“Yep.”
“A woman was here maybe fifteen or so minutes ago and said you’d be here to pick up her order. She put it under your name.” He gestures with a nod toward the food at the end of the bar. “Did you need a duplicate order?”
Of course Livy would find a loophole, but I can’t wipe the smile off my face, loving how she ordered the same thing. I thank him and retrieve the food while he cancels out the other order. I check the time—only three minutes left to find her. I cheated, and still this plan of mine has taken a turn for the worst. But even if I give up my room for the night, it was all worth it. For the first time in what feels like a lifetime, hope settles in my chest, and I won’t give up until she’s mine for good.
I check the receipt of the order, searching for a clue.
You’re close, Daddy.
Fucking hell. She’s right that we’re two different people now. There’s no way in hell my sweet Olivia would’ve ever called me that when we were younger. Sure, we had fun sneaking around campus for quickies—this is different. I’m hungry for her, more than I ever have in my life, curious just how much she’ll let me play with her.
I’m about to try another bar when my smartwatch dings with an incoming text.
Livy
You’re almost out of time.
Luck is on my side tonight with her text—my girl wants to get caught. I leave the message unanswered and head to the elevators. There’s a good chance she’s watching me, and I make a show of accepting my defeat with each step, or at least attempt to appear as indifferent as possible. In mere minutes, she could be mine for the rest of the night, but if she truly wants the room to herself, I’ll gather my things and I’ll try again with her tomorrow.
There are two couples waiting with me at the elevator bank, and as I watch the numbers count down, an eerily familiar sweet, floral scent gives me pause. Excitement swirls in me that the chase is finally over, but I remain facing forward.
After several excruciatingly long seconds, Livy finally taunts from behind, “Did you give up?”
I don’t completely turn, no matter how much my heart aches to see her. Keeping my voice low, I dip my head to the left slightly to ensure only she hears me reply, “It seems you won the game.”
“The game isn’t technically over for another forty-five seconds,” she counters with entirely too much levity in her tone. It’s like a damn song, and if we weren’t in public, I’d pin her against the wall behind her, reminding her exactly why we’re playing this game in the first place.
“Do you want to be caught?”
“Yes.” Her single word comes out breathless, and dare I say, a little needy. I can’t remember the last time I felt this rush of adrenaline, and struggle to contain my amusement.
The elevator doors open and the four other people waiting with us step inside. Not wanting anyone to see Livy and me getting out on the same floor, I quietly tell her, “Go. I’ll take the next one.”
She steps around me to get in, glancing over her shoulder, eyes alight with mischief. A man holds the doors, offering, “There’s room.”
“Oh, I’m waiting for someone.” I lift the drinks and bag a bit as if that’s my excuse. “Thank you, though.”
He nods, letting the doors shut. My girl’s smile is bright, the same one I remember from so long ago. There’s a chance she won’t let me in the room once I get there, but seeing her devilish grin not falter while the metal slowly separates us only solidifies for me that this will be the first of hundreds of more nights together.
Another elevator dings before opening, and I make my way over to it, grateful no one else steps in with me as the doors close. Not only do I need time to think, but parading around with two drinks looks a little suspicious. I’ve been so caught up in my obsession with Livy that I’ve ignored the possibility that therecould be media, or even just nosy hotel guests, who could ruin everything.
Fucking careless.
But after all this time, could I really have a second chance with the one woman I never stopped loving? I’m a man of my word—I won’t touch her unless I know this is more than just a hormonally-charged moment between two college sweethearts.
But, fuck, do I crave her.
Just one taste couldn’t hurt. Right?
The numbers slowly tick for what feels like eternity. Once I reach my floor, I take a moment before exiting. This is it, and it could all blow up in my face if I’m not careful. My door is propped open by the large metal lock, and with Todd keeping an eye on everything, I’m only a little on edge. Still, I check left and right before pressing it open with my foot.
“Livy?”
“You know, by definition, I won,” she calls out from farther in the suite.
Unsure what I’m walking into, I set the food on the counter of the kitchenette, and take my time moving through the living space and into the bedroom. Livy’s facing away from me in a white terrycloth robe, teasing a glance over her shoulder as she hears me enter.
“This room is mine now, right?”
