by J. L. Berg
“I just wish he’d see me,” she confessed.
“I know,” I answered, hating that she was hurting, knowing that I cared far too much, and realizing I had no idea how I’d be able to let go of her in five weeks.
“Holy shit,” Lani whispered under her breath as we entered the swank hotel. “This place is amazing.”
“Is this what they consider an inn at Hart International?” I asked, taking a quick glance around the lobby, which was so massive that it could probably encompass the entire first floor of Molly’s inn, no problem.
“Yeah, the use of the word inn threw me, too. I’ve never seen the word used in any of our other properties. I’m guessing it’s a regional thing. But, then again, we have hotels all up and down the East Coast, and none of them are called inns.”
“Maybe it’s an effort to stand out against the other hotels,” I suggested as we made our way to the check-in counter.
It was a slow process. Leilani meticulously inspected every aspect of the lobby—from the groupings of chairs to the flooring to the wood beams that stretched high above us.
“I would think it’d do that on its own,” she said.
“True,” I agreed. “But hotels in the Outer Banks aren’t exactly the best. It’s why there are so many rental houses.”
She looked at me, a slightly amused expression painted across her features. “I know, why do you think I’m trying to revamp the one I have?”
I chuckled. “Well, come on then. Don’t let me distract you any further. Go forth and work, woman!”
She joined in my laughter but grabbed my hand before finally stepping up to the check in counter. I caught her eyeing the gorgeous wood desk, probably making a mental note to research it online later.
“Can I help you?” a friendly young woman asked, her smile so wide that I could see every last one of her teeth.
I opened my mouth to respond, the gentlemanly manners my mother had instilled in me kicking in, but Lani beat me to it. “Hi. Yes, we’re checking in.”
She gave me a sideways glance that said she had this, and I could stand down.
So, stand down I did.
It was her father’s hotel after all.
“Great!” megawatt-smile girl replied. “And what is the name on the reservation?”
I smiled wide, preparing for the stunned look on the woman’s face when Leilani dropped her name.
“Taylor and Leilani Sutherland,” she answered.
I coughed, nearly swallowing my own tongue.
“Oh, honey,” Lani said. “Are you okay?” She patted my shoulder, as she gave me a wide eyed glare.
“Yep,” I answered. “Totally fine, Pookie Bear.”
A slight smirk tugged at her lips. “Sorry,” she apologized to the woman across the desk. “We’re newlyweds. We just can’t help ourselves with the adorable pet names.”
“Newlyweds! Really?” The woman was so excited; you would think she’d just had her own damn wedding instead of us.
Except we hadn’t had one either.
Damn, I was confused.
“Just yesterday!” Lani said, perfectly playing the blushing bride. “We eloped! Can you believe it?”
She looked at me, and I found myself smiling, hopefully not awkwardly.
“We didn’t even have rings, but none of that matters, does it?”
“It sure doesn’t,” the woman replied, completely enamored by our totally bogus story.
I had absolutely no idea why we were doing this or what the point was, but I had a feeling, that where Lani was concerned, I’d go anywhere and do just about anything.
“Well, I don’t normally do this, but I’d love to offer you an upgrade as congratulations on behalf of the resort.”
Lani reached across the counter. “Oh, wow. Thank you!”
“Of course.” The woman smiled. “It’s my pleasure!”
We finished up, and I handed over my credit card, not wanting to blow our cover by Lani giving hers and revealing her real last name. Soon, we had room keys for a swanky suite with sweeping ocean views.
“Nice job, Mrs. Sutherland,” I said, taking her hand as we made our way to the elevator.
“Why, thank you, Mr. Sutherland.”
“Was that just for fun or—”
“Oh, it was definitely fun,” she said, a tiny snicker escaping her lips. “But I grew up in a hotel, remember? A Hart hotel to be exact.”
“So, you knew that would get us an upgrade?”
She shrugged as we entered the elevator, thankfully alone. “Not exactly, but I had a pretty good idea.”
“You’re pure evil, Leilani Hart.” I grinned.
Her brow rose as the elevator dinged, announcing our floor. “Oh, you have no idea. Wait until you see what I’m wearing for dinner,” she teased, stepping out into the hallway, leaving me to follow behind.
I was about to ask her for a few details when she pointed down to the floor and uttered, “Oh, man! Look at that carpet!”
I chuckled under my breath. I’d lost her to the hotel again. But it was okay. I kind of enjoyed seeing her in her element. It was a healthy dose of excitement, scrutiny, and professional fascination. I could see what she approved of by a simple twitch of her brow, her face lighting up at the subtle color choices. But when we came to something she disagreed with? She’d scrunch her nose in disapproval and simply move on.
“Not a fan of those sconces?” I asked as we finally arrived at the door to our room.
She shook her head. “A surprising choice for my dad. He’s usually a less-is-more kind of guy when it comes to decorating. Let the property speak for itself and all that.”
I let out a laugh, taking one last look at the gold monstrosities. “They are a bit much.”
“That’s an understatement.”
“Maybe he let someone else pick them,” I suggested as I reached for the key card in my back pocket.
