Stay at the desk

You maintain your distance, staying securely behind the polished log front desk as you manage the guest check-in sheets and keep a watchful eye on the room. From this position of professional detachment, you observe the aftermath of the intense creek session. Heather remains anchored to Lauren’s side by the roaring stone fireplace, her face deeply flushed as Lauren murmurs comforting, encouraging words to her. Vicky stands rigidly nearby, sipping her black coffee with an icy, unreadable stare, while Maya casually munches on her pastries, her wet, unruly curls dripping onto her bare shoulder.

Dana, having finished her drink, sets her empty mug down with a soft click. She glides away from the seating area and walks straight over to the front desk, her bare feet making no sound. She leans her forearms against the dark wood counter, bringing her immediate personal space into yours. Her piercing jade-green eyes hold a lingering, wicked spark of amusement as she looks up at you.

“Tell me, Mark,” Dana asks, her low, smoky voice dropping to a confidential pitch meant strictly for you. “Is there still any snow up on the mountain this early in June? I want to push their grounding a bit further.”

You lean forward slightly, matching her low volume. “Actually, yes. There’s still a significant patch of snow right near the summit, just above the tree-line. It hasn’t melted off yet.”

A slow, deeply satisfied smirk spreads across Dana’s face. She breaks her gaze from yours and turns around smoothly, her commanding posture instantly drawing the attention of the entire room.

“Alright, ladies, listen up,” Dana announces, her voice carrying effortlessly across the grand lobby. “Finish your coffee and sandwiches and go get your hiking shoes on. We are taking the trail straight up the mountain for our midday alignment session.”

At the command, the trainees stir. But Dana’s sharp eyes immediately lock onto Maya, who is currently adjusting her oversized shirt. Dana’s brow furrows slightly.

“And Maya,” Dana says, her tone dropping to a strict, maternal reprimand. “Put some underwear on before we go. Your activewear is entirely too thin for a steep hike.”

Maya blinks her wide, dark brown eyes, completely unfazed and unbothered by the call-out. She lets out a breathless, rapid-fire laugh. “Oh, I can’t do that, Dana. I literally don’t own any panties. And I didn’t pack a bra.”

A stunned, sudden silence falls over the lobby. Heather’s eyes widen in pure high-society shock, while Vicky’s jaw tightens with absolute disdain.

Dana doesn’t flinch, her eyes narrowing slightly at the 22-year-old’s raw indifference. “Fine. Then go put a swimsuit on underneath your clothes.”

Maya shrugs her bare shoulder, her curls bouncing. “Yeah, I don’t own one of those either.”

From across the room, Lauren immediately steps forward, her naturally empathetic and helpful nature kicking in to smooth over the awkward tension. “Wait, I can help with that,” Lauren offers with a warm, bubbly smile. “My niece left a bikini up in our cabin last summer. She’s about your size, Maya. It should fit you perfectly. I’ll go grab it for you.”

“Perfect,” Dana says, cutting off any further discussion. She turns her gaze back to the front desk, locking her eyes onto yours with a heavy, playful challenge. “We will meet at the main trail head in fifteen minutes. And since Mark knows these ridges better than anyone, he is going to lead us up the mountain.”

Lauren gives you a bright, encouraging look, entirely unaware of the deep, voyeuristic undercurrents swirling through the group, while Heather nervously sneaks another **** glance your way.