Page 27 of Double Booked

“Afraid of what?”

“Of using the hot tub.”

“Why would I be afraid?”

“Because you’d have to wear a bathing suit, and you don’t want me to see you in it.”

She gaped at him, mostly because he was spot on.

“I won’t even look. I’ll go up to my room and stay there until you’re done.”

“How will you know when I’m done?”

“You can yell up the stairs when you come back inside.”

He was right. The bubbling water would probably do wonders for her aching muscles. Besides, why would he care about seeing her in a bathing suit? The man didn’t date and had never been in love. Maybe he wasn’t interested in women at all.

“I guess so,” she said.

“Good.” He held out his hand. “I’ll help you up.”

She shook her head. “I’ve got this.” He stepped back while she pushed herself up to standing, her muscles straining with the effort.

“I’ll go outside and start the hot tub while you change,” he offered.

“Thanks.” She decided not to argue, since he was just trying to be helpful. The hot tub was on the L-shaped deck, abutting the kitchen. He went out the side door while she went into her bedroom to change.

She’d packed two bathing suits, a one and two piece. She pulled the one-piece out of the drawer, glad that she’d brought it. While she was undressing, she heard the hot tub jets kick on. She was tugging up her swimsuit when she heard the floor creak outside her bedroom door.

“It’s all set. Enjoy your soak,” he said.

“Thanks,” she replied. Once her swimsuit was in place, she eyed herself in the mirror above the dresser. She’d reached the point with Patrick where she wasn’t self-conscious about her body, and he always seemed to like it. When he’d told her about Vanessa, she’d questioned everything. Maybe he’d grown tired of her, emotionally and physically. Maybe she didn’t turn him on anymore, and that was why he’d turned to another woman.

She could practically hear her sister yelling at her from Michigan. “What he did has nothing to do with you. You’re a beautiful woman inside and out, and someday he’ll realize what a big mistake he made.” Hope had said something similar after they’d broken up. Still, Eden couldn’t help wondering if she’d done something to cause him to stray.

Shaking her head, she turned away from the mirror and went over to the bedroom door. She cracked it open and poked her head out, making sure Cole had gone upstairs. The coast was clear, so she padded across the kitchen, opened the door, and stepped outside. The sun was still shining, and it was warmer here than in the park. Holding the handrail, she carefully climbed the steps, and then perched on the edge, dangling her feet into the water. The heat and steam instantly relaxed her, and after a few minutes, she eased into the water, immersing herself to her neck. She tipped her head back and rested it on the ledge, breathing deeply.

It was an “ah” moment, and the only thing that might have made it better was sharing it with someone else. She thought of her sister, and how much she’d love it here. Later, she’d call and tell her about the hike, including falling on top of Cole. Hope would get a big kick out of that!

As she lay there, the tension drained from her body, and she must have dozed off. The next thing she knew, a bird squawked loudly and roused her. She spotted it clinging to the side of a nearby tree. The bird was black and white with a red crested head and a pointy beak. It was pecking feverishly at the tree bark. Was this the pileated woodpecker Cole had mentioned? Too bad he wasn’t here to see it.

She wondered what he was doing and felt guilty about relegating him to his bedroom. He hadn’t complained about sore muscles, but he probably would have enjoyed the soak too. So far, he’d been the perfect gentleman, and she was starting to feel more comfortable with him. Still, the idea of sharing the hot tub seemed a little too intimate. It was best to maintain some boundaries.

After a few more minutes, she was feeling overheated. “Time to get out.” She stood, and then reached over and shut off the jets. At that moment, she realized she’d forgotten to bring out a towel. “Crap!” The woodpecker glanced at her, and then took off, gliding further into the trees. She looked around as if a towel would magically appear, cursing herself for her forgetfulness. She considered padding wet into the cabin, but the odds of slipping and falling seemed too great, especially in light of her earlier mishap.

She glanced up at the second-floor window and realized how close Cole was. Though she hated to ask for help, it was probably the best option. Cupping her mouth with her hands, she shouted his name and waited. When there was no response, she shouted again, more loudly that time.

Suddenly, the side door flung open, and he stepped out. “I’m right here,” he said.

She whirled and faced him, dripping wet, her body flushed with heat. His gaze roamed over her as if he were searching for an injury. Then he looked up and met her eyes. What she saw there took her breath away. Desire. She’d seen that look before, but not for quite some time. She crossed her arms over her chest. “I forgot a towel,” she said, almost defiantly.

“Stay put. I’ll be right back.” He sprang into action, disappearing into the house and returning a moment later with a fluffy white towel.

She took it with one hand while keeping the other arm locked over her breasts. The cool air had made her nipples harden, and she didn’t want him to notice or think it had anything to do with him. “Turn around, please.”

He tilted his head, looking incredulous. “What for? I already saw you.”

“Just turn around.”