120 days...

by Stratton, M.

  “Ha! There is no letting me win.”

  “See, there’s my girl. Come on.” He pulled away and tipped her chin up. “I’m serious, Sam, don’t let them win. What you do is important. It means so much to so many people. You know this. Remember when you first had the idea for Last Resort. Remember when your first guest, Kenneth, arrived. Remember the days he spent with you. Remember how he died and every single guest after him. Think of the difference you made in their lives. You gave them extra days, extra days to live. Samantha, everyone should know how amazing you are. Those people,”—he shook his head—“I’m sorry I ever knew them. They’re the ones who need to wake up. Just like you made me wake up. What you do blows me away. You blow me away every day with your devotion to your guests, your cause. More people need to know how wonderful Last Resort is. I can tell you, that their opinion isn’t what most people with half a brain would have.”

  Sam smiled sadly at him. “I know, Ethan. It still hurts, but I know what I do matters. You don’t need to worry about me. I guess I’m a little emotional today.”

  “A little?” He tried to tease a smile out of her. “Because I’m pretty sure I’ve got proof somewhere you’ve been a tad bit over the top today.” He burst out laughing when she glared at him. “When was the last time you spent a night away from the resort? Years, I’d be willing to bet. Let us have this night. Don’t let them ruin it. Please, who knows when we’ll get another one like it. When the two of us can get away together.”

  Her face was beautiful as her thoughts spun. He picked out confusion when her brows pulled together and shock that he knew her so well, as she blinked her huge eyes rapidly. Finally hope and resolution settled on her face when she smiled softly at him. “Let’s go,” he said. “I know exactly what we can do.” He spun her around and pulled her back into him, dancing off down the street back to his car with her laughing at him. This he thought, was a perfect moment.

  Sam lay back with her head on a pillow and couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed so much in one evening, especially considering they took the whole ‘laughter is the best medicine’ approach to heart up at the resort. Once they were back at Ethan’s house, he made a huge production of setting up a picnic in the middle of the living room with the food they’d purchased from a second stop at the store. Lighting the candles around the room, she could tell they’d never been lit before. No doubt they were put there by some designer to make the place seem less cold.

  They spent the rest of the evening talking, playing games, listening to music, and spending time together with no other obligations hanging over either one’s head. She had to admit, it felt good. Deep down, she knew the resort could run without her. Maybe it was time for her to take some personal time, here and there. A night off, away, every once in a while.

  “Here, have some more.” He poured her another glass of wine.

  “Why, Mr. McGregor, are you trying to get me drunk?”

  “Hardly. I still remember what happened the last time we drank together . . . well, most of it anyway.”

  “It’s what you don’t remember that you should be scared of.” When his eyes opened wide, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Just kidding. You should have seen your face. Priceless.”

  “I’ll show you priceless,” he growled. Moving quickly, he rolled over, pinning her legs down with one of his. Grabbing both of her hands, he held them tightly in one hand while the other tickled her side.

  “Stop . . . not . . . fair . . .” she said around fits of giggles.

  His fingers paused. “You want to know what’s priceless? Hearing you laugh.”

  Flexing his fingers at her side, she didn’t laugh this time when he leaned in closer. His eyes were intense and so close to hers. The heat of his body washed over her and warmed her soul. It felt so right, his weight partially on hers. She wanted more.

  Licking her lips, she lifted her head and captured his lips with hers. Slowly, her head fell back on the pillow, and his followed hers, never breaking contact. Moving, he let go of her hands. Once they were free, she used them to touch him. She wanted to feel all of him.

  “Are you sure?” he asked softly in her ear.

  “I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

  Gathering her up in his arms, he stood, his eyes locked on hers as he walked to his bedroom. Butterflies filled her stomach anticipating what would happen next.

  Day 31

  Ethan–

  You know I thought going down into the city would have made me realize how much I missed it, but it had the exact opposite effect on me. It made me realize how much Last Resort has healed me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still dying, but in my soul I’m at peace. When it all comes down to it, I’m really not the city boy they used to call me. I think I like the quiet better.

  You should stop and listen once in a while.

  Evan

  The first thing Ethan noticed was the lack of quiet. For weeks now, it had been silent when he woke up, no city hum to greet him. He found it jarring, irritating him, and making him want to lash out. Usually he slept with the window cracked at the resort, the crisp morning air helping him wake up. But in the city, he kept the windows closed, all year around. No one wanted to smell exhaust fumes.

  He felt the uncontrollable urge to go to the resort; he didn’t belong here. It no longer felt like his home anymore. While it was familiar—he’d spent years here—it didn’t have his heart. Last Resort did. Samantha did. Samantha . . .

  Reaching over to the other side of the bed, he wanted to gather her up in his arms, but they came up empty. His eyes flew open. He couldn’t tell if she was still there or not. He leapt up, pulled on his pants and raced out of the room, skidding to a halt when he saw her curled up on the couch, looking out the windows. The bright sun reflected off the water and, as promised, the bridge was visible. Breathing out a sigh of relief, he changed direction and went into the kitchen, filling up a coffee cup and enjoying the first morning taste of it before walking back out and sitting down next to her.

