I step closer, but she doesn’t budge nor back up into her room. It’s better that way since my son and daughter are upstairs. But it doesn’t matter where she stands because I cup her face and bring her lips to mine, an instant murmur from her mouth before she kisses me back. We won’t get to strip off a scrap of clothing right now, but I still want to kiss her.
It’s not even from a debt that I owe her. It’s because it isn’t a debt to her at all.
We light a fire when we drown in our simmering sexual tension, but there is more to her that is underlying and deserves attention. The combination of attraction and personality opens a weakness within me.
I should run. Close the door and move on.
But her forehead rests against my nose when our mouths part, and she stays put. I smell her flowery hair, and my heart quickens. Lexi should retreat, but she doesn’t. There is a wind around us; it should blow us in all directions, but it takes us only in one.
“Hey, Lexi,” I whisper.
“Hmm.”
My words are lost when all I can think about is asking for a weekend, just us. But something stops me.
“Nothing. Just good night and sleep well.”
“I will.” She smiles softly as she creates space. “Actually, tomorrow, can we meet? I mean at the Dizzy Duck?” My eyes nearly bug out, and she giggles. “Bad host of the house, I was purely indicating that I wanted to show you a few rooms that I’ll finish tomorrow morning.”
“Sure. Just find me when you’re ready.” I tense when I realize how our brains are wired and where our imaginations are going. “The meeting, about rooms and designs.”
“Bedrooms. Not just rooms. Guest bedrooms,” she replies with a husky tone, very well aware that we’re both acting odd. My only response is to groan as I pivot to walk away.
When I hear her door close behind me, I’m relieved, because tomorrow means that I’ll be closer to her again. Me and her.
14
HOLDEN
Lexi is a mix of enthusiastic and proud. She also appears like a jumping bean due to her eagerness for me to inspect her creation. With her hand on the handle, it feels like she’s opening a door to a new kingdom.
I’m not sure it’s a kingdom without us. Especially when she’s in a flared skirt that ends just above her knees.
“I really think you are going to love this. It’s the largest suite at the Dizzy Duck, and it’s by no means a cheap stay. Ready?”
Her mood is infectious which is why my face is beaming. “I am.”
She nods her head. “Great. Here we are.”
The door slowly opens, and I guess all those house shows I watch in my spare time feel a little more realistic. I walk a few steps in and then freeze. I need to take a moment to assess the room that is a complete opposite to what it was before, and I’m in awe.
Lexi observes me, with her hands in tight fists against her chest. She’s about to burst if I don’t say something.
“This is… fantastic,” I exclaim.
The natural dark wood floors have replaced the carpet, and instead there is a threaded area rug. Everything in this room is white except accessories and pillows that are the pop of color. The dark blue blends well. A free-standing tub has a tray across it with a candle holder resting on it for effect.
Stepping farther into the room, my eyes focus on different areas. The chest at the bottom of the four-poster bed, the different heightened candlesticks along the mantle of the cozy fireplace with two rocking chairs nearby.
“Like a magazine, right?” She finally lets out her excitement.
My eyes can’t stop exploring, but I slow down my track when I land on my destination which is Lexi who is now twirling once as she takes in her surroundings.
“That was the goal,” I reply. “It’s exactly what I was hoping for and more.” Already my mind has marketing plans, and I’m eager to get this room available as soon as possible. I could probably raise the price too.
“I was hoping you would say that.” She rushes to me and grabs my arm to ensure she can direct me to where she wants me to examine. “Did you see the table by the window with a feathered pen and glasses with a classic bottle for port? And then there are little things like a hockey rubber duck with a Spinners jersey for Lake Spark’s favorite pastime, next to the towels and shampoo. The curtains along the massive window and French terrace really removes the cookie-cutter hotel feel. Out on the terrace we ha?—”
I spin to grab her wrist and pull her close. She seems caught off guard as she peers down to my hand then back up. “Everything is great… really,” I assure her.
