Chapter 19
nineteen
Charlie
The sound of my fist hammering against the weathered cabin door is jarring in the calm morning hours. I know Cole is an early riser—when he isn’t nursing a hangover—and is usually back from his run by now.
I’m on my way out for a supply run into Moose Harbor and was going to swing by Dee’s place for breakfast and treats, but figured I’d check if my broody long-term guest might need anything first. I’m just about to raise my hand again when the door swings wide and a behemoth of a man stares down his nose at me.
He’s naked from the waist up and hasn’t taken the time to zip up his jeans, making me think I may have dragged him out of bed.
He’s built like a brick shithouse, with pecs the size of dinner plates and a cut stomach that shows off every ridge of his impressive eight pack.
His dirty blond hair is kept short on the sides, but is just long enough on the top and the back to show the natural highlights some women would pay a small fortune for at the hair salon.
He’s beautiful, with warm, expressive eyes that remind me of liquid caramel.
A rich honey-brown, only a couple of shades darker than Cole’s, and fringed by long, thick lashes any girl would kill for.
If my thoughts weren’t so consumed by a certain sullen FBI agent, this may have been the perfect time to crack a flirtatious smile.
As it is, his looming presence only sparks a mild curiosity.
I’m gawking, I realize when a lazy grin settles on his full lips, revealing a set of teeth that tells me he takes his oral hygiene seriously.
“Can I help you, sweetheart?” he drawls in a deep baritone that sounds like pure seduction.
Sweet baby Jesus, where do they grow these guys?
I clear my throat, silently berating myself, and drag my eyes up…
up…and aaaaall the way up, over the vast expanse of smooth, golden skin before I eventually meet his amused gaze.
“Erm,” I begin, leaning sideways to peek around his hulking form. “Is Cole here?”
“Haven’t seen him this morning, but he’s not in his room, so my guess is he’s out for his run.
Who’s asking?” He scratches at a spot just above his right nipple, and my traitorous eyes automatically follow.
I can’t help but appreciate the light smattering of chest hair or the way his muscles jump with even the smallest of movements.
“Oh, I’m Charlie. I own this place,” I blurt, thrusting a hand at him like a total nerd. The Adonis fights a smile as his palm swallows mine and gives it a firm shake.
“Maddox. I’m a friend of Cole’s.”
“Ah, the infamous Maddox. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Propping a shoulder against the door jamb and crossing his feet at the ankles, he strikes a casual pose and quirks an inquisitive brow.
“All good things, I hope,” he says with the sort of smile that has most likely caused more than a few panties to go up in flames, dimples and all.
“Seems like you and Cole have come to know each other quite well during his time here, if you’re friendly enough to swap life stories.
” There’s a teasing lilt in his voice while he watches me closely to gauge my reaction.
I do my best to tamp down the heat blooming in my cheeks.
“Erm,” I sputter again, unsure how to best answer.
I know Maddox is his best friend, but I’m also aware Cole has been struggling with his growing attraction toward me, so I’m not sure he’d be comfortable sharing whatever it is we’ve started with our little fuck-fest from a couple of nights ago.
Besides, it’s not up to me to disclose the nature of our relationship.
I wouldn’t even know how to describe us if I wanted to, since I don’t have the slightest clue what we are.
I got the distinct feeling Cole was more than relieved when Jason didn’t return following the dead cat incident, giving him the perfect excuse to abandon his post in my apartment and head back to his solitary cabin, where he could take his sweet time overthinking every interaction we ever had and feed his well of misplaced guilt.
I’ll admit, my supply run this morning isn’t the only reason I came over here.
I wanted to take this opportunity to test the waters and find out whether our explosive night was just a one-off or if there might be a chance of a repeat performance.
Maybe even the possibility of something more permanent for as long as his extended vacation lasts.
“Cole is only one of two guests currently staying at the resort. You may have noticed that this is not exactly a hopping place, something I’m hoping to change in the near future, but until then, I have all the time in the world to get to know my guests a little better. ”
“I bet you do,” Maddox drawls, smirking at his double entendre.
“Are you calling me a whore?”
“What? No. I wasn’t…” I giggle at his horrified expression, pleased with myself for rattling his cocksure composure.
Maddox looks impressed.
“Touché, little mermaid. Touché.”
“Well,” I say, deciding to end this conversation while I’m ahead.
“I just came by to let him know I’m heading into town.
Thought I’d ask if he wanted anything from my friend Dee’s café.
Best baked goods and quality coffee around.
I don’t mind bringing something back for you as well, if you’re hungry. ”
The giant perks up at the mention of food.
“Sure. That’d be great, actually. Cole made bacon and eggs before he left, but he barely left enough to feed a mouse.
And between you and me, the guy makes shit coffee.
I’d sell my right nut for a quality latte and a couple of blueberry muffins. Let me grab my wallet.”
I hold up a hand to stop him. “Don’t worry about it. Treats are on me. Your money is no good around here. Neither are your testicles. As a form of payment, anyway,” I backtrack when I realize how wrong that sounded. Maddox throws his head back in a laugh.
“You know what, Charlie? I like you. I can see why he kept you secret.”
I don’t know what to say, and thankfully, I’m saved from having to respond by Dave, who’s chosen that moment to strut out of his cabin, wearing nothing but a pair of tighty-whities, which is progress, I suppose.
“Howdy, everyone,” he greets before he takes up residence in his Adirondack chair. To his credit, Maddox’s jovial expression doesn’t change.
“Haven’t seen you before.” The big man observes, looking around me to get a better look at our new overnight guest.
“Got in late last night, and I won’t be staying long.”
“Busy guy, huh? Got time for a cold one?” Dave asks, pulling two Bud Lights from his cooler and pointing one in our general direction.
Maddox frowns, glancing down at me like he’s asking my permission to start drinking at the butt crack of dawn. I give him a shrug.
“It’s eight o’clock in the morning, buddy,” he finally points out.
“It’s five o’clock somewhere.”
Maddox nods, like that’s a perfectly reasonable excuse. “You know what, what the hell. I’m off the clock.”
Mind made up, he pulls the door closed behind him and doesn’t bother with a shirt.
Given the state of undress happening across the road, he’s most likely gotten the sense that this is the kind of place where clothing is optional.
Not that I’m complaining. I’m not one to turn my nose up at a pretty view.
Halfway to Dave’s porch, Maddox spins around.
“By the way,” he calls out, walking backward.
“I wasn’t trying to hitch a free ride or anything.
I was going to come to the front office later to settle up for crashing here last night.
It’s just that I got in after hours, and I didn’t want to disturb anyone. ”
I wave a hand in the air. “It’s all good.
It’s not like you snuck into an empty cabin.
You’re visiting a friend, and I can only imagine that fossil of a couch in there wasn’t too kind on your back, so I wouldn’t feel right charging you.
Besides, Cole’s been helping me out so much getting this place fixed up, the least I can do is return the favor, considering the money he’s saved me. ”
A thoughtful expression crawls over his face before he eventually gives me a nod of appreciation.
“I’ll see you in a couple of hours. It was nice to meet you, Maddox.”
“Likewise, little firecracker.”
I leave the two men to bond over their liquid breakfast and make my way back down the gravel path, but I can’t help sneaking a final glance over my shoulder.
Smiling to myself, I watch them clink their cans together in a toast, looking completely at ease with each other in their various states of undress.
It’s a strange sight, and all I can think in that moment is how vastly different this new life is from the one I left behind. And I love every single thing about it.