Three Read Free Page B

just graduated from nursing school. I’m a certified RN. But I haven’t started working yet. I got a job at a small family doctor’s office, but they let me take the time off between school and work, to take this trip before I start in March.” Simone said proudly.
    “Wow. Congratulations, Simone! That’s a pretty big deal.” Jackson smiled at her, and she blushed in response.
    “So what about a boyfriend? Don’t you have someone back home that’s going to miss you for the two weeks you’re here?” Xander chimed in, making Jackson give him a death stare at his lack of finesse.
    “Uh…um…no, no boyfriend. Just my best friend and roommate, Amber.” Simone blush deepened.
    “Seriously?! You’re gorgeous. You must have a ton of guys chasing after you.” Xander exclaimed.
    Simone looked up in surprise at the compliment, for the first time making full eye contact with Xander. Her dark brown exotic bedroom eyes stole his breath away.
    “No. Guys don’t chase me. And don’t joke, I know I’m not gorgeous.” Simone responded angrily.
    “He’s not joking, Simone. You’re a beautiful woman. Any man would be lucky to have you in their life.” Jackson said with authority, his tone clearly conveying that he was not to be argued with.
    Simone’s eyes swung from Xander’s to Jackson’s. Jackson’s breath caught as well at the first full contact of their eyes.
    “I didn’t mean to be rude. Thank you for the compliments. It’s just that I’ve spent the majority of my life with my nose in a book and generally being ignored by men.” Simone finally broke the connection with Jackson’s intense gaze.
    “It might be time for that to change.” Jackson said matter-of-factly.
    Simone’s head shot up again to look at Jackson. But Jackson wisely looked away to take another swig of his beer, letting her stew about what he could’ve possibly meant by his last statement.
    Xander took that moment to reach out and clasp her hand. He thumb caressed her knuckles gently.
    “Jackson’s right. Maybe it’s time you got some attention.” Xander smiled and winked at her.
    Simone ripped her hand away from Xander’s and jumped up suddenly. The quick movement tipping over her beer bottle.
    “I’m sorry! Uh…I’m not really all that hungry. I’m just gonna go unpack.” Simone mumbled quickly and then fled out of the room, not caring about the mess she’s made or that she had already unpacked.
    “I told you she would run if you moved too quickly, Xan.” Jackson shook his head as he sopped up the spilled beer with his napkin.
    “Whatever man! You didn’t help either with your creepy stalker stare you were giving her.” Xander joked.
    “Forgive me for being the serious one. Someone has to counteract your knuckle-headed jackass ways.” Jackson punched his friend playfully.
    “Do you really think I scared her away for good?” Xander asked, worried.
    “Nah. She’ll come around. We just need to be patient, which I know patience isn’t your strong suit. But I do believe she’s attracted to us. So it’s just a matter of time,” Jackson reassured his friend. “But in the meantime, let’s send some lunch up to her room. I’m sure she’s still hungry. And I don’t want her to starve because of her fear of us.”
     
     
    ~~~
     
     
    Simone slammed the door to her suite and leaned back against it, trying to calm her breathing and pounding heart. OMG! What was that?! Never in her life had she felt an attraction to a man quite like what she felt for both men. And she may have zero experience with men, but she was pretty sure that both of them were flirting with her. Jackson was more subtle than Xander, but still no less obvious.
    What she didn’t know was if they were just messing with her. Was she a joke to them? A little harmless fun to pass the time? But Jackson had seemed dead serious when he’d told her she was beautiful. So then was it a game to them? Who can get the girl first? And if so, she’d have