  “You were right,” she said.

  “I usually am, but about what specifically?”

  “Ha! Keep telling yourself that.” She nudged her shoulder at him. “But you were right about being able to get back up to the resort around lunch time.” She waved her phone at him. “Everything I’ve been able to check says that while there has been some damage, it wasn’t too bad. The worst is the phones are out, along with a cell tower, so I haven’t been able to talk to anyone up there yet.”

  “Well, that’s great, but why don’t you look happy?” He hoped she wasn’t having second thoughts about their night together. He’d never had that kind of connection before, and he didn’t want to lose it.

  “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about last night. I’m sure you can figure it out. I typically don’t go jumping into men’s beds, but I also know there are no guarantees in life. I don’t need any promises, empty or otherwise. I’m a big girl, and know everything can change in a moment. I need you to understand I’m going to take this for what it is and not ask you for anything.”

  He frowned at her, trying to understand what she was saying, or not saying. “Why are you talking like this?”

  “Ethan, I’m not some young naïve girl. Look around here.” She waved her arm. “This isn’t me. There is nothing here that could fit into my resort. This is so far from what the resort stands for, but this is who you are, this goes with your job, where you make your money. I can’t see you staying at the resort, and I’ll never ask you to.”

  Standing up, he started pacing the room. Hadn’t she heard anything he’d been saying over the last couple of weeks? She was confusing him and he needed to know why. “Sam, what’s this all about? You know this means nothing to me. It’s like the resort has seeped into my system so completely, it’s changed me, made me a better person. I don’t think there could ever be anything to make me leave.” He stopped in front of her and dropped to his knees. “Don’t you und
erstand? You are what makes the resort. Without you, there’s nothing. You both go together. It’s not just the place that’s in my system, you are who I don’t want to leave. Do you understand what I’m saying to you?”

  “But those people last night.”

  “Screw them. You didn’t stick around to see the look on Peter’s face. He knows his business dealings with me are done and he’s scared. I’ve made him a lot of money over the years, and now he has to come up with something else to keep Marissa happy.” He laced his fingers with hers. “Sam, I have more money than I know what to do with. Don’t you understand what this could mean for the resort? Think of the wildest dreams you’ve ever had for the place. I can make them all happen for you. You’d never have to stress about running out of money, ever again. You’d be able to help so many more people. We could build something even more amazing, together.” He looked at her with hope in his eyes. He was asking for more than just to be part of the resort with her. He tried to appeal to her first as a businessman, which was what he knew. All these feeling he had for her were so scary, he didn’t know the right way to approach her, so he fell back on what he knew. Money.

  She shook her head. “I can’t take your money. That’s not why I’m here.” Wiggling her fingers, she tried to free her hands, but he wouldn’t let go.

  “Please, I know that. I think we’ve established I’m not an idiot. I didn’t come from nothing to making all this money by being stupid. If it makes you feel better, we can become partners in the resort. Your knowledge and my money.” He was panicking. He didn’t want to lose her and was grasping at straws. He’d take being business partners to begin with before they moved on to their personal relationship.

  “No, no, Ethan. I won’t take your money.” She held up a hand when he started to speak. “But, I will allow you to do certain improvements, which I have to approve of, on the property. You can get that look off your face, no you aren’t going to run amok spending money. There are a few things I’d really love to have done and I don’t want to wait ten years to be able to finish them all. And it will be a loan. We’ll draw up the paperwork and I’ll pay it back.”

  His first reaction was relief. She was receptive to the idea of him staying and helping her. She didn’t know how much it took for him to approach her with this and knowing everything was going to change between the two of them excited him. Then he narrowed his eyes at her. He should have known she’d be too stubborn to take the money right off the bat. He was losing his touch, he wanted both. But sometimes it was better to take what you could and try to rework the idea later. “Fine, but no interest.” This time, he stopped her with a hand. “No arguments. We’ll draw up what you want to do and a budget for each and I’ll wire the money to your account. But there will be no interest. Please, do you really think I want to take money away from the guests?”

  “No, no, you wouldn’t.” She looked down. “Thank you. This is going to make a huge difference.”

  “Anything for you. Anything.” He lifted their hands and kissed the back of hers. “Now, let’s get back up there, so we can put your worries to rest.” It amazed him how far he’d come since he’d first believed she was somehow scamming people, trying to get their money, to ending up possibly giving her a million to do with whatever she wanted. He couldn’t put a price tag on finding out who he was and finally realizing the type of man he was born to be.

  Tension rode Ethan’s shoulders the whole journey back up the mountain; the drive was far from easy. Thankfully, the weather had improved, but debris littered the road and some of the asphalt was washed out, so they had to carefully go around large rocks. He was grateful he’d taken so many years of defensive driving and racing classes. Looked like another one of his hobbies was going to end up paying off and helping Samantha. The closer they were to the resort, the more tense he became. What if Sam’s fears happened? What if one of the guests needed help and was unable to get any? What if one of the trees fell on a building? He was desperate to get there to make sure everything was okay.

