The Tourist Attraction (Moose Springs, Alaska #1)(27)

“Hey there, Zoey Bear. Not an early riser?”

Stuffing her glasses higher on the bridge of her nose, Zoey looked up in confusion. “Graham? What are you doing here? At…how early is it?”

“Six forty-five?” Smiling at her winningly didn’t keep her eyes from widening.

“You’re insane.” She started to close the door.

“Wait, wait. I think you and I started on the wrong foot. Plus, hey, you owe me breakfast. I’m cashing in.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I think you’ve seriously downplayed just how incredibly painful it is to get kicked in the groin. Common courtesy rules say breakfast or at least a light snack is required in said situation. Yesterday, we were both busy, but I’ve got a solid three, three and a half hours before I have to be an adult today. What do you say?”

Zoey groaned. “I’m sure you’ll live. I’m going back to bed.”

This wasn’t going as well as he’d hoped. Time to up his game.

“I’m peeing blood, Zo. And I did keep you from serving hard time. Doesn’t that score me any points?”

Long lashes brushed her glasses as her eyes dropped down instinctively. An adorable blush filled her cheeks as she jerked them back up again. “You need to get checked out.”

“Naw, I’m good.”

“You just said you aren’t good.”

Chuckling, Graham stuffed his hands in his pockets, slouching his shoulders so he wasn’t towering over her. “I’ll live. No pressure, but I’d really like to buy you a cup of coffee.”

Setting her hip to the door, Zoey peered up at him, arms folded across her chest. “No pressure, huh?” Her eyes sparkled, even though her tone was dry. “You’re literally trying to guilt me into doing what you want. Maybe I wanted to sleep in. Maybe you’re not welcome here unannounced. Maybe I’m allergic to eggs and bacon. Did you ever think of that?”

Hmm. She had a point.

“What if I promised quiche?”

“Quiche is still eggs and sometimes bacon.”

“Yes, but only sometimes bacon.”

“Doesn’t negate the risk of anaphylaxis.”

“Are you actually allergic?”

“Not the point.”

“It feels like the point. Because if this is a breakfast food allergy issue, I’m happy to come back at lunchtime.” Setting his shoulder to the same side of the doorframe, Graham gazed down at her. “As a restauranteur, I take food allergies seriously.”

Her eyebrow climbed higher.

“Very, very seriously.”

“You can’t flirt with food allergies, Graham.”

“No? See, I thought this was going really well. I can switch topics if that helps. What’re your feelings on cinnamon rolls the size of your head?”

“Hmm.” Taking a moment to visualize, Zoey sighed. “I bet they don’t exist. And you can’t flirt with me when I haven’t brushed my teeth. I’m not even dressed.”

“So? I thought indecent exposure was your thing.”

Ahh, too far. With a waggle of one specific finger in his direction, Zoey closed the door in his face. Feeling his lips curving, Graham knew it was time to change tactics. Maybe he needed to be clearer in his intentions here.

“I know you’re still there,” Graham told her cheerfully. “I can see your shadow through the eyehole.”

“You’re an eyehole.”

“Probably, but I’d like for us to be friends. Come on, ballbuster. Let’s get some breakfast.”

“Or I could just call security.”

“Naw, I’m buddies with the owner’s son. They’re used to me.” He did his best to appear charming through the eyehole. “It’s my treat.”

“I don’t eat breakfast.”

“Everyone eats breakfast. Some just start later in the day than others. Let me make yesterday up to you. I don’t make a habit of scaring women, and I’d like a do-over.”

The door opened just wide enough for her to peer out. “I thought you said I owed you?”

Graham shook his head. “Naw, I think it’s mutual owing. I know a place that makes an excellent egg-free omelet with no bacon.”

“The five-star restaurant in the world class resort where we’re standing right this very minute?”

“Someplace where the napkins aren’t folded into swans or fans or dorkfish. Cinnamon rolls the size of your head. Warm, yummy cinnamon rolls.” He lowered his voice to sell the deliciousness of the offering. “But they run out quick. Are you in or out?”

Never one to fear a little pain, Graham risked the tip of his nose as he stuffed it into the one-inch opening of the door, earning himself a view of her pretty eyes and the curtain-darkened room behind her. Then a close-up of the security chain as she smirked and chained him out of her room.

“I take it that’s a no?”

Even though it was stupid, he found himself dreadfully disappointed. Graham didn’t know why, but he was dangerously close to liking this one, tourist and all.

“I’m in,” Zoey admitted, still leaving the chain up. “But if you’re lying about the cinnamon roll, I’m going to get revenge. I don’t know how, but the retribution will be swift and the justice ample.”