“Nice win this morning,” I tell him. “I couldn’t watch from the plane, but I saw the highlights. Your serve was on fire.”
“It’s a fine start to this tournament, but I’m not happy with my defensive game.” Spencer gestures into the hotel. “After you? I checked in last night, but my luggage got delayed. Thank god I refuse to check my tennis bag.”
I lift my guitar as we enter the golden lobby of the hotel. “I’m the same. Even when I’m traveling with an instrument I don’t really care about, I’m still not letting them stick it in the bottom of a plane.”
Spencer taps his bag. “I’ve got the keys to both rooms. You can skip check-in.”
“You’re in tournament mode,” I say. “Stick to your routine. I can take care of myself.”
He pauses. “Like I told you, my routine involves going to bed early. But it’s not early yet. And I could use a release. Honestly, this morning’s match didn’t challenge me.”
Very nice. I knew we’d be hooking up on this visit, but I was prepared to have to wait for it. The fact that he wants to fuck in the middle of his tournament is hot.
I arch an eyebrow. “A release?” I ask innocently. “You’ll have to be more specific.”
Spencer’s cheeks warm as he shakes his head. “Maybe we should get out of the lobby before I try to flirt.”
“Gentlemen!” A man in a linen suit crosses quickly to us. “If you don’t mind.”
“My bags?” Spencer asks.
The man nods. “Safely waiting for you in the room. And on behalf of the Great Pearl Hotel, I am so very pleased to tell you that the room has been upgraded.”
Spencer and I glance at each other. “Upgraded?” he asks evenly.
“The Honeymoon Suite became available,” the man says, delighted to share this with us. “And as you didn’t leave any personal items in your old room, Mr. Wilchins, we took the liberty of canceling that reservation and upgrading you and your husband when your bags arrived this morning. Certainly, it’s been a few months since your marriage, but consider this our way to show support and to share our congratulations.” He looks to Spencer with an eager nod. “We certainly appreciate the positive attention you’re bringing our establishment.”
“That’s very kind,” Spencer manages, and the man quickly shoves a new key card in his hand.
“Side elevator,” he says, pointing the way. “And enjoy! The room comes with all the perks!”
“Oh god,” Spencer says under his breath as we walk to the elevator. “What do you think the perks are?”
I chuckle. “Champagne and edible underwear, maybe?”
He rolls his eyes. “We’re not back in Vegas.” When the small elevator dings open, he steps inside and frowns. “Shit. Do you think they left the second room with the original reservation?” He frowns at the buttons. “This doesn’t even go to the old floor.”
“I’ll figure something out for myself. Don’t worry about it. You need the room to stay focused.”
Spencer furrows his sandy brow as he swipes the card against the sensor. “At least come up to the suite for now. Drop your bags.”
I reach across his body to hit the button. “What would you typically do after a morning match?”
“Clear my head. If there happens to be a quiet place for a walk, that’s always good. Otherwise, a steam or a massage. Something to reset before I start preparing for the next day’s match.”
“And tonight you’ll study tomorrow’s competition?”
He nods. “This hotel could have every perk in the world. I’m going to be settled in with my laptop and some old videos.”
His routine is set, and this is the part where he gets a release. A reset. Considering the clock is ticking on our time together, I decide to make good use of it.
I step forward and put my body right against his as the elevator soars up. “Speaking of perks,” I say.
I feel Spencer’s reaction, heat flooding his system. It’s amazing that he can be on the tennis court, competing at world class one minute, and then breathing heavy with me in the elevator an hour later, unraveling with his desire.
But even when he shakes, he’s still strong like an athlete. Confident and present in a way that impresses me and excites me.
The elevator dings and opens directly into the pink foyer of the honeymoon suite. There’s soft lighting and golden-rimmed doors as well as a bouquet of roses in a heart-shaped vase.
