“Most of the staff is gone for the day, and we need to make some room in here for our guests.”
“Sure,” he said and turned to Amy. “Would you like to help?”
Amy’s disappointment was pronounced as she sighed, “Sure.”
But there wasn’t much to do. In less than five minutes they had moved what little furniture was there and turned the room into an indoor camp site. Amy had just moved the last piece when she saw Claire walk past the door.
“Hey,” Amy called to her.
Claire stopped mid-stride and cocked her head. “Oh, there you are,” she said. She walked into the room, saw Chance, and froze.
“Where are you going?” Amy asked.
“Looking for you. Oh,” she said with shock.
“What?” Amy asked.
She looked from Amy to Chance. “Oooooh,” she said with a knowing smile.
“No,” Chance defended too quickly. “She was just helping me out.”
“I can see that,” Claire said. She folded her hands as she leaned against the door.
“I thought you were staying down there,” Amy said.
“I was, but then Mom decided she preferred a bed tonight, so here I am.” She nodded at Chance and then started to leave the room but he skipped across the room to reach her.
“Do I offend you in some way?” he asked.
“Why would you? I don’t even know you,” she replied.
“Exactly,” he said and folded his arms. “You don’t know me but you already hate me.”
“I don’t hate you, Chance,” she said. “I just don’t know you.”
Amy chose that moment to interrupt them. “I wonder where everyone else is. Let’s go.”
Claire didn’t move. Amy tugged on her hand and she followed her.
Chance ground his teeth as he watched them go. He would have her one way or the other. He watched her as she walked to her mother, and she and her friend sat down to chat. He saw other men looking at her, and he could completely understand why. She was different from everyone else, and devastatingly beautiful. He leaned against the beam, biting his nails and trying to concoct a plan to win her, even if it was only for a night.
***
On the other side of the room, Claire was looking at her mother oddly. “So?”
“What?” Willow asked and blushed.
“I saw you flirting with that man over there,” Claire said, nudging her.
“And what is so wrong with that?” she asked.
“Nothing. Just asking. So, what do you plan to do about him after tomorrow?”
“Who said I have to have plans after tomorrow? I’m just living for today. Maybe you should, too.”
“Way to go,” Amy hooted and laughed.
“It isn’t funny,” Claire said. “She is too old for this.”
“I beg your pardon?” Willow said. “It has been five years since I left your father. I think I’m due for a handsome man.” Claire shook her head. Willow shrugged her shoulders and got up. “As a matter of fact, I believe he is waiting for me.” She straightened her top and fluffed her hair, and without another word she glided across the room and disappeared down a corridor.
“I think I might take her cue,” Amy said and got up, too.
“Where are you going?” Claire asked.
“You said I could take him,” Amy responded.
“Take who?” Claire asked.
“Chance!” Amy said. “Have you changed your mind?”
“Oh, no,” Claire said as she remembered. “He isn’t mine to give, Amy. If you are interested in a one-night stand with some rich billionaire, go ahead. I’ll just stay here and read a book.”
“Everything alright over here?” Chance asked. He had walked up behind them.
“Yes,” Amy said, wheeling around to face him. “I was coming to hang out with you.”
“Oh yeah? Would you like to watch a movie with me in the entertainment room? I think that room is still relatively empty,” he said.
“Sure,” Amy was quick to say.
“You two go ahead,” Claire said. “I’d rather stay here.”
“Where’s here?” Chance asked and looked around the large room where several of the other passengers had gathered and were making themselves comfortable. “Come with me.”
“I told you, I’m not interested,” Claire said. “I just want to read my book in peace.”
“Not interested in a bed? I was going to offer you one of the master bedrooms that is still unoccupied. I thought you would be more comfortable there.”
“Oh,” Claire said. “Sorry. I misunderstood.”
There was a slight blush on her cheek, and Chance smiled at it. “Now, if you would follow me, please,” he said to them.
“Amy, get that,” Claire told her and showed her the duffel resting on the ground. “We grabbed some stuff from the luggage we might need and left the rest on the plane.”
“No problem.” Amy slung the bag over her shoulder and whispered to her friend. “Let’s go. I got a boy to catch.”
Claire shook her head and grabbed her overnight bag. “As always.”
They reached the room more quickly than Claire expected. Chance pushed the door open.
“Make yourselves comfortable.”