TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright
Dedication
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Happy Endings Resort Collection Authors
Until You (Happy Endings Resort Series #11)
Copyright © 2016 Heather Dahlgren
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information and retrieval system without express written permission from the Author/Publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
ISBN-13: 978-1530097555
ISBN-10:153009755X
Cover Design: Kari March
Editor: Silla Webb
Formatting: Silla Webb
Dedication
To all the authors of The Happy Endings Resort Series. I’m honored to work with you and blessed to call you my friends.
“I’ll have another Cosmo,” I say pushing my glass to Stixx, the bartender at High Bar. I don’t actually know her, but there are plenty of people in this bar that do, so I’ve heard her name several times.
“You got it. Are you sure you don’t want something to eat?” she asks while making my drink.
“No thanks, just the drink,” I mumble twisting a napkin in my hand.
When she places the drink in front of me, I pay her and take a sip. I look around the bar and figure there must not be many out of towners here because they all seem to know each other. There are a lot of people in here and I assume that’s because it’s a Friday night. I’ll admit, I’m enjoying the people watching. It’s probably the most fun I’ve had in a long time. That pretty much describes how boring my life has become.
Needing an escape, maybe looking for a bit of excitement, has brought me back to Happy Endings, South Carolina. I spent all of my summers here as a kid, and when I could no longer take the repetitiveness of everyday life, something told me this is where I needed to be.
Hearing a deep voice in the distance draws my attention. I look around until my eyes land on what has to be the sexiest guy I’ve ever seen. Dark hair, muscles that are clearly defined beneath his t-shirt, and I can tell he is popular with the women because they are circling around him, seemingly waiting for their chance.
I look back toward Stixx and smile. “Who’s the guy?”
She laughs while whipping down the bar. “That is Hunter Evans.” Damn, even his name is sexy. I glance back to him and Stixx places her hand on mine. “Don’t bother. He’s really is just a pretty face. He sleeps with all the visitors we get not only here in town, but also back home at Happy Endings Resort. He’ll just use you and move on.”
He’ll just use me huh? Maybe this is exactly what I need. I mean the reason I drove down here from New York City was to bust out of my boring life. A one-night stand could be a huge start. The idea that he lives in the same resort where I am staying, that is just a bonus.
“You should listen to my old lady. Hunter’s a great guy, but I sure as hell wouldn’t trust him around any woman I know,” says a guy who has just plopped down next to me and according to him, Stixx is his old lady.
“Thanks, I appreciate the advice…” I let the last word drag out giving him the opportunity to introduce himself.
“Cyber,” he says tossing back his beer.
“Well thanks, Cyber. I’m Murphy,” I say, but he doesn’t pay much attention. He is talking to Stixx, so I decide to just take Hunter in.
He looks like a bad boy, which is such a turn on for me. All the guys I’ve been with are exactly like my life, boring. Especially the last guy I was with, Kevin. He had no sense of humor, didn’t like going out because he’d be too tired in the morning, even on a Friday night. Worst of all, he was the worst sex I’d ever had. He didn’t like to fool around, he just went right for it, and it lasted—on a good day—five minutes. Checking out Hunter, I can tell he’d be amazing in bed. Just the way his body moves is sexy as hell.
I think back to when I left New York the other night. I was sitting in my office going over the paperwork I needed for a case I was working on and I couldn’t concentrate on it. The last few weeks had been like that. I used to live for work. I thrived on being in the courtroom, working long nights and not having a life at all. But something was changing and I knew I needed to get away to figure it out. Walking into my boss’ office, I told him that I needed time off and considering I hadn’t taken a sick day or vacation day in years, I had time on my side.
Pulling out of my thoughts I order yet another drink, before looking back to my new favorite view. I watch him laughing with a few of his friends or who I think are his friends, and it reminds me of how long it’s been since I laughed like that. I can’t even remember what it’s like to laugh and actually mean it. To find something so funny that it just comes pouring out of you.
I take a deep breath and toss back the rest of my drink trying to numb the pain I’m starting to feel. I have no idea what I’ve been doing with my life. Yes, I make great money, have an upscale loft and more clothes than I’ll ever wear. But what’s the point? I have no one to share it with, no one who can make me laugh, and no one who can make life exciting.
That’s what this vacation is all about, and I think Hunter is the key.
Another Friday night of hanging out at High Bar. I don’t see any visitors, so I’m just relaxing after a long week of busting my ass at work. I’ll admit, I would love to find a beautiful woman to take home for the night, but tomorrow is another day.
A lot of the regulars are here and, of course, flirting with me, but it’s something I’ve gotten used to. They all know I sleep around, that I’m not going to settle down, so they all want to be the one who changes me. I wouldn’t be surprised if they bet on it, but I don’t care. I know what I want and it sure as hell isn’t a relationship. I love women, but I don’t trust them. So I guess you could say, I use them. I’m not proud of it, it’s just how I am.
