Page 15 of The Sweetmate (Check-In #2)

Casey

Jensen arrives to help us pack and load the car. He gives me a skeptical look and then makes a point of turning his eyes to Lisa. I shrug and smile, to which he shakes his head.

“Be careful with her,” he warns.

“Yeah, I know. Something tells me she’s going to break my heart.”

“No,” Jensen whispers in a deadly calm voice. “I meant for you to be careful with her.”

“Me?!”

“She’s a nice lady. If you hurt that sweet woman, then I’m gonna hurt you, Casey.”

Lisa’s words from last night come to mind.

“She’s not sweet.” Jensen looms over me.

“Her words, not mine.” I take a step back.

“Down, boy. Jeez. Note. Look, I care about her, too. Like I said, she’s more than likely the one who’s going to break me.

That woman is probably going to do more damage than even you’re capable of doing. ”

The faintest smirk tugs at Jensen’s lips. “True.”

The woman we’re discussing comes to stand with us at the door. Jensen takes her suitcase, and we leave the suite.

“I can’t believe you drag this poor man around just to help you get from point A to point B.” Lisa says in the elevator.

“You can’t believe I provide Jensen with a job. He gets paid good money to put up with my shit.” I pat Jensen on the shoulder.

The elevator dings and Lisa continues as we step off. “Speaking of your shit, I sent my formal resignation letter. Then I called my boss this morning and told him I was going with you,” she says. “He demanded I return to the office, but I refused. It felt good, actually.”

“I figured. Uncle Brox has been trying to reach me nonstop for the last twenty minutes.”

She essentially quit her job for me. Put her life on hold to go with me on this trip.

There’s an ache developing in my chest, and for some reason, it all unnerves me.

One could argue it’s because I told the media she’s my girlfriend and she wants to keep up the ruse.

That I’m paying her. But I don’t think this is all business for her.

Despite everyone assuming I’m an idiot, my gut is typically never wrong.

Right now, it’s telling me she feels our connection and wants to explore it just as much as I do.

Lisa wasn’t ready for our time to end either.

I can live with her being in denial, for now.

I’ll give her time to process her feelings, but the truth is, she likes me.

Jensen gets us past the paparazzi and into the car to JFK International Airport.

Lisa mocked me earlier today about needing a babysitter to get me from point A to point B, but I think she now appreciates my “sitter.” He sits in the driver’s seat, while Lisa is in the back with me.

Her entire body is pressed against the door—as far away from me as possible.

Time for some fun.

“What do you think, Jensen? Did you see it coming from the first day Lisa and I met? That we were destined to become lovers? The chemistry was there. You saw it, right? I think everyone did.” And then I wistfully say, “But us.” I sigh and look out the window. “Everyone but us.”

I’m being completely ridiculous and dramatic as fuck, but I get my desired result.

Lisa is fighting back a smile. Jensen is shaking his head, and there’s the slightest movement from his shoulders.

He chuckled. I didn’t hear it, but I saw the movement.

The tension in the car has already improved.

Jensen doesn’t answer, and that’s all the answer I need.

Dramatic or not, he agrees with me.

“Listen,” I turn to Lisa and take her hand before we go through airport security. “Your about to see a side of me that I’m not proud of her. I hope it doesn’t change your opinion of me, even though the bar is already set fairly low.”

“Are you a diva going through security?”

“Worse. It’s like road rage but walking. I basically hate everyone when we get in that line. I apologize in advance.”

“We all have our flaws.”

“And I bet you didn’t think I had any. I’m sorry I crushed that image. You can take me off the pedestal. I am human.”

“So humble.” She points toward the already infuriating long line. “Get in line.”

“What’s the point of having all the security special privileges if the line is still painful.” I grumble.

“We could be with the commoners, m’lord. Look at the line of peasants.”

I pause and turn to Lisa. “Did you just do an English accent?”

“Not as good as yours, I’m afraid.”

“No.” I whisper to her. “It was better.”

I feel a tugging on my shirt and turn to find a little boy. “You’re the baker.”

“I am!” I tell him. “My name is Casey, what’s yours?”

“I don’t give my name to strangers.” He says. The lady standing with him giggles.

“That’s fair. Do you like to bake?”

“Yeah. I even got to crack the eggs last time.”

“Amazing! What did you bake?”

“A birthday cake for my grammy. Her favorite flavor is vanilla. Mine is chocolate. What’s your favorite flavor of cake?”

“I think…you know what, I like chocolate, too.”

“What’s your second favorite?”

