Love Resolution

“Thank God.” Bryan swept her into his arms, her own hanging limply at her sides. “When I saw that last wave take you under, I thought I’d lost you.” He slogged the rest of the way in, her body held tightly against him. At the shore he stopped, put her down, shrugged out of his leather jacket, and zipped it on her. It was so large that the hem came midway to her thigh. “Let’s get you inside.”

He lifted her again, and headed up the beach, climbing the wooden steps and urgently striding across the pool deck and inside the doors of the iconic white and red clapboard structure of the Hotel Del Coronado.

In a semiconscious state, Avery was vaguely aware that Bryan stopped to speak with someone at the front desk. The next thing she knew he was setting her down inside a bathtub.

Body shaking violently, she watched as he turned on the water and quickly stripped down to his boxers before climbing in behind her.

“We need to get you warmed up fast. You may have hypothermia.”

The hot water felt like tiny sharp needles against her frozen sensitive skin. After a while her teeth stopped chattering and her body ceased shaking. Only when the warmth began to sink in did it dawn on her that she was naked with him in the shower. She had no memory of him removing her wet clothing. “Bryan,” she started, and he stopped rubbing her arms. “Um. I don’t think… I mean I appreciate this, but I think I’m ok now.”

“Yeah, ok. Good.” His voice was gruff, deeper than she’d ever heard it. He stepped out of the shower and pulled the curtain closed without looking at her. “Keep getting warmed up. I’m gonna dry off and have some food sent up. Take your time.”

She soaped off, washed and conditioned her hair, and then stood shakily under the spray until her entire body was almost as red as her hair. Her fingertips were pruney by the time she finally climbed reluctantly out of the shower. She cleared the fogged mirror and gasped at her reflection. Her hair was tangled and matted around her face and her pale skin was red and blotchy from the abrasion of the sand and sea water.

“You ok in there?” Bryan asked.

“Yeah. I just look like hell.”

“It’s no wonder. I don’t know what you were thinking. The water’s freezing this time of year. Not exactly a good time for recreational swimming.” He paused. “Got food out here. Come out when you’re ready and we’ll talk.”

“Ok.” She’d obviously misjudged him. Bryan Jackson might have a bad boy reputation and was a shameless flirt, but he had a thoughtful and caring side, too. And he’d found her tonight when no one else had. Probably saved her life as well. Maybe she meant more to him than she realized.

She searched around the small art deco black and white tile bathroom for a robe but had to settle for a large bath towel. Oh well he’d already seen her in less, much less.

Cheeks flushed, she took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door. Finger combing through her tangles, she watched Bryan rise from the edge of the king-sized bed. Two wheeled room service carts laden with breakfast food lay between him and the bed.

He flipped his cell face down on the bed. “You look… warm,” he said, gaze roaming up and down her flushed body.

“I couldn’t find a robe.” She self-consciously clutched the top edge of the towel where it was tucked between her breasts.

“I think there’s one in the closet. But don’t bother on my account.”

Ignoring his teasing, she pulled it from the closet and wrapped herself in it before shimmying out of the towel.

“Come on over here,” he offered, moving to the mauve leather settee and draping a napkin in his lap. “Have something with me.”

“I’m not hungry,” she said, sharply.

“At least a piece of toast. It’ll soak up all that salt water. And maybe some tea. It’ll warm you up.”

“No tea,” she whispered. She couldn’t think of it without thinking about Marcus.

“Ok. Coffee, then,” he said eyebrow cocked. “I want you to clue me in on what’s going on…friend. Everyone’s looking for you, you know.”

She took the seat next to him on the settee and nibbled on a piece of toast as he poured her a cup. Bryan polished off both plates of eggs, two pieces of toast, and a slice of ham by the time she managed to finish her scant meal.

He put his napkin down and looked at her expectantly.

She glanced away for a moment, not in the least interested in talking about the evening’s events. Putting words to what had happened would only make it more solid and more real in her mind. Unknowingly, she twisted her napkin until her fingers turned white.

“Red.” Bryan took it from her. He squeezed her hand gently before looking in her eyes. “Where’s your engagement ring?” he asked softly.

“On the carpet back at Marcus’ room I’d guess.” She gave a harsh laugh.

He watched her face, waiting patiently for her to continue.

She stood and crossed to the French door that led out to the balcony, looking out at the dark, churning ocean. “He’s sleeping with someone else,” she said with her back to him. Fiddling with the tie on her robe, she turned back around, gaze downcast. “It’s over between us.”

Bryan crossed the room and tugged her into his arms.

After a brief hesitation, she took the comfort he offered and laid her head down on his chest.

“I’m sorry, Avery. I know you really loved him. Anyone could see that.”

She sagged in his arms. Her breath came out in a long rush. He held her gently for a long while, before finally stepping back. He rubbed a strand of her auburn hair between his fingers.

“Your hair’s dry now. You should lie down and get some rest. Today’s a day off. I’ll come by later and check on you.”

“I haven’t been able to sleep since Seattle,” she admitted, glanced at the bed, and sighed. “Could you…would you stay with me? Just until I fall asleep?”

“Sure, Red.” He crossed to the head of the bed, moved his cell over to the nightstand, and pulled back the covers. He sat and tugged off his boots before climbing in. Leaning back against the upholstered headboard, he held out his arm to her.

“As friends?” she asked hesitantly.

“Of course. Let’s just take things one step at a time, alright?”

“Ok.” She shuffled to the other side of the bed and climbed in beside him.

“Come closer.” He scooted over and pulled her against his side. When she stiffened, he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “Don’t worry. Lay your head here,” he patted his chest, “and close your eyes.”

“As you wish,” she said with a thin smile. Exhausted, she rested her head against the hard plane of his chest and fell instantly asleep.