To Love Again: A Sweet Romance (Forty and Free Book 1) (6 page)

He stood up and walked over to the bathroom. Once the water sprayed out of the shower head, he gave it some time to warm up. His intention was to head back home on the first flight. But something was tugging at his heart.

Lance had sent him on vacation for a reason. Although Gavin would never admit it to his face, he knew that Lance understood him better than anyone else.

Lance had been the first to point out to Gavin that things were falling apart with Amy. Gavin hadn’t even noticed. But Lance had. He’d warned Gavin, because he’d seen a change in him that not even Gavin had realized.

What had Lance seen in him this time that made him insist on a vacation?

Gavin peered in the bathroom mirror at his hair. Was that pale wisp gray or just a lighter shade of brown? He narrowed his eyes.

He’d never thought much about getting older. Not much had changed for him as he’d aged, but now, the more he focused on what might happen in the future, the more he understood why maybe Lance had been concerned.

Gavin had no plans for the future—nothing solid anyway. He would retire when he didn’t want to work anymore. But then what? Florida and shuffleboard? Nepal? He had no idea what to do with himself.

Maybe that was Lance’s point. There wasn’t much to life without having someone to share it with. At one time he’d considered children but when that wasn’t in the cards for him and Amy he’d
 
just let the idea go. He didn’t care much either way.
 

As he dressed, he thought about the vacation again. The room was nice. He didn’t have to be part of the dating scene if he didn’t want to. There might be an opportunity to get to know Nicole better—that was, if she stayed.

For the first time he considered that he might never see her again. Was he going to let such an opportunity pass him by?

He grabbed his phone, keys, and wallet. As he stepped out of his room, his gaze lingered on Nicole’s door. The stark white paint tempted him to knock, but he imagined her still sound asleep inside.

After Amy, the thought of engaging with another woman had left him very hesitant, but if he was being honest with himself, the way he was drawn to Nicole was something he’d never experienced before.

He made his way to the front desk through halls devoid of other guests Apparently, he was the only person who thought it was a good idea to wake up early on vacation.

Despite the hour, Tony was waiting for him at the front desk.

The scuff of Gavin’s shoes against the floor seemed to cause him to look up. His eyes narrowed and his lips tensed when he saw Gavin. It was an expression that Gavin was used to seeing in people. Lance had told him more than once that he had quite the ability to intimidate people. Gavin didn’t really mean for it to be that way—not usually anyway.
 

“Gavin, good morning.” Tony transformed his grimace into a smooth smile. “I’m sorry but I haven’t had a chance to arrange a flight yet for you. It’s a bit early.”
 

“That’s not why I’m here.” He leaned an elbow on the high counter of the front desk. His heart palpitated as he reviewed his decision in his mind once more.
 

“What is it that I can help you with? Would you like breakfast?” Tony’s dark brown eyes searched his in a way that indicated he was eager to figure out what he could do to help.
 

“I think I might stay.” It was difficult for Gavin to form those words. It was, in a way, submission to the idea that Lance was right. At least he wasn’t around to hear it. “Is that still a possibility?”
 

Tony’s smile spread so wide that his eyes crinkled at the corners. “Yes, absolutely it is. Is your room comfortable or would you like another?”
 

“The room is fine.” Gavin straightened up and glanced over his shoulder. Would she stay?
 

“If you’d like, I could set you up with some breakfast on the west patio. It has a great view of the mountainside.”
 

Tony’s words drew his attention. “Sure. That’s fine.”
 

“Give me about fifteen minutes. I could call your room if you’d like.”
 

“I think I’ll take a look around.” Gavin shrugged. “I didn’t really get a good look at the place last night.”
 

“I can give you a tour after breakfast.” Tony smiled again.

Gavin tried not to glare in return. The man was just a little too helpful.
 

“No thanks, I’ll look for myself. I want to make sure there are no more secrets about this place.”
 

“Just the one.” Tony laughed, then excused himself from the counter.

