I could kill my mother right now! What loving mother gives their only daughter a birthday trip to a surprise destination only to trick her into going to a secluded island that was apparently filled with single men when she knows I’m not dating right now? Mine!
Then again what sane daughter, knowing the kind of mother she has, would take such a gift at face value and not question it, thus finding herself in that very situation with no way out for an entire week? …me.
Like the apparent genius that I am (not), I simply packed for my trip and let my mom handle the details. I had been too busy to do details before I left. My landscape design business was just finishing its first big account and I had been swamped with finishing that. So when she had offered I agreed.
Now I fight back tears as I watch the boat that brought me here leave. Apparently all the supplies are already here and I was the last guest to arrive. Looking around I try to spot another girl in the crowd of overwhelming masculinity. Why so many men? Why?
I walk over to the front desk, figuring that at least I can get to my room and disappear while I sort things out. To be honest, I think my brain is still trying to wrap my head around what I am seeing. I made it all the way to the desk before I read the large bright green sign hanging behind the front desk. Welcome to the Ultimate Guys Getaway!!
Stepping up to the desk I am greeted by a very confused looking employee. “Can I help you?” She asks, as if she can’t believe what she was seeing.
“I believe there is a problem.” I admit wryly. “I shouldn’t be here.”
The woman, whose name tag read AMY, nodded. “Yes, I can see where you would say that.” Amy stared at her computer screen. “I don’t see any female guest reservations.”
“Then how did I get here? I handed the guy at the dock my paperwork and he nodded me on board.” Although he had given me an odd look or two.
Amy peers back up at me. “Could I see those papers?”
As I gave her the whole folder of papers my mother had given me I looked around. Across the foyer a man in a beige fitted blazer and dark jeans was leaning against a column, openly gazing at me. Flustered, I end up dropping my bag to the ground and hurriedly turn my attention back to Amy. By now she is frowning at my papers and comparing them with something on her computer.
“Ms. Barris?”
“Yep.” I nod. “That’s me.”
“Ms. Andi Barris?”
Again I nodded.
“When booking for this weekend you should have received a notice to verify that you were wanting to participate in a men’s weekend experience. Did you see that notice?”
I sigh. Confirmation that my mother had stranded me on an island filled with men on purpose. “No. This trip was a gift. I didn’t book it.”
Amy glanced over at a man who must be her supervisor because he is behind the desk with his arms folded, glaring at Amy. When he notices me looking at him his frown dissolves into a deprecating smile. He strides over with a jaunty little self-important walk.
“Problem?”
Amy quickly explains my situation. I am already tired of this mess.
“Ms Barris.”
I turn my attention back from where I had let it wander to see the man holding out a hotel key card.
“Room 347.”
When I take the key he gives me a terse nod and leaves as if I am going to scratch his eyes out if he stays any longer.
“Thanks Amy.” I mumble with a smile before heading off in the direction I am sure the elevators must be in. At least, they better be because I am heartily sick of being lost.
As I move away from the desk I see Mr Tall, Dark and Mysterious push off from the column he had been leaning on. He is making no effort to hide the fact that he is coming to talk to me and I begin to feel flustered the closer he comes.
With a suave easy smile and nod he falls in step beside me. I keep walking to the elevator. My room is practically screaming my name. I glance over at him and my heartbeat picks up a few extra beats. He looks even better up close.
When I slow to a stop in front of the elevators he speaks. “I noticed you checking in.”
I shrug. Do I want to acknowledge that I had seen him watching me? Maybe he took my response as a challenge because he chuckles and flashes an even more charming smile my way. I am going to have trouble breathing steady if he keeps it up.
“I must say that I believe you are the prettiest guest in this entire hotel.”
“Bet you say that to all the women you meet who dare to come to an exclusive weekend for men only.” It was out before I could stop it. I blush.
His head bows a little. One point for me.
“I am happy to report that you are my first.”
My blush deepens.
Thankfully he doesn’t wait for a clever or witty reply because I don’t have one. My mind has zeroed out. Instead the elevator opens.
Just when I think I can escape this awkwardly flirty conversation he follows me in.
“I didn’t catch your name.” He bumps my shoulder.
I bump his back. “I didn’t give it. And you didn’t ask.”
“I guess I bungled that introduction then didn’t I? My name is Gunner Roarke. Might I inquire what your name is?” Again with the head bow. It almost seems courtly in its refinement. Definitely not fitting in with the other laid back guests of the guys weekend whom I had seen so far in their baggy shorts and tank tops.
The elevator dinges and I sigh as it opens onto the third floor. He follows me off with a casualness that has me relaxing. “Andi Barris.”
Gunner barks a laugh. “Andi huh? At least your name will fit in.” He motioned down the hall. “We are on the same floor. I’m in 354 if you need anything or want someone to hang out with. My brother dragged me to this.”
He pauses and I may have caught a hint of a blush as he pushes his hands into his pockets. “I’m going to head back downstairs so you can go to your room and not feel like I am stalking you and all that.”
I nod. I desperately want to dump all my stuff off and flop on the bed for a bit. However Gunner is intriguing and I don’t really want to give up spending time with him, even if I have only just met him. Every great friendship starts with two strangers being willing and daring enough to talk and get to know each other.
“I’m glad I’ll at least know someone here.” I smile and nod down the hall. “I’m that way. Hopefully I will see you later?”
“I’ll make sure I do, if you don’t mind.” He grins.
“I don’t mind at all.”
