Tucker (The Family Simon 1)

“All the rooms are sold out, Mr. Simon. I’m sorry. We’ve only got the one that you booked available. The suite overlooking the ocean with a king size bed.”

Tucker ran his hands through the hair at his nape and tried to hide his irritation. Shit.

It was nearly one in the morning, and they’d just arrived at The Manor Hotel and Golf Resort in Key Biscayne. Tucker was tired as hell.

No, he was tired as hell, frustrated and a whole bunch of other stuff that he didn’t want to think about right now.

“There has to be at least one room available.”

The desk clerk’s bald head shone beneath the overhead lights and his round, brown eyes were direct as he peered over his heavy frame glasses.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Simon, but we’re hosting two conventions this weekend and are at capacity. I can make a few calls and see if you and your…” The clerk’s eyes slid to Abby who stood a few feet away, fidgeting with her carry-on.

“Friend,” Tucker finished for him.

The desk clerk nodded. “Yes, your friend. I can try to secure other accommodations at a different hotel.”

“How long will that take?”

The clerk smiled apologetically and reached for the phone. “I really can’t say.”

Tucker muttered a curse and felt the tension along his shoulders tighten even more. This wasn’t good. Christ, he should have just manned up and come alone. Bringing someone like Sonya along was one thing—his family knew him well enough not to have any expectations—but Abby Mathews? Sharing his room? For the entire weekend?

His mother would have Tucker all tied up in a goddamn relationship-bow before they finished the 18 rounds of golf planned for tomorrow.

“Tucker, I’m tired. Let’s just take the room.” Abby slid up along the front desk and propped her elbows on the counter. “We can figure things out in the morning.”

There were shadows under her eyes, and he knew that she hadn’t rested at all on the flight down. He knew, because he hadn’t either. There was something brewing between the two of them, and he wasn’t real sure what it was exactly. The only thing that he was sure about was the fact that he didn’t want to deal with it right now.

He blew out a hot breath and shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. God, he didn’t need a complication. His family was more than enough.

“Let’s see if we can find something else.” He swung his gaze back to the desk clerk but a curt nod told him that it wasn’t looking real good.

“But that could take all night.” Abby pushed her hair back. She stretched her arms and yawned, and he had to tell himself to keep his eyes above the neck—which was crazy.

This was Abby—his friend.

Abby. Friend.

But not-with-benefits.

“I just...” Jesus, what was he trying to say? “I just don’t want you to think that I planned this or anything.”

She arched an eyebrow.

Was that a hint of a smile on her face? “Planned?” she said slowly.

“Well, I would have booked two rooms if I’d been thinking straight, but I had a crazy day with a client and until yesterday, I was coming with Sonya…”

“And you thought you’d be having all sorts of hot, sweaty, sex on that big old king size bed.”

That was definitely a smile lurking behind her mouth. God, she had a nice mouth.

Tucker heard the clerk clear his throat but ignored the man. Suddenly he wasn’t so damn tired…or frustrated. He wasn’t even annoyed. He was just…light.

He should probably just shut the hell up but…

“Actually the patio is much better for extra curricular activities,” he said watching her closely.