The adults-only spa is popular with the guests, as are theyoga classes. I took a vinyasa and power class earlier in the week, and Lacey, the instructor, kicked my butt. I’m anxious to try out her other classes now, followed by a visit to the sauna and steam room.
Jessica confirmed with Brenner that a single-room cabin would be unoccupied for two nights between reservations, so she insisted she stay on the property tonight and take responsibility for the radio.
Which means an evening of wine in the hot tub for me.
But a moment after I’ve changed into my bathing suit, a startling crack of lightning lights up the night sky. It’s followed by a loud, long roar of thunder. And just like that, my relaxation plans have been ruined.
A high-pitched scream splits through the air, and without hesitation, I dart for Bea’s room.I swing her door open and rush to the side of her bed. A second later, Asher is there too.
“What’s wrong?” we ask at the same time.
Her breath catches on a sob. “Th-th-thunder.” She clutches her stuffed bunny to her chest.
“Shh, Dolly. It’s okay.” Asher embraces her. “It’s only a storm. It’s okay.”
“B-but the tree. The roof,” she cries.
“Mmm,” Asher hums. “Are you scared a tree is going to fall on our roof like the one next door?”
She nods against him.
“That’s a valid fear,” he tells her. “But we’re safe in here. I promise Daddy won’t let anything happen to you.”
The way he calls himself “Daddy” in third person makes my core clench.Now, that’s scary.
What’s even scarier is the sudden dampness between my thighs. I’m preparing to mentally berate myself when I realize the wetness is dripping from Asher.
Because he’s soaking wet.
And only wearing a towel.
About the time I notice, his eyes go wide, as if it’s only now occurred to him that he’s in his birthday suit.
“Shit,” he whispers. “I—I was just getting out of the shower when I heard her scream. I came running.” He tousles his hair, and water droplets land on my lap again.
“Of course.” I hike a thumb behind me. “I was about to use the hot tub. And it looks like you’ve got this, so I’m gonna change.”
“Thank you for checking on her.”
I nod, then hightail it across the hall and swiftly close my door behind me.
After changing into leggings and an oversized tee, I pour myself a glass of wine and settle on the sectional in the living room. With the soundtrack of the rain on the roof, I can’t help but stare longingly at the fireplace, thinking about how a roaring fire would make the most perfect cottagecore setting.
Except I don’t know how to turn it on. That doesn’t stop me from getting up and attempting. As I’m inspecting the perimeter of the stone fireplace, a corded forearm appears beside me and flips a switch located behind a decorative vase on the mantel. Besides a few stray LEGO pieces and a picture of Bea from preschool that isn’t even in a frame, the ledge is bare, the scene depressing.
Orange flames flicker to life and goose bumps flitter across my arms.
“Thanks,” I say, collapsing onto the couch.
Asher heads to the refrigerator to retrieve a beer. “Mind if I join you?”
Wine in hand, I say, “Not at all. How’s Bea doing?”
“I gave her an Ambien, so she should be out for the night.”
“You what?” I screech, whipping his way, only to find him wearing a sarcasticexpression.
He laughs at my expense. “She’s fine. I rubbed her back and she fell right to sleep. Are you always this gullible?” The sweet little dips in his cheeks taunt me.