“I doubt it,” she said. “He’s not really the compromising type.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Hmm.”
“What does that mean?” Her eyes were bright and playful.
I pushed the door open. “It’s just, you’re not exactly the most compromising type either.”
Her mouth opened wide. “I am very compromising.”
“Really?” Still standing in the entryway, I didn’t budge. I knew she was dying to get inside and check out every inch of that suite, but I couldn’t help but mess with her.
“Yes,” she said, sticking to her guns, her arms defiantly wrapped around her chest.
Of course, I couldn’t help but notice the way it pressed her breasts high and tight against her low-cut top.
“Name one instance in which you compromised. Because I think my fleabag hotel is still being turned into…what did you describe it as? A hidden spa oasis?”
Her head tilted to the side, her face lit up with amusement. “I don’t think I ever said that. And I’m sorry, but whose hotel is it?”
That mischievous grin I so loved sparkled deep in her eyes. It was a look I was starting to crave. It meant that all those perfectly placed feathers of hers were starting to ruffle, and she was looking for trouble.
And I was just the guy to give it to her.
“My town,” I said. “My hotel.”
A wicked grin crept up her face as she pushed me forward into our suite. “Who owns The Cozy Hotel, Taylor Sutherland?”
I’d thought I’d never want to hear those words again.
The first time they’d fallen from her lips, I’d felt such anger.
Anger that I hadn’t accomplished anything in our brief meeting together.
Disappointment that I had been schooled by a woman I’d just met.
And frustration that I couldn’t take her right there, on that very floor.
But, now, I could.
“Why don’t you show me?” I said, taking a step back.
She eagerly followed, fully willing to do just as I’d asked until her eyes caugh
t sight of the room.
And then I lost her.
“Wow! Look at this place!”
I couldn’t help but laugh as I took a backseat to her first passion. But I knew, when she was done geeking out over bed linens and furniture choices, I’d make her forget all about it with a single, scorching touch.
“You know, my eyes are up here.”
My brow lifted as I met Lani’s amused gaze across the table. “Yes, and they’re beautiful, but if you expect me to look anywhere else tonight when you’re wearing a dress like that, you’re crazy.”
She smirked, seemingly very pleased with herself. “I guess I did promise something very wicked, didn’t I?”
“Yes,” I affirmed, giving her another once-over.
From the moment she’d stepped out of the bedroom of our suite, wearing that tight little black number, I’d been imagining all the different ways I’d take it off her later.
I was up to twenty-eight.
I was extremely creative.
“And, if you keep doing that,” I said, watching her lean forward, her breasts nearly spilling out of the top.
“Doing what?” she asked innocently.
“Driving me crazy from across the table like that,” I explained. “Keep poking the bear Lani, and I’ll be forced to do something about it.”
Her smile widened, and she did exactly what I’d hoped she’d do. She leaned forward, pressing those luscious breasts together, the ones I’d kissed and sucked not hours before, and gave me the challenge I’d been wanting.
“Good evening,” a voice said, startling both of us.
We looked up to find a chipper waiter at our table.
“May I take your drink orders?”
Lani seemed to be trying to hold back laughter while I rolled with it.
“Yes,” I answered, “but first, do you think you could do us a favor?”
“Of course,” he answered.
“My wife and I are newlyweds,” I said, taking a tip from Lani’s book. “And we’d really love to sit next to each other and face that beautiful ocean view together. Would you mind switching her table setting?”
Lani seemed a little confused by my request, but the moment she sat down next to me and my hand slid up her leg, things started to shift into place.
“Thank you,” I said to the waiter, giving a wide smile while he took our drink orders. Once he left to retrieve them, I turned my attention back to my adoring fake wife.
“You wouldn’t,” she whispered as my fingers slipped under the skirt of her dress.
“Oh, I would.”
“But there are so many people.”
“Mmhmm,” I agreed, taking a quick glance around. We were fairly close to the table next to us. Not too close, thankfully, but a moan or two would definitely be heard. “Then, I guess you’d better be quiet.”
She opened her mouth, but not a single protest came out as her legs spread wider under the table.
That’s my little daredevil.
Her breath caught as my fingers found the tiny scrap of fabric between her thighs and moved it aside.
“You’re so wet, Pookie Bear.” I grinned.
“You’re going to get us kicked out of this restaurant, honey,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.
“No,” I answered as my index finger began slowly circling her clit. “This is easy.”
“Easy?” The single word came out more like a puff of air as her whole body reacted to my touch.
“Sure,” I said. “We just need to keep talking. People won’t notice if we keep talking. It’s when we stop that we stick out.”
“So, you expect me to carry on a conversation, too?”
I slipped two digits deep inside her.
“Oh, holy shit,” she hissed under her breath.
“I think I can carry most of the conversation,” I said, slightly leaning forward on my elbow to provide a little cover. “Besides, I don’t plan on this taking long. I do know how to get you off.”
To prove my point, I pumped my fingers in and out, rubbing my thumb over her clit. I could feel her thighs closing in, clamping around my arm, her core tightening.
