Page 5 of Resorting to Love
Susie snaps upright, her flaming-hot face focused on the workstation computer again. “Doing it now.”
“Great, thanks. Can you have Ted bring my luggage from Forestview to Skyview Cottage?”
“No problem,” she says, picking up the phone and pressing a button on the base.
I wait until she’s prattling off the new directive to her fellow employee. Time to turn amaybeinto ano. I draw a breath, then face Eli. “Thank you for the generous and thoughtful gesture,” I say, waving the key. “I’m going to find my way to Skyview Cottage. Meeting you was…interesting. And fun. Thanks for that. I needed a laugh.”
“Anytime, Chloe. Lots more fun and laughs to be had if you’ll join me for dinner.”
It’s tempting. More so than I would’ve expected. “I think I’m going to pass.”
“Understood,” he says, tipping his head.
Good thingheunderstands, because I’m more confused about what I want than I have been in a very long time.
two
eli
After wrappingmy tenth season as one of TV’s most popular fictional doctors, I have one week to relax before jumping into a movie role. I thought I’d have this summer off. Was looking forward to it, actually. Then my agent called with an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. An action adventure, opposite one of Hollywood’s most successful leading ladies. Signed on that dotted line faster than you can say, “hell yes.”
Then I told my assistant to book me a quick getaway. Figured I’d jet off to the tropics. That adults-only, five-star resort in Barbados where I stayed during last year’s downtime would’ve been good. Anywhere hot and steamy, and I’m not just talking about the weather.
Instead, I’m at this vintage Virginia lodge. I thought Annie’s email with the reservation information for Mountain Ridge Resort was a joke. Nope. Totally serious. Not the kind of fun I had in mind, but I never argue with my assistant. She and my agent make my life run like a well-oiled machine. Besides, I can have a good time anywhere. Now that Chloe’s in the picture, my gut tells me this is going to be the best vacation ever. And I always trust my gut.
That’s why I didn’t push when Chloe declined my dinner invitation last night. Even without my gut giving directions, she’s pretty easy to read. Despite her shock and frustration at finding a naked stranger in her cabin, she dished out some seriously salty humor. My favorite kind.
Chloe not recognizing me—not having a clue who I am—made her fiery attitude that much better. Made every word out of her saucy mouth legitimate.
That kind of interaction is rare for me. Then it ended. Not sure what triggered the change, but I could practically see Chloe’s walls go up. I like to push the envelope. I’m also smart enough to know when to leave it alone.
That was yesterday. She had the night to decompress from her insanely long drive. Now it’s time to have fun. And I’m the man to make that happen.
The walk to her cabin should take less than five minutes. With four stops to sign autographs and chat with fans, I’m already clocking fifteen, because yes, I checked my watch. I never want to seem rude when I’m interacting with fans, but Chloe is on her porch, and I need to get there. Stat.
Our eyes meet when I allow myself a glance in her direction. Fifty feet separates us, yet the weight of her attention has my cock on standby. It’s not wishful thinking, it’s awareness. The zing of connection.
I thank the couple for watching the show, then I’m free and clear. Unless somebody runs across the lawn to intercept me, nothing’s getting between me and the brunette who’s crowded my mind since last night.
She stands at the railing of the wraparound porch, the gentle, July breeze lifting her hair from her bare shoulders. A cloudless sky and brilliant sunlight make it too bright to tell her eye color as I cross the porch, but I know they’re brown with flecks of amber. How could I forget the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen?
“Come to reclaim your cabin?” she asks as I join her at the railing.
“I’m a giver, not a taker.” The list of things I’d like to give her is pretty damn long, but I start with a smile. Hell, it’s impossible not to smile around her.
Her gaze narrows for a few seconds, then relaxes. “Thanks again for giving me this cabin.”
“It was a swap, and I was happy to.”
“You might feel differently if you see what you gave up.” She tilts her head toward the door. “Want to check it out?”
“Definitely.” I extend my arm, signaling her to lead the way. Partly because I’m a gentleman, but also so I cancheck outher sexy body as she moves.
She walks the way she talks—with confidence. Shoulders back, chin up, long strides. She’s dressed in a tiny tank top and cut-off jeans, and the curve-hugging combo is so mouthwatering, I have to wipe my mouth to make sure I’m not actually drooling.
She turns to face me after we step into the living room. “Incredible, right?”
“Totally,” I say, not taking my eyes off of her.