I’m about to get up to grab a beer and this beautiful blonde sitting at the bar catches my eye. She is definitely not from around here. I can tell by the sexy dress, the way she seems to be sitting with almost an arrogance about her, and that crazy looking drink in her hand. Maybe my night is looking up after all.
I keep watching her, trying to figure her out. It’s a little game I like to play before I make my move. She is probably passing through, because as lucky as I am with women, they don’t usually look as stunning as her. The women who vacation here are pretty and sexy, but this woman is beautiful and classy. Maybe she is married or engaged; no that can’t be right because the guy would be a fool to leave her alone at a bar. Damn, she’s a hard one to figure out.
Most of the time I can guess if they are here running away for the weekend, partying with friends, or vacationing with family. I’ve lived here long enough to study them all. When mommy dearest decided to walk out on me and my pop’s, we moved to Happy Endings
Resort. I remember being so sad because I was little and didn’t want to leave a house for a trailer, and I couldn’t understand why she’d leave.
Shaking my head to clear those unnecessary thoughts, I notice her checking me out and figure it’s time to make my move. I smirk as I make my way over to her. She keeps her eyes on me the entire time, watching every move I make.
When I reach her I rest against the bar and she turns to face me. “There was no way I could not find out the name of the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
A small smile tugs at her lips and she says, “Murphy Reed.”
“Murphy, that’s a great name. I’m Hunter. Hunter Evans.” I extend my hand and she places her delicate one on mine. “What brings you here, Murphy Reed?”
“A little me time,” she says with a blush making its way to her face.
“Me time is always good. So where are you heading?” I ask as I signal to Stixx for another beer.
“I’m here. I’m staying at Happy Endings Resort.”
I can’t stop the smile that breaks out. She’s staying at the resort, how convenient. “No kidding. That’s where I’m from,” I say moving a little closer to her. She’s definitely liking the attention I’m showing her, that much is clear. I also seem to be making her nervous, which is a major turn on. I reach out my hand and rest it on her knee. “How long are you staying?”
“I’m not sure yet. Only time will tell,” she says as she tosses back the rest of her drink.
Damn, she is beautiful. “Murphy, come dance with me,” I say removing my hand from her knee and holding it for her to take. Without hesitation, she grabs my hand and I lead her out to the little dance floor. There is no band here tonight, but the music is still flowing. I pull her close to me and we slowly move to the beat. “Where are you from?”
“New York City.”
I run my hands lightly up and down her back and she searches my eyes, looking for something but I have no idea what. “So tell me about yourself,” I say.
“Not much to tell.” Well damn, she’s using my own lines against me.
I lean in close and whisper in her ear, “Why do I doubt that?”
The next hour consists of us dancing and her drinking. She keeps this up and I’m either going to need to call her a cab or drive her to the resort myself. We’ve gotten a bit more handsy with each other, and I even kissed her soft lips, wishing for more.
“Murphy, what are you going to be doing while you’re in town?” I ask while she waits for her next drink.
“What am I going to be doing? I’m going to be looking for someone to make my life less boring. I’m tired of it. I need excitement, I need sex, I need someone who is going to make me laugh and make life worthwhile.” She’s drunk…no, she’s trashed. Her pupils are huge, her eyes are glassy, and she’s slurring her words. What’s more, she’s an honest drunk. Everything she just mentioned is what I want, until she mentions making life worthwhile, that I avoid. Even though I’d love to have her in my bed, no way am I getting involved. “I’m lonely, Hunter. I just need to figure out what I’ve been doing wrong with my life. I want to have fun. I know you like to have fun,” she slurs.
Something about the way she is talking and the crazy amount of alcohol she’s had doesn’t add up. I don’t normally care, but there is something about her that makes me feel sorry for her. And with that feeling running through me, I know the last thing she needs in her life is me.
Waking up, I crack my eyes open and am assaulted by the light. I groan and grab my head, immediately regretting the amount of alcohol I consumed last night. I never drink like that and the way I’m feeling right now, I’ll never do it again. My head is pounding, my stomach is turning, and I’m sweating. I feel like shit.
I sit up slowly and notice I am just wearing a t-shirt. The thing is, it’s not my t-shirt. It’s huge on me and smells like cologne. Realization hits me, and I cover my mouth with my hand. “Oh my God,” I whisper to myself. My head really starts pounding, and I decide I need to take something before I even think about anything else.
I climb out of bed and open the door from my small bedroom. I step into the living room and scream out when I see Hunter standing in the kitchen, shirtless. My head is punishing me and starts throbbing as I say, “What the hell are you doing here?” As if I didn’t already know.
