by Brooke Page
“Depends on what?” I flirted.
I rolled Tyler to his back then continued down until his shirt was completely undone. I trailed my lips down his rising chest, becoming more turned on with every inch of his salty skin I tasted.
He groaned again, grabbing a pillow to put under his head. His eyes were on me now, his eyelids lifted while his mouth was hanging open. I stopped at his belt and looked up at him while biting my lip.
“Are you going to tell me?”
“Are you going to continue?” he asked slowly, trying to hide his grin.
“That depends,” I smirked, mimicking his words.
He laughed then pulled me up his body so we were nose to nose, both grinning like idiots at each other.
“Oh, Becca. I think you need to finish what you have insinuated in order for me to make up my mind,” he teased, rubbing his nose along mine.
“Tell me first,” I murmured against his lips.
“Nope,” his breath was hot on my mouth, and I couldn’t help but to accept its invitation. I kissed him hard, moving my hands in his hair, tugging gently on the top of his head where it was just barely long enough to grasp. His hands found my back, moving simultaneously up and down my spine then cupping my behind, pulling me into him.
I gasped and arched my back, well aware of the welcomed friction in between my legs.
When I opened my eyes and looked back down at him, he did it again, his hands squeezing tighter, pulling me down onto him.
Trying to clear my head, I sat up, still enjoying the feeling of him underneath me. “Tell me,” I moaned low in my throat.
He sat up with me, placing his hands on my hips so he could pull me down into his thrust again.
“I think you are going to have to wait and see tomorrow,” he teased.
I pulled back from him, trying to look irritated, but it was hopeless. This man had me in his sexual thrall, and there was nothing I could do about it. I was going to have to endure the torture and anticipation of his surprise getaway.
Chapter 19
Tyler carried my luggage through the Gerald R. Ford International airport, anxiously holding our tickets. I had to speed walk to keep up with him. Was he in such a hurry because we were late or was it because he was excited?
“Are you going to tell me where we are going yet?” I asked, damn near running to keep up with him. The security check took a while, and I think that was the reason why he was so frazzled.
“Nope,” he said briskly, weaving in between other travelers.
We finally made it to our gate, which held three different stations. One was to Sandusky, Ohio, another to Atlanta, and the last to Orlando. From the hint of a warmer climate, I guessed it was either Orlando or Atlanta. Why would we be going to Atlanta or Orlando? Did he want to take me to Disney World for New Year’s Eve?
He slouched down in one of the black leather seats, tugging on my hand to sit down next to him.
He seemed preoccupied with something.
“Are you okay? You seem like something is on your mind.” I caressed the palm of his hand, trying to get him to relax.
His worrisome expression faded as he spoke. “I was just worried about missing our flight, but we are going to be okay. It seems they are delayed.” His brows furrowed as he looked at the screen holding the flight times. Only one of the flights was highlighted in red.
“Orlando?” I asked.
He turned his head back to me with a smug smile. “That’s our first stop, yes.”
“Why won’t you tell me where we are going!” I whined, playfully hitting his arm.
“Because it’s fun to see you so curious,” he teased back.
Our flight to Orlando went smoothly, but the delay had Tyler all worked up. He must have had something planned because he was very grouchy about time. We barely made it to our connecting flight, which stunk because I was so engrossed in following Tyler’s quick strides, I didn’t even see the city on the gate. It wasn’t until the pilot announced where we were going when my eyes lit up.
“Miami?” I questioned.
Tyler turned to look at me, excitement turning into skepticism. “I thought I could get you settled in.”
“It’s wonderful, Tyler. I’m thrilled we are going to Miami,” I beamed, leaning in to give him a chaste kiss. “I could have met you there so you didn’t have to travel yesterday.”
He visibly relaxed then pulled me in for another quick kiss. “I wanted to fly together. I’m just glad we made this connecting flight, it would have screwed up a few of my surprises,” he mumbled.
“Just how many are there?” I asked.
His mischievous Conklin grin made its appearance. “You will just have to wait and see.”
~
The flight to Miami was bumpy. Thank goodness it was only a thirty eight minute flight!
When we got out to the pick-up drive, a sleek, white Maserati GranTurino convertible was waiting for us. Tyler’s eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store. He licked his lips as the valet handed him the keys. He rushed to open my door, his legs bouncing, anxious to drive the pretty car.
“I need to trade in my Maserati for a convertible,” he said, his eyes sparkling as he turned the key. I silently shook my head. Boys and their toys.
We drove off in the hot Miami heat, the wind blowing through my hair. I dug through my bag so I could find a hair tie, pulling it up so it would stop whipping me in the face.
It was so nice to see palm trees and sun. Miami was completely different from Grand Rapids. It was nice to get away from the snow.
About a half hour later we arrived at a fancy resort.
“Welcome to your home away from home,” Tyler said, as we arrived at the main entrance. Huge white pillars with big fancy fabric drapes surrounded the main entrance. Lantern looking lights were hung in the center of the outdoor entrance. Men in white polos and black pants met us to take the car and our bags. Tyler reached for my hand as we walked into the large lobby.
