Page 44 of Seventeen Years Ago

When we entered the room, Reesa was standing there, and she really looked concerned. “Thank you for all coming. I just got off the phone and we have the latest information. It is going to be a direct hit as a category-three hurricane. We know the resort and the hospital are both capable of standing through sustained winds of 125 miles per hour. But we could see gusts much stronger than that. All guests are being instructed to stay away from the windows. We are also asking all the people who are staying in the lobby and the dining room to find space on the higher floors in case of a storm surge. Thankfully it is coming in at low tide, so flooding might not be a major issue.”

“I’m asking anyone who can room with others, to do so,” Brice said. “I know we have several suites that we are going to be utilized for families. It’s not going to be comfortable for the next couple of days, but it’s what is needed to keep people safe. If the bottom floor begins to flood, I don’t want people to scramble for shelter.”

Steven had an entire suite all to himself. My grandmother and I each had a private room. It could definitely be utilized better. I raised my hand. “I can give up my room, and sleep with my grandmother.”

Steven looked at me and said, “I can give you and your grandmother my room, and I can sleep on the couch.”

That’s not what I was going for when I offered up my room.

“That’s awesome, Steven. Thank you. That will free up two rooms. Is there anyone else who wouldn’t mind sharing a room?” Reesa asked.

Oh, Steven, my grandma is going to be so mad when she hears this.

At least that’s what I'm guessing. Maybe if big and strong Steven goes and breaks the news to her, she’d be thrilled.

It’s too late to say no. Reesa has already moved on to the next issue at hand. Now I just need to deal with mine.

Grandma is too observant. I can’t let her see how I am beginning to feel about Steven. And it's not hate.

CHAPTER17

Steven

I’d watched news with the cameras focusing on my hotels during hurricanes and had even been on the ground when a category one hit Florida. But this was the first time I’d been a guest on the fourth floor with someone I cared about, who was trembling uncontrollably.

Aiza sat beside me on the couch, my arms wrapped around her and her head buried in my chest. I didn’t blame her. The hurricane had gone from category three to four. Even though the hotel should be able to withstand the winds, at times it felt as though the building swayed. I knew it wasn’t going anywhere, but the feeling could still unnerve a person. Even one as strong as Aiza.

“It’s okay. I’ve been through worse than this,” I lied.

“I don’t believe you,” she said, not lifting her head. “You can’t tell me you’re not scared too. I feel you. You’re...tense.”

Not from being scared.

I knew I shouldn’t, I knew it was wrong as hell, but damn it, I was enjoying the feeling of her in my arms. Just wished it were because this was where she wanted to be, instead of being afraid of the storm.

“Your grandmother is sleeping soundly,” I reminded her.

“My grandpa told me that grandma once fell asleep in a tree. I don’t think anything scares her,” she replied.

“I would’ve thought the same about you,” I said. “Maybe if we do something to keep your mind off the wind, you won’t be so...nervous.”

She lifted her head and gave me a warning look. “I hope you’re not suggesting what I think you are.”

I chucked. “If you are referring to playing cards, then yes I am.”

“Oh,” she said and blushed.

Another big gust of wind came and there was a slight rattle of the large balcony glass door.Come on. Hold together.

“Cards?” I asked again. She nodded and I got up and grabbed a pack from my suitcase

“You travel with cards?” she asked, looking surprised.

“I do. It’s a habit from college. Guess I never broke it,” I said.

“I hope you’re not what they call a card shark,” she stated.

“You don’t have to worry about that. It’s not like we are playing for money,” I reminded her.

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