My lips press together and roll into my mouth. I’ve never been one to refrain from speaking my mind, but now I am. “Excited for tomorrow?” I cop out and talk as if it’s an average day.
He chortles a laugh. “You want to talk about mundane subjects when we should be discussing this hot-as-fuck outfit you’re wearing?” Holden looks down at me to capture my gaze.
I lift my shoulders. “I was saving it for a special occasion, and I felt that the mundane topic you just mentioned is actually kind of a big deal. You’re really going to have a finished inn that is ready to shine.”
“Because of you. I sure as hell didn’t pick out paint colors or take down moose heads.”
My fingers crawl up his chest. “It was one moose, and I’m not exactly sure why you didn’t do it before.”
“It was a statement piece that got people talking when they arrived.”
“Solid tactic.” I begin to stir out of his arms. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m freezing and need to get out of this.”
Holden sits up, disappointed, but then slants his head. “I guess we need to leave this room eventually today.” His eyes pin on me with that devilish grin forming. “Can I have one picture of you like this? For my eyes only?”
I glance away, both honored and entertained that he would ask that. “How do you want me?” I agree.
He stands up and walks to his pants lying carelessly on the floor to grab his phone. “We can do several so I have options.”
“Now this is a photoshoot?”
His eyes draw up from his phone. “Well yeah, I need you standing up, lying down on your back and belly, on your knees too. Would you squeeze your tits together once?” he quips, but I’m going to give it all to him anyway, which is why I’m crawling back onto the bed.
“Here you are, sir.”
Holden stalls for a second, his eyes glowing with a shade that I can only describe as fragile. A thought seems to cross his mind, and I don’t believe it has to do with dirty pictures.
“I like this surprise.” It floats off his lips.
Our eyes linking together only confirms my suspicions. The thought in his mind has everything to do with us, but beyond the bedroom.
* * *
I examinethe lobby once more as various guests chat while trays of champagne and nibbles travel through the room. My fingers wrap around my wrists to keep busy, causing the fabric of my long-sleeved black dress to move. The lines of the dress follow my curves, and Holden fully approves, judging by the once-over I got earlier when everyone was placing the final touches here before guests arrived.
After discussing with the event planner, I asked that we have a few options that are a homage to the history and design of this place. How she mixed pioneer with 1920’s flare, I’m not entirely sure, except I see champagne in classic goblets. I’m too nauseous to eat, but the corn-inspired food looks delish. The pride I feel for my work, I want to be validated. The other day when the press did a walkthrough for photos and to ask questions, it seemed positive. But now close family and friends, plus the Lake Spark mayor, are here. They will kill me if I got it all wrong. This is a place of history for the town. It’s special to all for so many reasons.
The line of my lips moves from straight to curved when I see Lori and Harry next to the snack table. Of course, they go straight for the pecan squares. Lori even seems invested in the night, with a smile on her face.
“You did great,” my father mentions as he stands by my side with whiskey in hand. He quickly stopped by, even though the team needs to be in San Jose tomorrow. My mother already had a girls’ trip planned with friends in California.
My head turns to the side with elation from his comment. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. Also, that you managed to stop by, even if really quick.”
His lips snag up. “Sorry about that, but hockey season calls.”
I shrug my shoulders. “I know, it always does.” I think I’ve become accepting of that fact. When I was younger, I didn’t quite understand his absence due to his marriage to hockey, but it now makes sense.
“I wish I could stay for the toasts and grill your boyfriend a little, but that will be for another time.” He’s actually teasing me.
I chuckle at him. “More accepting now?”
“A higher percentage than last time.” His mundane tone represents truth yet skepticism all in one, and I throw him a pretend glare. “I said hello to him and congratulated him on the opening. Even shook his hand. We’re progressing.”
“Best present of the day,” I reply dryly.
My father leans in to kiss my cheek. “As long as he doesn’t break your heart, then we’ll be okay. Might even let him cut the turkey at future holiday dinners.” I give a side hug, pleased with his comment. “Congratulations, sweetheart. Sorry I have to run.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’ll see you soon.”
