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“Sex, not power exchange. Not when we’ve barely scratched the surface. Learn to walk before you run, my love.”
“As you wish.” She bows her head in mock salute right when one of the valets opens her door. She unbuckles and climbs down while I exit the Jeep.
“This place is incredible.” Barbi spins around in awe as I toss my Jeep keys to the valet. We travel light, a duffel bag for me and a smaller one for her.
“I hope you like it.” As we check into our luxurious suite, I’m grateful for her faith in me, her willingness to join me on this spontaneous trip, and this chance to spend time with her in an exciting new setting.
As for our room? It’s over-the-top massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering an incredible view of the Strip. It also happens to be the honeymoon suite.
Barbi gasps at the champagne and bouquet of roses. “Did you do this?”
“Depends.” I set our bags down on the couch and wander over to the bottle of champagne. There’s a loud pop and the effervescent aroma of champagne fills the room.
“On what?” Her left brow arches in question.
“Whether you like it?”
“Well, I like the champagne, the roses are a nice touch, the view is phenomenal.” She wanders into the bedroom where dozens of rose petals scatter across the bed. Right in the middle, two lengths of red silk form a large heart. “But the honeymoon suite? Getting a little ahead of yourself?”
“Did I plan on surprising you with a little bit of romance? Absolutely. Did I expect the honeymoon suite? Not gonna lie, the honeymoon suite was the only thing available.” I pour the champagne, handing one to Barbi.
She takes a sip, her eyes sparkling with delight. “I can’t believe you did all of this for me. There’s a real romantic buried beneath all that brawn.”
I smile, feeling a warmth in my chest at her words. “You’re special and I want you to know that.”
Barbi takes another sip of champagne before setting her glass down on the table. “Thanks, I appreciate that.” Her cheeks pink with a flush of embarrassment. “And I have to say, this view is incredible. I feel like we’re on top of the world.”
I nod in agreement, feeling a sense of satisfaction at having made her happy. “Yeah, it’s pretty amazing. But you know what would make it even better?”
Barbi raises an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips. “What?”
I move closer to her, taking her hand in mine. Her smile widens as I lean in to kiss her. The warmth of her lips against mine sends a thrill through me. For a moment, we’re lost in each other, the world outside our window fades into the background.
“This is perfect.” When we finally break apart, Barbi leans her forehead against mine.
I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. “The honeymoon suite comes with an exclusive marriage package: champagne, roses, a chauffeur, and a wedding.” I lower my voice to a whisper. “I told them we wouldn’t be needing that.”
“Thank God for that.” Barbi’s calm exterior falls away, revealing her vulnerabilities and tenderness.
She’s been hurt in the past, which makes relationships problematic. I aim to slowly lower those defenses, working my way inside her walls. The thing is, I really like Barbi.
I’ve never said that about a woman before. I enjoy the hunt at the bars, the sex afterward is the goal. Sleeping over is fine—for the morning sex—but after that, I’m ready for my evening conquest to leave.
Barbi somehow cast a spell on me. Instead of me urging her to leave, she ran out on me. That should’ve been the beginning and end of our hookup in that bar, but I couldn’t get her out of my head.
When Bravo team’s protection detail brought me to her doorstep, I took it as a sign.
For the first time in my life, I’m in active pursuit of not just casual sex with a woman, but a real relationship. I watched Brady and Booker fall to their women, Angie and Izzy. Rafe and Carmen’s whirlwind romance took everyone by surprise. Hayes has his Rosalie. Which leaves me and Zeb as the last men standing. Although, I have no doubt Zeb will get off his ass and finally make a move on Kaye. Sucker’s been shuttled into the friend zone and that kind of shit will never last.
Over the past year, I watched each of my teammates change for the better because of the women they love, and I want some of that. Funny hearing me admit that, but I’m done with meaningless hookups. They fulfill a momentary need, but in the end leave me standing by myself. I want to stand with another. Live life with another. I’d like to see if I can do that with Barbi.
“Don’t worry, love. When the time comes, if it comes, I plan to sweep you off your feet with one epic proposal and our wedding won’t be a cheap Vegas thing.”
“Is that so?”
“You doubt me?” I clink her glass and flash her one of my signature smirks. “To new beginnings.”
“To new beginnings.” She takes a cautious sip, eyeing me the entire time.