“I wasn’t eavesdropping,” I protested. “The four of you were loud.”
“You were also staring at me.”
“I was watching the dolphins.”
“Did you or did you not peek over your shoulder when you were walking away?”
“I was stretching my neck.”
She laughed. “What are you doing out here behind the hotel? Trying to accidentally eavesdrop on me and my friends again?”
“I came out to enjoy the sunset.”
“You’ve been here for hours and sunset is still a long way off.”
“How do you know how long I’ve been here?”
“Because I saw you when you first walked by. We were by the pool.”
“You saw me?”
“You were kind of hard to miss, lugging all your gear from somewhere up the beach. Seems like you could have plopped down anywhere. If you just wanted to enjoy the sunset, I mean.” Her brown eyes flashed with mischief.
“Would you like a beer?” I countered. “Since you obviously came out here to speak with me?”
“Oh, no thanks.”
I hesitated. “You are old enough to drink, though, right? I don’t want to be the creepy twenty-five-year-old who offers alcohol to minors.”
“Yup. Just turned twenty-one, actually. I’ve graduated college and everything.”
“Where are your friends?”
“They’re still at the pool.” She shrugged. “They were having margaritas when I left.”
“Sounds like a pleasant afternoon.”
She motioned toward my chair. “Can I borrow your towel?”
“My towel?”
“Please.”
I could have asked why, but instead, I simply stood, pulled it from the beach chair, and handed it over.
“Thank you.” She whipped it straight, then spread it on the sand beside my chair before taking a seat. I lowered myself into my chair, watching as she leaned back on her elbows, her long, sun-browned legs stretched out in front of her. For a few seconds, neither of us said anything. “I’m Morgan Lee, by the way,” she finally offered.
“Colby Mills,” I countered.
“I know,” she said. “I saw your show.”
Oh, right. “Where’s home for you?”
“Chicago,” she answered. “More specifically, Lincoln Park.”
“That means nothing to me. I’ve never been to Chicago.”
“Lincoln Park is a neighborhood right next to the lake.”