help yourself, can you?”
The coach stopped, the door almost immediately opening. There was movement from the passengers and Carmel, one of Genny’s team, appeared with a staff member from the resort. She looked flustered, and couldn’t even cast a glance at any of the players.
“We don’t have anything planned for tonight, other than dinner, which will be served in the Scot’s Bar between six and eight.” Carmel beamed, taking a clipboard off the staff member. “We’ve mixed you up for the lodges. Everyone has their own room. Luggage will be taken there shortly, unless you’d rather grab your own.”
And then came the dagger.
“Rowan and Ryan, you’re with Dee and Izzy.” Carmel put four sets of keys on our table, then carried on walking down the aisle.
I didn’t hear who else was sharing with who. I was too busy locking eyes with the man who was managing to irritate me just by breathing.
“Well, hello, roomie.” He put his book down and picked up one set of keys.
I was tempted to pick up another set and lob them straight at him.
But I didn’t.
Instead I smiled.
And it almost killed me.
CHAPTER7
Rowan
There wasnothing quite as satisfying as offering to carry Dee Jones’ bags to our lodge and watching her face as she had no choice other than to smile and say thank you.
