“I won’t become one of your groupies or use you as—what did you call it? A giving tree? I have my own money.”
“I booked the penthouse suite, babe. You’re not paying for that.”
The pilot popped his head back inside the hatchway. “Sir, your limo is here.”
“And the limo.” A smug expression filled his face. “I’m paying for that, too.”
“A limo? What happened to keeping a low profile?”
His lips twisted. “I got excited.”
“You’re an idiot. I’m paying for the limo and the hotel. You can’t possibly have that much cash in that roll you’ve been using.”
“I have a credit card. Seriously, don’t worry about it.”
When he opened his mouth to argue, she silenced him, pressing her index finger to his lips. “You already agreed to the rules. I want a quiet few days, and I don’t want to be running from the paparazzi the whole time. What name did you book the room under?”
His cheeks colored. “I used an alias. This isn’t my first rodeo.”
“At least you’re not a total idiot.”
He laughed. “No, I’m not.” He grabbed her hand. “Come, our shopping adventure awaits. I say, we skip the thrift stores and upscale it a bit. Your choice—Walmart or Target?”
Chapter Thirteen
Ash’s sunglassesand baseball cap drew hardly a raised eyebrow with the midnight shopping crowd at Walmart. Skye bought the basics—an extra change of clothes, a sweater to layer, and added in a scarf and mittens to battle the harsh Upstate New York weather.
When Ash joined her with his nearly bare shopping basket, she turned him around with a shake of her head. “You’re going to need something more than a pair of gloves.” His leather jacket offered little protection against the freezing temperatures. “Go get a sweater and maybe a long-sleeved shirt. You’re going to freeze your ass off.”
Briefly, she considered sending him for a winter jacket, but she knew he’d resist. If he bought a hat, gloves, and a sweater, she’d be happy. It was important to pick the battles she knew she’d win.
His smile crinkled, and the fluorescent lights glittered in his eyes. “Bossy much?”
“No. Just realistic about the weather.” She shoved him back toward the men’s section, following him this time. After grabbing a long-sleeved shirt—he’d refused the turtlenecks she tried to shove in hisbasket—she was able to convince him to add a lightweight sweater to his collection.
They headed to the checkout counters, paying separately, and then called the limo.
After their essential shopping trip was completed—toothbrushes, shampoo, and deodorant purchased—the limo driver took them to their hotel where they checked in a little before one a.m.
The suite had a main sitting area and two separate bedrooms. While Ash deposited his shopping bags in the other room, Skye collapsed in bed, too tired and exhausted to brush her teeth. A picture window looked out into the inky-black sky. Niagara Falls roared, its awe-inspiring sound muffled by the glass.
Ash came to her a few minutes later, pulling back the covers and lying beside her. “Skye,” he whispered.
“Yes?”
“You asleep?”
She rolled over. “No.”
He brushed back the hair from her face and kissed her forehead. “You’re keeping me awake,” he teased.
Turning his back, he yanked the covers over his shoulder. When she tucked into him, he flipped over and tugged her into his arms, cuddling without demanding anything more.
She allowed her eyes to drift shut. Being held in a man’s arms, without the demand for sex, was an unfamiliar but welcome sensation. And, while his breathing turned soft and measured, she was left to wonder whether to remain in his embrace or scoot away.
In the end, she stayed where she was. Ash’s gentle hold made her feel safe.
With thoughts of him spinning in her head and his gentle snores whispering in her ears, Skye snuggled into his warmth.
