by Anthology
“She’s made a friend.” Beth raised her eyebrows and pushed out of the chair, and headed back to the bedroom. “Hold on, I have to change.”
“A friend? At a snooty resort?”
“It’s not snooty,” she called.
“Whatever,” Sam mumbled under her breath and reached for a bowl of nuts on the table. “So who’s the friend?” She popped an almond in her mouth.
“Trent Harrison.”
The almond caught in her throat and she coughed hard to dislodge it. “Trent?” She choked out the word when she got control of herself.
“You okay?” Beth poked her head out of the bedroom.
“Fine. What do you mean Jules is friends with Trent Harrison? Isn’t he the owner or something?”
Beth pulled a t-shirt over her head and joined Sam on the couch. She took the bowl of nuts from her. “Yup. Have you met him?”
She nodded and immediately cursed her body for the heated flush that crept over her skin at the mere thought of Trent Harrison. She could only hope Beth hadn’t noticed her reaction or she’d never hear the end of it. “He came into the Grizzly Paw and—”
“Ordered a burger?”
“How did you know?” She raised an eyebrow in suspicion at her friend and grabbed a handful of nuts.
“I told him you had the best burgers in town. Besides, he’s pretty cute, don’t you think?”
“I hadn’t noticed.” She stuffed the nuts in her mouth and wouldn’t look at Beth.
“Oh yes you did.”
Sam shook her head.
“He’s gorgeous, Sam. And you should see the way he is with Jules, he’s so…”
“Don’t tell me you’re falling for your boss.” The idea horrified her. But not because Beth shouldn’t be hitting on her boss, which she shouldn’t, but because if Beth did have a crush on him, she’d never be able to admit that she couldn’t stop thinking about the man since the moment he’d set foot in her bar. And those feelings were far from platonic. Despite the fact that he represented everything she hated.
“No.” Beth laughed and swatted her arm. “He’s not my type at all. And there’s no way I’m going to screw up the only physio job in town. Whether Jules likes it or not, we’re here to stay.”
Relief flooded through her, and Sam dropped her head onto Beth’s shoulder. “Good. I missed you.”
“Besides,” Beth said. “I’d never go after a man you’re so clearly into.”
Sam shot up and off the couch, staring at her friend, openmouthed. “I don’t know what…you’re crazy, I…why would you…ugh.”
“I’ve known you a long time, Samantha Burke, and I’m not blind. And quite honestly, I think it’s great. You haven’t dated anyone since Preston, and you’re way too young and hot to live like a nun.”
“I could say the same.”
“You aren’t a mother. You have no excuse.”
“I’m a busy business owner.” Sam grabbed her purse, before Beth started digging into feelings she couldn’t even explain. “Speaking of which. I should go. I can’t leave Archer in charge for too long or he’ll revolt.”
She waved to Jules as she made her way to her truck.
The girl put her tablet down and jogged toward Sam. “Wait up for a second. Did you meet my friend Trent yet?”
Sam’s face flushed again, and she nodded. “I did. But I didn’t know he was your friend. What are you doing hanging out with adults? Shouldn’t you be looking for friends your own age?”
“Whatever. He’s cool, though, right? And he gave me a job. I’m going to be working at the Springs a few days a week.”
“Aren’t you a little young for a job?” Sam tried to keep her voice light, especially when the kid she thought of as her niece was clearly excited about it. “Shouldn’t you be hanging out and having fun this summer? There’s plenty of time to work when you’re older. And you could always help out at the Paw if you really want something to do.”
Jules shrugged. “Nah. I like the Springs.” Sam tried to keep the hurt off her face. There was no way Jules could know that she hated the resort she so clearly loved, or the man she now idolized. Not that it was hate exactly that she felt for Trent, but…
“Whatever you say, kiddo. I gotta run, but promise you’ll come hang out with me soon, okay?”
“Totally. Maybe Trent can come, too. He said he loved the burger.”
