“Of course, he has friends, dumbass.” Peyton playfully slapped the back of her arm.
Spencer chuckled as he held the door open for us to head into the lobby.
Throughout the last few years in my line of work, I’d walked through and stayed in some very over-the-top hotels. So, I didn’tknow why I was so stunned and blown away by this one. The marble floors were so shiny it looked like you could lick the ground without the risk of getting sick. The carpet, counters, couches, and art along the walls all screamedextravagant. If I didn’t know we were in the Ritz, you’d think we were walking through the White House.
As my friends gawked in stunned silence, I looked at the man standing at the check-in counter, unable to tear my eyes away even if I tried. Wearing all black with his sleeves rolled up, exposing his heartbreakingly sexy tattoos, he spoke to the concierge like a complete gentleman. His dark hair styled in a perfect mess, and his carved jaw lined with scruff made my mouth water.
I was completely infatuated by him.
After retrieving our keys, the concierge walked us to the elevators, sending us on our way before the doors closed.
“Ladies, here’s a key for each of you. I got you your own space, please feel free to charge whatever you’d like to the room, and I’ll take care of it. If you don’t mind, I’d like to steal Avery away for a few moments before I have to head to a meeting.” He pulled me into his side, claiming me as his.
“That’s probably for the best. You know, so we don’t have to listen to the two of you fuck like animals.” Andi winked.
“Thanks, Spencer!” Peyton pulled Andi by the arm as the doors slid open. “Text us when you’re ready to head out for dinner, Ave!” she called before the doors could fully close.
It was just the two of us, heading higher and higher, the red number increasing with every floor we surpassed.
“Let me guess … penthouse suite?” I teased, tapping my chin.
“Good guess. Presidential suite,” he corrected.
The doors popped open, and with no surprise at all, my mouth fell to the floor as I took in the glamorous room around us. Scratch that—large apartment. Not a room.
“Follow me,” Spencer requested, taking my hand in his.
As I followed him around the suite in the sky, I wouldn’t be surprised if I missed most of the exquisite details thispalacehad to offer. He was so eager to get me to the master suite that I didn’t even remember passing by a kitchen.
In the closet hung a bag. A bag that looked a lot like it had a dress inside.
“One of your gifts.” He gestured to the black garment bag.
“Oneof my gifts?” I repeated.
“Yes, Avery. I don’t take birthdays lightly. Have you not noticed that yet?”
The plane. The trip. My friends being here. Now this?Lightlywas an understatement.
Standing on my toes, I reached up, grazing my lips against his. “Can I open it?”
“Please.”
Nervously, I stepped closer to the bag. I couldn’t tell why I was nervous, but if I had to put my finger on it, it was probably because this whole ‘receiving gifts’thing was foreign to me. And knowing Spencer, this one was probably expensive, making it far more challenging to accept.
As I began to slide down the zipper, a delicate red fabric peeked out.
“It’s for dinner tonight. I made a reservation for you and your friends at one of my favorite steak houses. The dress code is formal, and I wanted you to feel your best. I’ve also left a couple of dresses for Andi and Peyton, too.”
“Spence…”
“I can’t wait to see what this dress looks like on you tonight. I thought it would pair well with that red lip you always seem to tempt me with.” His thumb rested on my lower lip.
He had a way of knowing exactly what to say when I was at a loss for words. He knew every way to make me smile. He broughtmy friends along for the ride, and treated the people closest to me, just like he treated me—perfectly. Respectfully.
My fingers danced over the silk material as my mind ran through every way in which I wanted to thank him.
As I was lost in a daze looking at the dress, Spencer cut into my thoughts. “One last thing.” With his frame towering over me from behind, his fingers brushed down my arm.
