Page 18

18

Elias

O ur suitcases were unpacked for us while we enjoyed a drink at the bar downstairs, and now here we are, alone in our room, the noise of the lobby no longer echoing in my ears. I perch on the edge of the hotel bed, grinning like a fool as Taylor flings open the mini-fridge and gasps dramatically. “Oh my God, it’s fully stocked with all the good stuff.”

I undo the top button of my shirt. “What do you think?” I ask, already knowing she’s in heaven.

She spins, her arms flailing, eyes wide with delight. A little squeal escapes her lips. “I think I’ve died and gone to luxury paradise. That’s what they should call this hotel. Luxury Paradise. Hart Grand doesn’t really do it justice.”

“That’s Easton’s last name.”

Her arms fall to her sides, and her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes as she glances at me. “This weekend, Elias. You and me. Nothing else—especially reality.”

If she wants to live in a fantasy world this weekend, then I’m game, because really, I’m not loving reality right now. “Yeah, babe. I can get behind that.”

“Wait.” Her eyes widen. “Does this hotel have a pool?”

Laughing at her antics, I push from the bed, and step up to her. “You and your pools, and the answer is yes. Indoor and outdoor.”

“I happen to like swimming.” She crinkles her nose. “Shoot, I didn’t think to pack a suit...” She groans. “…again."

“First, I’m happy you like swimming, because I like seeing you in a bathing suit. And second, they have a gift shop.” I pull her close, my gaze raking over her smiling face. “Here you thought it was going to be an Elvis impersonator wedding.”

“I was so wrong.” She pokes my chest playfully. “A girl could get very used to this kind of luxury, especially tomorrow night when we’re ringing in the New Year at Easton’s wedding. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate it, or better company to do it with. I’m so glad I’m your pretend girlfriend.” She winks. “With benefits.”

My heart beats a little faster. “Speaking of benefits. Have you seen the bed?” She frowns as she glances at it. “What, you don’t like it?”

“It’s so big.” Her eyes widen as she takes in the California king.

I smirk. “You don’t like big things?”

Her head snaps back to me, and she shakes her head. “Oh, Elias,” she jokes. “Did we not agree to leave the comedy to me?”

I chuckle, loving how playful she is right now. If I’d known a luxury hotel would make her this happy, I would have taken her here months ago. “You didn’t think that was funny?”

“If I say yes, will it go to your head?” She shoots me a sly look, then flops onto the bed, arms and legs stretching out as she makes imaginary snow angels.

Damn.

My heart beats even faster, because she is angelic. Fucking perfect.

I clear my throat, and adjust my pants. “Something is going to my head,” I grumble in a suggestive way, so she catches my meaning.

She laughs. “You’re really on a roll tonight.”

I spread my arms out. “I’m here all weekend.”

Her jaw drops in exaggerated shock, and I really love how dramatic she can be at times. “Now you’re stealing my lines. What are you going to steal next?”

“Your panties,” I tease, shooting her a wicked grin.

“Um.” She sits up and plants a finger firmly against my chest. “I believe you’ve already done that.”

I grin because she’s right. Needing to feel her body next to mine, I nudge her until she’s spread out again, and fall over her, pinning her beneath me. She wraps her arms and legs around me and I press my lips to hers. The sweet little moan she lets out sends a rush of heat straight through me. I love this woman. My heart pounds, emotions overwhelming me as her body melts beneath mine, happy, content, not a worry in the world. This. This is how I want her. I want to take all her worries away and give her everything she’s ever wanted.

A low, guttural groan rumbles in my throat as I trail my lips down her neck, breathing in her intoxicating scent. “If we didn’t have dinner plans, I’d tear this dress from your body and have my way with you.”

Her breath hitches, her fingers gripping my sweater. “I want that too.” Her voice is deep and husky, so full of arousal it’s all I can do to think straight. “Rain check, Anchor?”

I remember the last time she asked for a rain check. It was the morning after I’d taken her virginity and something about that reminds me that she’s young, and still has a life to live, one that I’m not a part of—outside of being her friend.

But I can’t deny that something happened to me on Christmas day, when she sat into that plush chair, holding little Carter in her arms like it was the most natural thing in the world. It was that moment that solidified what I already knew. It’s not that I don’t want to give my family a daughter-in-law to call their own. It’s not that I hated them setting me up because I wasn’t interested in marriage and children. It’s not that I haven’t dated since Cami because she deceived me, and now I’m jaded, or because her actions reflected poorly on my family.

It's because for months now…I’ve been in love with Taylor Coolidge.

My best friend’s kid sister.

“How am I going to survive dinner, knowing we have this bed waiting for us?” she murmurs softly, a teasing smile tugging at her lips as she glances at the clock.

I follow her gaze.

Do we have time?

“I could be fast,” I let her know with a wink.

She chuckles, her eyes twinkling with delight. “Oh, I know.”

“Hey,” I shoot back, laughing. “But you’re not wrong,” I admit sheepishly. Sometimes it’s all I can do to slow myself down when I have her naked beneath me.

“Fast has its place,” she teases, squirming a little beneath me. “But we can’t be late for dinner.” I inch back, forcing myself to move. “We don’t want people to know what we’ve been doing up here.”

“Yeah, right. Grandma would be thrilled.”

A warm smile comes over her face as she puts her hand on my cheek. I lean into her warmth when she says, “I can’t wait to see your family again, Elias.”

“They can’t wait to see you.” I check the clock again. “I guess I should get off you, so we can actually get dressed and head out. Wait, why don’t you like this big bed?”

She pouts, crossing her arms. “Because you’ll be too far away from me.”

