“I’ll just have to work harder to change your mind then.”
“You won’t, so you shouldn’t even try. You can’t change first impressions, Rod, and I believe what you offered earlier was exactly what you want from me—or anyone—for that matter. No more, no less.”
Our waiters arrive just in time to stop me from arguing my useless point any further. I just met the girl, and it’s not as if we’re two souls destined to sail away in the night and spend the rest of our lives together. My solemn vows to never fall in love are written in stone, my heart of stone, as I like to say. I will never become attached to anyone. I will never marry or have kids of my own. This isn’t merely a bachelor’s creed. It’s a survival reflex.
We’ll eat, chat over a superb meal, and go our separate ways at the end of dinner. She’s made that abundantly clear. But she piques my interest more than I care to admit. Daisy has a solid backbone, and when she makes up her mind, she stands by it. Beauty, brains, and brawn all in one gorgeous little package.
The ladies finish their dinner, then push away from the table to leave. Tracy looks at me, then at Kevin. “What a great first day, right? Maybe we’ll see you around tomorrow, boys.”
The next morning, Kevin and I are lounging by the pool when Daisy and Tracy stroll past us in their bikinis and claim two empty chairs a few spaces down from us. I can’t take my eyes off Daisy, but she doesn’t even spare me a glance. Tracy blows a flirty kiss at Kevin, who catches it in the air before sending one back to her.
How the hell did they get so lovey-dovey since dinner last night?
We have a full day enjoying the resort amenities before the staff’s matchmaking activities begin first thing tomorrow morning. They gave us a whole itinerary of pre-planned events to help strangers meet when we checked in, but we’ve both ignored it until now. Kevin and I move the moment the couple beside Daisy and Tracy vacate their seats. Between the two of us, we use every excuse under the sun to strike up a conversation with them. While Tracy is talkative and open, Daisy only replies to the direct questions and doesn’t elaborate on anything. After repeated attempts to get her to open up only ultimately to strike out, even after using my top-notch moves, I should be ready to give up on her.
But I love a challenge, and she definitely offers that.
A few entertainment staff members set up a karaoke machine on a small, raised stage at the end of the pool. One of the guys gets up on the stage with his clipboard and the microphone, asking everyone for their attention.
“Hello, everyone! My name is Josh, and I’m one of your activity coordinators. Throughout your stay, my partner, Alisha, and I will host several friendly competitions here in the pool area. The prizes include cash, a trip to our spa for a nice massage, and even a chance for a free return vacation. Our first event is a karaoke performance contest. Take part in our Fantastic Fanatic Antics to enter. Who will be our brave first contestant and belt out a song for us?”
I’m determined to break the thick layer of ice Daisy has put between us one way or another. Serenading her with a song may not be the best solution, but it’s a start.
“I will.” I stand and get their attention.
The crowd around the pool cheers, and several people lift their glasses toward me. At least most are already three sheets to the wind, so my lack of singing in the proper key won’t be an issue.
Josh hands me a list of songs, and there’s one that instantly jumps out at me. It is perfect. He laughs when I point it out to him, but he has no idea just how funny it is. When the music begins and the lyrics scroll up the screen, I turn my attention to Daisy and sing “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” by Rod Stewart directly to her. Only her. Over the entire song.
Her face turns a scorching shade of red. She nervously glances around, but her gaze always returns to me. Tracy nudges her from the side, laughing maniacally, but I keep going. Then I realize I need to turn up the heat and get the crowd on my side. My hips slowly undulate from front to back, suggestively beckoning her to me. My chest is already bare, so I use my free hand to offer my body for her viewing pleasure. Then I turn around and shake my ass before crooking my finger at her, telling her to walk in my direction.
The catcalls and whistles from the people around the pool are deafening, but the extra encouragement works. Daisy leaves her seat at last and joins me on stage. With my arm around her waist, we finish the song together and give the audience an entertaining show. We take a bow to the clapping and cheers from our peers before rejoining our friends.
“That was awesome, Rod. The boy has talent, doesn’t he, Daisy?” Tracy smiles from ear to ear.
“Yes, I have to give you credit, Rod. You sounded great up there. And a nice choice of song, too. Rod Stewart.” She shakes her head in disbelief, but at least she’s smiling and speaking to me now.
“That’s very kind of you. I’m afraid that’s the extent of my abilities, though. Don’t ask me to sing anything that requires any kind
