AgelessDesires Read Free

on the second floor and various animal heads on every
wall. Throughout the property, on well maintained trails, there were a few
cabins, apparently for those who desired a bit more privacy. Bryan parked the
car and they went into the lodge to check in.
    “Bryan Phillips and Kate Allen,” he said cheerfully to the
clerk. The guy barely made eye contact as he checked the computer for their
reservations. An invoice spat out of the printer as the clerk grabbed a key and
set both items on the counter.
    “Sign here, sir,” he pointed, “you’re in Cabin 23.”
    “And the lady?” Bryan asked as he scanned the receipt. Kate
was trying to read over his shoulder, with no success. The clerk looked at them
like they were dim-witted.
    “Cabin 23,” he said a bit louder. “Go out of the parking
lot, turn left and follow the signs. Next please,” he looked past Bryan and
Kate to the line that was forming behind them.
    “I’m very sorry, Lester,” Kate read the guy’s name tag as
she pushed Bryan a bit to the left, “but obviously there has been some mistake.
We have separate accommodations, I’m sure.” She was trying to keep her voice
down but panic was affecting her tone.
    “No mistake, miss. It’s right here in the computer, Cabin
23, both of your names, paid for, all other rooms sold out. Next?” He tapped
the screen for emphasis. Kate leaned into the counter and fixed the rude little
man with her fiercest gaze.
    “I said , Lester—” But she got no further.
    “Thanks, man, its cool. Come on Kate, let’s go!” Bryan
picked up the key and receipt, took Kate’s hand, gave it a slight tug and
walked them out of the lodge, hoping that she didn’t hear the murmured remarks
around them.
    He helped Katie into the car and then stomped his way around
to the other side. “To thank Beth or throttle her, that is the question,” he
muttered. “How hard would it have been for her to tell me what she had
planned?” He climbed into the driver’s seat and stuck the key in the ignition.
    “Don’t you dare start this car, Bryan,” Kate ordered. “Why
didn’t you argue with that moron? I’m sure that Beth paid good money for
separate accommodations and they are just ripping the company off. I will
straighten this out in about five seconds,” she fumbled in her purse and pulled
out her cell phone.
    Bryan grabbed the phone and shoved it onto the seat between
his legs. Then, ignoring Kate’s shocked indrawn breath he started the car, put
it gear and pulled out of the parking lot.
    “First of all, I wasn’t going to let you make a scene in
front of about thirty people. Secondly, if the lodge is booked solid, which I
believe it is considering there is a state-wide computer seminar going on, we
will deal with it. Third and most importantly,” he lowered his voice to a
warning tone, “don’t order me around like that unless it involves a safe word
and a couple of interesting toys.”
    Kate sat dumbfounded and gaped at him with open mouthed
shock. What was she supposed to say to that? She wasn’t even sure she
understood the last part. She had just been trying to fix a bad situation, why
was he all bent out of shape at her ? She hadn’t caused the problem, she
was just trying to fix it. She couldn’t stay in a cabin with him, probably
sharing a really small space and one bathroom and one bedroom. This was so out
of her league and she was nervous and embarrassed and, oh no! getting
kind of turned on at the same time. Kate started to wring her hands in her lap.
She watched Bryan begin to smile as he parked the car at Cabin 23.
    “We’re here!” was all he said as he bounded out of the car.
He practically ran to her side and opened both front and back doors at the same
time. While she tentatively exited the vehicle, he pulled out the suitcases and
cooler. He had already unlocked the door and was standing by it when she
cautiously stepped on the little porch.
    “Go on in, Katie,” he gave her his warmest