Page 24 of Something Blue

She laughed as Andy pulled up in some kind of red fancy convertible. Too fancy for her liking but it would make the week fun.

He jumped out and helped her with her luggage, and then they were on their way. The heavy breeze blew against their faces, and she was glad she’d tied back her hair. The drive from Fort Walton to Destin was about thirty minutes. Traveling from the thin forest around the airport toward the beach landscape was her favorite.

“I’ve never been here before,” he said as she gazed out the window and breathed everything in. “You can’t just zone out when you’re supposed to be entertaining. Tell me everything.”

She laughed and started to point out favorite attractions. They passed the goofy-golf place she loved and the place with the go-carts she’d tried once, and finally the one landmark that told her they were almost there, the Big Kahuna waterpark across the street from her resort. She pointed out the road and then smiled wider as Holiday Beach Resort came into view. Nostalgia rolled over her, and she couldn’t stop beaming.

Instead of a resort with twenty floors, it was older and longer with only three floors. But it had the largest beach property in the city, the most important aspect in choosing a resort. “Pull under the veranda and I’ll check in.”

Before she could get out of the car, he leaned over and snatched her hand. She looked down at their joined hands and swallowed hard.

“From now on, you and I must act the part.” His gaze bore into hers, sending a thrill up her elbow.

Oh boy! The sweet side of him was shining, and she felt her heart softening. Somehow, she had to survive this week without falling for Andy.

11

Andy

Andy looked around the conservative resort. It was relatively small compared to the other taller condos that soared above it. There were tennis courts and a pool, and the grounds were well maintained.

After a few minutes, Sadie returned from the resort office holding a set of keys and had the biggest smile he’d ever seen. His heart fluttered as her smile rested on him. A girlfriend for the week wasn’t the worst deal he’d made.

“Feels great to be back,” she said after getting into the car. She pointed behind them. “Park by the Coke machine. Our room is right next to it.”

Ours? He rolled the word around in his head a couple of times. It didn’t sound horrible.

“Here we are,” she said, as he pulled up to the curb. “Do you want to unpack now or go straight to the beach?”

“Is that even a question? This is my first vacation in years. I’ll bring the bags inside, but let’s go straight to the beach. We can unpack anytime.”

She patted him on the arm. “You and I think alike.”

Before he could respond, she climbed out and helped him haul the bags to the door. Sadie looked around, her eyes bright and happy.

“I slammed into that sign a few years ago when we were chasing a rat around the resort. And there’s Chase’s family’s condo,” she said, pointing to the room next to theirs.

Too close for comfort. He wanted to meet the guy and see if he came close to Sadie’s standards. Chances are he didn’t.

He followed her inside, and she gave him a quick thirty-second tour. “This is the front room, dining area, and kitchenette.” She pushed through a swinging door to show a tiny bathroom next to a room with two beds packed together. The condo was smaller than his bathroom and walk-in closet. The inside was as old as the outside, but it had a charming, beachy touch. “You can sleep in one of the beds or the couch in the front pulls out into a bed.”

He mulled it over. Nothing would happen between them, but it would be nice to come and go as he pleased. “I’ll take the front room. That way we’ll both have some privacy.”

“Thanks. I didn’t want to ask, but I think it would be best.”

He lifted a brow. “I’ll give you a minute to change and meet you out front when you’re ready.”

Andy excused himself to the front room, changed, and watched TV while he waited. A few minutes later, she pushed through the swinging door.

“Ready?” she asked. He nodded and grabbed a beach towel he’d packed and headed for the door.

“Wait! Did you put on any sunscreen?” She inspected his bare shoulders with a pink face. “The sun’s different here. With the white sand and the reflection of the water, you’ll fry if you don’t wear it.”

He smirked. “I doubt it’s as bad as the Vegas sun.”

She pulled out a bottle of sunscreen and started spraying it on his arms and legs. He sighed and hid a smile. A tiny strand of hair reformed into a curl against her cheek.

“I guess you are the Florida expert.”

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