She led me the rest of the way to the tent, opening the door and stepping inside.
The gas fireplace was already going, casting dancing light across the polished wood floor, making everything feel intimate without being too dark. The king-size bed was made up with crisp white linens and covered in more pillows than any two people would ever need. Two chairs sat around a small table to the side. A wet bar was set up in the corner with a mini-fridge. Our overnight bags sat neatly on the bench at the foot of the bed.
Alex’s dahlias filled a vase on the table while champagne chilled in a bucket nearby.
The door clicked shut behind me.
“So,” she spoke softly, “what do you think?”
I crossed the space between us and kissed her, twining my fingers into her hair.
“I think,” I replied finally, “that you’re everything. And if it took fallin’ from the sky to find you, then it was worth every agonizing minute.”
“Finn,” her eyes sparkled as she slid her fingers over my wrists.
I kissed her again. Slower this time—deeper, feeling her melt into it, her hands slipping to my chest to grip my shirt. She slid her tongue against my teeth, and I granted her access, letting her explore my mouth. She tasted like honey and barely restrained need.
“I’m just gonna... bathroom,” she sighed happily when we broke apart. “Give me a minute?”
“Take your time.”
She disappeared through a door I’d barely noticed, and I heard water running. It gave me a second to look around properly—to appreciate what she’d done here.
I pulled the champagne out and checked the label. French. Expensive. Probably cost more than I wanted to think about.
I set it back carefully. We could toast later. Right now, I just wanted to be present for whatever came next.
The bathroom door opened, and Alex stepped out wearing—still the dress, actually. But her hair was down now, and she’d taken off her jewelry and sandals. She looked more relaxed—moreAlex.
“Your turn,” she smiled shyly. “If you want.”
I grabbed my bag, praying it had what I needed and headed for the bathroom.
It was sleek and modern inside with a full shower and generous vanity. Our toothbrushes were already in a tumbler by the sink and the small pill bottle that had been in my bag sat unassuming on the other side. I huffed a laugh, my cheeks warming at her directness.
I took one of the small blue pills and swallowed it down with water from the tap before brushing my teeth and splashing water on my face.
I looked at myself in the mirror for a long moment.
My reflection stared back—scars, beard, asymmetrical eyes that looked more alive than they had in months. Because of her. Because I’d finally shown her all the broken parts and she’d stayed anyway.
I ran a shaky hand through my hair and tried to calm the nerves that had decided to show up now of all times.
She planned this for you. For us. Don’t overthink it.
Right.
I opened the door and stepped back into the room.
Alex was standing by the bed, still in that dress, watching me with eyes that were dark and wanting.
I crossed to her slowly as she watched me—her hands fidgeting with the drawstring tie at the neckline of her dress.
“C’mere,” I reached for her. Her hands settled on my chest, fingers spreading over the buttons of my shirt.
“Hi,” she bit her lip to stop the grin spreading across her face.
“Hi yourself,” I traced the edge of that off-shoulder neckline with one finger. Soft fabric. Softer skin underneath. “Been thinking about this dress all night.”
