Chapter 3
No – a word Nova refuses to accept when it comes to Hudson and beer
Nova
“H ang up on me will he,” I mutter as I drive to Hideaway Haven Resort.
I’m done with Grumbleguts and his inability to at least have a conversation about the possibility of stocking Five Fathoms beers at his resort. Does he think he’s too special to have local beer on the menu? I’ll show him special.
I arrive at the resort and park near the entrance to the hotel. I grab the bag I prepared and march to the door. It opens automatically and I hurry inside.
I glance around and nearly screech to a halt. I forgot how fancy this place is. Soaring ceilings stretch high above, a grand staircase sweeps gracefully upward in a spiral with handrails carved from rich dark wood, and a breathtaking chandelier with crystals shimmers in the light. To top it all off, the entire place is adorned with tropical blooms.
I glance down at my outfit. I’m wearing a sundress and flip-flops. Maybe Hideaway Haven Resort is too special to carry our beer.
A man approaches me. According to his nametag, he’s Roger. “Can I help you?”
I ignore all my insecurities and smile at him. “Hi, Roger. Is Hudson available?”
His eyes narrow. “Do you have an appointment?”
I nearly roll my eyes. As if Hudson would ever agree to an appointment with me. I lie instead. “Yes, I do.”
He studies me for a moment before motioning for me to follow him. “This way, please.”
I walk through the lobby as if I belong there. We enter a hallway behind the reception area and continue until we reach a door marked Hudson Clark.
“Thank you for accompanying me,” I tell him. He nods before backing away.
I wait until he’s gone before I knock on the door.
“Hudson,” I holler as I knock. When he doesn’t respond, I open the door. Damn. His office is empty. Where is he? I can hardly go ask Roger after lying about having an appointment.
I notice a door at the end of the hallway and aim for it. It leads outside. I scan the area but there’s no sign of Hudson.
Kraken’s curse! Where is he?
I’ve come this far. I’m not giving up now. I will find Hudson and I will secure a deal with him to sell Five Fathoms beer at his fancy schmancy resort.
To the left is the beach. I don’t bother with it. Hudson doesn’t enjoy the beach. Too much sand and sun for the Grumblebee. I turn toward the chalets scattered throughout the resort instead.
I meander through the paths lined with greenery and small ponds. It’s peaceful here. The entire resort vibe is the complete opposite to the rest of the island of Smuggler’s Hideaway where shenanigans rule the day.
Don’t get me wrong. I love shenanigans as much as the next smuggler but I could get used to the peace and quiet here.
I spot a golfcart in front of a chalet. Guessing by the tiles stacked outside, this chalet is still under construction. Excellent. I bet Hudson is here.
Holy mermaids! I nearly shout when I enter the chalet. This place is fantastic. My eye immediately catches on the wall of windows with a view of the ocean. There’s also a plunge pool on the patio. I’m drawn to it. I love swimming but I hate salt water. Which sucks when you live on an island where pools are rare because you can swim in the ocean.
“What are you doing here?”
I whirl around with a hand on my chest. “You scared the kraken out of me.”
Hudson crosses his arms over his chest and his biceps bulge with the action. Despite no longer being a professional athlete, he keeps in shape. There’s not an ounce of fat on him. I long to touch every inch of his body to feel those muscles for myself. Are they smooth and hard?
He clears his throat and I lift my gaze to his face. He couldn’t be a bit ugly? Nope. Not Hudson. Deep, dark brown eyes I could drown in. A square jaw I want to explore with my fingers. His face is perfect except for a bump on his nose from where he broke it playing college ball.
His face should adorn magazines. What am I saying? It has adorned magazines. There’s a chance I have a copy of each of those magazines. But I’ll never admit it out loud.
“I scared you? You’re the one who’s trespassing.”
“I’m not trespassing. I came to speak to you.”
He scowls. “I don’t want to speak to you.”
Don’t be discouraged, Nova. Don’t be discouraged .
I beam up at him. “I want to discuss the possibility of Hideaway Haven Resort carrying Five Fathoms beer.”
“I told you. We already have a beer supplier.”
“But don’t you want to carry the local beer?”
“I’m not interested in your little hobby brewery.”
Hobby brewery? Is he serious? Five Fathoms Brewing is stocked in grocery stores all along the Atlantic coast. We are a serious business with serious beer.
I inhale a deep breath and shove all my annoyance away.
“I’m not going anywhere until you at least try one of our beers.”
“Not interested.” He grunts and strolls to the front door. I rush to intercept him.
“No.” I block the door. “One little itty bitty sip of a beer is all I ask.”
“It won’t make a difference. I’m not interested in switching suppliers.”
“You don’t have to switch suppliers. You can add Five Fathoms to your current array of beers, wines, and spirits.”
He motions for me to get out of his way. “I’m a busy man. I don’t have time for this.”
I tilt my head and study him. “Can’t you do math?”
He growls. “Being a football player doesn’t make me stupid.”
“I’m not saying you are. But think about it. If you try the beer and don’t enjoy it, I’ll stop bothering you. No more phone calls. No more surprise visits. Nova Myers will cease to exist for you.”
He scowls. “This is ridiculous.” He motions to the door. “Move.”
“No.” I slam the door shut.
“Fuck.” He rubs the back of his neck.
“Don’t be such a sourpuss. Try the beer.” I wave my bag at him. “And you can leave.”
“No, I can’t.”
My brow wrinkles. “What? What do you mean?”
He points to the door. “You locked us in.”
“You’re holding an entire ring of keys.”
“Which work from the outside. The inner lock hasn’t been configured yet.”
“Surely, you can phone someone to open the door for us.”
He wiggles his phone. “No reception here.”
I dig my phone out of my bag and unlock it. “No bars.”
“We’re locked in until the construction crew returns.”
I check the time. It’s barely four. “The workday isn’t done yet.”
“Wrong. They needed supplies and quit early. They aren’t planning to return until tomorrow.”
I gulp. “Tomorrow?”
He nods. “Tomorrow.”
I’m stuck in this chalet with the King of Grumps for an entire night? My body tingles. I ignore it. Hudson may be the sexiest man I’ve ever seen. But nothing is happening here. He doesn’t want me and I don’t want him.
Liar.
I ignore the little voice in the back of my mind. She’s wrong. I’m not that desperate for a man to love. I won’t throw myself at Hudson who’s made it perfectly clear he doesn’t want to spend any time with me.
I need a diversion. Lucky for me, I’ve got the perfect one in my hand.
I lift the bag I’m carrying. “Good thing I have drinks and snacks then.” His stomach growls and I grin. I’ve got him now.
“Have a seat.” I motion toward the sofa before making my way to the kitchenette. Although, referring to this area as a kitchenette is an understatement. It’s nicer than my kitchen at home with its marble countertops, teak cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.
I open the first cabinet to discover it filled with crystal glasses. “Wow. I’m surprised you’re not renting this chalet out yet.”
Hudson reaches past me to grab two beer glasses. His scent of sandalwood envelopes me and I close my eyes to memorize it. The smell reminds me of my dad. I don’t remember much about him but his scent filled the house I shared with my mom after he passed away.
“Some of the tiles broke in the bathroom. They need to be replaced.”
He sets the beer glasses on the counter and steps back. With his scent no longer messing with me, I remember how to speak.
“Sucky. The summer season is nearly over.”
He shrugs and I watch his shoulders move up and down. I bet they’re strong enough to pick me up and set me on this counter before having his wicked way with me. My panties dampen in anticipation.
I clear my throat. There is no anticipation. No one will be having their wicked way with anyone. We’re stuck here for the night is all.
Nothing more. Nothing less.