Page 33 of #Resort Love (Lakeview Harbor #1)

Chapter Eleven

You could have heard a pin drop.

When he and Harlow entered the common area where everyone was hanging out and talking while Connor cooked, they all instantly grew silent.

Eerily so.

“Hey, Harlow!” Axel called out, and for the first time in days, Walker was grateful for him.

“Hey, Axel,” she said easily, walking over to greet him. Before he knew it, she was introduced to everyone and totally swept up in conversation. He didn’t want to hover, but…he was hovering.

“She’s going to be fine,” Axel quietly assured him. “And everyone knows not to bring up business tonight, so you can relax.”

It was hard not to roll his eyes. “I don’t need you to tell everyone they need to treat me with kid gloves, Axel.”

“I know, but…this is a big deal—you having Harlow here. We don’t want to scare her off or cause the two of you to fight. She’s good people.”

That made him laugh softly. “I’m glad you approve.”

“I do. Personally, I appreciate her honesty. And she’s easy to talk to.” He nodded toward the group. “See? She’s already laughing with Kelsey. It’s gonna be a good night.”

“I hope so.”

They moved over to join everyone, and he put his arm around Harlow’s waist and then accepted a glass of wine with his free hand.

“So Milo,” she said when his friend joined them.

“I hear you’re the tech guy. I’m hoping you’re going to put in some sort of security cameras around the place.

It was a little unnerving staying here when it was just the two of us.

Walker told me about you guys teasing him about bears and angry mobs. ”

Milo grinned. “We will have a state-of-the-art security system in place with cameras positioned on all the walkways so every area can be seen. It’s not only to look out for wild animals, but also for lost children, any acts of violence or abuse…

it’s just a necessity. We’ll also install better lighting on all the paths.

The biggest issue was making sure the entire property was online.

Travelers today rarely unplug completely. ”

The two of them talked about residential security and also computer systems for her office. He took a sip of his wine as Jayce and Kelsey walked over.

“I like her,” Kelsey said quietly, grinning from ear to ear. “A local girl too! That’s got to be super helpful.”

“Yeah, um…not so much at first.” As soon as he said it, he wanted to kick himself because it wasn’t a dialogue he wanted to open right now.

“Well, it seems like whatever the issue, it worked out.” She tapped her glass to his.

“You need to relax,” Jayce told him. “You look like you’re ready to come out of your skin. No one’s going to do or say anything to start any heated discussions. We’re all just looking forward to relaxing and not talking business tonight.”

“Oh. Okay. Whew!” He took a sip of his wine. “Any idea when Connor’s going to be ready?”

“It should be soon. He was going to bring out some appetizers and…”

As if on cue, the kitchen door swung open, and Connor came out carrying a massive tray. “Have Walker and his girlfriend, who hates his ideas, come back yet?” he called out.

There were some laughs, some groans, as Walker cursed.

“Oops!” Connor said with a laugh. “Sorry, buddy. Didn’t see you there.” He placed the tray down on the table. “Stuffed mushrooms and crab cakes! Help yourselves and someone pour me some wine!”

Harlow turned and looked at him as if making sure he was okay.

“I’m fine,” he assured her. “Apparently, my friends enjoy being instigators. Something I wish I knew before going into business with them.”

“Oh, stop,” Milo said as they walked over to the table. “We’ve all been razzing each other for years. You’re just not used to being on the receiving end of it. Relax.”

Easier said than done.

Still, he joined everyone and ate the appetizers. And when Connor served their dinner, it was beyond perfect.

“Connor!” Walker called out, raising his glass. “My compliments to the chef!”

Everyone raised their glasses as well, complimenting him.

“Don’t get used to it. Tonight was a special occasion. I think most nights we’re going to be doing the basics or ordering takeout.”

“That’s fine,” Slater chimed in. “We just appreciate you doing all this tonight. And each of us can chip in. It shouldn’t only be on you, especially if you’re going to be helping with the demo and stuff.”

“Of course, we all can’t cook like you,” Axel added. “But those are the nights we can get takeout!”

“That sounds good to me,” Connor told them. “I’m just happy to be here.”

Conversation flowed— mostly talk of the summers they used to spend here and the adventures they had.

Everyone helped with the cleanup and then Harlow brought out dessert which they all opted to enjoy outside on the massive deck.

It wasn’t until they stepped outside that they realized there wasn’t any furniture for them to sit on.

