heaven.
“Excuse me?” A deep voice cut through the serenity of her steamy oasis.
She screamed and reached through the curtain, grabbing the nearest towel and draping it across her soapy body. Ready to face whatever invaded her tranquility, she yanked the shower curtain open.
“What the hell?”
“I didn’t mean to startle you, but what are you doing in my suite?” Through the candlelit mist, she saw the silhouette of a man waving what appeared to be a room card.
“Yours? This is my suite.” She clutched the white terry cloth like a lifeline, while suds dripped down her face. Her heart thudded with ferocious force as she worked to catch her breath and fumbled with the tap. First, a torrent of scalding hot water shocked her then she turned the knob the other way, and instant icing encased her trembling body. Shutting the water off, she glared at the mysterious figure while securing the towel under her arms.
“There must be a mistake. I had—reservations made on my behalf.” His voice softened a little though she couldn’t get a look at his face, as he remained cloaked by steam. Flustered, she stepped out of the shower.
“No kidding, a mistake.” Her cheeks growing hot, she stepped forward. As the air began to clear and the stranger’s face emerged her soapy, wet feet slipped across the cold marble. With a shriek, she flew forward and braced for impact, but instead of crashing to the floor, she landed in his arms.
“Whoa, I got ya.” He held tight. Her shock was outweighed by the erratic pounding of her heart against the confines of her terry-covered chest; gasping for air, she stared up at his remarkable golden brown eyes.
“I’m fine. You can let go now.” Pushing away from his chest, she reached her feet to the floor, trying to escape his grasp. When her toes barely touched the wet surface and she tried to steady herself, she slid again. Easing her onto the safety of the mat, he stepped back. He kept his gaze on the card in his fumbling fingers, avoiding her venomous glare.
Despite her irritation with his presence in her private suite, she took a closer look at his striking face and broad shoulders. A well-groomed man with salt and pepper hair, chiseled features, full lips, and smooth, flawless skin. Clad in faded blue jeans that molded to his lean thighs and a button-down denim shirt, she found him remarkably handsome, in an annoying way, of course. The faded brown cowboy boots didn’t hurt either.
***
“I am sorry for the confusion, Ms. Ledger and Mr. Langley. The reservation would appear to be correct.”
“For two?” Tessa’s irritation was exacerbated by her wavy wet strands dripping water down her forehead.
“Yes, in both your names.”
“Who made the reservation?” His deep, smooth voice distracted her from her intended bludgeoning of the concierge.
“One moment, please.” The clerk typed away on his keyboard, staring at the monitor.
“I can’t seem to find that information. The reservation was made in-house by Mr. Castillo from our flagship resort in Las Vegas. I can call him if you like?”
Tessa chewed on her lower lip. Her suite was part of the package she’d booked through 1Night Stand. Along with the date, who must be…? She sighed.
“Shall I change the reservations?” The young concierge glanced between Tessa and her stranger.
“No—uh—yes—uh, can you please give us a minute? Come here.” She grabbed the stranger’s wrist and guided him to the side.
“Let’s just take a second here and catch our breath.” He eased her clenched fingers off his wrist.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I got a little worked up.”
“A little.” One side of his mouth curled up, sending a flush of warmth and frustration shooting through her.
“What is your name, anyway?”
“I’m Samson. And you are? “His devilishly charming grin lit up his face.
“Tessa.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Like a gentleman, he raised her hand to his lips and
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