Page 12 of The Tech Guru's Heart

And he never wanted to be like his father.

May you rest in peace, you old bastard.

Amelia’s father reminded Ezra of his father—a bigoted, hateful, spiteful man.

Dismissing that thought, Ezra focused on Misses Weathers’s words.“Of course, and, please, call me Margie.”She smiled as she led the way to the check-in desk.“I have everything written up for you.I just need your signature.”Margie pulled out a couple of pieces of paper.“On your reservation, you indicated no food allergies.I just want to confirm that’s correct.”

“It is,” Ezra replied, pulling a pen from a jar of decorative stones.He flashed her a grin, saying, “Never met a food I didn’t like,” before focusing on the paperwork.

Ezra glanced over the paperwork, briefly checking everything.Finding the signature line, he scribbled his name.He stabbed the pen back into the pebble-filled cup and straightened, focusing on her again.

“Earliest breakfast time I offer is six AM,” Margie told him once she realized his attention was back on her.“Latest possible is nine-thirty.What’s your preference?”

Looking forward to getting an early start without being dead on his feet, Ezra asked, “Will seven-thirty work?”

“Of course.I’ll have it ready for you then.”Margie pointed toward the doorway on the right.“The dining room is right through there.There’s a coffee machine in there that makes a variety of coffee types, if you’re into that sort of thing,” she added with a grin.“As well as creamers, milks, and juice in the mini-fridge.”

“Thank you,” Ezra replied instinctively.

Margie took the paperwork and turned around.She quickly and efficiently photocopied them before handing over the copy to him.Then she took a key out of a locked drawer and handed it to him.It had a little plastic tag attached to it with the number 4 on it.

“I’ll show you to your room,” Margie told him, starting toward the stairs to the left.“You can take a quick peek and tell me if you need anything.”

Ezra couldn’t imagine that he would, assuming the pictures and information on her site were accurate, but he followed in silence.When Margie indicated the door with the number four on it, he quickly opened it and stepped inside.The room was just as comfortable as Ezra had expected, with a small lounging area with TV, a king-sized bed, and, in the corner, the promised jetted tub.

Oh yeah.

Ezra made a mental note to see if this place was available in two weeks at the end of his vacation, too.After hiking and sleeping on the ground for so long, he was sure his body would appreciate it.

I can hardly wait to get started.

“This is wonderful, Margie,” Ezra told her, flashing a smile her way.“Just wonderful.”

“Glad to hear it,” Margie replied, beaming.“I turn in at ten, but if you end up needing something before then, please let me know.”She pointed at the box on the wall.“The intercom connects to the kitchen, and I’ll hear it.”

“Thank you again,” Ezra told her.

Margie nodded and headed out of the room.

Ezra closed and locked the door before placing his overnight bag on the bed.Pulling his shirt over his head, he headed toward the tub.He reached down and started the water.

Anticipation filled him, and he stripped quickly.

A few minutes later, as Ezra climbed into the tub, he thought of Link.

I wonder if he’s a tub guy and would be willing to share this with me.

With a snicker, Ezra relaxed against the side and mentally prepared himself for the coming days.

Chapter Five

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LINK CLIMBED OUT OFhisHummerwhile Luke exited from the passenger side.After tossing his keys over the hood to his brother, he opened the back door and pulled out a large satchel.He lifted the strap over his head and rested it on his left shoulder.

Luke eyed him critically.“You sure this is the way you want to go about it?”

“Yeah.”

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