Page 17 of Paradise & Vodka

"Do they have room service? I could go for eating then a nap," I admitted. I was hungry, tired, and needed a shower.

"I think so." She pulled a card from the basket and then groaned. "Well, it seems the happy couple is excited we're here."

"Yeah?" I asked, grabbing the card.

Ashleigh and guest,

We’re excited you’re here to celebrate with us.

Please enjoy this wine and fruit basket, and we’ll see you at the meet and greet.

— The Future Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Alexander

The note was very general, and I wouldn't have been surprised if every guest got the same thing. I set the note down and cupped her cheek. "Don't let this shit bother you. We're going to make everyone wish they were us."

"I hope so. I really hope we can pull it off."

"Well, for starters, you need to stop thinking of me as your fake boyfriend."

"I'm not," she protested.

"You are."

She rolled her chocolate-colored eyes. "Well, you are."

"No," I corrected. "I'm your boyfriend, even if it's only while we're here. I'm your man, and you need to start thinking that."

"Even in private?"

"Especially in private." If she were open while we were in private, then she would benormalwhen we were in front of people. Our relationship needed not to feel or look forced. I thought we were on the same page given how our time had been going since we met up at the airport, but now she was starting to become nervous. I didn't blame her, given the circumstances.

"Okay. You're right."

Leaning forward, I brought my lips to hers. I needed to know what it was like to taste her as well as have her relax and get our first kiss over with. And I went for it all, slipping my tongue inside her mouth, and devouring her as though I was starving. She moaned, and I stepped forward, pressing my body against hers as she backed up against the chair. I wanted her to feel what she did to me.

And then the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Sister, sister!"

I took a deep breath as I closed my eyes. "Hi."

"The front desk told us that you'd finally checked in."

"Yes, we just got here."

"Doug and I are going to breakfast with Mom and Dad in an hour. You and yourguestshould come."

I looked over at Nick, and he arched a brow. I swore I could still feel his lips on mine, and if my sister hadn't interrupted our kiss, I was certain he and I would be naked. Knowing what he did for a living, and the fact that I was a client, I was going to getallof him. "Myboyfriendand I need to freshen up first."

"That's fine," Everleigh replied. "It's a buffet breakfast."

"Okay. We'll meet you there."

"Can't wait." We hung up.

I never would have thought she would have the guts to call me. We hadn't spoken in over four years, and now she was acting as though nothing had happened. I sighed and faced Nick.