  Once they drove through the gates, a breath of relief whooshed out of his lungs. Everything looked good, so far. He took the road as quickly as he could and parked in front of the main house. Staff came out to greet them and help unload. He listened to everything they were saying to Sam. They had kept everyone in the rec center, together. Most of the guests thought of it as an adventure, while others didn’t care one way or the other; they rolled with whatever was suggested.

  He locked eyes with Sam and could see the tension, which had been around her eyes, was gone. She too was feeling better just being home and knowing everything was okay. Once everything was unloaded, Ethan parked the van in the barn, making sure nothing was leaking from the undercarriage. There were a couple of times it scraped on rocks during the drive. When he was satisfied everything looked good, he wondered what came next. He knew they’d both have things to do since they’d been gone for so long, but what would happen after that? He didn’t want to spend any time away from her. After one night with her he didn’t want to fall asleep without her in his arms.

  Turning to walk out of the barn, Ethan saw her standing in the open doorway with the light coming in from behind her, he thought she looked like an angel and he wondered how he got so lucky. “Hey.”

  “Hey yourself.” She kicked at the dirt with her shoe. “So . . .”

  “So . . .”

  “I was wondering, if maybe . . . Please don’t feel like you have to say yes . . . I mean . . .”

  He walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Samantha, just ask.”

  Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. “If you want, you could spend some time over at my place.”

  Feeling a tremor run through her body, he knew she was asking for more than just him going over there for dinner and maybe spend some time together in the evenings. She was asking for more. He wanted more. “I’d love nothing more than to be with you, every day.” He leaned down and kissed her softly.

  Her dreamy eyes looked up at him and everything in his being fell into place. She was now his home and he’d no intention to ever leave it.

  Day 37

  Ethan–

  I feel good, so good sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m dying. I wake up every morning, thankful for another sunrise. I go to bed every evening thankful for the sunset. It’s the little moments that make everything worthwhile.

  Evan

  Since they had all worked together to get everything cleaned up from the storm the day before, the scavenger hunt was still on. A couple of the employees had a fun time making up the clues for the rest of the staff and the guests. The guests said that both Sam and Ethan were disqualified from joining in and had to stay in their designated areas for the day.

  Sam had strict written instructions that she was supposed to stay hidden in her office all day long. It also said that someone would deliver her food, and she could call down and have people bring her things, but she couldn’t step foot outside. She had to make sure she was ready to go, in costume, at exactly six in the evening. That was it, no more, no less. Her fingers itched to open the zipper on the bag and see exactly what it was. She was told to give herself about an hour to get ready.

  Shaking her head, she tried to get back to work, but she kept hearing the guests shuffling around, shouting out to each other about how far along they were. There was no denying they were having fun. She wondered what Ethan was doing and what his costume was.

  Opening her files, she started organizing all the projects in order of importance. Ethan was almost done with the work-out room, so she could cross that one off the list. She tried to look everything over with an objective eye and see which ones would be the most beneficial to the resort.

  When she had the surveyor come out to check the land for the supposed gold mine a few years back, she’d also had him map the land, where the best places to build would be. There was one piece of land, closer to the main road, which was the best for a large
building, larger than the main house. If she could build that, she’d be able to help twenty more guests at a time. She could move the guests out of this building and use it all for staff purposes, which in turn would mean she’d also be able to hire more staff, which would then end up being more of a weekly expense.

  Quickly, she started to figure out numbers, all with the thought that no guest would be able to pay for their stay. With the extra staff and care expenses, she’d run out of money in fifteen years, assuming there would be absolutely no income coming back into the resort, which wasn’t going to happen. Some were able to pay for all of their care, others just a portion, though every little bit helped. They also had people who would donate to, or sponsored guests.

  The question was should she play it conservative and maybe do something else with the money Ethan was going to loan her, or help more people, quickly. She crossed over to the big old chalkboard and started writing down the pros and cons for each. When she was done, she closed her eyes and shook her head; of course, she had equal numbers on both sides. Why did it seem everything was coming out even lately?

  When her phone rang, she walked back over to her desk and answered. “Hello.”

  “Well, hello there, sexy lady. I’ve missed you today,” Ethan said.

  A grin formed on Sam’s lips at the sound of his voice. “Me too. I’ve been going crazy being stuck in here all day. Where do they have you?”

  “Let me put it to you this way, the gym will be all ready to go tomorrow. Complete with working showers, which is lucky for you, otherwise I might end up being smelly tonight.”

  “That’s great!” She looked at the clock. It was only four. “They said it was going to take me an hour to get ready. I so want to peek and see what the costume is. Have you?”

  “Nah, I can wait. But I did just finish up testing out the shower, so I’ve got nothing to do for an hour. They said it was going to take me an hour to get ready too. I can tell you that did make me a little nervous. I’m a guy, how can it take me an hour?”