“Vanilla.”

“What’s your third favorite?”

“Strawberry.”

“What’s your fourth favorite?”

“Carrot.”

“What’s your fifth favorite?”

“Yellow.”

The lady tells him they need to move forward and focus on security. She mouths sorry to me. “It was nice meeting you stranger,” I tell the little boy.

“Some monster you become in security.” Lisa teases. “You were so patient with that little boy.”

“Oh, I always make time for talking to kids. I love talking to them. You haven’t asked me what my fifth favorite flavor is. Not once. In fact, you haven’t even asked what my third favorite flavor of cake is.”

“Well now I know.”

“No, you don’t.” I quip. “Because I lied. Wedding cake is my favorite flavor, but I said chocolate to agree with him. So, everything I said needs to come down a notch.”

Lisa sucks her lips in to fight back her smile. “Cool. That’s actually my favorite flavor of cake as well.”

“Think it’s a sign we should get married?” I tease her.

“Wow you move fast. We just got in this relationship and now we’re engaged.”

“We both love wedding cake. Let’s get one.”

“We don’t have to get married for that. Couldn’t you just bake us one?”

“But with a wedding you have the excuse for cake and party.”

Lisa turns to Jensen for help. “I’m getting you two through security, on the plane, and to the hotel. After that, you have my prayers.”

“But do we have your blessing in this union?” I ask which results in Lisa pushing me ahead through the line.

For once I had a pleasant time through security check. If that’s not reason enough to marry someone, I don’t know what is.

***

I don’t remember much of the flight because I slept. Traveling always drains me. It’s almost like déjà vu when we reach the resort and Jensen goes to check us in. However, this time the lady behind the check-in counter leaves her station to come toward us.

“Mr. Riis. It’s an honor to have you staying at our resort.” I extend my hand, and she blushes. “My name is Gia, and I’m the manager. Please feel free to let us know if you two need anything.”

“That’s so kind, thank you,” Lisa tells Gia, her voice full of warmth.

“To show our excitement, we’ve given you the honeymoon suite at no extra expense.”

“How thoughtful. Thank you so much, Gia.” I reach over and wrap my arm around Lisa.

Her body stiffens, but it’s showtime. I try to run my thumb up and down her side to soothe her.

It works, but I can still feel the nerves radiating off her.

I whisper in her ear, “It’s another sign. First the cake, now this.”

Gia beams and hurries back to the counter to finish checking us in. Once again, I notice Jensen’s shoulders gently bouncing. It’s always nice to see Jensen amused, even if it is at my expense. Lisa is not going to be happy, because I have a feeling the honeymoon suite will only have one bed.

And it does.

Jensen inspects our suite, only to return with a snicker before wishing us luck. “Enjoy, lovebirds.”

“He’s such a jokester,” I tell Lisa.

I expect her to be outraged by our predicament, but instead she’s smiling from ear to ear. She brings her hands to her face and rushes over to the French doors that lead out to the balcony. Lisa inhales a deep breath, her chest rising and falling, and then opens the doors.

A happy cry escapes her as she throws her arms into the air. It’s the most carefree she’s been the last two weeks. “It’s magnificent!”

“Yeah, this room is something,” I agree.

She spins around and I notice her eyes are glistening. “No, the ocean.”

I join her on the balcony and take in the view. As far as the eye can see is vivid blue water, so clear I can see the ocean floor.

“It doesn’t look real,” she says.

“Wanna go down there? We have a couple of hours before the gala.”

Her head spins to look at me. “Gala?”

“Oh, shoot. Yes. I forgot to mention. You’re my date, obviously, to the gala. It’s just a mixer to kick off the competition. It’ll be fun.”

Uh-oh. The anger is rising fast. Her fingers are curling into clenched fists, and a red hue is spreading across her chest and neck. There’s steam coming out of her ears when she speaks through gritted teeth. “What am I supposed to wear? I’m not prepared.”

“Is that all your worried about?” If I didn’t think she’d erupt like a volcano, I would laugh. “I’ll have a dress ordered. So, beach?”

“No,” she hisses. “I’m going to go unpack.”

I pull my phone out, swipe, and go to my contacts.

In less than five minutes, I’ve ordered a dress for Lisa tonight.

It’ll be here in less than two hours, along with a stylist. Maybe I should get her a spa day tomorrow?

I’d volunteer to work the tension out of her myself, but I’m worried she’d throw something harder than a pillow at me.

