Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

I stared at Grayson. “Cole,” I whispered.

He laughed. “I think it’s cute you can be so shy. It reminds me of the Kaitlyn I used to know.”

I didn’t know if I liked that. That Kaitlyn had crushed on Cole from the corner. She had written about him in journals. She was the kid sister. For a moment, I wondered if I’d ever escape her shadow.

25

Cole

I knew I was depending on Kaitlyn to help with Grayson more than I should, but I wanted to walk through the house next door and inspect it on my own.

I didn’t want Grayson to see it and think we were moving. What if half the appliances didn’t work? What if there was damage?

I needed to do a walk-through before I signed a lease. He had enough instability. Amber was like a damn gypsy.

I turned on the faucet in the kitchen. I opened the cabinets and looked under the sink for leaks. I had new skills that were useful.

It wasn’t big or extravagant. It wasn’t like other beach houses on the strip. This one was simple, and it was enough.

This was possible because of Kaitlyn. She had found the house for me.

I paused in front of the master bedroom. Something in my chest stirred. I wanted this to be our room. I wanted her here with me. I needed her.

But it was more complicated than that.

I had promised her we’d talk about Ryan. I had to look out for Grayson first.

But part of me knew Kaitlyn was part of the future too. I couldn’t deny what she meant to me. I couldn’t pretend she had quickly become important. She was more than a fling. More than a one-time fuck.

I loved that girl.

26

Kaitlyn

It was Thursday afternoon. We had two days until the luau, and only one until the guests started to arrive. I loaded the cleaning cart with towels, and began the process of checking each room for linens. Cole had given me the towel count. Each room was allowed four bath towels, four hand towels, and four washcloths. I had convinced him that three towels in a double room were not going to cut it.

I pulled a freshly washed stack from the cart and started folding the fabric so that the edges touched and draped over the towel bar in a perfect symmetrical rectangle. I stood back to admire my towel presentation. I might not know how to make fancy towel fans, but these looked quite crisp.

It was only last Friday when I was having daydreams of fluffy white spa robes and pina coladas by the resort pool. Today, I was a full-service motel operator serving fluffy towels to motel guests.

“Now, if only I could find one of those French maid costumes, this would be perfect.” Cole stood in the doorway.

“Ha-ha, mister funny. I’m only on the third room. How are you doing?”

“Believe it or not, I only have a few left. This is actually going to happen. The rooms are going to be ready for tomorrow.”

“That’s awesome.” I folded one of the washcloths and placed it on the shelf. “Where’s Grayson?”

He nodded outside. “I have an eye on him. He’s riding a scooter on the sidewalk. I think he’d do that for hours.”

“Probably.” I grinned.

“So, I had an idea.” Cole strolled a few more feet into the room and watched me work.

“Really?” I pulled another towel from the cart. “Something you want to add to the party?”

“No. It’s a thank you.”