Chapter 3
three
Charlie
Iknow I shouldn’t talk to a guest like this.
I’m in no position to risk losing one of the only paying customers currently residing at the resort, but something about this guy really brings out my inner bitch.
He’s arrogant, rude, and so damn grumpy.
Pretty sure if he ever cracked a smile, he’d hurt himself.
I have no idea how he manages to walk with that stick up his rear end, but it must be huge, judging by the way he carries himself.
Back ramrod straight, shoulders drawn back, chin slightly tilted, so he can look down his perfectly straight nose at you. Stiff is the word that comes to mind.
I’m aware this place is in dire need of repairs.
But the payout I received from my parents’ life insurance policy only gave me enough to cover the sizable down payment and about a year’s worth of mortgage payments.
If I want this venture to succeed past the first twelve months, I have to be smart about my spending.
I need income to buy the necessary materials to whip this place into shape, and this guy’s just given me several weeks’ worth of rent up front.
I can’t risk him leaving prematurely, or worse, demanding a refund.
What I should be doing is batting my eyes and blowing smoke up his ass. And man, what a phenomenal ass it is. I mean, you could bounce a quarter off that tight tushy. He may be a complete jerk, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t sneak a peek when he swaggered out of my front office earlier.
“That’d be great, actually,” he drawls in a voice like melted butter.
Deep and rich, with a little rumble that seems to have a direct connection to my neglected lady bits.
If he ever decided to narrate some of the spicy romances I’m so fond of, I’d be wearing AirPods and a satisfied smile twenty-four seven.
“No need to go overboard, though. I think one maid would suffice. If you could send her a couple of hours prior to bedtime, so she can feed me tidbits of fruit and fan me with a large banana leaf while I drift off on my new cloud-like pillow, I’d appreciate it.
Pretty sure that dust-covered ceiling fan hasn’t worked in at least a decade. ”
Ha! A grouchy comedian. Just my luck. I give him a sugary-sweet smile and snap my fingers to get Scooby’s attention, letting him know I’m ready to get this train moving.
“I’ll have the roof fixed and see what I can do about an update on your mattress, but the fan might have to wait until next month.
I suggest you crack a window open,” I say, and watch his lips press into a thin line.
I refuse to let his salty attitude get to me.
I’ve lived with a monster for years. A man far worse than the one standing in front of me now, and I’m not someone who’s easily intimidated.
Not anymore. “If you need anything else, please call the front desk anytime. The comfort of our guests is of the utmost importance.” There.
That wasn’t so hard. Friendly and professional.
I give him a parting nod and step around him, ready to leave this unpleasant conversation behind.
I focus on the beauty surrounding me and pause when I spot a couple of otters playing in the water.
“I sure hope you’ll get it done before the next rainfall,” his deep baritone sounds at my back. “I don’t like the look of these clouds.”
And I don’t like the look of your face. Okay, that’s a bold-faced lie.
As far as faces go, his is actually pretty spectacular.
Strong jawline. Expressive eyes. Full lips.
In fact, he’s so damn handsome it’s irritating.
Why couldn’t the outside match the persona?
Then I wouldn’t feel so conflicted. I want to dislike him, but I’ve always been a sucker for a pretty package, and I don’t care if that makes me sound superficial.
I don’t bother with a reply, simply flicking my hand in the air in acknowledgment while I continue on my way.
I pick up a stick and throw it into the shallow water for Scooby to retrieve while reminding myself how much my life has improved since I moved here.
How much I’m loving this newfound independence.
For the first time in over a decade, I’m able to breathe.
I won’t let some spoiled city slicker rain on my parade.
He can continue to sit under that perpetual dark cloud alone, because these days, I prefer to soak up as much sun as I can get.
No man, no matter how pretty, will ever control me or my emotions ever again.