A soft giggle escapes her but she quickly bites her lip to stop any further laughter from escaping. It’s a really nice sound, something about it tugging at my attention in a way I don’t like, but I push it aside. She’s not my type – too innocent looking. Although…
The scent blockers mask her fully now, but earlier, when she’d come out of the kitchen flushed and distracted, I’d caught the faintest trace of something beneath the chemicals. Something light, summery. It had been gone before I could process it properly, but now I wonder…
Mentally, I consider my options for the challenge, wondering if there’s any that Lani would fit. I guess sex in public might work, although a deserted beach at night wasn’t quite what I had in mind when I listed that option for the two of hearts.
No. Not tonight. I’m too fucking tired after being forced to spend so long in my father’s company. I already resigned myself to passing on tonight’s challenge, so here’s hoping Koa and Kai haven’t made a start either.
Not that I’m thinking about them.
Not really.
“I’m sorry you had such a shitty shift,” I tell her earnestly once all thoughts of bedding this timid beauty have been firmly laid to rest. “I bet you’re sort of used to it though. The tourists can be a bit of a handful too, right?”
“Umm, I wouldn’t know. Tonight was actually my first shift.”
Guilt crushes my chest and I absentmindedly rub at my breastbone. First shift. And it had to be with us. Fuck. “Oh that really fucking sucks.”
“Baptism of fire, what doesn’t kill you, blah blah blah.” She’s so blasé about it, but I can see how tired she looks. Not just tired, worn down. Not just exhausted, but guarded, that sadness behind her eyes making me want to smooth it away.
“Please, allow me to give you the tip that our table should have left you,” I say, pulling out my wallet and offering her the entire stack of bills that’s in there. I don’t count it, but I know that it’s a more than generous tip. However I also know that dealing with my father on top of being assaulted on your very first shift is fucking priceless, so if I had more to offer her right now, I would. No amount of money is worth what she endured tonight.
She shakes her head without even glancing down at the wad of cash I’m offering.
“Oh no, I couldn’t. There’s no need.”
“Please. I insist.”
“I’m sorry. I wouldn’t feel right taking it. No.”
I stand there, staring in shock, with my fist full of cash hanging limply by my side.
This is a first. Most people are out to get what they can from me – money, status, whatever they think I can offer them. But Lani? She wants nothing from me.
It’s refreshing, if slightly offensive that she’s not interested in me.
I feel foolish, too awkward to put it away and saysuit yourselfbut I’m also impressed by this chick.
Wounded, I fall into step beside her as she heads up the hill towards the main road. I’ll have to veer off in a minute to go to the guys’ house but something about leaving her on her own out here doesn’t sit right with me.
“Are you waiting for a lift or something?” I ask.
“I’m staying in one of the houses just up here for the summer.”
“Not staff accommodation?” Usually the recruits jump at the opportunity for free lodgings all summer. Most of the staff are into watersports and spend their downtime at the beach.
She shakes her head. “I’m at Duneview.”
“Doris’ place?” I cock my head to the side, wondering if I’ve misheard her.
“Yeah. You know her?” She asks.
“Everyone knows Doris. I didn’t think she rented her house out though,” I reply.
“She doesn’t. I’m staying there for free. I’m family.”
I stumble, catch myself, turn towards her. I’m sure the look on my face is a picture. “You’re Doris’ family?” I don’t mean to sound so incredulous but…no way. Old Doris doesn’t have any family.
“Mmm-hmm. She’s my grandma.”