To get Lisa’s attention, I knock on the open arch doorway. She’s hanging up her clothes and folding her garments in the drawers. I usually just live out of my suitcase. “What do you say to lunch on the balcony? Room service?”

Her lips twist and she gives me a one-shoulder shrug. “You mean you’re going to ask me before throwing it at me last minute?”

“Yes. Meet you on the balcony in an hour? Or whatever time’s good for you?”

Her cheeks turn a light shade of pink. She allows her gaze to travel over my frame before her eyes finally lock on mine. “An hour is perfect.”

“Perfect,” I repeat.

We’ve finished our lunch when there’s a knock at the door. “It’s for you,” I tell Lisa.

“Is that your way of telling me to get the door?”

“Nope, I can answer it. But I’m giving you a heads-up that it’s going to be for you.”

Lisa gives me a skeptical look, but she stands. I enjoy the view of her backside as she walks to the door.

“What did you do? Casey! What is all this?” Lisa opens the door wider for everyone to enter the room.

“Let’s see the dress!” I requested a fitted and short dress. I’m eager to see Lisa in something showing a little more skin. Am I being a selfish dick by using this to my advantage? Absolutely.

One of the people holds up a black garment bag. She unzips it to reveal a pastel blue dress.

Lisa chokes. “No. I’m sorry. No. I can’t.”

“What’s wrong with it?” I ask as I walk toward them with my hands in my slacks pockets.

Lisa stares at me with shock. “Does it come in a size dignity?”

The lady holding the dress places a hand on Lisa’s. “Let’s try it on. For fun.”

“Fun,” Lisa grumbles, but she follows her to the bedroom. She turns to me and mouths, “I’m going to kill you.”

I chuckle as I take my seat on the couch to get ready for the show. Lisa in that dress is going to be the highlight of my day.

“Go ahead and send in hair and makeup,” the lady from earlier calls out.

I guess she decided to wear it. Not like there are many other options. “We do have time to get another dress if you’re uncomfortable, cupcake,” I call out.

“No, dear. This dress is fine.”

Dear? I force a laugh, not entirely sure how I feel about that. Her change in mood has me suspicious. I sit there uncomfortable for over an hour. I’m on pins and needles. But when Lisa walks out, I have to take a deep breath before I can speak.

“You’re not wearing that tonight,” I say in a low command. My voice is filled with need and possessiveness.

The dress accents all her delicate curves.

Her skirt rides up her thighs, so very close to a place I’ve been fantasizing of tasting.

The blue color suits her dark hair and eyes, and that pink lipstick would be a lovely color smeared on my cock.

I’ve only ever seen her in flats or sneakers, but now she’s wearing fuck-me pumps that show off her calves.

“I’m wearing this dress. After all, you picked it out, dear.” Lisa then makes a mock kissing sound. “And I love it. Thank you.”

Well, this backfired. I’m not a violent person, but the thought of other men ogling her has me murderous. Fake girlfriend or not, she’s mine. She may not feel the same way about me, but for these next couple of days, she agreed to be mine. And I still don’t share.

My voice comes out strained when I say, “Can I speak to you? Privately.”

“We don’t have time. You’re still not ready. You’ll have to tell me on the way.”

I grab the hem of my shirt and pull it over my head.

Her eyes shine with desire. “What are you doing? You’re not the only person in the room. We have guests.”

“We’ll see ourselves out.” The crew takes their leave, but Lisa calls out, “You don’t have to go!”

They ignore her plea and wave bye. The click of the door echoes in the room. I make quick work of my pants. I can feel my pulse thrumming everywhere. I stand before her in my black briefs. “Follow me to the bedroom so we can talk while I get ready.”

She fidgets and I love how her confidence and wound-tight personality is unraveling. I’d enjoy making her squirm longer, but she’s right—we’re on a time crunch.

“This is inappro—”

“That dress is. Yet you’re still wearing it. Not that I’m complaining, but let’s not cherry-pick when we’re going to follow the rules.”

“I can wear whatever I want.”

“You’d wear that to the office?”

Lisa’s hips sway as she approaches me. She’s dangerously close. The scent of vanilla and cherry blossoms hit my nose. I want to kiss her until her toes curl and she’s soaking wet for me. I want to smudge that pretty lipstick right off those plump lips.

“My boss chose this dress for me.”

“Do you always do as your boss says?”

“No. But I might start.”

With that, she turns on her heels and walks out, deliberately adding an extra sway to her hips. She’s taunting me. Who knew she had it in her? My dick is painfully hard because of it. There’s no sign of it going down anytime soon.