I’d never looked at him like that before, though as I gaze at him, standing there with his muscular, lithe body, all I can think is,Why not? How have I never noticed how gorgeous he is?I know if I’d seen him at Cocktails & Chaos on a night out, I would definitely have tried to get my flirt on.
“So, before you forget, I’m going to go to my apartment in a little bit and grab more clothes because Juni didn’t bring me PJs. Nor enough underwear …” My voice trails off as his lips twitch. I know exactly what he’s thinking, and I blush. “So, I’ll get all that good stuff …”
“Important pieces of clothing.” His expression is serious as he nods. “Don’t want to forget your panties.”
“Luke, never saypantiesagain. It sounds so pervy.”
“Panties sound pervy?”
He takes a step closer to me and gazes down into my eyes. There’s mischief in his gaze, and I wonder what he’s going to do next. My stomach curls in expectation, but he just stands there, looking dashing.
“You know it does when you say it like that. Anyway, after I grab some new underwear, I’m going to head to the beach and help Juni for an hour or so and then take some photos of some tourists. I should be back by late afternoon, and we can go to Cocktails & Chaos tonight with everyone. Does that sound good?”
“Sounds like a plan to me,” he says in a dry voice. “You seem like you have a busy day. Already had enough of my presence back in town?” The elevator pings before I can respond, and he holds his arm out. “After you, my lady.”
“Thanks. When did you become such a gentleman?”
“I’ve always been a gentleman. I guess you just didn’t notice.”
“I guess not,” I say as I step out into the hallway. I am acutely aware of him as we walk toward the bedroom, and I groan as I realize I left my door key inside the hotel room. “Don’t suppose you remembered your key, did you?”
“Would I forget?” he says as he pulls his key out of his dark leatherwallet and opens the door. “Who woulda thought that your hero saves the day again.”
“My hero?” I giggle as I step inside and decide against asking him what that word means to him.
For all I know, he’ll pick me up and carry me across the room, pretending he’s Tarzan and I’m Jane. While I’ve always enjoyed our playful antics, it feels different now.
It is different now.
Not that I’m going to dwell on that fact.
I’m surprised to see that the housekeeping service has already made our bed. I’m reminded of the evening before as I stare at the lush pillows and the silky sheets. Memories of delicate touches, sultry moans, and illicit heat fill me.
It was just some fun, Mia. Get a grip. It was practice. You and Luke are consummate professionals, preparing for the role of a lifetime. Get it together now!
“I should get going now. Do you want to come with me, or are you going to stay here and work?”
Or do you want to take me real quick so we can make sure we have the right amount of passion flowing?
Get your mind out of the gutter, Mia.
“I think I’d like to see your place,” he says. “I can bring my laptop with me, and then I’ll work at Salty Sirens afterward. Hopefully, there aren’t too many tourists there.”
“We are in peak season, Luke. You know tourists love to come here for the summer. It will be busy.”
“I know. I thought it just used to be snowbirds, but I guess word got out, and now everyone from all over the country comes for the summer as well.”
“You know the surf contest is coming up, and there are?—”
“Don’t tell me. Lots of hot surfers you want to say hello to.” He rolls his eyes. “You upset you can’t flirt with any this summer?”
“No, why would I be upset?”
He’s giving me a weird look, and I don’t want to ask him why he’s looking at me like that. I also don’t want to talk about flirting with other men right now. I need to break the awkward moment, so I change the subject.
“Don’t you need to go to your grandparents’ house and pick up your suitcase?”
“No, my grandfather told me my luggage was in his car, so he’s going to give it to the concierge, and they’ll just bring it up for me.”