Gavin roamed from the lobby down a long hallway that led to another section of rooms. Some of the rooms had trays set outside the doors. He assumed they were occupied.

In his younger days the thought of single women all eager to be set up on a date might have thrilled him, but at that moment all he wanted to do was get away before anyone noticed him.

He turned a corner and made his way to a door that led outside. A large wooden deck stretched out before him. There were several lounge chairs, as well as a smooth floor which he assumed was used as a dance floor. Beyond the deck there was a large clearing with a few fire pits and several areas to sit. It was peaceful.

The deck wrapped around the corner of the building. He decided to follow it to see where it led.

When he rounded the corner, he saw several tables set up with white tablecloths and vases full of fresh flowers in the center. The gleam of sunlight reflecting off a covered silver platter led him toward one of the tables. Since there was only one place setting, he assumed that this was the breakfast that Tony had set out for him.

He pulled back the chair, just as the door that led to the resort swung open.

Chapter 13

Nicole lingered in the small library that Tony led her to. It was quite interesting to her that the resort had a library. A good book had been her only real escape from life for a long time.

As she waited for her breakfast to be prepared she tried to get interested in some of the titles. But her mind betrayed her. Again and again, her thoughts led her back to Gavin. Was he gone?

She was tempted to ask Tony, but she didn’t want to find out. She also didn’t want Tony to know that she cared. That might inspire him to set her up with a few dates. Instead, she browsed the books and tried to focus on the idea that she could have a nice vacation whether or not Gavin had stayed.

A few minutes later Tony stuck his head into the library.
 

“Your breakfast is on the west deck. Would you like me to show you where it is?”
 

“No thanks. I’m sure I can find it.” She waited until he was gone, then slipped out of the library. There was a better chance that she would spot Gavin if she was alone.

She wandered the interior of the resort, which was not as big as she’d expected. She knew there were upper floors, but she could explore those later.

When she spotted an area of the deck with tables and chairs, she assumed it was the west deck. She grasped the smooth metal handle of the door that led out onto the deck and pushed it open.

Just as the door swung out, she noticed Gavin as he pulled a chair back from a table. It was the only table that had a tray on it. She froze in the doorway. Had he planned this? Was he pulling the chair out for her?

When his eyes met hers they widened. His lips parted some. He appeared to be as startled as she was. Awkwardness spread throughout her body like cement. She couldn’t even muster up the good sense to say good morning. Luckily Gavin hadn’t turned into stone.
 

“Nicole.” His lips spread into a warm smile. “You stayed.”

Her heartbeat quickened. Was that happiness in his voice or was he just being polite?

“So did you.” She finally took a step forward and let the door fall closed behind her. “Or are you waiting for a flight?”
 

He continued to pull out the chair. “I thought I’d give relaxation a try. Care to join me?” He met her eyes as sunlight played off his lashes and cheekbones.

She had to look away as she felt a blush rising in her cheeks.
 

“Sure. If you don’t mind.” With every step she took toward the chair she pleaded with her clumsy feet not to trip or stumble. His eyes were locked onto her, and the last thing she wanted emblazoned on his memory was her falling flat on her face.
 

“I’d be honored.” He held on to the chair as she sat down in it.

The soft warmth of his fingers pressed against her shoulder blades. There it was again—that shiver that refused to be controlled.

As Gavin walked around to the other chair, Tony walked through the door with another silver tray. His brows knitted as he looked at the two of them. Then a smile relaxed his features.
 

“I see you two found one another again. How wonderful.” He set the tray down in front of Gavin.

Only then did Nicole realize that Gavin had been planning to dine alone. None of this was planned—which meant that she’d interrupted his breakfast.

Apologies rose to her lips, but they were silenced by Gavin’s steady voice.
 

“I suspect this breakfast will be the best I’ve ever had.” Gavin winked at her across the table.

Nicole couldn’t help but smile in return. He had a way of making her feel special even when she was mortified.
 

