Page 17 of Charm Me
Chapter 8
Wyatt
Despite the late hourof our arrival last night, I was awake at four in the morning. I tried to go back to sleep but between the time difference, being an early riser, and the knowledge that Zoe was sleeping two doors down, there was no way I was sleeping another wink. I’d already tossed and turned most of the night thinking about her—aching to touch her again—and lying here trying to go back to sleep was pure torture.
I needed to focus and stop lusting after this woman. I needed to gain a better understanding of how well this vacation destination business worked before I took the idea back to my family and presented it as a viable option. But all I could think about was Zoe and her sweet tasting lips, soft skin, and charming personality.
I told myself I would honor her request and not make an advance on her, but the more time I spent with her, the harder that proved to be. I wanted to hold her, touch her, and press my lips over every inch of her body. If she would let me, I’d make her feel so damn good.
But then where would that leave us?
Her concerns with regards to her job were valid and I was leaving on Sunday with no immediate plans to return. Entering any type of relationship with Zoe wasn’t fair to either one of us. Even if I chose to hire One Financial to manage our finances, there was no reason to see Zoe again after this week. Glen Walters would be our accounts manager.
But that didn’t settle right with me. If I wanted to see her again, I would make it happen. Was that what I wanted? Would she even be interested in seeing me beyond this week? I’d known this woman all of three days and by the way she affected me, I would’ve thought I’d known her for years.
Fuck. Get a hold of yourself, man.
She was just a woman.
Lie.
I kicked the covers off and slid out of bed. Lying here thinking about Zoe and how I couldn’t have her wasn’t doing me any favors. I grabbed clean clothes and headed to the private bathroom connected to my room and took a cold shower.
By the time I was dressed and ready to head downstairs it was a quarter to five. It was still too early to disturb the house. I walked as light-footed as I could down the stairs with the intention of sneaking out the side door and taking a walk. Fresh air would do me good and help me clear my mind.
“Wyatt. You’re up early.” Zoe’s mom stood at the bottom of the stairs holding a tray of pastries.
“Mornin’ Mrs. Philips.” I nodded and followed her into the dining area.
“Please, call me Sarah. And you might as well call Zoe’s dad, Mike. We’re not formal people around these parts.”
“Yes, ma’am.” As soon as I stepped into the dining room the sweet smell of cinnamon and sugar filled my nose. There was quite the spread covering the table. In addition to the pastries she carried, there were cinnamon rolls, platters of bacon and sausage and fresh fruit laid out across the table. The cinnamon rolls looked fresh from the oven with the icing still dripping down the sides. My mouth watered ready to dig in and devour the delicious smelling treats. “I don’t want to disturb you while you’re still settin’ up. I’ll just take a walk and let you finish.”
“Nonsense. Please sit. Eat.” She smiled and sat a plate at the table along with a mug for coffee. “How do you like your coffee?”
“Two sugars, two creams.” I sat down and let my eyes wander to the plate of cinnamon rolls. Everything looked good, but those rolls were calling my name. As if she understood my thoughts, Sarah lifted the plate and dished one out for me.
“Start with this and I’ll go make you some eggs. How do you like ‘em?”
“Please, don’t go to any trouble on my account. This is fine.”
“No trouble. This is my job and I enjoy it. Now, how do you like your eggs?” Sarah looked down at me with the same determined stare I’d seen so many times in Zoe over the past couple days. Aside from the eyes—Zoe had her father’s eyes—she was the spitting image of her mother. Zoe was a couple inches taller, but they shared the same petite frame, short dark hair, and adorable button nose. Looking at Sarah was like looking into the future and it was just as beautiful as the woman who was currently occupying my thoughts.
“There’s no use arguing with Momma. She’ll find a way to drag it out of you, so you might as well just tell her.” Zoe sauntered into the room and embraced her mom in a deep hug. My entire body warmed at the idea of her welcoming me someday like that.
“You’re up early, sweetie. Sit and I’ll get you coffee.”
“Woke and couldn’t fall back to sleep. Where’s Daddy?” My eyes tracked Zoe as she walked around the table toward the seat next to me. Her hair was still damp and the snug fitting jeans she wore revealed just how round and firm her ass was. Damn, she was wearing pink trimmed boots that were cute as hell on her and perfectly matched her pink button up blouse. I could get used to this version of Zoe. Add a cowgirl hat and I’d fall to my knees and do just about anything she asked of me.
“Out taking care of the horses. I expect him back any minute.” Sarah sat Zoe’s coffee down and turned to me with a hand on her hip. “Now. How about them eggs?”
I couldn’t help but grin at the resemblance between mother and daughter. I glanced over at Zoe and she wore a smirk that told me to just give in. I was even more hooked on this woman than I was before.
“Fried, sunny side down.”
Sarah patted me on the shoulder. “Coming right up. Do you want yours scrambled like your Daddy, Zoe?”
“Yes, please.” Zoe leaned forward with her coffee cupped between her hands. “Those cinnamon rolls are the best you’ll ever eat. Momma makes ‘em fresh daily when she has guests.”