Page 6 of Hot Cross Buns

I closed my eyes, remembering his hands on me earlier. Slow and steady. Strong, but promising tenderness. Solid and comforting. I might as well have been a stick of butter under his touch. The way I’d melted had nothing to do with the hot island sun.

I sure could use a man like Malachi in my life right now.

Not that I had anything to complain about. My life was great. I was utterly in love with my career as a traveling nurse. It suited me perfectly. My profession allowed me to see different parts of the country and meet tons of new people, all while helping those who needed it.

Nursing had my heart. It gave me purpose.

However, if I was totally honest with myself—something the Chub Club had been helping me with—there was one downside to my chosen career: it was hell on the love life.

Which led me to admit that I was real damn lonely.

Sure, I had friends. Lots of them. Online and otherwise. But more and more lately, I’d been longing for someone to share life with. Someone who cares about the things I do and was ready to start a family.

Malachi probably wasn’t that.

But the way he’d jokingly streaked sunscreen over my face, earning my ire. And his resulting laugh that cooled my temper immediately… well, it felt so…easy. Like we could fall into step together effortlessly.

Simply, put? There was a connection I couldn’t deny.

Made me want to explore the possibilities with him.

Of course, there was another issue.

I looked at the card again, but the information didn’t magically change.

Malachi West, Customer Services Manager

Cabana boy, he was definitely not. He was themanagerof cabana boys. Large and in charge.

This gave me pause. Was it even okay for him to date customers? Or worse, maybe he was only interested because he wanted to make sure we gave the resort good reviews. But then, if that was the case, why wasn’t he focusing his attention on Gia?

Enough doubting, Maisy.

There was only one way to find out what sexy Malachi really wanted from me.

Quickly, I tapped his number into my cell phone and pressed the speaker to my ear before I lost my nerve.

The call rang twice before he picked up.

“If this is anyone other than the fiery redhead I’m waiting on, you might as well hang up now because I’m busy.”

“Uh…” His abrupt greeting was far from what I expected and left me speechless.

“Oh, good,” he said with a sigh. “It’s you.”

“Yeah,” I answered, uncertainly. “It’s me. Maisy.”

“Hi, Maisy. It’s good to hear your voice. I thought maybe you’d lost my number.”

Lost his number. Ha. This little card hadn’t left my sight for more than a few moments since he gave it to me.

“No.” I let out a nervous breath, willing myself to relax. “I just wasn’t sure if I was going to call.”

“But you did.”

I laughed. “Yeah, I did.”

“I meant what I said earlier. I want to see you.” His voice was smooth. Not quite a purr, but it gave me butterflies just the same. “Name the place and I’m there.”

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