“Did he?” Sam muttered more to herself since Jules had already turned and jogged back to her chair and her waiting tablet. “Did he really?”
~ ~
She was still thinking about Trent and the annoying way he managed to nose his way into every aspect of her life when she walked into the bar. Preoccupied by her thoughts, she didn’t notice Preston hunkered down in a corner booth until he practically jumped out at her.
“What the hell, Preston.” Sam put her hands up as a reflex to ward him off. “What are you doing?”
“I didn’t mean to scare you, Sammie.” Preston deftly slipped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest. He smelled good. Familiar. And it annoyed her that she thought so. “I was waiting for you to get back.”
She ducked down and slipped under his arms. “Why are you waiting back here? Sit up at the bar like a normal person.”
Preston flicked his gaze toward the bar and Archer, who’d noticed the commotion and didn’t look very happy.
“Ah,” she said. “Archer said something to you, didn’t he?” She shook her head. No matter how she may feel or not feel about Preston, she was going to have to have words with Archer about his involvement in her personal life. It was ridiculous. “Come on.”
For a minute, she didn’t think he was going to follow, which definitely said something about how badly Archer had threatened him, or Preston’s lack of courage. Or both. Either way, she was not impressed.
Archer opened his mouth to object to Preston’s presence, but Sam cut him off before he could say anything. “Everyone’s welcome in my bar, Archer.” She glanced between the two men, her eyes resting on Archer. “Everyone.”
“Whatever you say, boss.”
Preston settled onto a bar stool, and when Archer didn’t make any move to serve him, Sam asked, “What can I get you?”
“I actually came to talk to you, Sam. I miss you.”
Sam didn’t miss the way Archer’s back stiffened, and she was pretty sure if she listened carefully, she’d be able to hear him growl, too.
“Look.” She ignored Archer and addressed Preston. “I’m really busy right now and—”
“With the festival, I know. And like I said…” He reached across the bar and stroked the skin over her thumb the way he used to. To her surprise, instead of enjoying his touch the way she normally did, it grated on her. “I want to help however I can,” he finished.
She pulled her hand away. “I appreciate it, but—”
“Oh.” Archer interrupted them. “I almost forgot. Trent Harrison called for you.”
“Trent?”
“Who?”
“He said something about the festival and a band.”
Sam’s mind spun to keep up with what Archer was saying. In the few minutes she’d spoken to Trent, she’d certainly not mentioned the festival to him, and she had definitely not mentioned a band, because this year, the only musical entertainment she was going to be able to afford was the jukebox next to the pool table. And even then festival-goers would have to supply the quarters. What game was he trying to play? As if it wasn’t bad enough that he moved his big resort into town, now he was trying to nose in on her festival.
“Here.” Archer thrust a piece of paper toward her. “He left his number and said to call as soon as you got in.”
The numbers on the paper blurred as Sam thought of the man who’d be on the other end of the line when she dialed them. His deep voice and the way her name sounded when he said it. Smooth and sensual and… ”I should go see him,” she announced the second the idea popped into her head. There was no way she w
as going to sit idly by while he made plans for her festival. And whatever ploy he was trying with a band…she wasn’t having any of it.
“He said to call.” Archer eyed her suspiciously and shrugged. “Besides, I thought you said you weren’t hiring a—”
“I know what I said. And I don’t know what the hell he’s up to, but it can’t be good. I have to get to the bottom of it.” Sam stuffed the paper into her back pocket and grabbed her keys. “Preston, I’m sorry but I have to take care of this and—”
“Meet me for dinner.”
“Sorry, what?” Her mind was already on the task of dealing with Trent and the festival; she couldn’t deal with Preston on top of it all.
“Yes,” Preston said. “I know you’re busy and—”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen, Preston.” The words surprised her. She’d never turned him down and if he’d come in and offered her the same invitation a month ago, she knew her answer would have been different. But that was before.
“Pardon?”
