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“A suite,” I say smoothly, sliding my ID across the counter.
Lila’s head snaps toward me so fast I half expect her to pull a muscle.
“Asuite?” she repeats, her voice rising slightly.
The receptionist looks between us, her polite smile unwavering as she begins typing into her computer.
“Yes,” I reply, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
Lila crosses her arms, her cheeks already pink. “Don’t you think that’s…presumptuous?”
I glance at her, letting my smirk tug at the corner of my mouth. “Presumptuous?”
She huffs, her blush deepening. “I mean, just because you’re paying doesn’t mean?—”
I cut her off, my voice calm but firm. “Separate rooms,kiska.”
Her mouth falls open slightly, and I watch as her blush spreads from her cheeks to the tips of her ears. The sight makes something stir deep inside me, and I fight the urge to lean closer, to tease her further.
“Oh,” she stammers, looking down at her shoes. “Right. Of course. I knew that.”
I chuckle softly, turning back to the receptionist, who’s now fighting to hide her own amusement. “Something spacious, with two bedrooms,” I say, ignoring Lila’s flustered state.
“Of course, sir,” the receptionist replies, her fingers flying across the keyboard. “We have a beautiful suite available on the topfloor. Would you like me to arrange for your luggage to be brought up?”
I nod. “Yes.”
Lila shifts beside me, still avoiding my gaze, her embarrassment radiating off her in waves.
“Here are your room keys,” the receptionist says, handing me two sleek black cards. “The elevators are just to your left. Please let us know if there’s anything you need.”
I thank her and take the keys, handing one to Lila. She hesitates before taking it, her fingers brushing mine briefly.
“Ready?” I ask, tilting my head toward the elevators.
She nods, her blush still firmly in place as she follows me.
We step into the elevator, and I press the button for the top floor. The doors slide shut, and the silence feels heavy, charged with unspoken tension. Lila shifts awkwardly, clutching her key card like it’s a lifeline.
“You’re quiet,” I say, breaking the silence.
She glances at me, her blush creeping back. “I just…wasn’t expecting…”
“A suite?” I finish for her, my tone teasing.
“Yes,” she says, her voice sharper now, as if she’s trying to reclaim some dignity. “And separate rooms, obviously.”
“Obviously,” I reply, my smirk widening.
The elevator dings, and the doors slide open to reveal a plush, carpeted hallway. I gesture for her to step out first, and she does, her shoulders still tense.
We find the suite at the end of the hallway, and I unlock the door, pushing it open to reveal a sprawling space bathed in soft, warm light. A living area with sleek furniture stretches before us, and two separate bedrooms are visible on opposite sides of the suite.
Lila steps inside, her eyes widening as she takes it all in.
“This is…wow,” she says, her voice breathless.
“Not bad, is it?” I reply, setting my bag down near the door.