Page 16 of The Billionairess
She didn’t bother to say that her ‘glamping’ version of staying outdoors had won tonight because she didn’t have to. They all already knewit.
Selena and Hunter began washing dishes while the others made themselves at home and marveled at the amenities inside her camper. When Hunter gently hip jutted her while she washed and he dried, they shared a look that made her heart pitter-patter wildly in herchest.
Mike threatened to ruin the comfortable moment by saying loudly, “It’s probably been a while since you’ve touched dirty dishes, huh,Princess?”
Silence fell over the trailer’s living area as everyone waited to see how Selena would react. She wasn’t about to admit how long it had been since she had washeddishes.
It wasn’t the first snarky comment from him about her financial situation, and she was certain it wouldn’t be his last. Unwilling to let this man make her feel bad about her success, she turned to look directly at him when she responded. “You know, Mike, I have noticed that you are more than happy to take full advantage of the perks of being my friend,” she pointed out the icy cold bottle of dark beer that he had helped himself to from her refrigerator, “Yet you seem to like picking on memercilessly.”
He had the decency to look somewhat embarrassed, but she knew he would continue ribbing her if she wasn’t completely straightforward with him. “You are more than welcome to sit out the storm in your tent, if you don’t approve of my luxuriouslifestyle.”
Mike immediately began to backpedal from his condescending attitude with her, obviously not wanting to leave the safety and comfort of her dry RV. “You know I’m just teasing you, right?” He slung a beefy arm around hershoulders.
Hunter surprised her by showing a bit of a jealous streak. “Hands-off, Buddy.” His words sounded jovial enough, but he set down the plate he had been drying and firmly removed Mike’s arm from curving around Selena, only to replace it with hisown.
Mike held up his hands as if implying he was completely innocent before joining the others around the RV’s table for a raucous round of cards. Selena and Hunter finished the dishes in amiable silence. They worked together in tandem as if they were part of a well-oiledmachine.
Once the cleanup was finished, they rejoined the others. The group played cards, board games, and charades. It was one of the most relaxing and fun evenings Selena had ever had. She loved laughing and talking about silly topics with her new friends. She wasn’t tempted, even once, to retrieve one of her devices from her handbag and stare at an electronic screen. It was the longest she had gone without technology in years, and she didn’t miss it abit.
When things started to wind down, the wind was still howling and rain was pattering against the trailer’s roof. Selena suggested that they all stay with her in the dry camper and no one complained. She was happy to discover a linen closet filled with sleeping bags, duvets, blankets, andpillows.
Before long, the group had settled in with makeshift beds on the sofa and floor. Only Hunter and Selena were left standing. “I have a nice, big bed in the back,” she offered, feeling safe to invite him, since there were so many peoplethere.
Mike couldn’t resist letting out a high-pitched, suggestive whistle, so Selena playfully kicked him on her way past. He let out an over-exaggerated “Oomph,” and earned giggles allaround.
Hunter grabbed a fleece blanket and gallantly offered to sleep on top of the covers. Selena didn’t think that was necessary, considering the current situation they were in, but she nodded in agreement. They climbed into bed in their clothes and turned off thelights.
Almost immediately, someone began snoring lightly. If Selena had to guess, she would have bet it was Mike. She and Hunter turned on their sides to face each other. “It might be a long night,” hesurmised.
“It’s okay. I haven’t been sleeping much lately, anyway,” she revealed tohim.
“Why not?” She could sense his concern, even though she couldn’t see hisfeatures.
“I always sleep on my side, but my daith piercings press into the pillow and ache when I turn my head to either side. I’ve tried sleeping on my back, but I just can’t do it for more than a short nap,” she added the last bit thinking of the two naps she had taken since she had known him––her only two naps sincechildhood.
“Oh no,” he sounded truly concerned. “Let’s try this,” he offered as he slid an arm underneath her. Pulling her close to him, he embraced her so that her head rested on his shoulder, while her ear was in the opening at the crook of his arm. The position alleviated the problem of having any pressure against her freshly piercedear.
“How’s that?” he askedher.
She sighed with contentment, feeling fully relaxed and comfortable. “It’s perfect,” she told himhonestly.
He leaned his head down to press his soft lips gently against hers for a sweet goodnight kiss. “Yes, it is,” he agreed, and they both dozedoff.
