far nicer than anywhere I’d ever stayed before. Yes, I made good money and did pretty well for myself, but nothing like most of the guests likely did around here.
If it weren’t for my friend’s connections, I never would have been able to afford the place. Or maybe I would have, but I was far too cheap to do so.
Eliza and I hadn’t set a specific time, so I made sure I puttered around a bit because I knew it would probably take her longer to get ready than me, and then I headed out to the hallway. Eliza walked out at the same time I did, her phone in her hand. She looked up at me and smiled. Her gaze was a bit bright, her cheeks a little red. “I don’t think I’ve ever gotten ready that fast in my life.”
I looked down at her white sundress and her platform wedges that showed off her painted toes and swallowed hard.
You look good for getting done as quickly as you did.”
“Just imagine if I’d had an hour,” she said with a wink. She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “It’s going to poof in this cruel humidity later, but we’ll call it good. So, breakfast?”
I looked down at my watch. “Maybe brunch now.”
“Brunch is good. Brunch means mimosas.”
My lips slid into a smile. “You know, I like the way you think.”
Without thinking, I held out my arm, and she looked down at it, smiled, and hooked her arm into mine. It was something I did with my sisters—and even Brenna. Now, it felt different. Maybe because the hotel staff had thought that Eliza was my wife before, or perhaps because of these weird feelings I had whenever she was around.
Either way, I wasn’t going to think too hard about it. Or about how much I liked that she was pressed against my side.
No, I didn’t need to think about that at all.
We headed to the dining room, and the host at the stand smiled. “Hello there, Mr. Montgomery. Mrs. Montgomery?”
I had to wonder if Lee had sent my photo around so they knew what I looked like. Eliza didn’t need to be mistaken for my wife, especially not this weekend of all weekends.
“Yes,” she said quickly, blushing. I knew she didn’t want to cause a scene. Frankly, I didn’t either.
“We’re so happy you decided to stay here. You look well rested and happy. Is this your honeymoon?” he asked as he led us to a window by the door. Eliza nearly tripped into me, and I almost missed a step, too, but I squeezed her hands, keeping her steady. “Something like that,” I said, completely lying my ass off. It seemed like a bit of an intrusive question. Now that I thought about it, there weren’t too many single people here. Mostly those on honeymoons or vacations as couples. I hadn’t even seen any kids around.
We took our seats so we could see the ocean. People started milling about, and I glanced over at Eliza as the host walked away. “Well, we’re two for two in people thinking we’re married. The honeymoon’s different,” she said as she shook her head.
“I know we should speak up, but it’s awkward as hell.”
“Exactly. I knew you were going to say something, but I didn’t want him apologizing. Then there’d be awkward stares and uncomfortableness, when really, I just want something to eat. Like, I’m starving. I think I want the bagel. They looked amazing yesterday.”
“I forgot you’ve been here a day longer than I have. Did you scope out the area?”
“Yes, and tomorrow, if you’re up for it, I think there’s a breakfast taco truck around the block. I looked it up on the app. Tomorrow morning, it should be close to the hotel.”
“That sounds amazing,” I said, my stomach growling.
“Oh, it’s great. And if you’re up for it, as well, there’s a restaurant tonight that I want to try that apparently has amazing grouper.”
“I heard this area is pretty good for grouper. At least, that’s what Archer said as he sort of pushed me out of the door and towards the plane.”
Eliza shook her head. “I’m coming to like the idea that our families pushed us to this time and place, even if neither of us thought we were ready.”
“Our families are pushy, but maybe sometimes they have it right.”
Eliza just shook her head. “See, that’s a big-brother thing to say.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, oh. The big brother always thinks that butting in and controlling