Page 35 of Time To Live Again

I nod, then take another sip of water. “Shit, that was intense,” I mutter a few moments later. Leo sits next to me, his muscular thigh visible where the towel parts. Can this day be anymore torturous? “I knew the potential side effects, but?—”

“You either love it or you hate it,” he finishes my sentence.

“Hate’s an understatement. I should’ve been more careful, but someone wasmonopolizingmy quality time and I didn’t want to leave.” I nudge him lightly with my elbow.

“Sorry.” He places his hand on mine, intertwining our fingers. My inhibitions fly out the window from that one simple movement. “You must be feeling better if you can joke like that.”

I ensure my body is covered, then I stand. “I’m much better. Thank you. All I need is more water and a cool shower back in my room.” I reluctantly let go of his hand and take a step toward my locker.

“Can I walk you back? I’d feel better knowing you’re okay.” He looks up at me, his eyes pleading.

“Don’t you have more sweating to do in the sauna or work?”

“I’m done with the sauna today, and unfortunately, have to work again tonight.” He stands, then steps closer to me. “I’d much rather be with you.”

I cock an eyebrow. “Even when I’m a sweaty mess.”

His eyes trace up and down my body, then catch mine. “I’ll take you any way I can have you.”Whoosh!There’s that fire again.

With my finger, I trace a line from his collarbone down to his chest. Goose bumps follow the trail, and his breathing increases. He quickly clasps his hands in front of his groin. My eyes stay trained on his. “You keep sweet-talking me like that, and I’ll be whoever you want me to be.”

This is way too much fun. I’m seconds away from letting these towels slip to the floor! I’m never this bold! And to think, just a few minutes ago, I was on the brink of death.

Leo wags his finger. “No acting. I want the real you.”

His undeniable interest in me is such an unexpected surprise, I can hardly resist touching him. I don’t think one week with Leo will be long enough.

14

LEO

Heavy raindrops pelt my head as I sprint from my cottage to the hotel. I should’ve grabbed an umbrella. Olive and I agreed to meet in the lobby after our showers to check out the hotel grounds she hasn’t seen today. With this unexpected weather swooping in, I’m not sure that’s going to happen.

What Olive experienced in the sauna terrified me. I thought I might need to take her to the hospital or perform CPR if she stopped breathing. Then she mentioned hating hospitals, which confused me since I’m sure she said she was in nursing school in LA. What made her not follow through? The pandemic hit LA hard—that might have played a role. But guessing doesn’t get me anywhere.

I want to ask her a slew of questions, but she doesn’t need me prying into her business. I don’t want her to ask me certain questions either. This week will fly by, and I fear I won’t have the chance to get to know her as much as I desire.

Once I’m inside, I take off my jacket and shake off the rain. Boxes line the walls for the staff to pack up the Christmas decorations this week. Approaching the front desk, I find Olive staring out the picture window, unaware of my presence. Her profile catches my eye from where I stand, and I take a moment to admire her. From her slightly upturned nose to the tiny crinkles at the corner of her eyes and mouth from grinning, she’s beautiful from every angle. And she looks…happy and relaxed. It takes a huge load off my chest after what happened before. She turns toward me and her beaming smile is instantaneous, then her gaze turns sultry. Warmth fills my stomach and my body quivers as she walks toward me.

“What’s that look for?” I ask, my voice huskier than normal.

I feel the heat of her stare as her light brown eyes trace my face and my hair. “I have a weakness for men with hair like yours. Especially when it’s up. Even wet with rain, it gives you an edge. And the light scruff along your jawline does it for me too. I said don’t hide behind facial hair, but I think I was wrong.” I remember what she said to me in my bathroom last night. My ego can’t take this many compliments.

It would take hours for me to list all the things I find attractive about her. Like now. Her glossy hair is tightly pulled back into a ponytail, highlighting her sparkling eyes. Her heart-shaped lips glisten, and her endless curves evoke something deep within me. I want to touch her all the time. My reactions to her are addictive. I’m not sure I’ll be able to give her up when she leaves in less than a week. Why couldn’t we see each other again?

You’re looking too far ahead, buddy. Slow down.

“Thanks,” I reply. “I really can’t believe that you’re shy. What you say and do has proven the opposite. Not that I mind. Everyone loves compliments.”

“When I see you, the words fly out with no effort. Maybe someone slipped a truth serum in my drink last night.”

“I’ll have to keep that in mind when I ask you questions.”

“Oh no. Now I’m in trouble.” She steps to the side and pulls me with her as a couple passes us.

“Don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you.” I point at the window where the rain is splashing against the glass. “Still want to head outside?”

“Not really. Another time?” she says, with a hopeful glint in her eyes.

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