Page 77 of Just a Little Tempted

“I think we need the full experience before we can be sure,” I said, pulling Raina closer. “So I booked us the presidential suite for the weekend.”

She tilted her head, giving me a look that attempted stern disapproval but was undermined by the smile tugging at her lips. “You know, it’s not really good for business to take the best room in the resort on opening weekend. That’s prime revenue.”

“Some things are more important than business.”

The words left my mouth easily, naturally now, and I meant every syllable. A year ago, I never would have said that. Business had been everything, the altar at which I worshipped, the metric by which I measured my worth. But Raina had taught me that success meant nothing without someone to share it with. That a weekend in a luxury suite with the woman I loved was worth more than any profit margin.

We said our goodbyes to Alexander, who was being swept away by a crowd of well-wishers and local press. He waved at us over his shoulder, still beaming, and I felt a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the summer heat.

A friend, I thought as we walked away. Alexander had become a genuine friend, something I’d sworn off after Chuck’s betrayal. I’d been so careful not to let business associates get too close, so certain that maintaining distance was the only way to protect myself.

But Raina had taught me something about that too. There were good people in the world, people worthy of trust. I just had to be willing to let them in.

The grand opening party was in full swing by the time we reached the botanical garden at the back of the property.

Fairy lights twinkled overhead, strung between the branches of carefully cultivated trees. The air smelled of flowers and the savory aroma of passed appetizers. A string quartet played something elegant but unobtrusive in the corner, and everywhere I looked, I saw familiar faces.

We’d invited practically everyone we knew to this opening—family, friends, business associates, anyone who’d played a partin getting us here. Raina and I made our way through the garden slowly, stopping to chat with each group we encountered.

My sister Shannon was there with her current boyfriend, a marketing executive who seemed genuinely smitten with her. She’d finally stopped chasing men who weren’t interested, and the result was someone who looked at her like she hung the moon. I was happy for her.

Noah and Fallon had brought their entire brood, including their newest addition, who spent the entire party sleeping peacefully in their mother’s arms. Fallon looked tired but radiant, and Noah couldn’t seem to stop touching her, his hand always finding its way her waist or the small of her back.

My parents were holding court near the champagne fountain with Liam and Morgan, my mother charming everyone within earshot while my father nodded along with an expression of fond tolerance. Raina’s mother was with them, and I watched the three of them laugh at something together.

It wasn’t until we reached the back of the garden that we found Raina’s brothers. Kurt and Miles stood near a trellis covered in climbing roses, drinks in hand. Miles had his arm around his now fiancée, Hazel. The three of them smiled as we approached.

Kurt shook my hand without trying to crush my fingers. Miles did the same.

It was progress.

After what I’d done to hurt Raina, it had taken both of her brothers far longer to forgive me than it had taken her. For a while, I’d genuinely worried that my friendship with Kurt was over. That would have been devastating, but I couldn’t deny I’d had it coming. You didn’t hurt a man’s sister and expect him to simply forget about it.

But time had a way of healing things, especially when paired with consistent effort. I’d proven myself over these past months—shown up when I said I would, treated Raina with the care she deserved, demonstrated through actions rather than words that I could be trusted.

Kurt and I had started hanging out again. He’d even come over to watch hockey at my place, though Raina was always there too now. She’d moved in three months ago, and the apartment that had once felt sterile and impersonal now felt like home.

Miles had been a tougher nut to crack. Part of that was lingering guilt over the role his concussion had played in our almost-breakup. It didn’t matter how many times Raina told him it wasn’t his fault; he still carried that weight. But he was doing better. The concussion symptoms had fully resolved, he’d been cleared to play again, and he hadn’t suffered another head injury since.

“There you guys are!”

I turned to see Wren approaching with two champagne flutes in her hands. She handed one to Raina with a flourish, then turned to me with an expression of exaggerated apology.

“Sorry, Mr. Grumpy Boss. You’re going to have to get your own.”

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t muster any real annoyance. Wren had been calling me that ever since my fight with Raina, and despite my best efforts, the nickname had stuck. Fair enough. I’d earned that.

“Be nice, Wren,” Raina chided, but her eyes were dancing with amusement.

“I’m always nice.” Wren’s smile had an edge to it. “Well, assuming he doesn’t screw up again. I’ve got a baseball bat in my trunk, just in case.”

I blinked. “In your trunk?”

Raina tilted her head. “I thought you kept it by your bed?”

“That’s The Slugger.” Wren waved a dismissive hand. “The one in my trunk is Judgment Day. A single woman can never be too careful. Plus, it’s good to have options.”

Raina laughed, and I decided it was probably best not to ask follow-up questions. The message was clear: Wren was not to be underestimated. Noted.