Page 39 of Love By The Falls

“What does he do? Where does he live?” Sage and Jane ask at the same time and I don’t know who asked which question first.

“We didn’t talk much about ourselves. We both knew it would only last the week, and we just really enjoyed the resort and each other.”

“Oh, Char, that’s even better than the lifeguard.”

“I thought you wanted me to hook up with the bartender?” I tease.

She waves me off. “Same thing.”

“So, you didn’t exchange numbers?” asks Jane.

I shake my head.

Sage waggles her eyebrows. “Sounds like they exchanged a lot more than that.”

Normally, I would give Sage an admonishing look, but I grin widely instead. “We did. And it was amazing.”

Sage presses her hands to her heart and closes her eyes. “Tell me more.”

I chuckle. “Well, the front desk mixed up the rooms and put me in his room. When I walked out of the bedroom in my bikini, he was sitting in the living room on his laptop wearing a full suit, looking all hot and sexy.”

“Damn, this stuff never happens to me.”

I laugh. “It never happens to me, either.”

“Then what happened?”

“Well, I was ready to grab my things and leave, but he insisted he preferred the quieter room and that I stay in the suite.”

Sage throws her hands up in the air. “Who does that? I can’t believe it. There’s no way he actually preferred the smaller room. He was being a gentleman.”

I thought the same thing, but hearing Sage confirm it warms my heart. I couldn’t remember the last time a man had done something so selfless for me.

“So, how did you two end up, you know… Did he knock on your door later that night and help tuck you in?”

“No,” I chuckle. “He invited me to go on an off-road adventure with him the next day, and I agreed.”

“I’m surprised,” says Jane. “You hate sitting in the backseat of my van.”

“I know, but I promised myself I would be ‘Opposite Charlotte’ this week.”

“Opposite Charlotte?”

“Yes. I did things I normally wouldn’t do, and it paid off.”

“You look tired but happy, Charlotte. I’m so glad.” Jane pulls me into her arms, and I hug her back.

“Hey, don’t forget about me.” Sage wraps her arms around both of us. “Shame you didn’t get his number. Sounds like he was good for you.”

“The trip was good for me. Thank you both for gifting it to me.”

Jane squeezes me tighter. “You’re welcome.”

I pull away from their embrace and square my shoulders. “Okay, I’m feeling better. Hit me with your news, Jane. I’m ready.”

Jane looks at Sage, and she bites her lip. Sage is never coy, so the gesture raises alarm bells in my head.

“What is it?” I ask. “It can’t be that bad. Charlie is safe and the two of you are okay. Is it my parents? Did something happen while I was away?”

---