“That must be a tough job sometimes.”
Nodding, I take his outstretched hand for help climbing over a fallen log. Chivalry is kinda nice, I have to admit. “Yeah, it can be, but I like the fast pace. My job, where I work, it’s everything to me.”
“I can understand that.”
We share a small smile, then carry on the trail. A short while later, the trail opens up at the base of a small waterfall. “Oh,” I gasp, stunned by the sound of cascading water, the sight of dense, tropical jungle foliage, and the tranquility of paradise found.
Next to me, Ronan peels off his shirt completely, and toes off his shoes.
“What are you doing?” I ask as his hand goes to the waistband of his athletic shorts.
“Swimming. I forgot my trunks; are you okay if I’m just in my underwear?” There’s no tease in his words, he’s seriously making sure I’m good with this and that level of respect doesn’t go unnoticed.
Jesus Christ. Am I really about to go swimming with escalator god in his underwear?
I nod, my mouth suddenly dry. For someone who’s normally far bolder and more confident in these type of scenarios, I feel weirdly shy. Not that I’ve been in many situations with hot guys stripping down in front of beautiful waterfalls. It must be Ronan’s innate charm and consideration that has me feeling warm all over. He’s not like the guys I usually hook up with, where we’re both just looking for some casual fun without any feelings involved. Ronan’s the kind of guy who’s gotfeelingswritten all over him.
I, at least, am prepared. Lifting my tank over my head to reveal my bikini top, I don’t miss Ronan’s appreciative grin. Wiggling out of my shorts, I peel off my own shoes and socks before making my way to the edge of the shallow pool at the base of the falls.
“Ooh, it’s warm.” I wade in slowly. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Ronan studying me. It takes a lot of effort not to let my gaze drop to the bulge behind his black boxer briefs, but somehow I make myself look forward and move farther into the pool.
My foot catches some algae covering a rock and slips out from under me. Just as I figure I’m about to go under, strong arms wrap around my waist from behind and a deep voice sounds close to my ear. “I’ve got you.”
I suck in a breath as Ronan helps me find my footing and try not to think about the disappointment I feel when his strong hands leave my body.
“Thanks.”
He just gives me a quiet grin before diving under the water himself, coming up a short distance away and slicking his hair back. “Still think fate isn’t involved in our lives right now?”
I simply laugh and shake my head. “You and that damn F-word.”
Chapter five
Willow
It’s taken all of my restraint not to open my work email the last couple of days. Even as I laid out on the beach, drinking iced coffee, soaking up the sun, and trying to muster up some interest in the handsome men I saw walking past with surf boards, part of my mind was focused on Vancouver, wondering if everything was okay at work. The offseason might be a lighter workload for us, but it’s not nonexistent.
But every time I’d start to rationalize just taking a quick check to make sure there were no emergencies, I remembered the promise I made Uncle Mike the day before I left.
I will relax and enjoy myself, I will not worry about the team. It’s early in the offseason, nothing major is happening, and I deserve a break.
The twinkle in his eye as he made me recite that back to him over dinner that night brings a rueful smile to my face. He knows me so well.
Growing up, Uncle Mike was as much a part of my life as my dad. They were inseparable, best friends, just like Tori and me. I suppose, in some way, I am to Tori’s son Cooper what Uncle Mike is to me. Family, the kind that goes deeper than blood.
I knew from an early age that I wanted to work for Uncle Mike’s team. Baseball was life, and while I could throw and catch decently well, and spent most of my years growing up playing on a recreational team, there was no future for me as a player. Dad pushed me into media relations, pointing out how much I loved planning events, from birthday parties to team wrap-up parties, not to mention my ability to network and make friends everywhere I went. Combined with how passionate I was about the team, a career in sports media just made sense.
It still hurts that he didn’t live long enough to see where I am today. On track to being the next director of media relations. And not because I’m pseudo-related to the owner, but because I’ve spent a decade busting my ass, working overtime to prove myself worthy of the role.
I don’t ever want to be seen as Willow Lawson, niece of the owner. I want to be seen as Willow Lawson, head of media relations. I am my own person, and my accomplishments are because of my hard work. Not because of who I’m related to.
All that stands between me and the position is Lydia’s retirement. And her final stamp of approval on me as her replacement. Which is why I know I can handle her overbearing demands, and taking credit for work that I do, for a little while longer.
This morning the skies are a perfect bright blue. Not a cloud in sight. There’s a light breeze, and the beach is surprisingly devoid of people. I find a recliner near the water’s edge and settle in, my e-reader fully charged, a large bottle of ice water by my side, and my wide brim hat firmly on my head. After slathering a coat of sunscreen everywhere I can reach, I’m mentally debating how the hell I’ll reach my back when a deep voice has me looking up.Wayup.
“If you need some help, I’m happy to oblige.”
“You’re everywhere, it seems,” I reply, the corners of my mouth tipping up. Ronan crouches down, and even though I can’t see his eyes behind the reflective sunglasses he’s wearing, I’d guess there are little crinkles at the edges, given his grin.
