Page 12 of Through the Storms
“Could you finish checking over the van?” Britt asked Asher.
“Sure thing,” Asher answered without hesitation.
Oakley smiled to herself. Ever since they were kids, he hated it when she was upset and couldn’t stand to see her cry. She didn’t want to cry, either, but she suspected Britt would soon have her in tears. It was likely what she needed, but still, she’d fight it.
“Thanks, Ash,” Oakley said. It was her way of apologizing.
He gave her a broad smile. “Chin up. Lana loves you. Me and Britt would kill to have someone look at us the way she does you.”
“Stop.” Oakley put her hands over her ears. Tears threatened.
Britt patted Oakley’s back. “Let’s go before any of the guests see you.”
CHAPTER 7
Chloe lifted her suitcaseout of the trunk, and a rush of apprehension hit her. Maybe she should have brought a smaller one. Even though her bag met the size requirement, the information packet encouraged guests to pack light.
Selfish.Dennis was right. She only thought of herself. She could have left a few things at home and fit her stuff into a duffel bag.
Her face heated. She couldn’t do this—beat up on herself.It was her vacation, and she was going to enjoy it. Dennis wasn’t here, so she’d only have herself to blame if she let him ruin it. She’d not told him she was going away for fear he’d do something to sabotage her plans. He’d likely use Mia as his pawn, making her look like the bad guy.
Enough.It was about time she stopped letting him have such a grip on her. Chloe pushed her shoulders back and stood up taller. She looked across the parking lot at the pole building.Signs clearly pointed to where she needed to check in, but the activity near the large garage doors caught her attention.
Two large white vans were parked in front. She recognized them from the Two Trees website as the vans they’d be traveling in for the trip. She narrowed her eyes.What the hell was that?Her gaze landed on a bright yellow car that seemed to be encased in a steel cage. She’d not seen anything like that on the website.
When her gaze shifted to the people standing by one of the vans, she immediately recognized the trio. The Pierce twins were unmistakable. The namesakes of the business. Oakley and Asher, or Oak and Ash for short. Tree names. Both tall and lean with a shock of disheveled dishwater blond hair that seemed more suited for surfing than storm chasing.
From this distance, she couldn’t see their eyes, but she imagined them from the website photos. Their eyes were nearly identical. Light brown and full of mischief.
Chloe started across the parking lot, deciding she’d introduce herself to her guides. When she got closer, she pulled up. Something wasn’t right. Britt, at least she assumed it was Britt, since there likely weren’t too many short, stocky, blue-haired women on the crew, had put her hand on Oakley’s back.
The strain on all three of their faces gave Chloe pause. It was probably better that she let them do their preparations without being a bothersome guest, so she veered off toward the front entrance.
She’d already completed all her paperwork online and signed all the scary waivers, so the process shouldn’t take long. She glanced at her watch. Orientation wasn’t scheduled for another half hour, so maybe she’d put her suitcase inside and take a stroll around the grounds. After her drive here, it would be good to stretch her legs.
As Chloe started down the long sidewalk to the entrance, she noticed a man down on his haunches outside the door.He looked to be picking up clothes and stuffing them into his suitcase. He wore a pair of the work boots that she’d always found so sexy.
He snapped his suitcase shut and stood.
Damn.He was even more attractive fully standing. A bit on the short side, maybe five-seven or -eight, but his body held all the proportions she liked. Broad shoulders, a slim waist that gave way to thicker legs, and a nice tight butt. And those damned boots.
She snorted to herself. Since her divorce nearly a year ago, she’d not looked at another man, let alone ogled one. Perhaps it was a good sign, or maybe it just meant she was horny. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had sex. No, that wasn’t true. She vividly remembered since it was the day Dennis told her he wanted a divorce. More accurately, she couldn’t remember the last time he’d given her an orgasm. Over the last several years of their marriage, Dennis had gotten lazy in bed, so her fulfillment wasn’t a priority.
Jesus.This was not what she needed to be thinking about. Guilt washed over her, eyeing the poor man like he was an object for her enjoyment. Her face warmed as she approached him. She needed to play it cool and not act like a bumbling fool. Chloe gripped her suitcase tighter and lengthened her stride. She’d march past him without a glance.
He turned toward her when she reached his side. Chloe gasped, and warmth rushed up her neck. The sexy construction worker was a woman, not a man.
The woman eyed Chloe with concern. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” She reached out and put a steadying hand on Chloe’s arm.
“Um…uh…um.” Chloe stared into soft hazel eyes. She needed to say something other than stammering. “No. It wasn’t you. I was preoccupied.” It wasn’t a lie.
The woman smiled, and a dimple dotted one cheek.Ugh. Seriously.She had to have a dimple.
“It was my fault,” the woman said. She pointed at her suitcase. “I obviously didn’t have it fully zipped because stuff started falling out on the ground.”
“Did you get it all picked up?” Chloe asked, grasping for something to say.
The woman smiled and nodded. “I did. Thanks for asking.” She reached out her hand. “I’m Riley Gatlin.”