We were greeted by a large mahogany outlined desk and a smiling receptionist. Large marble pillars were placed throughout the lobby as elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
“Hi, reservation for Conklin,” Tyler said sternly to the receptionist.
“Hello Mr. Conklin. Welcome to Acqualina Resort and Spa. Can I please have a form of identification and a major credit card?” she asked overly sweetly.
Tyler nodded and pulled out his wallet, retrieving what the receptionist required. A few minutes later we were given keys and headed to our room.
The room was on the second story, which I was thankful. I never liked staying high up in hotels.
Tyler opened the door with a grin and my mouth nearly dropped with how beautiful the room was. The walls were painted cream with intricate paneling. A white couch and two white chairs were the focal point of the room. An entertainment center was on the opposite wall as the furniture. Just past living area was a patio where I could see bright blue water. The room was ocean front and nearly took my breath away. A small dining table was placed just to the right of the entrance, and the kitchen was behind a wall on the opposite side. The cupboards were all mahogany and the countertops were granite and speckled. The kitchen was as big as the one Jamie and I had at home.
Just past the main room was the bedroom. It was filled with creams and tans. The carpeting was an intricate hexagon design, and the comforter on the bed looked so inviting.
The bathroom was similarly designed in tans, with tile on the bottom half of the wall throughout the expansive room. The wall above the tile was mainly covered in mirrors. There was a fancy tub big enough for two that I couldn’t wait to sink into with Tyler. Along with double sinks and more granite counters, a vast walk-in shower took up one corner of the bathroom.
Walking back to the bedroom, I ran my hand along the bed, loving that the comforter was filled with down feathers. We had to wake up early to pack and make the flight in time. I was happy we stayed at my place last night, consider
ing I was going to pack enough clothes for working the rest of the following week. But I was still tired and was planning on starting our getaway with a nap.
The best part of the entire hotel suite was the patio. I walked out and fell in love with the ocean breeze. Smelling the salty air and the sand reminded me of suntan lotion and sea shells.
Tyler followed me onto the patio with his hands in his pockets. He looked so nervous and contemplated.
“What do you think?” he asked quietly.
“Tyler, it’s breathtaking. This place is beautiful. I think you may have trouble getting me to come back to Grand Rapids.”
His unsure expression faded as he walked up next to me, putting his arm around my waist. “I’m glad you like it. I spent an entire day searching for the perfect place. But the best part is, it’s a two bedroom,” he said, trying to hide a smile.
I gave him a funny look. Why would I need two bedrooms? “Are Corey and I sharing this place?”
Tyler’s eyes hardened and his brows furrowed.
“Of course not. He has his own private room on the other side of the hotel,” he snorted.
I still gave him a funny look, not understanding the meaning of the spare room.
His lips quirked as he regained his composure. “We are having a marketing coordinator spend time in Miami to see how many clients we can reach.”
I cocked my head at him, a small smile playing along my lips.
“Not bad Conklin.” I heard a very familiar voice echo through the main room along with the opening of the door.
My face broke out into a huge smile as I jumped up to hug Tyler. He planned for Jamie to be a part of the project and keep me company while in Miami.
He hugged me back laughing, then I quickly let go of him to go and greet my best friend.
“Jamie! What are you doing here?” I exclaimed. Even though I was pretty sure what was going on, I wanted to hear it from her.
“I’m going to be working here the next couple of months! Isn’t that exciting! The two of us back in Florida!” she squealed, while reaching to give me a big hug.
I smiled at her, but internally cringed. I didn’t want to go back to our old habits. But I knew that would never happen, not as long as I had Tyler.
“Not quite,” I heard Tyler scold, coming up behind me and pulling me from Jamie’s embrace into his own.
“Oh, calm down! I’m not that bad of an influence!” she scolded back, waving her hand at him.
I felt Tyler’s grin on the back of my head as his arms ran up and down my biceps.
“So did you like your surprise?” Tyler asked as Jamie brought her bag back to her side of the suite.
“It is wonderful! Thank you!” I grinned like an idiot.
I turned around to face him, giving him a big lip-smacking kiss. He smiled into my mouth, returning my kiss graciously.
“Did you tell her the other half of her surprise?” Jamie said, returning from her room. She rolled her eyes at our embrace. I didn’t care. I held him close while turning to face her, my grin still plastered to my face.
“More surprises?” I asked, looking up at Tyler.
He smirked again. “I have arranged for a spa day for you and Jamie. Then tonight we are going to celebrate the New Year.”
“The three of us?” I said happily.
“Nathan will join us too. He is on his way now,” Jamie said walking past us to the kitchen.
I stared up at Tyler, so excited for a weekend away with him and my best friend and his brother. It felt so real and not like work. I was going to soak up being with him as much as I could the next few days, knowing that our time together was going to be limited the following weeks.
“We need to get going soon.” Jamie walked back out to the main room with a water bottle. “Lover boy here booked a four hour day. I hope you are ready for a new hairdo!”
