Chapter 4
BAILEY
It’s official: I can’t stop thinking about Nate.
I stretch across the bed, my body remembering how it felt to be so close to him. When he clutched my elbow or touched my hand. Just being in his presence for a few hours makes my heart feel like it ran a marathon.
I've never truly felt desire before. Now waves of longing are washing over me.
It’s more than physical attraction. Nate is a smart guy. He had systems and procedures for everything. He thought that my notes and preparedness were helpful, not nerdy.
I roll onto my back, staring at the beige ceiling in my small room. Nate treated me like an adult, not a child. He was in charge, but still asked for my opinions.
That feels significant. Yes, he's more than ten years older than me. But he didn't boss me around or blame me for things that weren’t my fault. It's sad, but I've never been treated so well in my life. And this from a guy I just met!
I jump out of bed and get ready, then realize Nate's coat is still tossed over the chair. I’ll have to get that to him today. I love that I have a great excuse to see him again.
I didn't even think to bring my coat or purse when I left in such a hurry last night. I just jammed everything into my pockets. Travelling light felt like the smart thing to do.
But now I need my lip balm…which is in my purse…which I left with my coat in the boys’ room yesterday. I knock before entering, and luckily their side of the door is unlocked.
The boys aren't there.
All their stuff is gone, too. Clothing, toys, suitcases. The room is empty. My coat and purse had been sitting on the far corner of the tall dresser, where the kids couldn't quite reach. They're gone as well.
I go around to knock on my parents’ door. No answer.
A member of the housekeeping staff comes around the corner with her trolley. "That room is empty, miss. I cleaned it an hour ago."
She must see from the look on my face that I'm starting to panic. "Is there anything you need?” She gives me a sympathetic smile. “Checkout is supposed to be in twenty minutes, but I could take my time getting to your room, if you want.”
"It’s okay. But thank you."
I return to my room and pack quickly with fluttering hands.
My family left without me.
Plus, my mother took my purse and coat. She's done that before. We both have black bags and she assumes that any purse sitting around is hers, even though I tied a bright plum scarf around the handle of mine so it wouldn't keep happening.
I double-check that I haven't forgotten anything before going down to the hotel lobby. Theo, the manager, is at the concierge desk, and after thanking him for his help yesterday, I explain what's going on.
"I'm so sorry, Bailey. Your family left early this morning." He checks his computer. "Almost…three hours ago. I figured you went straight to the car or something."
"It was definitely my parents and the boys?"
“Yes.”
Jeremy always drives as fast as possible for a couple of hours before he stops for food on a road trip. Says he has to “deserve the break”. So they’re long gone.
"You still have their credit card on file, right? Could I possibly keep my room for two more nights until I figure out how to get home?"
Theo’s face falls. "I'm so sorry – we’re completely booked for the next few days with a wedding party. I could call around to hotels nearby, but I can almost guarantee they're in the same situation."
I'm stranded. Mom said we’d be staying here for a few more days, so I could study in my room and take my test there. I guess she forgot about me as soon as I was out of sight.
"You can stay in the lobby for a bit. Charge your phone, help yourself to the continental breakfast.” He smiles kindly. “If you’re still hungry, I’d be happy to buy you lunch.”
"I'll be fine. Thank you."
Even as I say that, the room starts to spin. My head feels floaty. I begin to turn to the right, and the floor tilts beneath me.
A thick arm wraps firmly around my waist. "I've got you, Bailey. Come with me."
Nate's voice washes over me like a refreshing breeze. He grabs my bags and drags them with us over to a nearby sofa. He sits me down, clasping my hands. “Breathe. I won't let anything happen to you. Just breathe."
It's such a comfort to have a competent adult around. Someone I can trust. Maybe it's strange that I already think that way about him after knowing him for less than a day. But I’m usually pretty good at listening to my gut, and it's telling me that Nate is safe.
"That's it." As I breathe, his hands drag along my fingers, then reach up to tug along my wrists and all the way down my hands. "Relax. Everything's going to be fine."
I've heard that phrase so many times, and then terrible things happen. This is the first time I believe it. After a few more deep breaths, and his strange hand massage, I nod. "Thank you. I think I'm okay now."
He holds my hands gently as I look up to meet his smile. "Did that hand thing help? I watched a video about reflexology a few months ago."
"You know, it did. Thank you." I can't help wondering if it was more an excuse to touch me. I wish I had the guts to tell him he should feel free to touch me as much as he wants.
"I was coming by to check on you and ask if I could take you to breakfast. But first, whatever is wrong, I want to help."
I take another deep breath. "My family left this morning without me. Mom has a habit of taking my purse, and she did it again. So now I have no bank or credit card, and I’ve lost my favorite cocoa butter lip balm. Plus, my practice test ahead of the real one tomorrow is this afternoon."
My breathing is starting to speed up again. "How am I supposed to get home? And how can I focus on my work if I'm on a bus?"
I meet Nate's eyes. There’s a range of emotions in them. Anger. Frustration. Then…a slight smile.
He is so gorgeous in the morning light streaming through the window. Huge and tanned and outdoorsy. No! I should be focused on survival, not the ridiculously attractive man in front of me…even if I feel like a magnet being pulled toward a muscley wall of steel.
"I'm so sorry," I mutter. “Let me just give you your coat back and get out of your hair. This is not your problem."
"Bailey." His voice has a resonant, authoritative tone that makes my shoulders and calves tighten up. "Let me make it my problem. Please."
"I can't—"
"You can. You need to focus on your exam. I’ll take care of everything else."
There's a glimmer in his eye that tells me this man genuinely wants to care for me. He's looking at me like I'm a glass of water in the desert. As if this opportunity to help me is a gift from the universe. Is part of it that he wants to spend more time with me?
“I’m sorry,” he says, shaking his head. “I’m worried this is my fault. Maybe I embarrassed them in the tavern last night, and they felt like they had to run off.”
My faint laugh is choked. “They don’t get embarrassed.
They don’t feel shame. The only time they ever changed their behavior after an authority figure told them off was during my grandmother’s annual visit when she saw the state of the house.
She snapped at them to fix the rickety stairs and the air conditioner, and it was done within the week. ”
“Glad they listen to someone,” he mutters. He squeezes my hands gently. "Do you trust me, Bailey? Do you feel comfortable with me?"
"I really do."
"Good. Then let me take you to my house. I'll set you up in a room for your test. I'll get you everything you need. Food, coffee, peace and quiet."
His hand lifts, his thumb caressing my cheek so softly it makes my heart thump. Not fast, but hard. Deep.
"You've been holding it together for everyone around you for so long," he murmurs. "I feel you need this. I'd be honored to be the one who cares for you. Pamper you. Get you through this important time."
He winks, grinning. "I'm a ranger. I care for the forest and lost tourists. Right now, I think you've lost your way. So may I care for you?"
I'm already nodding, which rubs my cheek against his hand. "Thank you."
He leans in and whispers in my ear. "And don’t worry, I swear there will be no funny business unless you ask for it."
My breath stops.
As soon as I figure out how to ask for “funny business”, I definitely will.