Page 86 of The Red-Hot Stakes

“I deserve an explanation.” His quiet words were sharp, punctuated by him unzipping his bag.

And I deserved a hell of a lot more than what I got, but I played the hand I was dealt. I seethed inside, the pain in my palms grounding me. “I’ve given you as much explanation as you’re going to get. I don’t owe you anything.”

A muscle jumped in his jaw, anger flashing across his face. He stormed past me, muttering about finding a drink. The door slammed shut behind him.

If the blackmailer were watching, I hoped to hell he’d seen every moment of our fight. It might make the pain I felt worth it.

Needing a distraction, I pulled out my phone and connected to the resort’s Wi-Fi.

I checked in with Sally, feeling better after chatting with her and seeing her pictures of everyone around the makeshift tables she’d strewn together. She asked about Liam, wishing me luck when I told her we’d been forced to room with one another. Then I sent Aunt Thea and Uncle David a message wishing them a happy Thanksgiving, along with a few photos of my ocean view.

A message came in from Avery with her room number, followed by a plea to let her know that Liam and I hadn’t killed each other yet. Their room was two doors down, so I went and knocked rather than replying.

The door swung open, relief on her face. “You’re alive. Do you still hate me?”

“I don’t hate you. Liam and I are both still alive, although he stormed out of here to find a drink a few minutes ago. No, we’re not back together.” I glared pointedly. “What’s the plan? I’m starving.”

She opened her door, letting me into a suite similar to our own. “Rhonda and Greg are in between us.”

“Hopefully you all are quiet on the sex front.” I laughed to cover the pinprick of hurt stabbing me because I didn’t have to worry about that.

“Anyway, about food. I know they’re hungry, too. Our concierge gave us several good recommendations, and I had him see what he could get us for a dinner reservation for tonight, knowing it’s short notice. For whatever reason, they don’t let you book those ahead of time.”

She gestured to Derek, who was pacing on the patio outside, phone to his ear. A moment later, he grinned, hung up and came inside.

“He found us something?” Avery asked.

“Yep. The Italian restaurant has an opening in an hour.”

Perfect. We’d have time to shower and change. “What’s the dress code?”

Avery hurried to hand me a brochure. “You left without getting one of these. It has a map, plus all the details. Most of the restaurant want girls in skirts or dresses, guys in button-down shirts.”

“Okay. I’ll go get ready. And someone needs to let Liam know.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Halfway through my shower, I heard the click of the hallway door closing and knew Liam had returned. I froze just at knowing he was in the same vicinity as me. Then the hallway door swung open, only a crack, but still.

“Gina, you about done?”

There was nowhere to hide. “Just rinsing off.”

“I’d like to shower too, if there’s time.” His voice sounded strained.

Images of him showering popped unbidden into my head, and I pushed them aside. “I’ll be quick.”

“Thanks.”

The door shut fully, and I could breathe again. I finished in record time, wrapping a towel around myself and carrying my clothes out to the main area. “There you go.”

He choked on his drink of water, coughing and sputtering as he gaped at me.

I sighed. “I was trying to save time. I’ll finish getting ready out here while you’re in the shower. It’s not like we can both be in there at once.” I set my clothes on the bed, clutching the towel in a death grip. “Crap, I need my makeup.” I hurried to get it from the bathroom.

He came in just as I finished grabbing everything I needed. Of course he was shirtless. I avoided looking at him—to the point of nearly running into the open door. Which I awkwardly shut behind me.

I’m going to kill Avery.

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