Page 20 of Resting Beach Face
I chewed my bottom lip. That was partly true. I was avoiding going home a lot of those nights. But I got a sort of childish thrill out of cracking his composure, too. Declan was so closed off, so immune to my charms.
Something about him had always gotten under my skin.
But acting like a kid pulling pigtails was never the way to win a man like Declan. I knew that much.
Most of that was better left unsaid. It would only make Declan uncomfortable—and I was trying to do the opposite these days.
“Well, all I really wanted to say was that I hoped we could start over on better terms.”
“It’s not really necessary,” he said. “But sure.” To my surprise, he played along and held out his hand. “I’m Declan Sullivan, owner of this B&B. Nice to meet you.”
I grasped his hand, reveling in his strong grip, rough with calluses. One I could too easily imagine on my cock, damn it.
My eyes met his, and I couldswearthere was a spark—and not just one way. I resisted the urge to flirt and ruin all the progress I’d just made.
“Hi, Declan. I’m Cash Hicks. I work at the nearby resort, and I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. So if you need help with anything around here, just give me a ring.”
Declan gazed at me searchingly for a long moment before releasing my hand and stepping back. “That’s very neighborly of you, Cash. I’ll be sure to do that. And if I can do anything for you—” He stopped abruptly. “Well, notanything.”
I chuckled. “Don’t worry, Declan, we’re being neighborly. No sex favors. Unless you’ve got more exciting neighbors than I do?”
He smiled ruefully. “No. Uh, I’d be glad to help you out sometime if you ever need a place to stay or…or…something else I can do.”
“Actually, I’m staying in my own bed these days,” I said, giving him a direct look that I hoped he’d interpret correctly, “but thanks for the offer.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Declan
“When willmy room be ready? I’ve been traveling all day. I’m tired.”
I attempted a reassuring smile and missed by a mile. My newest guest had arrived a day before her check-in andinsistedthe mistake must be mine. She was all of five-foot-one, even in sandals with chunky heels, and wore a pink sundress.
Those pretty trappings were a decoy. Marigold Lawson was about as far from sweet as I was, though she knew how to put on a smile that initially lulled me into a false sense of security.
Now, on our third conversation, I knew better.
“Ma’am, as I said before, your booking was scheduled for tomorrow. You’ll have to wait for my late check-out to leave before I can give you a room.”
“How long will that be?”
I flicked my gaze to the antique cuckoo clock in the front hall. “Their check-out is in twenty minutes, so?—”
She interrupted. “Twenty minutes is a long time to wait.”
“Unfortunately, the room will still have to be cleaned, so you’ll need to wait longer than that.”
“How long does it take to change some bedding?” she said dismissively. “I’ll expect to be in my room in twenty-five minutes or else I’ll have to talk to your manager.”
I bit down on a laugh. If only I had someone else to deal with this shit.
“I own the B&B.”
“Oh. Well.” She sniffed. “I’d hate to leave you a bad review.” She glanced around. “This place is really…quaint.”
“I’ll get the room ready as quickly as possible,” I said blandly. “Perhaps you’d like to go into town for lunch rather than wait here?”
She narrowed her eyes, then waggled a finger at me with a laugh. “Oh no, you’re not tricking me into going out so you can take your sweet time. My husband will get here soon, and he won’t stand for this nonsense.” She raised her phone, eyes focused on the screen. “Itoldhim we should book the new resort. I wish I was having a poolside margarita right now.”
