Page 5 of Make Me Unwind

“That’s what–”

“Roe!” Piper snaps as she grabs the girl’s shoulder. “Do not bother Mr. Murphy….” Her voice trails off as she jostles the little boy higher on her hip. His head bounces on her shoulder as his lips twitch in sleep. “I’m sorry, Sir.”

Sir? Since when did she become so formal? She called me Mr. Murphy. I never told her my name. My heart skips a beat. She researched me last night, or at least the resort, to discern who owns and operates it.

The little girl gazes at Piper out of the corner of her eye. “And you can bother him?”

“No,” Piper groans and grips the little girl’s hand, pulling her backwards. “We’ll leave you alone.”

“No, that’s fine. I was leaving. I need to get inside anyway.”

“Right.” Her expression is hard as if she doesn’t believe me.

“I’m….” Never mind. Why do I care what she thinks? “Keep an eye on this little speed demon. She’s a fast one.”

“This is my niece and nephew.” She nods her head toward the girl and then the boy in her arms. “Rowan and Gavin. We call Rowan, Roe.”

“Cute name for a cuter girl.” I ruffle the little girl’s hair.

Piper arches an eyebrow as the little girl giggles. “And you are?”

“I would’ve assumed you knew my name by this point.” What’s wrong with me? Why am I pushing to see if she searched for me specifically? She gnaws on her bottom lip. Soft. Plump. Perfect for kissing. Lord, it’s been years since I’ve been with a woman.

Dude. What’s wrong with you? She’s seven years younger at best and nine or ten at worst. Hell, she might not even be 18 years old. Put yourself back on even footing. She’s a paying guest, and you’re an employee of the resort. Nothing else.

Her cheeks heat as her gaze darts to the ground. “Asher Murphy.”

She did look me up. Warmth settles over me. It wasn’t just checking out the resort because my name is not listed as part of the staff. She looked me up.

“Let’s go.” She laces her fingers with Roe’s and turns on her heel. The slight limp is more evident as she dodges two teenage boys who whoop and holler as they run past. That better not be my fault.

Shit. I groan. Talk about selfish. I should wish she’s not hurting rather than worrying about if I’m the cause of it.

I yank open the resort door and step into the cool, air-conditioned atrium that goes from the front of the building to the back. The off-white linen furniture with oversized blue pillows is perfect for greeting guests. Comfortable, quaint, and pristine. It’s time to find out what activity Levi has assigned me for the afternoon.

Chapter Three

Piper – Late Afternoon

“Thank you for watching the kids.” Weston wraps his arm around my shoulders. “We appreciate it.” His eyes dart to Charlotte, and I groan inwardly.

“I hope you didn’t disturb the neighbors.” It wasn’t that many years ago that I had the unfortunate experience of walking by their hotel door to hear a door rattling that has haunted me ever since.

“We were more discreet this time.” Charlotte’s cheeks are pink as she snatches Gavin out of my grasp. His eyes open, and a wide smile covers his face when he sees who’s holding him. They’re the most amazing parenting team I’ve ever seen.

My brother’s eyes flash with indignation. “Speak for yourself.”

Growing up with just my mom and Weston, life was rough. After our father left, my mom had to work two jobs to keep her head above water. I don’t remember him, but Weston felt his betrayal bone deep.

Granted, we found out later that he didn’t leave us permanently; he was traveling for work to give us a better life. Even at that time, he could tell that Weston had the potential to make it big playing football. Unfortunately, he was killed before he could come back to us.

“Stop.” She smacks him in the chest but doesn’t dodge his kiss.

“You love me.”

“Yes.” Her face is gravely serious. “Yes, I do.”

Okay. Third wheel moment. “I’m going to go in and–”

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