“Oh, yes. I’m well known for it down the local pool.” I smile sweetly and pass him my mug. I don’t know why I feel the urge to needle him but every time I’ve met him, I have this desire to put him in his place. Him and his cockybrothers.
He takes the mug from me with a shake of his head, confusion furrowing his brow. A moment later he gives it back. I take a sip and savour the sweetness. “Hmm, that’s better,” I say, licking my lips. Our eyes meet and there is a flash of desire in his. Although it is entertaining being admired, I feel no pull towards him. Instead, I feel inexplicably angry and I don’t have the faintest ideawhy.
Max sniggers. “Fuck, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Hudson lost for words. I think you and I are going to getalong.”
I turn to Max. His brown eyes are twinkling with mischief. He oozes a boyish charm that I am sure most women lap up, but not me. “So long as you don’t try your chat up lines on me, we’ll get along justfine.”
Max laughs loudly. “It’s a deal,” he says, although there’s something about the way he’s looking at me that gives me the impression he’s a man who doesn’t keep hispromises.
“So, you’ve decided to stay then?” Bryce says, brushing a hand over his beard. He twists some of the hair between his thumb and finger as his strange, multifaceted eyes rove over myface.
“I don’t think so,” Hudson says, glancing at me. He’s angry now. “Louisa should go as soon as the snowstormpasses.”
I narrow my eyes at him. I get it, he can’t overpower me with his charm and good looks so now he’s using my one mistake against me. I think about what I have to return home to: a drunken mum and Christmas in A&E. Well, to hell with that. I am staying whether he likes it or not. “Actually, I don’t think I willgo.”
Hudson looks at me sharply. I can feel Bryce and Max’s hot stare, but I don’t look at either of them, too busy staring Hudson down. “I’m pretty sure I can use the facilities, so long as the guests agree to it and it doesn’t take from my duties. I had no-one to ask so, technically, I’ve done nothing wrong. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve had a long day and I need to go to sleep.” I slide off the chair and pick up my suitcase, throwing a look over my shoulder. “Breakfast will be ready at eight amsharp.”
With that I head back to my room, hoping I’ve made the right decision, but something deep inside tells me I may be making the biggest mistake of mylife.