Page 18 of #Resort Romance
Groaning, his head lolled back. “It is far too early in the morning and too soon to be thinking like this.”
But was it?
The fact was, this was day three of his vacation and he was going to be here for another week, and that was it. There was no way he could extend his trip because he had work commitments. Could he convince Kelsey to come home with him and see if Raleigh was someplace she wanted to live? Or if he was someone she wanted to live with?
There was a very real possibility that she’d agree to a visit without committing to an actual move, and he supposed that was the smart way to do things.
“Stop creating scenarios and arguments and imagining what Kelsey will or won’t do,” he quietly chided himself. “It’s day freaking three. Chill out.”
And that’s the attitude he took while finishing his coffee and then showering and getting ready for the day. Fortunately, his family made it easy for him to focus on everything but his personal life because they were in total vacation mode. As soon as he stepped out of his cabin and spotted his grandfather wearing his bathing suit, a sun shirt, and fishing hat, Jayce knew today was going to be all about taking advantage of the resort amenities.
Even if some of them weren’t exactly a good idea.
“We’re going fishing!” his grandfather called out, even though Jayce was less than ten feet away. “All of us! We rented the big boat and it comes with lunch for everyone! Kelsey’s coming too, right?”
Walking over, he nodded. “I’ll have to ask her, but I’m sure she’ll love it.” Pausing, he noticed all the sunscreen on his grandfather’s face. “Um…when did we decide to do this?”
“This morning! Of course, it’s all catch and release, but remember how much you used to love fishing when you were a boy?”
Another nod. “I do. Remember the summer I caught that trout and set the resort record? There used to be a plaque with my name on it up at the lodge somewhere,” he said with a smile. “Do you think it’s still there?”
Chuckling, his grandfather shook his head. “Maybe. There are a lot of plaques up at the lodge along the main hallway. You should check it out after today’s trip or ask our fishing guide.”
“How long is the excursion?”
“Four hours. We need to be down at the dock at ten, so that’s just…”
Looking down at his watch, Jayce chuckled. “Twenty minutes. Is everyone else ready?”
His grandfather shrugged. “Beats me. I got out of there because your grandmother told me I was in the way.” Pausing, he gave Jayce a cursory look. “You might want to change into a bathing suit too. You know, just in case you catch another record-breaking fish and end up getting wet.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. But first I’m going to go and let Kelsey know what we’re doing today.”
“Well…hurry! We’ve only got twenty minutes and it’s going to take almost all that time to get down to the dock!”
Jayce could actually see the dock from where they were standing, but he kept that observation to himself. “I’ll be fast, Gramps, don’t worry.”
Turning, he jogged next door to Kelsey’s cabin, and she opened the door before he had a chance to knock. She was already wearing her bathing suit with a pair of shorts and a very sassy grin. “I heard the entire conversation,” she told him with amusement. “I was in the middle of getting dressed and quickly changed gears.”
Unable to help himself, he hauled her in close and gave her a quick but thorough kiss. “That’s because you’re amazing,” he murmured huskily against her lips. “And the best for agreeing to come with us on what is sure to be a very dull boat ride.”
Pulling back slightly, she shook her head. “Are you kidding? Any day sitting out on a boat is better than just sitting around doing nothing. Besides, I hear there’s going to be lunch provided. Plus, your grandmother is going to teach me how to crochet. I’m sure she’s going to bring something to do with her on the boat. I don’t see her wanting to fish.”
“You’ve got that right. My mom’s not into it either.” Frowning, he glanced over to where his grandfather was standing and then back at Kelsey. “I wonder what she’s going to do out on the boat.”
“Read. Yesterday she was telling me about all the books she brought with her and how she was looking forward to having some quiet time to read. If I had to guess, that’s going to be her activity of choice.”
“Why are we even renting a boat, then? I mean, Dad, Gramps, and I could have done this just the three of us. Now I feel bad dragging you along.”
Rolling her eyes, she gave him a playful shove before turning and walking back into the cabin to gather her things. “You’re not dragging me! I’m looking forward to it.” Slinging a canvas tote over her shoulder, she said, “And I might even do some fishing. I haven’t done it in years, so I might throw out a line or two. We’ll see.”
“Or learn to crochet?”
Shrugging, she picked up the big floppy hat she had worn that first day and plopped it on her head. “Or read. I’ll see what kind of mood I’m in. There’s no need to make rigid plans. Besides, it’s only for four hours. Do you know what they have planned for after that?”
“God only knows,” he mumbled. “Can I help you with anything?”
She shook her head. “Nope. I’ve got it. Why don’t you go change because, according to your grandfather, it’s a long walk down to the dock.”
