What Happens Over Spring Break: A Short Story Anthology

by Anthology

  I nearly snorted. “So you’re telling me you met a man at a bar, in a hotel, and you went back to his room to cuddle?”

  “I know it sounds ridiculous, but he asked, and I just couldn’t say no. In fact, it was rather nice,” she said acting somewhat indignant. “Anyway, I called to let you know why I wasn’t there yet, but clearly you’ve kept yourself occupied. I’m guessing you’d be okay if I stayed in Atlanta instead of coming down there? I’m just… I don’t think I’m feeling up for it,” she said, sounding drained.

  I understood entirely, but I’d miss her. “I suppose I’ll have to find some way to occupy my time if you’re not coming.”

  She laughed. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll have no problem figuring that one out. Thanks for understanding, Lyss. Running away from my problems won’t fix them.”

  I bit my tongue from once again reminding her she didn’t need to get married. Whatever my sister wanted to do, her happiness meant everything to me, and I’d support her no matter what. We talked for a few more minutes, then made a date for a wine night when I got home.

  When I slipped back under the covers, Shane’s body rolled close to mine, and he slipped an arm around my waist. It felt natural. It felt right, and as I drifted off to sleep, I realized there was nowhere else I’d rather be.

  I exited the elevator and was practically floating across the lobby. Shane had left my bed with a kiss and a promise of a repeat performance tonight. I glanced around the hotel to see if I could catch a sneak peek of him. I wouldn’t mind lounging my pool watching him work. The idea was mouthwatering. But then I was stopped at the sight of him, standing just outside the doors. I was taken aback. He was wearing a dark suit, with a gorgeous lime green tie. A pair of expensive sunglasses covered his eyes, and when I walked towards him, I could hear the young woman nodding and writing on a notepad.

  “Yes, sir. Right away, Mr. Wellington. We’ll get everything set for you.”

  She turned and seemed surprised at my presence. She squeaked, and the sound made Shane turn to face me. His mouth dropped open, and I raised a brow. “Interesting pool boy, attire, Mr. Wellington.”

  He swallowed, and I saw his Adam’s apple bob up and down. “Alyssa,” he started, but I held up my hand.

  “Who are you?” I asked, taking a step back from him. My first instincts had been correct. I’d known, just seeing him the hot tub, that he didn’t fit the pool boy role. That he came from money. It didn’t matter. What mattered is that he’d lied. I didn’t understand.

  “I’m the same guy I was yesterday. The same guy you took to bed and woke up with this morning. I’m also the owner of this resort and CFO of Wellington Enterprises in the Atlanta division. I’m here to oversee renovations this summer.”

  My heart fluttered at the idea that he lived in the same town as me. That this could continue after the week’s end. I shook my head. That didn’t matter now. None of it did.

  “You lied to me,” I said, shocked as angry tears welled in my eyes.

  It was stupid. I’d known the man for less than twenty-four hours. Really, he owed me nothing. But last night had been special to me, and it hurt more than it should to know he’d lied. Or at least allowed me to believe what wasn’t true.

  “I agree that I could’ve been more forthcoming, but when I told you I worked here, I wasn’t lying. I do. I just have a few more zeroes in my bank account that I didn’t mention. Does that matter?”

  The question was both enraging and insulting. “No!” I protested. “Of course not. I don’t care what your position is or how much money you have. Like I informed you last night, I’m an independent woman, not a gold digger.” I poked him in the chest. “You brought it up. You pretended to be someone you weren’t. And then… then I slept with you!”

  He grabbed ahold of my wrist and drew me closer to his chest. His nostrils flared, and his eyes were hot on mine. “I may have misled you, Alyssa, but you were in that bed with me. You felt our connection. You know how good this could be. I was wrong, and I apologize. I swear, I didn’t mean any harm and I would’ve told you the truth today. Last night. God, last night was the best night of my life. Please, if you don’t believe in me, at least believe in that.”

  Gazing up at him, I wanted to believe it. I did. He was right. Our connection was so intense and immediate that it’d taken me off guard. But he lied. From the very beginning. What kind of foundation for a relationship was that?

  Before I could respond, a sleek sedan pulled up to the curb, and the driver got out and open rear passenger door. “Sir,” he said, nodding to Shane.

  “A moment.” Then he turned back to me and took a deep breath. My heart swelled when he stepped closer to me. “My cousin, Branson, needs me in Atlanta. He’s…not well, and there’s a long history, but I have to go.

  He pressed one final kiss to my lips. “I’ll be back. As soon as I can.”

  When he pulled away, his eyes searched mine. I wasn’t sure what he found, but a moment later the car was pulling away, and I was left alone to stare after him.

  I was lost in thought as I made my way back to the condo. It shouldn’t have been a big deal. In reality, all he’d done was conceal a few significant details about his life, and it’s not like he owed me anything. I just…felt like our connection was now tainted by his omissions. He’d labeled me from the very beginning, thinking I was a snob, and then made up some false identity. I felt like an idiot, and like many stupid women before me, my pride was damaged. I’d given him something special. I snorted. Not that special if I was willing to give it up less than an hour after meeting him, but still. I set my shoulders and glanced around my room, my eyes darting to the rumpled sheets that only reminded me of what’d we done. I pulled out my suitcase and began packing.

  When Shane returned, if he even did, I was long gone. Unfortunately, a slightly broken heart came along with me.

  I was so lost in the memory of that week we’d spent together that I hadn’t realized dinner was done, Branson had paid the bill, and Ari was getting into her coat. I felt something nudge my knee and looked up to see Shane’s, ugh, gorgeous smile. The hungry look in his eyes told me he knew exactly what I’d been thinking. My stupid heart fluttered when he leaned in close, his breath heating my skin. Regret washed over me. No matter how much time had passed, I still wanted him. He knew it. And then, when his lips hovered just above my ear, he gave me the sweetest promise.

  His whispered words set my soul on fire. “And you, sunshine… We’ll just see what happens at the wedding.”

  The End…For Now

  Stay tuned to see their explosive reunion in the What Happens At A Wedding anthology.

  Tessa Teevan is a twenty-something book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are who she spends her time rooting for. She’s a research analyst by day, reads/writes by night, and is married to a guy 15 inches taller than her, making them quite the pair!

  They currently reside just outside of Dayton, OH with two adorably grumpy cats. If she’s not writing or scouring through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find her curled up with her Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. She loves her sports almost as much as she loves her books. Her other obsessions include red wine, hot men, rock music, and all things Corey Taylor.

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