The resort at the base of the Cascades stretches in front of me as I drive down the paved road.
I shake Lilly lightly awake, and she rubs at her eyes. They open and she gasps. “Wow, that’s beautiful.”
It is. The lush landscape and serene scenery are breathtaking, but not more than her.
We step out of the car and walk toward the main building to check in. As we step inside the enormous wooden lodge, it’s a rustic, elegant space, with the primary focus being a massive stone fireplace surrounded by overstuffed sofas and chairs. My parents have rented out the entire facility for their vow renewal, so I’m sure this will be a busy central meeting spot.
After taking in the views and the space, we approach the front desk, and I say, “Ian Weston and Lilly Parker.”
“Welcome. You’re the first guests to arrive,” she informs us.
Good, the more alone time with her, the better. I am not going to sugarcoat my feelings for her. It’s pure need and raw obsession.
After we check in, Lilly points toward the elevator in the corner. The doors open, and we come face-to-face with my parents.
“You’re here,” my mom squeals, wrapping me in a warm embrace. She pulls herself back, checking that I am fine. With an approving nod, she turns to Lilly, who shifts from one foot to the other.
“Hi, I’m Lilly. Nice to meet you.”
My mom has the biggest smile on her face as she hugs Lilly, mouthing to me, “She’s beautiful and a good one. I can feel that.”
“She is,” I mouth back.
My dad and I hug sideways, and then he turns to Mom. “Let the kids settle in. We’ll meet you in an hour for a late lunch, if that’s okay with you.”
I glance at Lilly, and she offers a small nod. They exit as we walk inside.
We’re on the third floor, side by side.
She glances at me from the door. “Let me freshen up and then we’ll see what this resort offers.”
As if I could deny her anything. And she knows that because she doesn’t wait for my reply.
Heading inside the suite, I scowl at the king-sized bed. I am going to sleep alone. Again. I am in deep thought when, from behind me, a door opens.
“Hi there. Our rooms are connected.”
Shoving my hands in my pockets not to grab her, I whip my head to her, sounding dead serious. “You should lock that if you don’t want me to barge through it tonight.”
She doesn’t make it easy for me as she bites her lip, tilting her head in a challenge. Staying strong while dying of pent-up sexuality is the worst.
She disappears from where she came from, not locking her door. Oh, she’ll learn what happens to those who tease. Soon. Very soon. The thought sends a jolt through me, rewiring my system.
I take a shower and dress in a pair of slacks and a shirt. I finish styling my hair when Lilly comes inside from the interconnected door.
My hand remains suspended, my attention shifting to her. I forget everything else around me, including how to breathe.
She wears a coral dress that flutters down her thighs, stopping a few inches above her knees. Her hair is pulled up in a ponytail with a silk, colorful scarf wrapped around it. She looks beyond beautiful.
“Show off,” she says. Blushing, she points at my chest.
I flex my muscles, loving her reaction. “I train hard to look like this.”
“So unfair,” she sighs while her eyes travel over every inch of my abdomen, heating the blood in my veins.
Reaching for her, I cup her chin. “Yes, it is, because you don’t have to do a thing and are beyond beautiful.”
“You want to get in my panties, don’t you?” she tries for a joking tone.
