Page 44
Story: Hunters and Hydrangeas
“I’ll probably go parasailing,” I say flippantly. “Maybe join a dolphin excursion. After that, I’ll lie on the beach and see if I can get a tan.”
He gives me a knowing smile. “Perhaps wait until you’ve been on the daylight medication for a few days before you attempt any of that.”
The door opens, and Noah walks in.
“Were you able to get another room?” I ask him.
“No, but I figured I’d crash with Cassian.” He looks at my conservator. “Do you have a couch I can sleep on?”
“I do, but my suite didn’t come with a whirlpool tub, so you’ll have to temper your expectations.”
Noah rolls his eyes and then gathers his shaving supplies and shampoo from the shower. When he’s collected his things, he nods toward the iced blood. “I talked to the front desk about the fridge, and they said this room is supposed to have one. Someone is supposed to bring one by this afternoon.”
“They’re bringing an entire fridge?”
“They’re not that big. I’m sure they’ll move it on a handcart. Just be sure to watch the ice until they get here. You might need to refill it.”
I nod, realizing they’re about to abandon me.
Cassian joins him by the door. “Have fun, bunny.”
“Thanks,” I say listlessly.
Before he leaves, Noah crosses the space and gives me a quick kiss. “I’ll be back by dark. We’ll get some dinner and go to the beach.”
“Good luck finding your vampire.”
I feel a little despondent when they leave, and the room suddenly feels too quiet. I walk to the balcony window, gazing at the ocean.
A brightly colored lifeguard tower looks out over the water, and the beach is crowded. People walk along the wet sand and play in the surf.
Others lie on the hotel’s beach chairs. Some prefer the shade of the umbrellas, and others enjoy the sun. I wonder if I dare sprint across the patio to claim a shady spot.
But no, I’d burn before I ever reached my destination.
I can’t sit on the balcony, either, because it’s in full sun right now. But I crack the door so I can hear the music from the patio and pool area below and then turn my attention to the prescription bottle on the table.
By tomorrow, I might be able to go outside for a short time if I slather on enough sunscreen. And the day after that, maybe I can walk along the beach.
My mood lifts a little—just the thought of sunshine giving me a boost.
I fill my glass with water from the sink, take a pill, and wander to the bed, deciding I’ll watch Miami tourist videos on my tablet.
I’m lyingon the hotel bed with my tablet propped on my stomach when my phone rings. It’s a few minutes after five, and Noah just sent a text that they’re headed this way.
I look at the screen, half expecting Noah to tell me he has to go back to the local NIHA office, but it’s Olivia. Answering the call, I set my tablet aside and sit up.
“How’s Florida?” she asks.
“It’s gorgeous from the window.”
“Have you been stuck inside all day?”
“So far, but it looks like some clouds are moving in. If they get thick enough, I might be able to leave the room before dark.”
“Let’s hope.”
“Have you decided to join me?” I ask.
Table of Contents
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- Page 44 (Reading here)
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