Lying in the Sand by E. L. Todd Read Free Book Online Page B

felt so stupid. Why did she have to ask him out? If he wanted to date her he would have just asked. It was a mistake she wouldn’t make again.
    Someone approached her desk, so she looked up, thankful she had something to do.
    “Slow night?” Gray stood at the counter, wearing a buttoned shirt and slacks. His brown hair was slightly messy, curly at the ends. His blue eyes reminded her of the ocean outside the doors. When he was around, she felt timid, nervous.
    “What gave you that impression?” She smirked, trying to hide the butterflies in her stomach.
    “The fact you’re checking the clock every other minute.”
    “You caught me.” She straightened her shoulders. “What can I do for you, sir? Book a massage in the spa? Make reservations for a luau on Wednesday?”
    “Sir?” He cocked an eyebrow. “Please call me Gray.”
    “My apologies.”
    He looked down the counter, knowing I was the only concierge working. “No one is watching you. Be real.”
    “Real?”
    “Be yourself.”
    “I don’t think that’s what I’m getting paid to do.”
    “And people like me are the reason you’re getting paid, so just humor me.”
    She wasn’t sure if that was arrogant or not. Perhaps he didn’t mean to come off that way. She sure hoped so. “What can I do for you, Gray?”
    “When is your shift over?”
    Uh…why? Her heart moved into her throat. “Nine.”
    “Have dinner with me.”
    Did he just ask her out? Like, on a date? “Me?”
    His eyes twinkled in fondness. “Yeah, you. I don’t see any other pretty girls working here.”
    Her cheeks blushed slightly.
    “Meet me in the entryway at nine. I’m sure you’ll be hungry when you get off work.”
    She never said yes.
    “I’ll see you then.” He walked away, his back perfectly straight. The muscles were noticeable through his shirt, and his waist was thin. He had long legs, where most of his height came from.
    Cheyenne stood there, still trying to process what happened. One of the most handsome men she’d ever seen had asked her out. Her. She was plain and unremarkable compared to him. And she was a concierge. If this guy frequented the hotel often, he was loaded. And she was…well…poor.
    When nine came around, she clocked out and grabbed her purse. She wore a black dress with stilettos. At least she looked nice for work. She didn’t have to worry about changing.
    She walked outside and saw him standing near the valets. He wore the same outfit he had on earlier. She eyed his entire frame, noticing his thin hips and broad shoulders. He had a chiseled jaw, and his eyes were easy to get lost in.
    “You look even more lovely without the counter blocking you.” He smiled when he came close to her, catching her off guard.
    She didn’t know what to say, so she said the only thing that came to mind. “Thank you.”
    “Are you hungry, darling?”
    Darling? “Starving.”
    “Good. That makes two of us.” He opened the passenger door of his Maserati.
    She eyed it for a moment before she got inside.
    They hit the road then drove to a restaurant sitting on the beach. Judging the outside, it wasn’t cheap. He opened her door again before he escorted her inside. Then he pulled out the chair for her, catching her by surprise.
    He sat across from her, sitting perfectly straight. “I recommend the white wine. Would you like a glass?”
    “Sure.” She was too nervous to say much else.
    The waitress came over and he ordered drinks for the both of him. He was forward and aggressive, but gentle as he did it. Then he turned to her, giving her his full focus. “How are you liking the job?”
    She tried to keep her shoulders back and not slouch. “No complaints. Thank you for complaining about Vanessa.”
    He smirked. “She had it coming. I just wanted to be the one to bring it.”
    “Well, that was nice of you.”
    “I always root for the underdog.”
    “I wouldn’t consider myself an underdog. It was just my first day and I was