He gulps audibly and takes the fork from my hand to eat a bite. After chewing, he huskily says, “Stay wherever makes you comfortable.”
With you?
God, I cannot believe I thought that. Yes, I can. It’s all I’ve thought about for months.
“I’ve only stayed in the Blue Lagoon Suite,” I say, a words coming out a little wispy. “Have you checked out all the rooms?”
“Want the last bite?”
I shake my head, and he picks up the plate and his mug, moving to the sink.
“I’ve only been here twice,” she says as he rinses both. “Didn’t really explore the other guest rooms. Just the common living areas and the outdoor facilities.”
“Sounds like we should take a tour.”
He mumbles something
I’m enjoying the heck out of this back and forth. His discomfort is so endearing. He’s trying to hard to do what’s right by me. By my brother.
He breaks the silence by saying, “There’s a room on the second level with a waterfall. That’s all I know.”
“Is that where you plan on staying?”
His shoulders tense beneath the long-sleeved T-shirt he’s wearing. “Not sure.”
He’s going to pick a room that’s an acre away from mine. Just because he’s determined to honor my brother’s wishes.
My mug finds the counter with a soft click, nearly empty. The schnapps is definitely having an effect. I should eat something solid, but that can wait.
“Actually, I'd like to see the whole facility first. If that's okay.”
He turns, and something flickers across his face. Surprise maybe. “You want to take the grand tour?”
“It is our domain for a few days. Might as well check it out.”
“Come on, then,” Spence moves past, careful not to brush against me even though the space requires navigation around the island. “Hope those boots are made for walking. This place is massive.”
Hopping down from the stool, I hurry after him, and past him. “I’ll race you.”
Is that a laugh?
From Spence.
When I glance over my shoulder, he’s grinning, and not running. Just walking behind me, watching.
Devouring.
“Are you coming?” I ask, my heart speeding dangerously.
“I’m trying not to.”
Oh, my God.
The toe of my boot catches on the stone floor, and I laugh, catching my balance at the last second. “Guess I need to look where I’m going.”
“Good plan.”
“Come on, lazybones,” I tease, jogging ahead, down a long stone hallway that leads to some mysterious location in the cave.
