Chase and I became quick friends. He obviously had to work, but whenever he had a moment, we would talk. First about trivialities and then more personal things.

My brother, Duncan had sex with a girl that he'd been hanging out with for the last few days and he couldn't shut up about it. I clearly wasn't interested in sex with girls but I was kind of jealous that he'd had his first experience.

When I confided in Chase, his first question was why I wasn't looking for summer love. He was the first person I ever met that didn't automatically specify a gender.

Of course, I couldn't tell him why I was sitting at his pool bar whilst my family was out shopping; my favorite activity apart from reading.

Instead, I said, "I prefer a deeper connection to a shallow encounter."

He looked at me sagely but said nothing. The topic didn't come up again.

When he was off the next day, I honestly missed his presence but I finally managed to finish my book.

The new guy behind the bar was definitely hot but he didn't provoke the same reaction in me as Chase did. It confirmed that I definitely liked my new friend a little more than I should.

***

It was passing seven when the phone in my room rang. Not expecting a call, I answered thinking it was for Dustin or maybe even my parents.

"Tanner Mayes?" a voice that I recognized asked.

"Yes," I said, wanting to make sure it was him.

"Phew, I was worried I might get your brother on the line," Chase said, his voice sounding upbeat.

"Aren't you off today?" I asked in surprise.

"Yup," he said. "That's why I was wondering if I could maybe convince you to leave your book behind and join me for a little trip."

He wanted to spend time with me outside of the hotel? What would I tell my parents, what would I wear, how would I...?

"Is that a 'no'?" he asked, probably assuming I wasn't interested because of my prolonged silence.

"Where shall we meet?" I asked, trying to keep the excitement from bubbling out too much.

"Can you be at the main entrance in half an hour?"

My heart was thumping in my chest as I hung up the phone. For him this was probably just two friends hanging out... but for me, it felt like a date.

I decided that I would just enjoy his company to the fullest and allow myself to dream that one day, with someone special, it could be more.