Page 48 of Privileged (Adrenalin)

“I’ve been here over a year, Al. You and Finn need your space.” I stuff a stack of folded t-shirts into my duffel bag.

“We have plenty of it since you’re hardly here.” My sister leans against the headboard and sticks out her lower lip, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

“Does that pouty act work on anyone other than Finn?” I shoot her a wry look as I add more clothes to the bag.

“Maybe.” She sticks out her tongue. “For real though, why would you want to live in employee housing? This has to be so much better.”

“Tiptoeing in after work so I don’t wake you guys up is hardly ideal. Plus, I’ll gain nearly an hour in the morning by not having to catch the bus to the resort for my shift.”

Though both are valid reasons—parking in particular since it’s a bit of a nightmare during peak tourist season—they aren’t the driving factor behind my decision to accept Carter’s offer. Ultimately it came down to the man himself.

First off, owner or not, he’s assuming a certain amount of risk by putting me up at the resort. There’s still a board of directors, and his father, who’d all probably object to this arrangement if they knewabout it. If he’s willing to jeopardize his position just to see more of me, that speaks volumes about his feelings, which is undeniably reassuring.

Second, in my heart I know Carter won’t do anything to influence my current or future jobs, and as long asIknow the truth about my career, it doesn’t matter what other people think. Admittedly, I still struggle with that thought process, but I’m trying to move past it, and what better way to do that than jumping straight into the fire?

Lastly, I think this could be the start of something good, and I want to explore it without interference from people who might mean well but would add unwanted pressure. Finn and Ally fall into that category. They’re protective of me, a result of the bullying I suffered growing up for being both smaller and gayer than other boys, and given they’re undecided about Carter, I don’t want to broadcast how much time I’m spending with him. Especially since I want to be with him all the time.

I have enough experience with dating to know that some of my feelings are due to lust. The adrenaline and excitement that comes with being close to someone you’re physically drawn to. My body aches for his all the time, and I want the freedom to satisfy that ache without having to be deceptive about where I am and what I’m doing. But being physically close to Carter is only part of the reason I accepted his proposition.

Ultimately, it’s what he didn’t do that made my decision. He didn’t pressure me to agree with him or pout about my reasons for wanting to think about things first. Instead, he told me I was incredible and gave me the space to decide for myself how I wanted to move forward.

Finn treats Ally with the same kind of respect, and that’s something I’ve always admired about their relationship. Watching them reminds me of the way my father looked at my mother. How they were both best friends and partners. Ultimately, those examples helped merecognize what a good thing I have with Carter, which makes him worth bending the rules for.

My sister and her husband don’t see that yet, though I know they’ll come around, especially since Carter’s started to consult Finn on his plans for the resort. Once they’ve had some time to accept each other as colleagues I’ll come clean about Carter being my boyfriend or lover or whatever he is.Damn Lennon for putting that word in my head.

“You’re young, sleep is overrated.” Ally brings me back to the present.

“So is having a roommate.”

She hucks a throw pillow at me. “Isn’t there some big wait list for employee housing at the resort? Tell me again how you got a spot.”

Carter and I rehearsed this part, so we’d have the same story. It doesn’t exactly eliminate speculation about us, but it glosses things over.

“It’s a tax thing. The resort has some rooms undergoing minor renovation, which would normally be a cost they have to absorb, but temporary employee housing is non-taxable, so they can claim the room.”

“And he offered it to you, why?”

I lift my shoulders as I spin to the dresser to get another stack of clothes. “Probably because I invited him to the bike race. I don’t think anyone else has invited him anywhere.”

“But you have to live through a renovation? Is that even legal? Don’t they have occupancy rules and stuff?” My sister scrunches her nose in distaste. In addition to being a fashionista, she’s a neat freak.

“It must be if he offered. And it’s not like a major renovation, it’s stuff like leaky faucets.”Please let that be the last question – this won’t hold up if she dives toomuch further.

“Do you at least get to use the amenities? Like the gym and the pool and stuff?” I can practically feel the wheels turning in her head.

“If I do, I bet I can have guests.”

“Maybe I should help you pack.” She hops off the bed and grabs a suitcase from my closet.

“Subtle,” I mutter under my breath.

“Hey, there’s not exactly an abundance of pools in this town. If my brother has access to one, who am I to tell him not to take it.”

***

A few hours later, I pull my trusty SUV into the parking garage and find Carter waiting for me, one of those rolling luggage carts in tow. He’s wearing jeans and a T-shirt instead of his customary suit, and his jaw has more stubble than usual, which makes the gleam in his eye seem more predatory.Does this man ever not look hot?

“Did you get everything, or do you need to make another trip?” His powerful stride sends a tremor through my body as he approaches and lifts the back door open.

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