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“Maybe you’re just thinking about that guy from this morning,” Kylee giggled as she walked over to the wall unit and pushed the button a few times. “It’s on.” Kylee groaned. “Guess we’re calling maintenance.”

Chapter Two

Cooper

I sat down in the bar at the resort, a pint glass full of IPA in my hand. It was only noon, but a little day drinking never hurt anybody.

The bar was hopping, too. People had started to roll in for the Fourth already. Lots of guys who’d brought their cars for the Cruise-In, lots of beautiful women with a pinup flair.

The week was going to be amazing.

I glanced up at a pair of women in checkered bikinis, both wearing sarongs low on their hips. They had flowers in their long hair and full faces of makeup. These beauties were here to lounge on the sand or by the pool, not swim.

I was still going to look at them.

One of them, the blonde, caught me looking and smiled. “Hey, you.”

“Hey.”

She leaned on the counter. Her friend turned to glance at me as well, looking me over.

It always felt good to get checked out like that.

The blonde gave me a once-over, biting her lower lip seductively. “Are you coming to the barbecue tonight?”

“Maybe.” I shrugged. “I’ve got some stuff to catch up on, but it sounds fun.”

The girls smiled. They looked away as the bartender brought them drinks, fruity cocktails in plastic cups to go to the pool. The blonde looked at me again and smiled. “See you later, then.”

Maybe they would.

But at the same time, I kept thinking about that girl on the beach—the one in the hoodie, who’d barely made eye contact with me.

I wanted to know more about her.

She was gorgeous, even if she looked a little shy. I wanted to know what her deal was.

I hoped I’d see her around the resort, or out on the beach.

I looked to the bartender and smiled. “I’m gonna finish this in my room.”

She laughed. “Sure thing. I’ll put it on your tab,” she said as she shot me a wink.

I winked back and put a five on the counter—a tip. She reached for it as I rose from my stool and walked away.

I went back up to my room in an empty elevator. I let myself in with my keycard and immediately headed out to the balcony. The day was beautiful. The sun was hot, but the breeze coming off the Gulf was perfect. I sank down on one of the chairs in the shade of the balcony, taking a long sip of my beer.

The only way it could have been better was if I had a woman with me.

I thought about the girl from this morning again and sighed. I felt myself begin to grow harder. That smile and those eyes.

I’d have to keep an eye out for her. I wanted to know more, and soon.

I stayed on the balcony until my beer was gone, enjoying the view. I needed a shower. I’d be down at the beach again, but it was nice to wash the salt and sand off after a good session on the waves.

I pulled my shirt off, tossing it to the floor. I was already thinking about how good the hot water would feel.

Maybe I’d think about the girl while I was in the shower, too—her curves, her pretty face, those warm hazel eyes.

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