Page 4 of Maddox: Wild Alaska
As soon asMaddox closes the door, I remove my jacket and kick off my boots before flopping down on the huge bed. I let out a sigh and find myself smiling as I look toward the doorway.
I’m engaged to be married even though I’ve decided to end things once I get home. But still. Having such an attraction to the big man is new. Exciting too. The way he looked at me made my panties wet and my body hum with arousal. What I do about it while Richard is still in the picture is a quandary.
I rub my temples, trying to shake off the negative feelings that are causing a headache. I'm prone to migraines, and thestress of this trip certainly hasn't helped. At least I'm no longer sharing a room with Samantha. I wish my friend Jamaica was here with me. Of course, Samantha was the reason why she wasn’t.
My phone rings in my back pocket, but when I see the caller ID, I ignore it. It stops and starts up again. I glance at my watch to make sure I'm not late for the afternoon snacks and wine. Thankfully, I have plenty of time. My phone stops ringing, and I hold my breath, expecting Samantha to call again. It stays silent. Then it rings again. This time, Richard's name flashes on the screen.
I grind my teeth in annoyance but decide to answer the call. I stay silent and wait for him to speak.
"Sofie, are you there?"
"Yes, Richard. I'm here."
“Samantha told me that a beast of a man took you to a different room than the one she booked. She isn't happy with you. Neither is Mother. Who is this man?"
I need a moment to collect my thoughts because I really want to tell him to go fuck himself. Why have I allowed myself to become a doormat? "The man is one of the owners. Apparently, since I'm the bride-to-be, I get a suite. I'm not sharing it. I want my own space. End of story. Now, why are you calling me?"
"I can see you're in one of your moods. Is that why you're ignoring Samantha?"
"I was in the bathroom. Not that it's anyone's business. I'll see Samantha later. She has her friends with her to keep her company," I snap. "I'll talk to you later." I quickly hang up before he can say anything else or before I blurt out the truth—I don’t love you. I can’t marry you.
A few minutes later, my phone rings again—it's his mother! I send it to voicemail and quickly turn off my phone.
Peace at last.
I roll off the bed and cast a glare at my phone as I pick my jacket up from the floor and hang it on the built-in coat stand beside the door. The coat stand is quaint and reminds me of the country, with its overhead storage and bench for sitting while getting ready for the outdoors. I pad into the bathroom and smile once again when I see the luxurious room. The hot tub is calling my name, but I decide to explore the lodge and Hawkes Ridge for now. Hopefully, I can avoid the others.
I tug my boots onto my feet and decide to forgo my jacket because it's nice and warm outside. I open my suitcase and find a denim shirt to wear over my T-shirt. I leave my hair down, shove my sunglasses on top of my head, and, at the last minute, grab my phone.
Fresh air and the scent of flowers greet me as I step outside. I close the door behind me, checking the handle to make sure it's locked. Stepping off the porch, I tilt my face toward the sun, close my eyes, and enjoy the moment of being outside, away from blaring horns and foul smells like exhaust fumes and garbage in the city. There's no noise from people's loud chatter, either with friends or on their phones. It's totally peaceful.
When I open my eyes, I see a large structure directly ahead that makes me wonder if it houses the indoor pool. I follow the path through the garden and head up the steps, curious to find out. There is an abundance of well-kept flowers. I move toward what I assume to be the front of the building. I find it locked. A wooden sign beside the door indicates that I have found the pool, but it is closed.
"Hello there."
I turn around and find a man. A very handsome silver fox. He offers me a smile. "I didn't mean to startle you.” He offers his hand. “Bryant Hawke."
Ah, this must be the father.
I smile and shake his hand. "Sofie Ryan.”
"I know who you are," he says with a twinkle in his eye. "May I offer you a cup of coffee?"
"That would be lovely." I shuffle up beside him, letting him lead me away from the pool and up another path through a grove of trees. I catch my breath when we emerge on the other side. "Wow, these are gorgeous."
“Welcome to the cabins where my sons and I live. It’s home. We call is Hawke Circle.” He grins.
I glance around at the nine cabins grouped together. Each has a driveway large enough for a truck, and a few of them have one parked in the driveway. The wooden structures are identical, with a porch and a front door in the middle, and large windows on either side. There is a large circle of flowers in the middle of the cluster, which creates a turnaround for vehicles.
"This is really pretty."
Bryant chuckles. "My wife thinks it's wrong to live on the same street as my sons." He shrugs. "I haven't received a single complaint."
Feeling much lighter than before I met Bryant, I laugh and follow him up to the front porch of his cabin. Stepping inside, I see that it's rustic and gorgeous, with splashes of color from the throw blankets. "You are lucky to have such a lovely home."
"I am that. I would be even luckier if my wife decided to come home," he mutters sadly as he heads toward the kitchen.
I pause as I pass the table by the stairs, which is covered with photographs. "Are these your sons?"
