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“I didn’t want to share a space, Ness!” I snap, frustration bubbling up again. “I came here to relax, to get away from everything. Not to… deal with this.”
I throw my hands up in exasperation, pacing around again.
“Well, how does he look?” Ness’s voice practically hums with anticipation.
I pause for a second, trying to find the right words. “Girl, he’s built like a Greek god. I’m talking tall, broad shoulders, eyes that are this mix of blue and green—like the ocean, you know? And his arms? Let’s just say, he’s all muscle.”
She bursts into laughter, her amusement contagious. “Wait, wait—you’re telling me he’s that good-looking?”
I roll my eyes, even though she can’t see me. “Yes, he’s that damn fine. I swear, it’s like he stepped out of a magazine or something.”
“Well, then,” Vanessa says with a chuckle, her tone teasing, “it sounds like you’ve got a fine problem on your hands. I mean, come on, Ivy. A guy that looks like that, and you’re stuck in the same room with him? If I were you, I’d be making the most of this situation. You never know what could happen!”
I can practically hear the wink in her voice, and I can’t help but laugh, even though I’m still kind of stressed
I pause. “What are you talking about? We’re panicking, remember? His hotness doesn’t matter now!”
“Oh, honey,” she teases, “if this guy is so ‘fine,’ you might just be in for a little unexpected vacation romance.”
I groan and sink into the comfortable white sofa in the living room, rolling my eyes. “Girl, that man doesn’t want anything to do with me. He’s rich, arrogant, and way out of my league. He’s the kind of guy who dates models or women with status—not me, just some girl who’s here to get some peace and quiet.”
She signs heavily on the other end of the line. “You are not just ‘some girl,’ Ivy,” Ness fires back, her voice full of conviction. “You are gorgeous, and you need to remember that. You’ve got so much to offer. And if this guy can’t see that, it’s his loss.”
I feel a warm flush spread across my cheeks, grateful for my encouraging best friend. “Thanks, Ness. But I’m still not sure how I’m supposed to handle this.”
“Well, first things first, is there a lock on the bedroom door?” she asks, her voice calming again.
I immediately stand to my feet and walk over to the door, which is closed. I open it, step inside, then lock it to put our minds at ease. “Yeah, there is,” I reply, though I can’t shake the feeling of being on edge.
“Good. Make sure you lock it when you sleep tonight. Other than that, just take a deep breath. Relax. You can handle this. Don’t let the resort’s mistake and one rude, good-looking guy ruin your time, okay? You’re there for you. Enjoy the space, the peace, and—if nothing else—the privacy of your room. You’ll be fine.”
I nod. Even though I still feel a little unsure, there’s not much I can do about it today. “Okay. I’ll try. Thanks, babes.”
“I got you, girl,” she says, her voice warm with affection. “Just remember, you’ve got this. Okay?”
“Got it,” I say with a smile, even though I know she can’t see it. “Love you.”
“I love you, too. Take care of yourself, Ivy. You deserve this vacation, no matter how chaotic it’s been.”
Just before I hang up, she calls out, “Oh, and Ivy?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t forget to use a condom, okay honey?”
“Girl—bye!” I say, laughing.
She bursts out laughing too, and we’re both still laughing as the call ends.
The line goes dead, and I’m left in the stillness of the room. I take a deep breath, letting her words settle in. I’m here now, stuck in a hotel with a stranger, but I’ll make the best of it. After all, it’s not like the universe hasn’t thrown worse at me before.
As I stare at the door, my thoughts swirl again, but this time, I feel just a little bit better.
I start to panic all over again, but I calm myself down. I shake my head. No, Ivy, you need this. This is your chance to reset. You can handle a grumpy roommate. Just keep your distance.
I step out and grab my suitcase, dragging it into the bedroom and letting the door shut behind me. I let out a sigh as I collapse on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. I try to focus on the tranquility of the room, the peaceful sounds of nature outside, but all I can think about is Carter. That damn smirk of his. And that ridiculous, insane, undeniable pull I felt toward him.
I’m not here for that. Not here for anything except peace and quiet.