“Oh, I think you heard her.” Archer looked as if he was ready to give her a high five or do a ridiculous fist pump or something. Sam ignored him.
“It’s not going to happen, Preston. I’ve moved on.”
The words where out of her mouth before she could think about their impact.
“What?”
“With who?” Both men spoke at the same time.
Sam looked at Archer, whose mouth was agape, his eyebrows wiggling comically. She smacked him in the chest. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It’s that guy from the other day, isn’t it?”
“Who? Trent?”
Her face heated at the mention of his name, and she wasn’t the only one who noticed. Archer laughed and she shot a glare in his direction.
“Sam, we can make this work.” He reached out for her arm, but she sidestepped him just in time. “We’re made for each other and I know you feel the same way. We belong together. We always have.”
For a brief moment, she let herself consider what he was saying. But even if he hadn’t broken her heart on more than one occasion in the past, or treated her like she was a disposable townie, she knew in that moment that it was never going to happen with him. “I’m sorry you feel that way.” She didn’t bother to soften her tone. “Because I just don’t feel the same way. But I’m sure you’ll find someone someday.”
Before he could say anything else, she turned and headed out through the bar. Sam didn’t let herself feel bad for letting him down. Not even when she heard Archer’s laughter and Preston muttering, “Oh, shut up.” There was nothing between them, and they both knew it. But with him officially out of the picture, Sam suddenly felt lighter, freer, and more…available.
CHAPTER 5
She didn’t want to like the Springs. And admittedly, she hadn’t been up the mountain road that led to the resort since they’d first broken ground on the monstrosity that she was sure to find as she rounded the corner of the steep mountain road. The resort was only a few minutes out of town, but the twisty road made it feel much more secluded than it was.
Sam drove her beat-up truck past a simple sign with The Springs written on it, went around one more bend, and then there it was.
It wasn’t ostentatious or gaudy or any of the things she pictured it to be. Instead, what she saw would have taken her breath away if she was the kind of girl to have her breath taken away by things as simple as well-designed buildings. It was much smaller than she’d expected. Maybe only eight stories at the highest point, but the majority of the building was low and consisted of glass and rock, as if it was trying to blend into the mountainside, which it almost accomplished.
She pulled her truck up the circular drive and was greeted by an attendee. To his credit, he didn’t even blink at her rusty pick-up.
“Good afternoon,” the man said when Sam opened her door.
“Um, hi. I just need to find a place to park.”
“Are you staying with us at the Springs?”
“No.” The word shot out of her mouth. She swallowed and tried again, a little softer. “No. I’m just visiting.I didn't think you were open.”
“Not officially.” The man smiled. “Enjoy your visit. I’ll park your vehicle for you.” He handed Sam a tag and waited for her to step down from the cab. She’d never experienced a valet before. Especially in the town of Cedar Springs. The whole thing was a bit over-the-top. But, with no other options, Sam snatched up her purse and hopped down.
“Thank you,” she mumbled and turned toward the main building.
Enormous glass doors greeted her, flanked on either side by water. She looked closer and it appeared to be a stream that wound around the building and under the slight bridge she stood on. The whole effect was so subtle, she would have missed it if it weren’t for the spotlights that pointed up from the water onto the walls of the building.
Sam tried not to be impressed, but when she walked through the doors into the main lobby, that plan went out the window. There was no way she couldn’t be impressed with the beautiful space. The glass and rock theme carried over inside, as well as the water. A perfect balance of modern and rustic, the entire effect was serene and stunning all at the same time.
She tried not to gawk, but it was pointless as she took in every detail. Every negative emotion she’d felt on her way up the mountain disappeared as the tranquil space worked its magic on her.
“Can I help you?”
The sweet voice shocked her, and Sam took a stumbling step back. She caught herself moments before she smashed into a potted plant. She looked up into the kind eyes of a pretty woman.
“Hi,” the woman said. “I’m Carmen. Is there something I can do for you?”
