floor. I booked a suite, and while it’s not a honeymoon suite with a chincy, heart-shaped bed or a champagne-glass hot tub, they do have a bottle of champagne on ice and a vase filled with an assortment of flowers next to it. Nothing but class, which is exactly why I chose this hotel.
“Mr. Owen,” Cris reads from the card. “Enjoy your stay at the Crane Hotel.” She bends to touch her nose to a delicate flower petal and inhales. “Mm.”
The throaty sound reminds me of the shower we had together a few days ago and wow, does that reroute my thoughts. I adjust my dick but don’t linger the way he’d like, before blowing out a calming breath as I take in the view from our floor. I was promised oceanfront. I am not disappointed.
“Amazing,” she says from beside me. “A few hours ago I was in my house, and now we’re overlooking a blue ocean. Isn’t life incredible?”
I smile at her simple yet poignant observation. “Want to dip your toes in?”
Her face lights up. “More than anything.” Then she frowns. “But I can’t. I have to finalize a few things for the event tonight. We’re registered as VIP guests, but Marla asked us check in the moment we arrive. There could be a photo op. If so, we need to know where to show up and choose what you’re wearing. You might want to coordinate with your dad and brothers, but I imagine everyone will wear suits.” While she’s talking, she flips open her suitcase and drags out her laptop. Shoving the flower vase and champagne aside, she opens the computer on the table and bends over it. “And then we’ll have to—hey!”
Her exclamation was due to my shutting the laptop before she could log in.
“Beach,” I instruct.
“Just because we are in an enormous, beautiful suite overlooking the blue water and white sand of the Gulf Coast doesn’t mean we don’t have work to do. Last I checked, I’m still employed by you. These events don’t exactly run themselves.”
See what I mean about her not letting people take care of her? I palm her arm.
“As my life assistant coach, you should recognize I need a little vitamin sea right now. As in water. As in ocean. This weekend isn’t going to be about you corralling my schedule. I didn’t invite you to work your tail off doing the usual administrative duties.”
“Work hours, remember?”
“We’re in neutral territory. Work hours aren’t written in stone this weekend.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders and walk her to the window again. “Think of them as written in the sand.”
Just when I think she’s taking in the spectacular view, she sighs.
“If I could send one email…” She gives me a slightly guilty smile. “You can’t keep me from working.”
“Wanna bet?”
“What about you? You’re the workaholic. Is it killing you not to check in with Josie?”
A little. But I’m fighting the urge with both hands.
“Of course not. I’m here with you. What else is there to do?”
It’s the right answer. She smiles at her shoes. “I guess I can email Marla when we come back to the room.”
“Nate’s assistant has handled everything. If I’m supposed to show up for a photo opportunity, or a speech, or a fucking parade, she’ll let me know. Your only job while you’re here is to have a good time on my arm and by my side.”
“We should probably talk about that.” She worries her bottom lip with her teeth. “I can’t literally be on your arm. Not with your family here.”
While I agree it might require explaining, I also don’t plan on groping her in public. “Trust me, Cris, they’re not going to notice. You come to almost every event I attend as it is. Nobody expects me to drag a date to Florida for a fundraiser. They’re going to look at you and see my best friend. My coach. And if they ask why you’re not running around working your fool head off, tell them I gave you the weekend off. After all, it’s the truth.”
Fluorescent orange strings spilling from her open suitcase capture my attention. I pluck the teeny-tiny bikini top and dangle it between us. “Is this the swimwear your brother warned me about?”
She grabs the bikini top and slams the suitcase shut. I wrestle with the lid of the suitcase while she makes a meager attempt (while giggling) to keep it closed. My strength bests hers. I pull out two scraps of fabric.