Page 113 of The Backup Groom

“Thank you,” I said, trying to figure out how I could return the compliment to someone who was wearing a Superman costume, and someone I wasn’t sure I was ready to talk to.

I tried my best to hide my amusement.

When my bottom lip started twitching, I knew I was fighting a losing battle.

“This proves I’m a fool for you,” Scotty said.

And then it happened.

A smile formed on my face without my permission.

He was so adorable, I couldn’t help it.

I couldn’t believe he’d dressed up like that for me.

Scotty shrugged. “Anyway, I figured that if I could make you smile, which I did, then maybe you would find it in your heart to forgive me.” He handed me my favorite drink, a Caramel Spockiato. “I’ve missed making these for you.”

“Thank you,” I said, taking it from him.

Curious, I popped off the top and peeked inside. I was just able to make out the remnants of a heart in the foam. Not wanting to make a big deal of it, I snapped the top back on and turned around to glance at Stella and Dean, but they were gone.

“Where did they go?” I asked.

“I’m not sure,” Scotty said. “They got back in the elevator.”

Maybe they went to the bar to celebrate the old switcheroo they had pulled on me, making me believe we were going to meet someone to talk about our new company.

Not that I was upset with them—it was good to see Scotty.

The very sight of him practically melted my heart, but I had to be careful not to get ahead of myself. We needed to talk, needed to clear the air.

Scotty held out the palm of his hand in my direction. “I know we should talk, but that will have to wait.”

Hesitant, but also curious and hopeful, I placed my hand inside of his.

We walked side-by-side across the tennis courts to the other end of the rooftop where I encountered my next surprise, an outdoor movie theater with a giant screen.

He walked us over to the Adirondack loveseat in the middle and brushed the cushions with his hand before we both sat down.

I took another sip of my coffee and placed it in the drink holder. Nothing tasted so sweet as that coffee, except maybe Scotty’s kisses, but maybe it wasn’t a good idea to take my thoughts there. I was still trying to figure out what was going on and why on earth Scotty had brought me to this hotel.

“We’re the only ones here,” I said, glancing around.

“I rented the place,” Scotty said.

I blinked. “The entire rooftop?”

“They’re usually closed tonight, but I worked out a deal with the manager.” He indicated an approaching woman.

“Welcome. I’m Kim and I’ll be taking care of you this evening.” She handed us a tub of popcorn, wireless, noise-canceling headphones, and a blanket. “I can start the movie whenever you’re ready.”

“We’re actually going to watch a movie?” I asked.

Okay, what the heck was going on? I mean, I loved watching movies, but was Scotty putting off his apology for a movie?

He was going to apologize, right?

Kim smiled. “Well, this is the Rooftop Cinema Club. It’s the only thing we do.”