To Carmen’s credit, her gaze didn’t even flicker as she undoubtedly must have taken in Sam’s jeans and t-shirt. Definitely not spa or luxury resort wear. There was no judgment on her face, only kindness.
“I was just…I’m here to…” Sam stopped herself, took a deep breath and internally chastised herself. She was being ridiculous. It’s not as if she’d just set foot into the Royal Palace. It was a hotel, for goodness’ sake. And it wasn’t even open yet. She tugged on her t-shirt, smoothed her hair back off her face and tried again. “Hi. My name is Samantha Burke. I need to speak with Trent Harrison.”
Carmen’s face flashed with something Sam could have sworn was humor, and her lip flicked up into a tiny smile before it was replaced by the woman’s professionalism. “Absolutely. Come with me, and I’ll make sure he’s in.”
Sam followed the other woman across the tiled lobby floor, trying to discreetly look around. The actual lobby was fairly small and intimate, almost as if they were trying to create a sense of privacy.
“Just give me one second and I’ll make sure he’s in his office.”
Sam nodded and tried not to eavesdrop as Carmen spoke into a phone to someone who was obviously Trent’s assistant. Of course he’d have an assistant. He probably was the type of guy who used his assistant to pick up his dry-cleaning and run all his errands as well. Not sure where that thought came from, Sam tried to control her growing antagonism—admittedly probably fueled more by the desire she felt in her gut every time she thought of him rather than irritation.
“Trent’s in his office.” Carmen drew Sam’s attention.
“Trent?”
Both women turned to see another very good-looking and somewhat familiar-looking man walking toward them.
“Dylan.” Carmen held her arm out and the man slipped in for a hug and a kiss on the cheek that looked a lot more intimate than was likely intended. “This is Sam Burke. She’s here to see Trent.”
“Hello.” Dylan turned smoothly and held out his hand. His smile was genuine and completely disarming. “You’re the young lady of the infamous Grizzly Paw, aren’t you?” He shook her hand.
“I am.” Sam narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
“Word gets around,” Dylan said with an easy laugh.
“It’s a small town and Trent could not stop talking about—”
Dylan rubbed his arm where Carmen had just smacked him. “Your burgers. He couldn’t stop talking about how great the burger was.”
Sam wasn’t stupid; she knew there was more than was being said, but she also wasn’t in the mood to investigate. Besides, despite the fact that she wanted to hate everything about the Springs, so far it’d been quite the opposite, and that included the people. Carmen and Dylan both seemed to be genuinely nice people. The kind of people she could see herself hanging out with.
“Why don’t I take you to see my brother? I was just heading that way anyway.”
Sam stared at him. Of course. That’s why he looked so familiar. And now that she knew it, she could easily see the similarities between Trent and his brother. But there were differences, too. Where Trent was fair, Dylan was dark. And Dylan was slightly taller, and maybe a bit broader in the shoulders. But there was something else…Sam knew exactly what it was that set the brothers apart. Trent oozed sexuality. Just being in his presence made her stomach clench, and a heat grow deep in her belly. She’d never felt anything like it before, and who was she kidding, she hadn’t been able to get that particular feeling out of her head.
“Thank you,” she said after a moment. She sincerely hoped the heat she was feeling in her body didn’t show on her face. “I forgot you were brothers.” Dylan raised his eyebrow and with a wink, she added, “Word gets around.”
They left Carmen at the front desk, and Dylan led her to the back of the lobby, where the room opened up, leading to an expansive corridor. One entire wall was glass, so it almost felt as if they were walking right in the mountains, instead of in a posh resort. The other wall was one enormous wall of water, slowly trickling into an unseen pool. The sun coming in through the windows lit up the space, glittering off the water. The result was magical.
Sam stopped in her tracks and stared all around her.
“I keep forgetting how amazing this is.” Dylan stopped next to her. “It’s pretty spectacular, isn’t it?”