“I could call down and get a room with a twin. Although people might question my black eye in the morning.” She frowns, confused and I explain. “With all your sleep aerobics.”

“I do not do sleep aerobics,” she says dramatically. “More like sleep acrobatics. Have you seen my midnight somersaults?” I roll my eyes at her and she turns her head to run her hands over the bedding. “This one will do, I guess.” Her smile is lazy and warm as she looks back at me. “As long as you promise to stay close.”

“I promise.” I push from the bed and hold my hand out to her. She takes it and I pull her up. “I’m really glad you like the room.”

She walks over to the window, peering down at the street below. “Do you think we can walk the strip later? I’d love to see the fountains all lit up.”

“Of course. We can do whatever you want. I don’t think we have time to take in a show, though. Maybe next time.”

With her back to me, she goes quiet and that’s when I realize what I said. Right. We’re living a fantasy this weekend, and there will be no next time.

“We’d better get changed,” I suggest and push that thought away. This weekend is all about fantasy.

She nods, turns to me and has a smile on her face. “I’m looking forward to meeting Easton and all your friends from back home.”

“They’re going to love you.”

She smiles, grabs her dress from the closet, and makes her way into the bathroom. As the door closes with a soft clink, I unbutton my shirt and reach for my suit. Twenty minutes later, I smooth my hand over my tie, and my jaw almost hits the floor when Taylor steps out of the bathroom. She’s wearing a stunning black cocktail dress that does crazy things to my pulse, and sends my thoughts way off track. Her hair is pinned up, exposing her long neck, and while her makeup is light, her lips are painted rich red.

“You are gorgeous.” I let my gaze rake over her and she spins to give me the full three-sixty view.

“I had this little hot number in my closet for a while. Just needed the right occasion to wear it.”

“Am I the luckiest guy in Vegas or what?”

She steps into me, sliding her arms around my shoulders. “Lucky, sure. But I think I’m pretty lucky too. Whisked away to Vegas for New Year’s.” My fingers trace down her back, brushing over the zipper, and she shivers in response.

I step back, give her another once over and shake my head. “This isn’t great, actually, T.”

She steps back, her eyes wide. “This isn’t appropriate for dinner?” She glances down, runs her hands along her curves. “Is it too short? Too tight?”

“It’s perfect,” I assure her and close the inches between us. “But remember, we’re having dinner with the wedding party and the bride is supposed to be the one stealing the spotlight.”

“Elias,” she groans, and shoves me away. “You freaked me out.”

I hang my head. “I’m sorry.”

I lean in to kiss her but she turns her head with a playful, “Hmph. No kisses for you.” I grin as she slips into her high heels, and grabs a little sequence purse from the counter. “All set?” she asks, turning back to me. “Oh, and for what it’s worth…” She waves her hand up and down the length of me. “I don’t even need to see Easton to know that’s not great either.”

I laugh and take her hand. “Come on, sweet girl. Let’s get out of here.”

We head to the elevator, and while I’m anxious to see everyone and get caught up, I can’t lie. I’m just as anxious to have Taylor all to myself. There’s an elderly couple in the elevator when the doors slide open and I put my hand on Taylor’s back and guide her in. I press the lobby, and murmurs reach my ears. Pulling Taylor close, I catch the couple’s reflection in the mirrored wall.

“Sorry to bother you,” the man says, his eyes lighting up. “But I’m a fan.”

I flash a smile and turn to them, extending my hand for a shake. “Nice to meet you. I’m Elias Ariti, as you’ve already guessed, and this is Taylor Coolidge.”

His eyes go wide. “A relative of Kalen Coolidge?”

“I’m his sister.” Taylor shakes their hands, as effortlessly charming as always. “Nice to meet you both.” She glances at the woman. “Are you enjoying Vegas?”

“We are. We’re just headed to a show.” She claps her hands together like she can’t contain her excitement. “Beyoncé.”

“We’re here for a wedding,” Taylor explains, resting her hand on my chest. “Elias’s childhood friend is getting married tomorrow night.”

“A New Year’s Eve wedding. How lovely,” she responds as she gives me a grin. “Love is always in the air in Vegas.”

The gentleman nudges his wife with a grin. “Rafe isn’t going to believe we ran into Elias Ariti.”

“How about we make a believer of him. You have your phone with you?”

The woman quickly unzips her purse and pulls it out. She hands it to me. “I’m not very good with pictures,” she admits.

“No worries, I got it,” I tell her, taking the phone from her.

Taylor steps back a bit, but I pull her right back into the shot, wrapping my arm around her shoulder as we flash the camera with a big grin. I snap a few more, and just as I hand the phone back, the elevator doors open.

“Thank you,” the man says, his voice full of excitement, like we made his night.

The woman places her hand on Taylor’s arm, a twinkle in her eyes. “You two are a beautiful couple.”

For a second, I think Taylor is going to protest, but instead she gives a big smile and says, “Thank you. I am a lucky girl.”

The man clears his throat. “I’d say Elias is the lucky one.”

“I was just saying the same thing earlier,” I agree.

The woman gives her husband a playful nudge. “Eyes in your head, Ralph.”

He laughs, the joyful sound filling the elevator, and I grin. I want a love like theirs. One that lasts the test of time.

“What?” he grins at his wife. “I can’t help it. She’s a beautiful woman.” His bushy brows knit together as he winks at me. “Lots of chapels around here, Elias.” With a mischievous smile, he adds, “What’s that Beyoncé line? ‘If you like it then you should’ve put a ring on it’.”

We all laugh and step off the elevator, and into the lively bustling lobby. People are coming and going to all kinds of events, but I can barely hear a thing. Not when the man’s words are echoing in my mind, loud and clear, hanging there like a dare I’d love to take.