“Do you like brunettes?” I asked.
He shrugged his shoulders. “I love Becca. But I do like brunettes. But if you turned back to blonde, I wouldn’t pass you down.”
“Wouldn’t pass me down?” I asked.
He smirked. “I used to prefer blondes until you changed to a brunette. I rather enjoy it.”
He reached for my pony tail, running his fingers through the windblown strands. He brought his head down to my ear and whispered, “All I ask, is you keep it long. I enjoy running my fingers through it.”
I blushed as he kissed my ear then noticed Jamie staring at me, shaking her head back and forth with a half grin on her face.
Tyler pulled away and dropped his hands. “Go have fun. Nathan and I will be here when you get back then we will go out and have some fun on the town. Miami is supposedly quite lively on New Year’s.”
“Not just New Year’s, all the time!” Jamie said enthusiastically, throwing her hands to the ceiling. I smiled and reached up to give him a kiss on the cheek then took off with Jamie, who clearly knew where to go. Tyler must have filled her in on his surprise. I think he secretly loved having the inside girl on his side again and was going to use her advice to his advantage for as long as we were together. I, for once, didn’t mind him talking to Jamie and actually enjoyed how he constantly wanted to contact her about me, and only me.
~
Jamie and I were about to be pampered to the fullest. We both had big fluffy robes and our skin felt rejuvenated after our seaweed baths. We were on to getting our hair done, sitting next to each other while we were getting shampooed and having our scalps massaged.
“This is the life. Remind me to thank your boyfriend,” Jamie half moaned.
I giggled. “He is very thoughtful.”
“Listen to you, all dreamy and dopy eyed. You two are perfect for each other,” she laughed.
“What?” I asked.
“It was so important for him to woo you this weekend. He was so excited when he found this place and planned everything for this weekend. I’m just happy he included me in some of it.”
“So you know what else he has planned?” I asked, excitement creeping into my voice.
“My lips are sealed. He loves you a lot Becs. I would keep him.” She winked.
“That’s the plan,” I sighed, closing my eyes. An uneasy feeling came upon my stomach. I was thankful Jamie couldn’t see my face because she would have called me out on it. But I could never tell her about Margo, and I had honestly forgotten about her up until the current feeling in my stomach. I hoped she would never come and see him again. Not that she knew he was with someone. Did he tell her we were serious? He never told me what they talked about. I know they were stuck in the elevator together for a while; they had to have talked about some things. I needed to stop thinking about her, but it was so hard.
I didn’t have the hairdresser do anything different to my hair. I had her blow it straight, forgoing the curls because that’s how that awful old bitch wore her hair. I hoped that wasn’t why Tyler loved when I had curls.
I did my nails in a simple French manicure. I wasn’t sure what outfit I would be wearing, and I secretly wished we had time to go shopping for something new and exciting in this exotic city.
Once Jamie and I were done being pampered, we decided to go for a walk around the grounds. We didn’t go down to the beach yet, and I was kind of happy about that. I wanted to explore the beach for the first time with Tyler. Something about the sand and the ocean waves was incredibly romantic, and the thought of him holding my hand while walking on the beach, kissing me under the sunset made my heart beat faster.
“Would you like to buy a headband?” a little girl quietly asked, taking me out of my thoughts.
She opened up a briefcase and looked between the two of us then behind us. If I had to guess, she wasn’t supposed to be on the grounds.
“These are pretty. Do you make them?” Jamie asked, fingering one of the headbands.
The little girl nodded. She couldn’t have been more than 12 years old.
I looked at the headbands and one caugh
t my eye. “How much are these?” I asked as I lifted one from the case. It was stretchy and the beads were tiny, making an intricate diamond shape. The diamonds were blue and the outsides of them were filled with colorful designs. It felt like it matched the city perfectly.
“It is eight dollars,” the little girl said, still anxiously looking around.
I reached in my pocket and gave her a ten, telling her to keep the change. Jamie smiled at me and told the little girl no thank you. Her face brightened then she ran off, a security guy slowly following her.
“Little shit was illegally peddling and you just supported her,” Jamie scolded, shaking her head back and forth as though she were shaming me, but she was obviously joking.
“What do you think?” I asked holding up the headband.
“That headband fits your new personality,” Jamie said nonchalantly.
“What do you mean new personality?”
“The bold, confident, madly-in-love Becca you have grown in to. I’m so proud,” she sighed, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. I smiled back at her. I had become more confident. And Tyler was the reason why. He helped me come out of my shell, and he brought out feelings in me I didn’t even know I had.
Chapter 20
Jamie and I walked into an empty hotel suite. A note was on the dining table.
Becca-
I hope you enjoyed being pampered. Nathan and I will be back shortly.
I have more surprises for you in the bedroom.
Love, Ty
Jamie glanced at the note and rolled her eyes. “You two are so pathetic. I’m going to go change.”
I grinned at the note and practically ran to our bedroom. When I opened the door a large bouquet of flowers was on the dresser with another note.