“Did someone order a pinot grigio?”
“Yes!” Lani cried out, her hand slamming against the table as her body exploded around me. She swiftly recovered, noticing the man standing next to us. “Yes, I did order a pinot grigio. Thank you so much!”
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing as the bartender delivered the wine and scotch to our table, my fingers still rubbing her as the shock waves rolled through her body.
“Oh my God, that guy probably thinks I’m nuts.” She laughed, her face flushed from her climax.
“Or just the most enthusiastic wine drinker on the planet.”
Our eyes met, and I couldn’t help the desire I had for her in that moment. It was overwhelming.
It always was.
“Room service?” we both said in unison.
“I’ll flag down the waiter,” I said.
“I’ll run to the restroom and freshen up.”
Shaking my head, I placed a smoldering kiss on her lips. “Don’t you dare. I want you exactly like this when we get upstairs. Wet, dirty, and—”
Her hand shot up in the air, grabbing the attention of the waiter herself.
Within three minutes, we were walking toward the elevator, practically devouring each other in the process.
“You know,” she said, whispering in my ear, “I bet there are a few things we could do in an elevator, too.”
Fuck. Me.
I’d never been so eager for the sound of an elevator to arrive.
Until it did.
The moment the doors opened, I knew something was wrong. Lani’s body tensed, like she was frozen in place with fear. Looking up, I saw a man staring at us from inside the elevator.
A man even I recognized.
“Daddy,” she breathed out, her voice shaky and weak as I met the eyes of Stephen Hart.
But it wasn’t him she was staring at. It was the woman on his arm. Her gaze seemed to ping-pong between them, as if trying to make sense of the two of them together.
Did she know the woman?
Or was it just the fact that he was with a woman at all?
“Are you here to see me? How did you know I’d be here?” he asked, patting the woman’s arm as they stepped out. He took a step forward without her and approached his daughter.
“What? No,” she said. “I’m here, doing research for my own design project. I didn’t even know you were here.”
His eyes briefly darted to mine. “Research? I see.”
“Well, you told me to make nice with the locals,” she answered snidely before throwing her attention back toward the woman next to her father. “Why is Becky here?”
So, she did know her.
Her father let out a sigh. “She’s here with me.”
A mixture of betrayal and disbelief was written all over her face. “For business?”
“No, Leilani. Rebecca is my fiancée. We’re getting married. I’ve been meaning to tell you, but—”
“But what? You didn’t have the time? You forgot? What excuse is it going to be today, Daddy?”
“I didn’t know how,” he said.
His fiancée stepped forward to reach for his hand. Lani noticed, of course, and turned her head away.
“Well, now, I know. I’m sure you’ll have your assistant update me on the details of the rest of your life as they happen. Now, if you’ll excuse us,” she said, reaching for me. She didn’t have to go far; I was right there. “We were about to retire for the evening.”
“Leilani,” he said, his voice firm and fatherly, “aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”
She swallowed hard, blinking several times as she forced a smile. “You know, Daddy, I want to, but I just don’t know how.”
If Lani was going for brutal, I’d think she’d won because the devastated look on her father’s f
ace as we walked away almost made me feel bad for him.
Almost.
That was, until I saw Lani.
And then I wanted turn right around, run after the bastard and kill him.
“Babe,” I said softly as she crumbled in my arms, sobs echoing through the small space as I shielded her body and tried to alleviate her pain.
By the time we reached our floor, tears had drenched her face, her breath so rushed and hurried that she was nearly hyperventilating. Bending down, I did the only thing I could think of. I picked her up and carried her to our room, letting her rest her head against my shoulder but wishing I could do so much more.
For her, I’d take it all.
All the pain, all the suffering.
Everything.
I made quick work of getting into our suite and headed straight for the bedroom. As gently as possible, I set her down on the bed, the covers already tossed back from our lovemaking earlier. Knowing I couldn’t leave her, I kicked off my shoes and slid next to her, wiping her tears as they fell from her eyes.
“Shh,” I whispered.
She looked up at me, so unguarded and fragile. “Why doesn’t he want me?” she finally asked.
And I felt my heart break a thousand times over.
“I don’t know,” I answered honestly, knowing I couldn’t sugarcoat this for her. The man I’d met just minutes earlier didn’t deserve it.
But the woman lying before me did.
She deserved everything and more.
“That woman,” she said, her voice filled with venom, “Becky, she’s my age. We went to school together. He promoted her just last month, made her the project leader for the major renovation property in Chicago. Guess she’s taking a little time off. I bet she’s the one who picked out those horrible sconces,” she said with a huff. “Figures. Can’t expect much for a girl who got a B-minus in Introductory Design.”
“Lani,” I whispered.
Another huff. “I know,” she said. “I’m being petty. But, I mean, do you blame me?”
“No, I just don’t think it’s Becky you’re truly mad at.”
Her lips quivered. “Mad? No,” she answered. “Creeped out a little, yes. But mostly, I’m just angry.”
“Why?” I asked, knowing we were getting somewhere.
