I gag as a shiver runs through my body and she dies laughing, holding her belly.
“I’ll pass. Let’s just hope if you’re telling the truth they have a vacancy otherwise I’m sleeping in your SUV or on the beach.” My body shakes again, trying to get rid of the image.
Fucking great, now I need to google how to bleach my brain. I may need some therapy after this weekend. No, I will need it if I have to be in the same room as them. Thankfully, I know there’sno way in hell Ryan would let me share a room with Jeremiah. Score one for big brother. This is the one time I don’t give a shit about how overprotective he is.
“Okay, let’s get checked in. Then we can decide if we want an early lunch before we hit the beach or vice versa,” Jeremiah says as he and Ryan step inside, each with a hand on the metal frame of the luggage cart.
“Let’s give them a minute to think about it while we get checked in.” Ryan gives Maddy a kiss on her cheek, before squatting down and placing one on her stomach. I have to give it to him, he’s a big ol’ softie for his family.
They pass by us, and the kids take off behind them as they head to the counter.
“He’s a good guy, but he’s going to have to work hard to convince your brother to let him date you.”
My chest tightens at her words and I swallow deeply, steeling myself to respond.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Maddy. You keep making these comments but there is nothing between us.” My gaze darts toward the guys, hoping they’re still out of earshot.
She smirks as she tucks a piece of stray hair behind her ear. “Yeah, you keep thinking that. I know what I see and I also know that any chance Jeremiah’s had, he’s asked about you over the years. Plus, he’s never been at my house as much as he is now.”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I shake my head, dismissing her words.
“So, do you have anyone planning a baby shower? If not, can I?” I’m desperate to change the subject.
“No one’s mentioned anything. But, I won’t be upset if you do. I mean, it’s two babies, why not have more than one party.” My heart swells with how she lights up when speaking about the babies.
A small part of me hopes to feel just a smidge of what she does. I’ve known since I was little that I wanted a family. It was in my life plan to be married and have two kids, a boy and a girl, and pregnant with my third by the time I was thirty. I don’t think that’s going to happen, though. I’m twenty-two, almost twenty-three, and I don’t have any prospects. Hell, I’ve not even had a true relationship since my junior year of college. He ended up cheating on me because I wouldn’t put out.
“Perfect, I’ll start planning then get a list of who you want to invite.”
The guys and kiddos choose that moment to step back up to us. “Got our keys. Apparently, the place is swamped so we couldn’t all get on the same floor. Amberlee, you’re on the third floor with Jeremiah and we’re on the fourth. We did all get an oceanfront view so that’s a win.” He hands me my keycard before slipping his arm around Maddy’s waist, kissing her on the side of her head.
“Shall we drop our luggage off and decide what we’re doing?” Jeremiah smiles brightly. Why couldn’t Ryan have been on the same floor as me? Why does it have to be Jeremiah?
They all head toward the elevator and I fall in step behind them, a sinking feeling in my gut that this is going to be the longest weekend in history.
We manage to all squeeze into the elevator, cramped like a can of sardines. My breath hitches as Jeremiah’s arm brushes against mine, sending tingles rippling through my body.
This man has me feeling so many emotions, he has since the first moment I laid eyes on him. How can he have such a hold on me? Every man I've ever been with has been a second-rate imitation of him. I compared them to the man I only met a handful of times. It’s insane.
The elevator comes to a jolting stop. The bounce causes butterflies in my stomach. Yeah, the elevator is doing it, not thesinfully delicious man next to me. A ding rings out as the doors slide open.
“Drop your bags off, put on your bathing suits, and meet us in the lobby in ten minutes. Then we’ll decide if the beach or food comes first.” Ryan holds the button to keep the elevator open as I take my bag off the luggage cart and step into the hallway, heading to find my room.
“Hold up, Amberlee. I think you left a bag,” Jeremiah calls.
I come to a halt, nearly tripping over my own feet. “Fuck,” I mutter under my breath.
Freedom was so close. Just when I thought I had gotten away fate reared its ugly head, giving me a reason to face Jeremiah once again.
Angel rushes toward me, my small toiletry bag in her hand and a bright smile on her face. “Thank you,” I whisper, taking it from her tiny fingers.
“You’re welcome. What room are you in?” she asks.
“Three fourteen.” I hold up the tiny envelope with my keycard while reading the number written on it.
“And we’re three sixteen. We’re neighbors,” Jeremiah says from behind her. What I wouldn’t give for the floor to open up and swallow me whole right now.
Of course he’s in the room right next to me. This trip keeps getting better and better.
