Page 412 of His Virgin Romance Series

BRIE

Iwas in one of the resort’s four luxury pools, thrilled at the idea of being able to swim in December. The water of the heated pool was refreshingly comforting. I completed my twentieth lap and got out of the pool to relax on one of the lounge chairs with a drink and a good book.

There was an older couple on the opposite side of the pool, sleeping under their sun umbrellas, and a middle-aged gentleman floating around in the deep end. Other than a few resort employees walking around, there was no one there. It was calm, quiet, and relaxing. But as peaceful as it was, I felt a little forlorn. It was slightly depressing to be at such a romantic resort all by myself.

I adjusted my black-and-white polka-dotted bikini, wiped myself off roughly, and lay down on the lounge chair, which had been set up with soft fluffy cushions for added comfort. The margarita I had ordered was only half empty, so I took a sip and picked up the book I was reading. I was so immersed in Fiona Barton’s world of mystery and intrigue that I didn’t even notice Alani approach until she was standing over me, casting her shadow over my page.

“Alani,” I said, marking my spot and setting the book down. “Sorry, didn’t see you there.”

“How are you doing?” she asked. “Can I get you anything?”

“Nothing at all,” I assured her. “I’m just enjoying the sun and the water.”

I had been at the resort for three nights now, and I had seen Alani every day. We had actually developed a friendship of sorts, sneaking in conversations between her shifts and between my trips to the beach. Alani was an easy person to talk to. She was friendly, open, and endearingly inquisitive. It helped that she didn’t seem to consider me a guest, and she often regaled me with funny stories about the other guests and their little idiosyncrasies.

“Have you finished exploring the resort?”

“Just about,” I nodded. “It’s massive.”

“It is.”

“The game room is crazy big,” I said. “Unfortunately, I can’t really play many games by myself. So I’m limited to swimming, reading, and exploring.”

Her expression turned sly. “You could always ask Mr. Dubois to accompany you,” she suggested coyly.

I snorted. “He’s way too busy to give me the time of day,” I said. “I haven’t seen him since the day I arrived.”

“Brie,” Alani said, leaning in towards me slightly.

“Yes?”

“You and I… We’re friends, aren’t we?”

“I think so, yes,” I smiled.

“Good, then can I ask you a personal question?”

I laughed. “I should have known that question was a trap. Okay, go ahead and ask me anything.”

She smiled. “Is there something between you and Mr. Dubois?”

I had been expecting the question, but I still paused to consider the possibility. “No,” I said, after a moment. “There definitely isn’t anything between Seth and me.”

“Oh,” she said, sounding disappointed. “But…you like him, don’t you?”

“Well…”

“It’s okay,” she said. “Half the female staff here is in love with Mr. Dubois. He’s a very handsome man…and so young to be so successful.”

“Yup, that’s Seth,” I said flatly. “Mr. Perfect.”

She laughed. “You do like him.”

“Or maybe I’m just annoyed with how perfect he is,” I pointed out.

“Love and hate aren’t too far apart, Brie,” Alani told me.

I groaned. “Fine, yes,” I admitted. “I do like him… I’ve liked him for a long, long time now.”

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