Page 7 of On His Knees

“What if I want to?” I ask. Summer’s breath comes a little faster, as she reaches for her drink and takes a long pull from the straw. “There’s a really nice restaurant at Raydolins with a great view of the mountains and lake.”

“I’ve passed by it,” Summer says. “We’re staying at that resort,” she adds.

Of course she’s staying at Raydolins. My granddad owns it.

“We got in late two days ago, so we haven’t had too much of a chance to explore the resort or visit the shops.” She reaches into her purse, her hand rustling around for something.

“Good, I can be your tour guide. So yes to dinner?”

“Um...sure.” She glances at her watch, dropping a ten-dollar bill onto my tray. I stare at it, confused for a moment. Ah, she’s tipping me. Surprise number two. “I can meet you there at eight, but do you think we’ll get in without a reservation?” she asks, her nose crinkling.

I give her a wink. “I’ve got a few connections, and I’ll pick you up at your door.”

She holds her hands up, palms out. “You can pick me up, as long as there’s no spinning involved this time,” she says, and I laugh. I have to admit, she does have a great sense of humor. Probably has Granddad laughing all the time.

“What room are you in?”

“301.”

“Penthouse Suite,” I say.

Why the hell would Granddad put her in the one place we always stayed, and never rented out. He must be more serious about her than I ever thought. Damn, this is going to crush him. But what choice do I have? I have to protect him. He’s not just family, he means the world to me.

“You know it?” Summer asks.

I nod, and push a rebellious lock of hair from my forehead. I’m normally clean cut, and it’s driving me crazy. I really should have visited the barber before I bolted to the airport. Then again, I guess the disheveled look works better with my ruse. “I know it.”

“Summer’s friend owns it,” Cara informs me.

I nod. “Like I said before, nice friend.”

“Don’t worry, he’s not her boyfriend, or anything,” Amber says and aims a wink Summer’s way, as if to say, not yet.

“After dinner, maybe we can hit the slopes?” I say, banking my anger and putting myself back together.

“Once on the hill today is enough for me.”

I glance outside, take in all the hiking trails. “Okay, I’m sure I can find something else for us to do.”

“Oh, I’m sure you can,” Amber says, laughing.

Summer shakes her head at me. “Ignore her, please.”

Please.

What is it about her saying that one word that gets to my dick? I look at her lush mouth and for a brief second, I envision it wrapped around my thickening cock. Goddammit, the vision is ridiculously hot.

“Can I get you ladies anything else?”

Summer smiles up at me again. “No, thank you for the drinks. You didn’t have to do this, but I really appreciate it.”

I nod and walk away, thinking about all the other things I could give her that she just might appreciate.

Stop it, Tate.

I step back to the bar. Henry has a thin sheen of moisture on his forehead, and his breath is a little more labored as he gestures with his chin, and lowers his voice. “That her?”

“Yeah.” Worried that he’s been working too hard, I grab the glasses from the dishwasher and stack them on the bar, taking over for him.

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