Page 3 of Rent Me While You Can

“Every year there’s a Halloween Party for the Florida Online Travel Agency Group, and all the board members come with their spouses, except me. I’ve been on that board as a representative for the past five years, and I’ve gone by myself every year. They don’t really say anything to me, but I’m for sure the odd member out of the group when they’re all standing around discussing their lives being married, and most of them also talk about having kids.”

“Okay, I can see what you mean and how awkward that would make you feel.”

“So, you know how the traffic is horrible downtown?” She changes the subject.

“Yeah, it’s a nightmare and takes forever to get even a few blocks. I’ll need to pick you up super early,” I answer, trying to think through the logistics.

“Well, I was thinking we could get hotel rooms, and then just stay there until it’s time to leave. That way we will not be late. But…” she offers yet pauses. “I guess that won’t work because you probably have to get going as soon as possible to be go back to work and play in a game on Sunday.” She chews on her lower lip.

“Actually, we can do that,” I agree, and her wide, green eyes shoot up to meet mine. “The other reason I took your case is because it’s the one weekend I have off from games because we have a bye week. Let me make reservations at one of the nicer hotels in the area. I can even get a suite that has separate bedrooms. Would you be okay with that?”

“That sounds great, thank you.” I like the way her cheeks turn a light rose color when she gets a little nervous, and I love the way she asks like she’s not affected and powers through. “What’s your phone number? I will text you the address and details of the event.”

“Here’s my phone, send yourself a text so you have my number.” She immediately does, and I hear a few texts dings ripple through the air.

“All done. Here’s your phone back.” As she hands it back to me, I brush my fingers against hers, and I see gooseflesh snake up her arms. She’s stunning. Her long, wavy, sandy blonde hair falls effortlessly over her shoulders.

“I’ll be looking forward to going next weekend. It’ll be nice to see you in your element, and I’m hoping that they’ll tell me about the travel agency business as well. I love to travel.”

“It won’t be as glamorous as you think. The other board members will probably tell you a lot about it. They love to talk. Me, not so much. I would rather be in the background.”

“That sounds like fun. Maybe I can bring you out of your shell a little bit.” I wink at her and a beautiful flush covers her neck and cheeks again.

“I need to go home and get ready for a busy day of work tomorrow. Are you ready to go?”

“Sure, let’s go.” She has this shy demeanor about her, but I know there are so many layers under her personality. I know I’m just taking her on a date to this event, but she’s intriguing, and I want to get to know her on a deeper level. I’m not sure if I can do that in just one evening.

I drive her home and walk her to the door. When we reach the door, I grab her hand and tug her close to my chest. This time, she meets me halfway for the kiss, and it fuels my desire of wanting to get to know her even more.

“Goodnight, Amber. Sweet dreams,” I say, kiss her cheek, and walk away before I push this even further.

Chapter 3

Amber

The strong smell of bacon wakes me up, which isn’t normal because my roommate couldn’t cook if her life depended on it. Her mom must be here to make sure Ella is still breathing. I swear, she’s got to send that lady a text every once in a while, or her mom will keep popping in unexpectedly like this.

I sit up in bed, rub my eyes, and look over at the clock on my nightstand. At least it’s not 5am, like she usually does; it’s closer to 8am. My stomach growls at the anticipation of the deliciousness that I know is downstairs waiting for me.

My mind flashes back to last night, and how much fun Cole and I had, when I drag myself out of bed and start getting dressed. With the mundane morning tasks of brushing my teeth, I can’t stop thinking about the fact that I’m excited to see him again. Not thinking too much on what to wear, I throw on a pair of sweats that were crumpled on top of the chair in the corner and pull a t-shirt from my drawer.

A small white piece of paper catches my attention out of the corner of my eye. I look over at my bed and see a note on top of the night stand next to the clock. “Amber, meet me downstairs at 8 AM sharp. I have breakfast waiting for you.” Now, I’m creeped out. I have no idea who left the note.

Before my foot hits the last stair going downstairs, I’m stopped in my tracks at the sight of Cole sitting at the kitchen table with a smile on his face. He looks up to see me and winks. “Morning, beautiful,” he says. I walk closer toward him, clearly confused. “You ready to eat?”

“Yeah, but why are you here?” No one else is around, as in, no Jenny or her mother. “And were you the one cooking in my kitchen?”

“Yes. Your roommate let me in,” he responds with a shrug of his shoulder, like it’s a normal thing for him to come over and cook me breakfast when we just met yesterday. I sit down across from him, but he jumps up and grabs my plate from the microwave that’s piled high with bacon and eggs and places it in front of me on the table.

“This is nice,” I tell him as I take a bite of crispy bacon and groan at the goodness. “So, why are you really here, and gone through all this trouble of cooking?”

“Well, first, I want to thank you for, hmm, signing up for the Holidates service. I had a nice time with you last night, and I felt like we needed to get to know each other more before we go to the event on Saturday.” He looks at me with a grin. I feel my cheeks warm up, and my heart races.

“This is certainly exceptional service. I thought the date package just included the introduction meeting and then the event, but wow, breakfast also.”

“What can I say? I aim to please,” he replies with a wink.

“Well, thank you.” I reach across the table and lay my hand on top of his. I like this guy and kind of wish that I’d met him under normal circumstances, rather than through a dating service. Who am I kidding? I would never have met a guy like Cole on my own with my Plain Jane life.

---