“That’s a tall order.” She shifted in her chair.
 

“I don’t think so. As long as I have your company, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.”

“Voila!” Tony raised the lids on both trays to reveal scrambled eggs, sausage, and a small dish of assorted fruit. “Would you both like coffee to go with that?”
 

“That would be great.” She nodded as the scent of the food wafted beneath her nostrils. Her stomach rumbled.
 

“Just some orange juice for me, please.” Gavin picked up his fork and began to pick at the eggs.
 

“This is so nice. Usually it’s just cereal or oatmeal for me in the morning.” She took a bite of her eggs. “Oh, these are good.”
 

“Are they?” Gavin lifted an eyebrow. “I’m always a little skeptical of food I didn’t make.”
 

“You cook?” Her eyes widened at the thought.
 

“For myself. I mean, I don’t know if it’s any good if no one else has tasted it, do I?”
 

“Sounds like you need some company.” She took another bite of her eggs to cover up her words.

Gavin scooped up some of his eggs and smiled at her. “Is that an offer?”
 

“I don’t know. Was it an invitation?” She grinned. Even though she was nervous and out of her element, for some reason he made her feel comfortable.

Gavin set down his fork without taking a bite. “Absolutely.”
 

“How can you say that? Now I know that you’re just trying to charm me.” She took another bite of her eggs and glanced over at the mountainside. The gnarled branches of the trees were full of bright green leaves. The bushes that surrounded them flowered with many different-colored blooms. It was similar to a postcard, only the wind stirred everything into a magnificent flutter. For a moment she lost herself in the sight of it.
 

“Nicole, why would you say that?”
 

His voice drew her back from the whimsical place her mind had retreated to. She shifted her gaze to him and did her best to ignore the way the wind riffled through his hair.
 

“You invited me to breakfast without knowing anything about me. So either you’re comfortable with such risks, or you’re not serious.” She paused a moment and then met his eyes. “Or perhaps you are only interested in what I’m willing to offer in return.”
 

“Wait a minute now.” Gavin slid forward in his chair and rested his elbows on the table. “You just accused me of something rather terrible. I invited you to breakfast because I feel a connection with you. I don’t feel that with many people. But maybe that’s one-sided?”
 

“I didn’t accuse you, I just made an observation.” She locked eyes with him. “I can’t say I don’t feel that same connection, but a connection doesn’t mean anything without substance.”
 

“Substance?” He sat back in his chair and laughed.

Anger bubbled up within her. Was he making fun of her? Had the novelty of the night before been just that—a novelty? Before she could speak Tony returned with their drinks.
 

“Here you are. Coffee and juice.” He set them down on the table, then took a slight step back. “Is everything okay here?”
 

Gavin’s laughter faded and he picked up his fork. “Fine. Right, Nic?”
 

“Nicole.” She tightened her lips.
 

“Sorry.” He glanced from her to his plate of food and then over at the mountainside.
 

“Okay if you need anything, I’m just inside.” Tony turned and walked away.

In his absence silence settled between them. Nicole busied herself with the task of preparing her coffee. By the time it was stirred Gavin was looking at her again.
 

“I’m sorry if I upset you. I’m really not good at any of this.”
 

“You could have fooled me.” She took a sip of her coffee.
 

“See, there it is again.” He folded his hands on the table in front of him. “Are you this skeptical of anyone that compliments you? That enjoys your company?”
 

His words struck a sore spot within her. She looked up from her coffee and right into his eyes. Maybe he was right.
 

“Maybe I’m just not good at this either,” she said, her voice quiet.

Chapter 14

“Maybe we both need to relax.” Gavin searched Nicole’s eyes for a sign of what she might be feeling. He assumed he’d already trodden into an emotional minefield. “I don’t really know how to do this any more.” He cleared his throat. “I want to get to know you, Nicole—no tricks or schemes. I’d just like the opportunity to see what this connection might be all about. No rules, no strings—just two people sharing breakfast. What do you think?”