Since she worked the morning shift, she didn’t normally have this opportunity. Off in a distance, Brooke could hear the cries of the seagulls as they searched for breakfast. Her own stomach growled, empty and wishing for something tasty. If she was lucky, they’d have a breakfast buffet set up outside when she returned. Normally it was in the main dining room, but that wasn’t going to happen today.
It made sense now why Alex gave her a few days off. With one dining room down, they were overstaffed. Brooke would’ve been happy to alternate with someone else or float to another spot so someone else who might need or enjoy the time off could have it. Yet she wasn’t in the position of making decisions. That’s how she chose her jobs. You showed up, did your job, and then left without any stress.
But this past week had been stressful. It was like she had been on alert the entire time waiting for Gareth to pop up. He always knew how to find her, which was unnerving. But whenever she went looking for him, he was nowhere to be found.
She hadn’t brought her cell phone with her, otherwise she’d try reaching out to him this morning. Most likely he was working with Alex again in the kitchen, and she really shouldn’t disturb him there.
Maybe that’s why I got the time off. So I won’t bother the workers.
There was really only one she cared to see. And Gareth seemed to have enjoyed the dinner she’d prepared for him. Since she’d eaten the same thing, she knew she hadn’t poisoned him. That was good. But she still wished she would’ve heard from him.
When did I get so damn needy?It was out of character. Miss independent didn’t wait for the phone to ring. Half the time she would let it go to voicemail intentionally so the calls could be kept brief. And here she was hoping to hear from Gareth, and . . . nothing. The timing was off. She finally had all the time she needed to spend with him, and he was preoccupied with work.
Ironic. Was the universe laughing and toying with her? Getting her all interested, hot and bothered, then ending it before it could start? Maybe the cool breeze was what she needed to cool her desire for him. Yet the harder she tried not to think of him, the more she did. Even in this perfect setting, the one thing she’d change would be to spend time with him.
This is ridiculous.She wasn’t a child. If she wanted to see him, she’d make it happen. The days of waiting for some man to call you or ask you out were over. Besides, he seemed very interested. It was a shame she’d already worn that sexy black dress for him. It would’ve been perfect to get his attention again.
Brooke turned and headed up the beach. It was time to take matters in her own hands. She was about halfway when she heard her name being called.
Turning back to the ocean, she saw one sexy Gareth rising from the water, carrying a snorkel in one hand and fins in the other. Guess you’re not working today. She looked up to the sky and said, Thank you.
She waited for him to join her. When he did, she bit her bottom lip, as the water droplets dripped from his hair and ran down his chest. He definitely didn’t have the body of someone who sat at a desk all day. Seeing him working last night seemed to have fit him better. With her eyes hidden behind the dark sunglasses, she soaked in all that perfection. Gareth’s body glistened in the sun like some Greek god.
Maybe a male model instead.
A twinge of jealousy rose and she crossed that off the list. Although she was enjoying the view, she didn’t want to share it with the rest of the world.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said.
“And I thought you’d be sleeping late. Alex told me he gave you some time off.”
She shouldn’t be surprised she was the last one to know. “I’m not one who likes to spend the day in bed. Such a waste of a beautiful day. You never know what you’ll miss when you’re sleeping it away.” And look at the lovely sight I get to see.
“I’m glad to hear that. Because I was hoping I could make up for my no-show last night.”
“Gareth, it wasn’t like you forgot. You were busting your butt helping out. I’m sure Alex appreciated everything you did for him.” At least she hoped so.
“He did, but he doesn’t require my assistance this morning. Vinny and the others will handle the rest. Which leaves me totally free for the next two days.”
Your last two days here.It saddened her to think he was going so soon. “How do you plan on spending your time?” He stepped so close that the brim of her hat hit his chest. She reached up and pulled it off, but then the droplets from his hair landed on her T-shirt.
Gareth said in a husky voice, “With you. What do you say about a little excursion with me?”
“To where?”
“There is an inn on Tabiq that has a room available. Granted you can’t walk the beach, but from the cliff you have a perfect view of the ocean.”
“Gareth, you know we can’t leave New Hope. I’ll be fired for sure. Besides, we don’t know if it is safe,” Brooke exclaimed. She wanted to be with him, but not at the risk of their lives.
Gareth placed a finger under her chin and tipped her head up to meet his gaze. “It is safe. What do you say? Want to get out of here for a couple days?”
With you, yes.“It sounds good.” A shiver of excitement ran through her.
Gareth looked around and said, “I’d offer you my towel, but it seems to have gone MIA.”
She giggled. And that’s what I get for working when I shouldn’t.
“But maybe this will keep you warm for now.” Gareth pulled her in shis arms and as one, their lips claimed each other’s. Hunger built within her instantly. Gareth traced her lips with his tongue, and she opened to him. His body was still cool from the water, but as their kisses grew, she felt him warming to the touch. Gareth lifted her up in his arms, her feet dangling toward the sand. She dropped her hat and sandals and wrapped her arms around his neck. She couldn’t get enough of him. She wanted it all.