Bishop Brothers Series: Four Book Complete Set

Chapter 4-2

“Oh my God, River! It’s gorgeous here, isn’t it?” She releases a dreamy sigh into the phone. I can already picture her lying out poolside with a drink in hand. “Adam decided to go looking for some good fishing spots for tomorrow morning, so it’s just me, the sun, and my Bahama Mama.”

I chuckle, loving how relaxed she sounds. This is just what I needed right now.

“Well, I can’t wait to join you. Once I check in and settle into my room, I’ll change and meet you down there,” I tell her, looking out the window at the touristy views.

“Perfect! I’ll have a drink waiting for you!”

The warmth is the first thing I notice when I get out of the cab. The wind brings a nice breeze my way as I walk through the doors of the hotel, reminding me I’m no longer in Wisconsin. It was cold and gloomy this past week, so this weather is definitely a welcome change.

As soon as I walk in, I take in everything from the bright blue color palette to the ocean views all along the back through the windows. It’s something straight up from a magazine. People walk around with their oversized beach bags, sunglasses, and flip-flops. It instantly brightens my mood.

“Hello, welcome to the Hyatt. Can I help you?” the receptionist greets me, and I’m more than happy to say, “Yes, yes, you can!”

Once I’m all checked in, she directs me to the elevators, and soon I’m scanning my keycard into my room. I ended up with a corner room, which at first, I was hesitant about because I wanted all ocean views, but as soon as I walk in, I see I’m not the least bit disappointed.

With the wraparound balcony and two sets of sliding glass doors, it looks like the ocean is in my room. The entire half of my wall is taken over by the sliding doors and the perfect beach views.

“This is heaven,” I mutter to myself with the biggest smile I’ve had in weeks.

Once I give myself the tour, I unpack my luggage and dig around for my swimsuit. I’m never been more eager to wear the damn thing, which considering all the winter weight I put on last year, says a lot. When I’m at work, I wear scrubs and clogs, so this is a change I don’t mind.

I change, find my swimsuit wrap and pull it over my body. Grabbing a towel, my key, and bag, I head out ready to find Natalie and one of those umbrella drinks.

“Oh my God!” Natalie screams, jumping out of the chair as soon as she sees me rounding the pool. “I can’t believe you’re actually here!” She wraps her arms around my neck and squeezes. “Perfect timing, too! I just ordered another drink and got one for you.”

“Great, thanks! It feels a little unreal that I’m actually here,” I say, squeezing her back. “Thank you for inviting me,” I continue as she releases me. “Or rather, thank you for forcing me to come.” I grin.

“What are friends for if not to give you a little push when you need it?” She smirks, grabbing my bag in one hand and leading me over to her spot.

“I can’t believe how beautiful it is, and I’ve only seen the airport and lobby so far.” I pull my cover off and start digging into my bag.

“Well, look at you,” she teases, eyeing my body. “I haven’t seen that much skin on you since that time I walked in on you changing.”

“That’s because you have no boundaries,” I remind her, chuckling.

“No doubt you’ll definitely find a Florida hottie during this trip.” She waggles her brows. “Big ta-tas, curvy hips, slim waistline.”

“I’m starting to feel a little violated now,” I mock, adjusting my swimsuit top to make sure it’s covering all appropriate boobage and n*****s.

“Okay, well, I’m just saying. You have nothing to be embarrassed about.” She takes a long sip of her drink, and I give her a look that says otherwise.

“I can’t wait to go down Front and Duval Streets. I looked them up on YouTube, and they look like a lot of fun,” I say, kicking off my shoes.

“We have lots of time to explore, but today is the perfect pool day.” She sighs, getting comfortable in her chair. She leans back with her large sunglasses on her face and tilts her head up to the sun.

“I hope you put sunscreen on,” I tell her, pulling some out of my bag.

“I came to Florida for a tan,” she says matter-of-factly, adjusting herself deeper into the chair.

“And melanoma?” I raise a brow even though she’s not looking at me.

She groans.

“C’mon, sit up,” I order. It’ll take me five seconds.”

“Yes, Nurse River.” She winks. “That sounded way dirtier coming out than it did in my head.”

I roll my eyes and laugh. She does as I say, and when I finish, she motions for me to turn around so she can spray my back and arms. When she’s done, I spray my face, chest, stomach, and legs. This Northern girl is as white as they come, but that doesn’t mean I want to risk it either.

Once I’m settled, I sprawl out on the chair with my own pair of oversized sunglasses and a topknot on my head. I grab my phone and turn on some tunes just as a gentleman comes over with a tray of drinks.

“Your drinks, ma’am,” he greets, handing the first one to Natalie, who hands it to me and then takes the other for herself. She smiles at him before handing him a tip, and we both thank him.

“This is the life.” I chuckle before taking a large sip. “Drinks just taste better when they get delivered to you by the pool.”

“You said it, sister,” she quips. “Especially when the cabana boys aren’t that bad to look at.” She tilts her sunglasses off her nose and eyes him as he walks away.

I laugh. “I’m sure Adam wouldn’t think so.”

“Are you kidding?” She chuckles. “He basically dragged me down here and told me to have a ‘good time,’ if you know what I mean.” She smirks.

“You two have the weirdest relationship I know.”

“Nah, it works just fine. Looking at other people is what we use to keep things hot in the bedroom.” The playful tone of her voice lets me know there’s more to the story, but I have no desire to dig for further information.

“Good to know.” I smile even though she’s not paying attention to me. Natalie and Adam have been together for as long as I can remember, so it doesn’t surprise me that their relationship is the way it is. As long as he takes good care of her and treats her right, I keep my nose out of it.

Sipping my drink till it’s halfway gone, I set it down before adjusting myself on the lounge chair and lie back. The sun heats my body in no time, and I almost fall asleep when the cabana boy arrives with another round of drinks.

“When did we order those?” I ask, taking the glass off the tray.

“I have them on a schedule for every hour.” Natalie beams.