“Well, look who finally woke up,” he says walking over to me and handing me three ibuprofen and a bottle of water. “Take this and after you shower we can go grab some breakfast to soak up the rest of the alcohol I’m sure is still swimming in your body.”
What the fuck? Who the hell does he think he is? He’s just going to dismiss what happened last night and take me out to breakfast. What for, a thank you for the lay? I know last night I thought a one-night stand would be a good idea, but that was before it actually happened. I quickly swallow down the pills and wrap my arms around myself. “What the hell happened last night? Well, I mean obviously I know what happened, but why would you even want to have sex with a woman that drunk?”
He chuckles and shakes his head. “Nothing happened last night.”
“You expect me to believe that? I’m wearing your t-shirt and I wake up with you are here, but nothing happened? You know what, I don’t even want to hear the details of it.” How stupid does he think I am?
“Hey, I said nothing happened,” he says crossing his arms over his muscular chest in a defense way.
“Right, I’m sure that’s why you’re still here,” I say before turning to walk to the bathroom.
He grabs my arm and spins me around to look at him. He looks pissed, but I don’t give a shit. He’s the one standing in my trailer shirtless, with his incredible upper body on display. It’s so obvious what happened, and he refuses to admit it. He moves his face a little closer to mine and says, “Nothing happened. That’s not the kind of guy I am.”
I laugh and pull my arm out of his hold. “Actually, that is exactly the kind of guy you are. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to shower. When I get out, I’d like for you to be long gone.”
“You want me to tell you what happened last night?” he growls, looking at me with daggers in his eyes.
“Hunter, look I already told you I don’t want details. Please get out of my trailer,” I say walking into the bathroom and closing the door.
I don’t know who the hell he thinks he is. What kind of guy sleeps with a woman who is clearly too drunk to make that kind of decision, then act like nothing happened the next day while standing in my kitchen shirtless. You don’t need to be a fucking genius to figure it out. You do, however, need to be a complete asshole to lie about it.
**
Later in the day, I decide to take a trip into town to get some groceries because there is no food at my place. I have no idea how long I’m going to stay, but I need food. When I get to the small store, I get a shopping cart then make my way through the aisles grabbing a few things I need— completely bypassing the aisle of alcohol.
I can’t stop thinking about Hunter, and not because of his sexy body that was right there in my face earlier. Because he was even more of an asshole than I thought. When Stixx told me to stay away from him, I should have listened. I figured he was just a guy who likes to sleep around, and I guess part of that is right. I just didn’t think he was the kind of guy to lie about it the next day. What’s the point of that?
I don’t know what it is about the men that come crashing into my life, but all of them suck. None of them are like Hunter, but the complete opposite, boring and predictable. I knew I needed a change, but Hunter Evans is not the change I need.
Thinking about how pissed I am with everything, I’m not paying much attention to what I’m doing and I accidently hit another shopping cart. “Oh shit. I’m so sorry. I’m not paying any attention. Are you alright?” A good looking guy smiles at me, and for the first time since I woke up, I feel a smile pulling at my lips.
“I’m fine,” he says, checking me out, and I’l
l admit it feels pretty good to have his attention. “It’s my fault, I have my cart just sitting here. I just can’t figure out what kind of cheese is best for this wine I just picked up.”
I lean over and hand him a mild cheddar. “Here, you can’t go wrong with this.”
He takes it from me and drops it in the cart. “Thank you so much. I’m sure my wife will be happy with this.”
Are you fucking kidding me? I just smile and say, “I’m sure she will. I’m sorry again.” I walk away and roll my eyes. I think right now it’s best to just do my own thing. I’m obviously not good at picking men, some are married and some are complete lying assholes.
I’m sitting on my deck looking out into the forest that surrounds me. Taking another long sip of my beer, I shake my head to clear it of thoughts of Murphy. She was a complete bitch this morning and didn’t even want an explanation as to what I was doing there. She just assumed something happened. I don’t know why she thinks she knows me, but obviously she doesn’t. Yet, as pissed as I may be, she still consumes my thoughts.
I’d never take advantage of a woman. I might sleep around, but I’ve never been with a woman who didn’t consent to being with me. I never have nor will I ever sleep with a woman so drunk that she can hardly stand. It bothers me that she thinks so little of me, and I can’t understand why.
Normally, I couldn’t care less what someone thinks of me, but with her it’s different. I want her to understand that I was there taking care of her, not taking advantage of her. I want her to know the real me, not the Hunter that I let everyone see. I want her respect. I can’t figure out why, I don’t know her, but I’m drawn to her.
I throw back the rest of my beer, just as my buddy Joey comes and sits next to me. “Hey man, what’s up?”
Until You (The Happy Endings Resort Series Book 11) Page 1