calling men specimens?” She shook her head. “A specimen has to be better than a pet.”
Drew shrugged. “All relative.”
“Well, none of it’s relative because I’m not interested in anything more than friendship.”
Drew winked at her. “Whatever you say.”
“It’s true. Do you really think I’d even consider starting something with a man who lives states away?”
“All I know is that I sauntered up here for a glass of water, noticed a funny look on your face, and we’ve spent the last five minutes talking about a guy you have no interest in.”
“I do have an interest in him,” she corrected. “Just as a friend.”
Daisy came bounding up to the bar. “Whose friends?”
Drew grinned. “We’re just talking about Slade.”
“Oh, Slade.” Daisy wiggled her brows. “He was really something to look at. It’s a shame he went home.”
Erika mockingly defended her new friend. “He’s not a piece of meat.”
“No, but he is a near-perfect specimen.” Daisy winked.
Erika playfully rolled her eyes. “You two are impossible.”
“So, when are you headed out to Colorado?” Drew asked.
“Try never.” Erika grinned. “Now let me get back to work.”
Daisy nodded. “Whatever you say, Boss.”
But the truth was she couldn’t stop thinking about Slade. In fact, cutting their chat session so short had nearly killed her. She wanted to hear about his day, what he was doing at his office, how the flight was, and what he’d had to eat at the airport. Just nonsense stuff that made him real to her.
She sucked on her bottom lip as she scanned the bar. All of her customers seemed to be doing fine.
“Hey, Daisy. I think I’m going to call my sister on break now. Can you cover me?”
“Of course.” Daisy grinned at Erika as she grabbed her cell and wandered out to the lobby of the hotel.
She dialed her sister’s phone, and Shannon picked up right away.
“Aren’t you working tonight?”
“Yeah.”
“Is everything okay? I don’t need to hunt down some drunk loser, do I?”
Erika laughed. “No. All’s good there. Besides, I think the North brothers would get to any guy first who tried something like that.”
“True enough.” Shannon laughed. “So, what’s up?”
“Nothing . . .” Erika’s voice trailed off.
“Come on. Something’s up or you wouldn’t have called me on break.”
“I just can’t shake that guy.”
“The one from Colorado?”
“Yep. That’s the one.”
“He’s still at the resort?”
Erika saw Drew walking toward the bank of elevators. He was probably on his way to his office.
“No. He left and is back in Colorado. He befriended me.”
“Okay.” Shannon obviously didn’t see the significance. “So, what’s the problem?”
“I just . . .” She bit into her lip, stopping herself from telling her sister something she’d regret. “He was starting to turn into a good friend.”
Shannon chuckled. “Well, if it’s only a friendship you’re looking for, that shouldn’t be cut short by his going back to Colorado.”
“I know. You’re right. Completely right.”
“If it’s something more you’re interested in, then . . .”
Erika let out a deep breath. “I don’t know. It was just really easy to talk to him.”
“Hon, you get along great with guys. Of course he was easy to talk to. You never look at any of them as if they could be anything more than movie dates.” Shannon was silent for a couple of seconds. “So, what’s different about this guy?”
“His eyes.” Erika breathed into the phone. “His soul. I don’t know. He has one, for starters.”
Shannon laughed. “That’s more than the last one.”
“I actually told him about Scott’s dad.”
“He who shall remain nameless. Wow. I’m impressed.”
“I am too.” Erika watched a couple hugging as they walked to the bank of elevators. The woman started nuzzling the man’s neck, and Erika smiled.
She remembered what that felt like even though it was over a decade ago that she’d last experienced it. And no, she wasn’t a prude, wasn’t a martyr, wasn’t anything except too tired and busy to care.
So why care now?
“Do you think you’ll hear from him again?” Shannon asked.
Erika took a deep breath. “I hope so.”
“Try not to overthink it. Just let it go where it goes, and maybe you’ll have a new best friend.”
Erika’s chest tightened. “Yeah. You’re right.”
But she started wondering if she were lying to herself. Was that all she wanted? Could she really know after a long weekend?
Doubtful.
So, what was she sweating?
“I’d better get back to the grindstone.”
“Okay. Stay safe. Love you.”
“Always.” Erika hung up. “Love you too.”
She walked back into the bar and saw Daisy checking on one of her tables. She was really grateful to have Daisy onboard.