“Oh,” Drea responded, surprised he could actually read her like that.
“And, I would bet that it has everything to do with that scene right there,” he jutted his chin out, while turning her around to face the pair. “Candy” was still wrapped around Kyle, the both of them smiling like they were having the time of their lives.
“What? How...I mean...you…”
“Know? Yes, love, I know.”
“But, but...HOW?!” she asked, turning back around to face him.
“Shall we return to that whole all day, every day thing? I see the way you look at him. I see how different you are with him than you are with me, or any other staff member here for that matter. I have known from day one that you are head over heels, ass over teakettle in love with Kyle Egan.”
“Oh my God, I’m so embarrassed.”
“Eh, don’t be. But what I do not understand is why you don’t tell him how you feel.”
“Because he’s not interested in me! He doesn’t see me as anything other than the bosses’ niece, and he would never, ever put his job at risk like that.”
“How do you know he’s not interested in you? Has he told you that?”
“No, but he’s never acted interested in being more than my BFF either.”
“Well, girl, I’m not gonna lie to you here. You give off the BFF vibe. Maybe if you wore something other than that one-piece under your tank, then he would get the idea that you’re all woman and that you’re interested in all he has to offer.” Drea glared at him. “Drea, I’m serious. You’re smoking hot. And you’re smart, funny, and you can hang like one of us dudes, and that is super sexy. You just need to go after what you want.”
“Even if I could find it in myself to do it, I’m not sure I would know where to start,” she sighed.
“I’ll tell you what. I’ll help.”
“Help? How are you gonna help?”
“I have my ways. Trust Uncle Dalton.”
“I have enough uncles. Find another nickname for yourself,” she smirked.
“I’ll work on it. Do we have a deal?” He held out his hand.
“I don’t know why I’m agreeing, but okay. I will accept your help.” She slid her hand into his and they shook.
“Good deal.”
“But, I still need to get out of here. I’ve seen enough and I just need to be alone right now.”
Dalton pulled her close and gently kissed her
on her forehead. “I understand. Go find Leona. Last I saw her she was prancing around the kitchen pulling out the leftover magic muffins.”
Drea stepped back and started to walk back toward the hotel lobby, but stopped and turned around. “Dalton…”
“Yeah, sugar?”
“I have no idea why you’re doing this, but um, thanks.”
“Any time, love. Any time.”
Chapter Five
Kyle wasn’t sure why he was still dancing with the tall blonde. She’d run up to him while he was on his way to meet Drea at the bar, hugging him like she’d known him her entire life. He hugged her back, mostly so she didn’t break his neck from hanging off of it, but still tried to avoid any kind of body contact. As soon as he let her go, her three friends all jumped in for a hug. He thought maybe after these greetings he could make a simple escape, but the instigator inserted herself right back in his view, making it so he couldn’t turn away.
“I’m Staci, with an i,” she giggled, flipping her long hair over her shoulder. “I don’t think we got a chance to be introduced today on the boat.”
