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I close my eyes, trying to forget about everything that’s happened today.
Soon, I’m sound asleep.
CHAPTER 4
Carter
“Go away!” she screams from inside the bedroom.
It’s almost noon, and she still hasn’t stepped out of the room. If I want to get my belongings, I need her to wake up and let me in.
“You know, I think I may have to evict you. You’re really becoming a pain in my ass,” I respond, leaning against the doorframe.
“Okay, fuck off now,” she groans, and I assume she rolls over, ignoring me.
I smirk. “Hey, Tornado, I need to get my stuff out of there, so why don’t you pretend it’s daytime and let me in, huh?”
A moment of silence passes before I hear her muffled voice through the door. “You’re hilarious. Give me a second.”
The door creaks open, revealing Ivy with messy hair and sleepy eyes. Her robe barely covers her, and for a split second, I forget why I even knocked. The way the soft fabric clings to her curves, sliding just slightly off her shoulder, is enough to make me rethink all my life choices.
“May I come in?” I ask, clearing my throat.
“Let me grab some things so I go in the shower. Then the room is all yours,” she says, rummaging through her suitcase. I watch her walk away, taking in the sight of her toned legs and the lazy sway of her hips. This woman is a menace, and she doesn’t even know it.
I quickly grab my stuff and get out before she finishes her shower. Not that I’d mind being in there when she steps out all soaking wet, but I’m not looking to get slapped first thing in the morning.
By the time she emerges, fully dressed in loose-fitting pants and a crop top that reveals just the right amount of toned stomach, I’ve brewed two cups of coffee.
“That cup is for you if you want it,” I offer.
She eyes the coffee warily, then looks up at me with suspicion. “Is this poisoned?”
I smirk, handing her a cup. “Only if you’re allergic to caffeine and kindness.”
Ivy snorts but reaches for the cup. Our fingers brush—just for a second—but it’s enough. A jolt moves through me, low and sharp, like static heat under the skin. Her touch is warm, soft, unexpected. And the way her eyes flick to mine for half a heartbeat before she looks away? Yeah, I feel that.
She mumbles a quiet “thanks” and takes a sip like nothing happened. But I saw it—the way her breath hitched. The way she tried to hide it.
Hell, if one brush of her fingers feels like that, I’m in trouble.
I watch as her shoulders relax just a fraction, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment in appreciation. Damn, that shouldn’t be as distracting as it is. I let my gaze linger. Her beauty hits first, but it’s that unbothered fire in her that hooks me. Magnetic doesn’t even begin to cover it.
“So,” I start, leaning against the counter, “any plans today? Or are you going to continue your self-imposed hibernation?”
She glares at me over the rim of her cup. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I was planning on actually enjoying this vacation.”
I raise a brow. “Really? Because from what I’ve seen, you’re spending most of it hiding in the bedroom.”
She sets her coffee down a little harder than necessary. “That’s because I’m stuck sharing my room with a stranger.”
“Correction.” I take a slow sip of my own coffee. “You’re stuck sharing a room with me. Big difference.”
She lets out an exasperated sigh, crossing her arms. “You say that like you’re some kind of luxury amenity.”
I smirk. “I’d argue I’m a significant upgrade to this resort’s offerings.”
She scoffs, shaking her head. “You are so full of yourself.” She rubs her temples. “This is exactly why I planned a solo trip. No interruptions, no unnecessary conversations, just relaxation and quiet. But no—of course, fate decides I have to be stuck with you.”