“What about down by the firepit?” Slater asked. “There were benches down there, weren’t there?”

“Or we can just drag our chairs out here,” Connor suggested. “We did a lot of walking today and I know I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m exhausted. If we’re gonna really hit the ground running tomorrow, I wouldn’t mind just being lazy right here and turning in early.”

Everyone agreed.

“So, Connor,” Kelsey began. “When will your daughter be joining you?”

Smiling serenely, Connor shook his head.

“Not soon enough. She needs to finish her school year, so she’s staying with my parents.

School lets out at the end of June, and she typically loves going to the fireworks show in our town, so I plan on flying up to spend July 4 th with her and then bringing her back.

” He looked over at Harlow. “Our plan is to stay in the cabin, but that might not be practical. Would it be hard to find a rental here in town?”

“Not at all. There’s always a decent inventory. Would you want a house or an apartment?”

“Preferably a house, but I’m open to anything. As long as we each have our own space, everything should be fine.”

“Tell you what, I’ll get you a list this week of what’s currently available just so you can get an idea of what’s around. Will that work?”

“Absolutely! Thanks!” He looked at Walker. “Do you think we all need to be living here or am I the only one inquiring about a place in town?”

“That’s a personal preference thing,” Walker replied. “For me, I don’t mind staying in the cabin because my time here is limited. I need to be back in Galveston in five months. It doesn’t make sense for me to deal with a short-term rental.”

“Walker and I were talking about this recently,” Axel added. “I’d kind of like to stay in the area. There’s nothing for me to go back to and I wouldn’t mind staying on staff here at the resort. I asked Harlow about places too, so…”

“If anyone else is interested, I can make up lists for everyone. If you have special requirements or if you’re looking for something specific, just let me know and I’ll keep an eye out for you,” she told the group.

After that, Harlow told them all about the town and some of the highlights—festivals, where they could find all the things they need—and before he knew it, everyone was heading back inside with their empty dessert plates.

“It’s late and I’m beat,” Connor said before wishing everyone a good night. It didn’t take long for everyone to head down to the cabins. Walker locked up the lodge before he and Harlow followed suit.

“My overnight bag’s still in my car,” she told him. They walked over to get it before heading to his cabin.

Walker carried her bag and opened the door for her to step inside before him.

He loved how she immediately made herself at home—kicking off her shoes, draping her cardigan on the sofa, and stretching.

He loved watching her move, hearing her laugh, and knowing he had her to himself for the rest of the night.

He put her bag down in the bedroom before walking back out to the tiny living room and slowly pulling her into his arms. “Thank you,” he whispered.

Harlow’s big brown eyes looked up at him. “For what?”

“For being here and putting up with all that nonsense tonight. Especially mine.”

She hugged him before leading him over to the sofa and tugging him down beside her.

“I had a lot of fun, and I think your friends are very nice. You need to unclench a bit.” She kissed his cheek.

“It seems you don’t mind dishing it out, but you don’t enjoy taking it.

At least, that’s what the guys all mentioned whenever you were out of earshot. ”

“Unbelievable. I would never talk trash about them to their girlfriends,” he mumbled.

Resting her head on his shoulder, she sighed softly. “You’re not unclenching, Walker.”

Sadly, she was right. They were finally alone. Did he want to waste time pouting and complaining? Hell no!

“Hmm…you know what would help me unclench?” he asked silkily.

She looked up at him with a sexy, knowing grin, but didn’t say anything.

Slowly, Walker got to his feet, tugging Harlow back up with him. “I think having you naked and sprawled out in my bed…”

“Which is the world’s most comfortable bed,” she quipped.

Nodding, he continued, “Yes, sprawled out in the middle of the world’s most comfortable bed would go a long way in helping me relax.”

“And unclench.”

“Such a smart mouth,” he said right before hauling her in close and kissing her. Harlow’s arms wrapped around him right before he lifted her so her legs could do the same. Then he slowly walked them into his bedroom and gently placed her on the bed.

Her tight limbs kept him right there with her, which was fine with him. It was exactly where he wanted to be.

Kissing her lips, her cheek, her jaw, he moved against her. She arched her back beneath him, whispering his name, and it was exactly what he needed to both calm and excite him at the same time.

Harlow was becoming vital to him.

It was complicated and frustrating, exhilarating and arousing.