Page 9 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“You don’t know my family. They’ll have us married in no time. “

He grimaced. “I get it. Thanks for helping me.”

“No one needs to know the truth. That might get us both into trouble with our families,” said Lori. “Now, we’ll have to find some unsuspecting older man who’d be willing to let me take a photo of him.”

Griff chuckled. “Like I said, I get it. I’m considered a fair catch back home.”

Lori took a sip of her drink and was quiet. With his looks, his job, and the fact that he was likeable, there was every reason for him to be at the top of any woman’s wish list. It helped her understand why he had no interest in any relationship now or in the future. He was hurting from humiliation.

He proved how right she was when he wished her goodnight a little later without even trying to kiss her.

###

The next morning, Lori awoke early and lay in bed thinking about her friendship with Griff. It would be tempting to change her feelings for him, but she knew he didn’t want that. And neither did she. Not with someone like him. His life in California would be a major obstacle for them. Why start something that was never going to work?

Satisfied with her honest evaluation of the situation, she decided to get up and go for a walk on the beach. She loved being in this warm weather, especially knowing that back home, there was snow on the ground.

Lori pulled on the comfortable shorts and T-shirt she’d brought, laced up her worn sneakers and headed out. Though there was a chill in the air, she knew it would warm up.

She bypassed the pool area and walked through the beach to the hardpacked sand by the water’s edge. Though she jogged outside at home on the weekends whenever she could, she wasn’t consistent enough to be a real enthusiast. Still, as she began to move, she felt her muscles begin to loosen and loved the onshore breeze in her hair.

Lori wasn’t sure how far she’d traveled before finally stopping to catch her breath. She looked up to see Griff trotting easily toward her. Her pulse raced. By the time he approached her, the pace of her heartbeat was under better control.

“Good morning. I didn’t know you were a runner.”

“Actually, more like a weekend slow jogger,” she said. “But I love being outdoors. It’s a beautiful day and a lovely spot. What could be better than this?”

“Nothing,” he said. “Uh-oh. That man you don’t like is approaching from behind you.”

“Quick. Let’s go,” she said.

“Too late,” he said.

As she turned around to face Brock Goodwin, Griff took hold of her hand and pulled her closer so there would be no mistaking that they were together.

Lori gave him a grateful look.

“ ’Morning, neighbors,” Brock said, giving them a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Are you enjoying your stay at The Beach House Hotel? I bet the place is bustling with important people.”

“Hello,” said Griff. “We’re having an awesome time.”

Lori remained quiet. She’d signed a confidentiality agreement and wasn’t about to talk about other guests. Especially not the famous star she’d noticed in the restaurant last night.

“Oh, well, I guess I’d better be on my way. I’m trying to keep in shape so I can enjoy the New Year’s Eve party at the hotel tonight. As president of the Neighborhood Association, I should always attend. Hope to see you there.” He rested his gaze on Lori.

Lori clutched Griff’s hand, loving the feel of his protective fingers around her palm.

“We’ll be there. Together,” said Griff.

They watched Brock trot away from them and turned to one another.

“That man gives me the shivers,” said Lori. “I’m glad you were here with me.”

“Yeah. He’s a pompous ass,” said Griff. He gave her hand another squeeze before releasing it. “Do you have any plans for the day?”

“I thought I’d go downtown and look in some shop windows,” she said. “I’ve read that Sabal is full of cute shops and excellent restaurants.”

“Want company?” asked Griff. “I don’t know how many shops I’m willing to go in. But I would like to see the town.”