Page 44 of Maneater

A wave of heat that has nothing to do with the weather rushes through me at the ways I could enjoy Josie.

But that’s a terrible idea.

”I told you: I’m not here to fraternize with guests,” I say with a sigh that sounds disappointed even to my own ears.

She tips my head to the side and aims a smile at me. “Is that so?”

I nod, though when her smile widens, I know it was the wrong choice, that somehow I set myself up for her sass.

“Then what are you doing up here, chatting with me?”

“What?”

“There’s a big group here. You don’t have to stand with me.”

My jaw goes tight with her point, realizing that once again, she’s proving her point, winning this battle of ours.

“Your denial is so cute, though, Rowan. Keep telling yourself that.”

It’s a reminder I should keep an eye on Gene and his girlfriend, making sure they’re having a great time despite the leaks, and try to track if anyone is showing him too much interest. I could be schmoozing Horace, who is apparently going to have some sway overmy paycheck in the future, or even talking to Jeff, who was the last person on shift before the fire.

Instead, I’m back here chatting with Josie about my job and my dating life and letting her twist my mind once more. For a split second, I see a hint of resigned accomplishment on her face, like diverting my attention was her goal even if it’s not what she wants, but it’s gone as fast as it appeared, and I don’t have time to play games with her.

“You’re right,” I say bluntly. And then I quicken my pace and move toward the front of the pack where the aging rock star is. And even though I chat with Gene and later, Horace, I can’t deny that I’m grateful when she moves to the front of the pack, where I can watch her ass move with each and every step.

Thirty minutes later, we take a break; Jeff distributes snacks that the hotel packs for its guests before sitting on a tree stump in the clearing right next to Josie. I spent most of that time talking with Gene, who, thankfully, seemed incredibly impressed by the resort and understanding of the issues we’ve been facing. I also spent those thirty minutes watching Josie, who moved almost effortlessly through the group, chatting and laughing with nearly every person, making friends everywhere she went.

I hated it.

I hated that I couldn’t let myself have that part of her, couldn’t let myself be distracted by her when, for some fucked-up reason, that’s all I want right now: to let myself be distracted by Josie.

And now she’s flirting with my employee while I listen from five feet away.

“So do you like doing these excursions?” she asks him.

He smiles at her, not in a way an employee smiles at a guest, but in a way a man smiles at a woman whose pants he’d like to get into, and I force myself to eat my dry-as-fuck granola bar instead of interrupting.

“Oh, yeah. They’re my favorite part of the job.”

“What else do you do around here?”

His hand reaches up, and he scratches the back of his neck. “I used to do the rental shack a few times a week, but…”

She gives him a small grimace. “Oh, I heard about that. What happened there?”

My mind goes back to when I first found her at the resort, behind the caution tape, and exploring the remnants of the rental shack.

“No one really knows. The cameras went out, and then the rental shack was.” His hands making a poofing motion. “Gone.”

“That’s just crazy. Do you think it was an accident?”

He shrugs. “Who knows?”

“But what areyour thoughts?”she says with a pretty smile, leaning over and gently touching his arm.

Without meaning to, I let out a quiet grunt, but she hears it, her head moving in my direction. She tips her head a bit like she’s trying to figure something out—figure me out—but I’m tired of Josie decoding me.

“I think it’s time we continue our hike,” I say, standing and then walking over to where they’re sitting, my eyes firm on Jeff and avoiding the glare Josie is giving me.