I engulfed Faith in a hug. “Can’t believe you’re finally getting married!”
Asher smirked beside her and crossed his arms. “I can.”
I rolled my eyes as Declan came over. “You must be Faith and Asher. I’m Declan. Congratulations, and thank you for letting me come.” He reached out and shook their hands.
“A friend of Mags’ is a friend of ours,” Asher said, giving a side-glance at Faith who smiled brightly.
He placed an arm around me, and I stiffened. I resisted the urge to recoil from his touch. Ever since we slept together, the repulsion worsened. “I like to think I’m more than a friend.”
“Have you labeled it?” Faith’s eyes shifted to me.
“No!” I gulped. “We’re seeing what happens.”
Declan grinned. “Exactly.”
“So, my dad may have gone overboard.” Faith giggled, her hand waving around us.
“You think?” Asher snorted.
“I think it’s sweet. Plus, this place is beautiful,” I said.
“Yeah, but it’s nothing like Violet Ridge.” Asher pouted.
“We will still enjoy the rolling pastures and tree-covered forests. We live there, you know.” Faith laughed at him.
Asher looked around the vicinity. “Luca’s around here somewhere. He and his date got here a few minutes ago.”
I was gut-punched just hearing his name. I forced myself to interlock my fingers with Declan’s. He was a good man, good for me. I didn’t need the passion, I needed safe.
“They went to their room for now. They’ll meet us at brunch,” Faith said, eyeing me.
“We should probably do the same so we aren’t late to brunch.” I gave them a weak smile.
Faith winked. “Absolutely. I’ll text you the itinerary! Dad planned that, too.”
I shook my head with a laugh.
Declan and I gathered all of our belongings and lugged them to the front desk to retrieve our key card for the room. Room fifty-one.
We wandered down the winding hallways and found our room. As Declan scanned our card and opened our door, room fifty’s door opened, and Luca stepped out. Adrenaline shot through me, I pushed Declan in with our luggage and shut the door. Just a glimpse of the man and I was weak in the knees.
“If you were eager to get me alone, all you had to do was say so.” He cupped my face in his hands and kissed me. I kissed him back and forced myself to forget about the sexy jerk next door.
Day One
10 AM - 11 AM - Brunch
The cafeteria in the resort was stunning. Buffet tables were situated in rows with an elegant white cloth placed over them. The food ranged from breakfast to lunch, and my stomach growled once the various smells hit my nose. I made myself a plate and grabbed a glass of orange juice before making my way toward Faith, who sat alone near an open window.
I placed my breakfast on the table and snagged the seat next to her. “You’re here early. Where’s Asher?”
She smiled. “You’re here just as early. Asher is with Luca doing who knows what.”
I swallowed the bitter taste at the mention of Luca’s name. “This place is breathtaking. Your dad outdid himself, for sure. And it looks like we’re the only ones here.”
She nodded and grabbed her glass of juice. “Well, Dad actually rented the entire place,exclusively.”
My eyes almost popped out of my head. “That must’ve cost a fortune!”
