Hold On (Play On #2.5)(8)

I wanted to believe him. I really, really wanted to believe him. And everything he said was good. More than good. I think I did believe him about the snow bunny but I wasn’t sure about the rest. And the timing… oh God, the timing was bad.

And why did he have to be standing so close? So close I could smell him, I could feel the heat of him, and I really, really wanted to slide my hand over his chest and see if his pecs were as hard as they looked.

Damn, damn, damn.

I yanked my gaze from his because I was drowning in it. “I’m not here to meet anyone. I’m sorry.”

“I’d maybe believe that if you’d look at me when you say it.”

Hearing the amusement in his voice I did look at him. I glowered. “When I look at you, you make me want to say yes!”

Gray grinned. Huge. “That’s not a bad thing, angel.”

“It is to me.” I stepped back. “Now good night.”

He moved to block my escape. “Breakfast?”

I stifled a smile at his persistence and shook my head.

“Lunch?”

My traitorous lips twitched. “No, I’m sorry.”

He cocked his head to the side to study me. “You know even you telling me ‘no’ sounds like heaven to my ears. I could listen to you talk in that sexy as fuck accent for the rest of my life.”

I gave a huff of disbelieving laughter. “What a line.”

“It’s not a line.” He stepped back into my personal space. “Have dinner with me.”

My gaze dropped to his mouth and I whispered, “No.”

“You can’t stare at my mouth like that and expect me to believe that no.”

I wrenched my eyes back to his. “Gray, we can’t do this. It’s a firm no.”

“Well, I’m just going to ask you again tomorrow.”

Exasperated, I stepped around him before he could stop me. “I’m going to take a wild guess and say harassing guests is against hotel policy.”

Gray turned with me. “Oh, this isn’t harassment. This is seeing something I want more than I’ve ever wanted anything and doing what I can to get it.”

Shocked, I replied breathily, “That’s insane. You don’t even know me.”

He shrugged and said seriously (very seriously), “I took one look in those gorgeous brown eyes of yours and knew I’d do anything to get to know you. I need to take you out to do that so… are you going to help me out here and say yes?”

My heart was pounding like crazy and I had absolutely no idea why. What was it about this guy that affected me so much? And why did it feel dangerous and thrilling at the same bloody time?

“Autumn?”

I shook my head. “If you’re looking to get laid there’s a snow bunny who made it clear she’d give you that.”

“I don’t screw other men’s women and even if I did, I don’t want her. She doesn’t make my blood hot.”

My eyes widened. Was he alluding that I did make his blood hot? “I’m not anyone’s casual fuck, Gray.”

His eyes darkened. “I got that, angel, the second you strutted that fine ass through the restaurant. That’s not what this is about. Although for the record, you saying the word ‘fuck’ when you’re actually talking about ‘fucking’ in that sweet voice of yours… not going to lie.” He grinned. “You definitely make my blood hot.”

I blushed. I freaking blushed!

Gray laughed. “Oh that’s just making it worse.”

“Stop it!” I huffed, covering my cheeks with my hands.

“Jesus, you’re adorable. Didn’t know that was possible.”

“What?”

“Sexy, beautiful, and adorable. The trifecta of perfect.”

I smiled but said, “No one’s perfect, Gray.”

“No, they’re not so give me a break here. Let me get to know you so I can find out for myself that you’re not perfect. Otherwise I’m going to pine my life away.”

He somehow managed to strike a perfect balance between smooth and coarse charm that seriously worked for me. Damn it. I sighed. “Fine. Ask me again tomorrow.”

“Or you could just say yes now,” he pushed. I gave him a look and he grinned. “Fine. I’ll ask you tomorrow.”

Finally, I made myself walk away. But I’d only taken a few steps when he said, “Nice skirt by the way.”

Meaning he was watching my ass.

I turned to look over my shoulder and rolled my eyes before strutting off.

His answering laughter made me smile all the way back to my suite.





Chapter Three



The next morning I was a little tired because thoughts of Gray kept whirling around my mind. A lot of them sexy thoughts. I missed breakfast with Catie and Kyle so they were already heading out to the slopes by the time I dragged my arse out of the shower.

Grabbing my ereader, I headed downstairs to the reception to double check the times for my manicure and pedicure appointments. Jeanette, the woman manning the desk, was so helpful and didn’t even blink when I asked her if there was a slot available for more treatments toward the end of my stay. I intended to use the hell out of that spa.

The reception area of the Snow Ghost Lodge was wonderful. As soon as I entered the building, it felt like I’d walked into a mountain retreat. To the left of the entrance was a large river-rock fireplace where a healthy fire snapped and crackled in a way that invited me toward it. There were comfortable couches and chairs near the fire for guests to warm up and opposite that was a table with cookies and warm cider I could help myself to. I considered curling up on one of the couches to read but I really needed my morning coffee.