Page 1 of Double Booked

One

Eden punched in the code and opened the door to the cabin. A quick glance confirmed it was the one she’d rented, with one major discrepancy. It looked like someone was already staying there. A suitcase overflowing with clothes lay open on the couch. Given the open floor plan, she saw into the kitchen where a series of food cartons were lined up on the counter. Sniffing the air, she detected the tangy scent of sweet and sour chicken.

“What the hell?” she huffed.

“My thoughts exactly!”

Startled, she swung around and faced the intruder. “Ohmigod! You scared me.”

“I scared you. What are you doing in my cabin?”

“Your cabin?” She shook her head defiantly. “This is my cabin.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “You’re wrong, lady, and I can prove it.” He came closer and took his phone out of his back pocket.

While he scrolled through it, she took a longer look at him. He was probably six feet tall with a lean, athletic frame. His hair was dusty brown and tousled like he’d been running his fingers through it. He was wearing a plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up, faded jeans, and brown hiking boots. His skin was tanned, like he spent a significant time outdoors. Finally, he raised his eyes—hazel with long lashes—and met her gaze.

“Here’s my receipt for the cabin. See for yourself.” He turned the phone toward her.

“That can’t be.” She pulled her phone from the front pocket of her purse that was still on her shoulder. Scrolling through it, she found her receipt and showed it to him. They’d both booked the cabin for the same period, four weeks beginning today.

He scowled. “They double-booked it.”

“How is that possible?”

He shrugged. “Computer glitch. Who knows?”

“Well, they need to fix this.” She scrolled through her phone again.

“What are you doing?”

“Calling the rental office.”

He shook his head. “It’s after five. They’re closed.”

Panic rose inside her. “So, what are we supposed to do?”

“You could go to a hotel.”

Her eyes widened. The audacity of this man! “Why should I be the one to leave?”

“Because I got here first.”

“What are you, in first grade?”

“Look, I’m not leaving. I paid for this cabin, and all my stuff is here.”

“I paid for it too. There’s no way I’m going to a hotel tonight.”

“Fine. Then I guess we’re both staying here.” He went past her and started shoving his clothes back into the suitcase.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Moving my stuff into the bedroom.”

It took her a moment to remember there were two bedrooms, one on the first floor and one in the loft, both with private bathrooms.

“Which one?” she said.