Page 6 of Doubly Claimed

“Thank you, I am fine, miss.” He smiled. “So, you ladies here as the hotel’s special guests?”

“Yes,” Sage answered quickly. “Mildred DiBenedetto told me to use her name upon arrival?”

“Indeed, miss. Thank you. It is going to be an exceptionally fine weekend for you all.” He nodded at them.

“Yes, indeed,” Ginger whispered, “it is fine already,” and Sage elbowed her while Ani shushed her.

Ginger had no idea who Mildred DiBenedetto was, but she was grateful that Sage took her advice. This trip was going to kick ass! Speaking of asses, that Jacob had a mighty pleasing one, and Ginger couldn’t help but ogle him.

“Quit it,” Sage whispered and narrowed her eyes, but Ani just giggled. The three women followed the man outside to where a huge, brilliant white SUV waited.

“Here, allow me.” Jacob smiled and reached inside his pocket, pulling out three identical bracelets.

“These will ensure you three lovely ladies get that special treatment Ms. DiBenedetto guaranteed you.” he winked and placed one on each of their wrists.

“What?” Sage asked.

“Thank you,” Ginger spoke over her.

“But why do we wear these?”

“Shhh.” Ginger glared at her sisters, mouthing at them to shush up. Who knew? Maybe they would get a free drink or some suntan lotion with these babies. True, they did not resemble the silicone bracelets they’d gotten on their last vacation. Then again, that particular cruise line did ask that she and her siblings never come back. In her defense, they shouldn’t say unlimited drinks if they didn’t mean it.

Whatever. Despite what her sisters thought, Ginger was looking to have fun this weekend. Besides, flirting with their driver was harmless. And accepting a bracelet that would get them a free drink or two, well, BFD.

“Hey Ginger, should you really be eye-fucking our driver like that?” Ani snorted her question.

“Who I fuck with my eyes or anything else is none of your business,” she responded.

“Oh, I see you brought your slutty-alter-ego this weekend, nice!” Ani high-fived her.

“OMG! Will you two quit it!”

“Sage, I am not a virgin. None of us are. What is the harm in being open to new experiences?” Ginger asked.

“Can we not have this discussion now? Please.” Sage’s face burned red, and Ginger finally sighed and zipped her lip.

She could be so childish. But anyway, Jacob returned to them, his cheeks a shade darker. But that could not be because of anything they said. He was too far to hear them. Unless he was one of those supernatural heroes, she read about in her paranormal romance books. As if.

“Please, allow me to open the door for you, lovely ladies. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, remember to keep your bracelets on for the duration of your stay,” Jacob said, returning to the side of the SUV once he secured their belongings in the trunk.

“Thank you.”

“You got it.”

“Sure,” they each returned and got in.

“My pleasure. Now, allow me to put your minds at ease. Here on Moongate Island the constant breeze and balmy weather make wearing a face mask unnecessary on the island. You may take them off and leave them off for the remainder of your stay, unless you prefer to keep them on,” he said in his rich, lightly accented baritone.

Ginger didn’t have to be told twice. She removed her mask and took a deep breath, letting the warm island air filter its way deep inside her lungs. It was positively lovely. She could smell the sun-baked sand, the sweet fruit swaying on the palm trees, and the salty sea on the air itself.

“There are drinks and snacks waiting for you inside,” Jacob said, smiling widely as the three of them removed their masks and stuffed them in their purses or pockets.

“Thank you.”

“This is a treat.” Sage nodded.

“My pleasure, ladies. Now, if you need me to adjust the temperature inside, please let me know.”

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