Page 7

7

JACOB

“Two room key cards to the penthouse.” The hotel receptionist looks back and forth between me and Skye as she slides the keys across the reception desk.

“Penthouse? I didn’t book the penthouse.” My voice raises an octave.

“I’m sorry, sir, there was a mix-up with the rooms. Unfortunately, our reservation software overbooked the hotel’s capacity, and we had no rooms to offer you other than the penthouse. You could try elsewhere, but I don’t think you’ll find anything else—I know all the other hotels nearby are fully booked tonight as well. It’s a complimentary upgrade, sir. It has two double rooms, a lounge, private elevator, luxury bathroom as well as an outdoor patio area with a hot tub. It’s all we have left.” The hotel receptionist tensely smiles.

“But my assistant booked two double rooms.” I grip the edge of the black marble check-in desk. “I have the email confirming the booking.”

I can not share a suite with her.

The receptionist taps one long manicured fingernail against the hotel computer then looks up. “I really am very sorry, sir. It’s the only room we have available for the next four nights.”

Skye leans forward and slides the keys off the cool marble. “We’ll take it. Thank you.”

“Skye,” I warn her.

She moves closer to me then whispers, “So, we have to share the penthouse. Big deal. I’m hardly going to jump your bones now, am I? You’re. My. Boss.” Skye smiles sweetly. “Unless you want me to, Jacob?” She wraps her finger around my silk tie and gives it a playful tug.

I swat her hand away and smooth my tie back down.

“Loosen up, big guy. I’m kidding.” She rolls her eyes before making a beeline for the elevator.

“Looks like we’re taking the room.” I fake a smile at the hotel receptionist, who tucks her lips into her mouth to hide her amusement.

Grabbing the handle of my suitcase with force, I roll it in Skye’s direction.

When the elevator arrives and the doors slide open, I storm into the steel box as Skye elegantly strides in beside me. I hit the penthouse button and tap my key card against the security reader, instructing that we are ready to move. I want to get out of this small space.

I open my mouth to say something, but the elevator bell pings, and the doors glide open to reveal the most incredible penthouse I have ever stayed in.

Skye lets out an audible gasp. “This is beautiful.”

Too distracted by her surroundings, she forgets her suitcase, so I remove it from the elevator and locate the bedrooms.

Ensuring she gets the biggest one, I drop her bright pink case onto the luggage rack. When I walk back into the living area, she’s almost running toward me.

“Oh, my God, we really do have a rooftop with a hot tub,” she squeals. “And come and see this.” She grabs my hand and pulls me into an enormous bathroom.

Stop touching me.

“We have a rainforest shower with color-changing lights. Look.” She turns the oversized knob on the wall, making the water flow from the suspended shower. At the same time, the lights on the large waterfall roof panel change from soft green to blue to purple and back again. “Cool, huh?” She squeezes my hand. “I’ve always wanted a big house. Big enough to have a shower like that. Maybe when I get promoted, I can start saving more money and I can finally buy my own place. I hate renting.” Her eyes sparkle under the changing lights as she looks around in awe.

I stare at her profile.

I love you.

Turning her attention to me, she closes the small distance between us, before reaching up and running her fingertip along the skin of my cheek, causing my heart to hammer in my chest. I have to remind myself to breathe.

“You look tired, Jay.” She never calls me that anymore, not since high school.

“Didn’t get much sleep last night,” I confess.

“No?” When she cups her hand around my jaw, I lean into her soft touch. I can’t help myself.

I shake my head. “I can’t stop thinking about you,” I whisper, afraid of what chaos speaking my truth might create.

Skye lets out a whimper before she replies, “Same.”

“But we can’t happen, Skye.” And all I want to do is kiss you until my dying breath.

“I know.”

I force my eyes closed when she runs her hand to the back of my neck and pulls my forehead to meet hers.

I squeeze her other hand that’s still wrapped in mine tighter.

“How long have you liked me, Jacob?” she asks softly, her breath dancing over my lips as she speaks.

I groan. This is getting dangerous. She’s too close. It would be too easy to lean in and take what I’ve been desperate for all these years. A taste of her. A moment where my lips press to hers…

I release her hand and wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her in. My cock is now at full salute. Unable to find the words I want to say, I rub it against her hip, making sure she knows exactly what she does to me.

“Jay.” She groans, and it’s a sweet melody that lights up all my senses. “Touch me.”

The devil on my shoulder tells me to give in while the angel on the other screams at me to put a stop to this stupid infatuation.

I move my mouth to the shell of her ear. “We have a meeting to attend. I’ll leave you to freshen up.” I bolt for the door.

Too close.

Too fucking close.