“Of course you do,” I said. “Don’t worry. I’ve got connections. I will find you an alternative that is just as beautiful. Just leave it in my hands.”
“Okay,” Branson said, still not sounding totally sure.
Nico chose that moment to intervene. “Come, let me show you one of my favorite spots to take photos. It’s on the rooftop.”
“Oh, that sounds fun,” Caitlyn said.
“Yes, it’s very romantic,” Nico said as he led them toward the door. “With your wedding’s timing, I think we can catch the sun setting behind you. It’ll be gorgeous.”
I hung back to talk to Nadia while Nico took the lead.
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “This really has to be addressed with Eric.”
“He’s a good guy, just a little disorganized.”
“Mm. I know. We’re going to have to figure out a solution to these mixups. It’s just not a good look for the hotel to make these mistakes.”
“Not a great look for either of us, is it?” I said. “But we’ll make it up to them.”
She smiled. “Yes, we certainly will. I’ll upgrade them to the deluxe package.”
“That’s a nice gesture. Thank you.”
We headed into the hall, Nadia breaking off to return to her office. Bryson was waiting by the elevators. I paused a few feet from him.
“You didn’t need to wait for me.”
“I wanted to,” he said. “I’m sorry Branson was short with you.”
“Weddings are stressful.” I punched the button to call the elevator. “I’ve heard far worse. Usually from the bride or her mother.”
“Caitlyn is really great. My brother is lucky.”
I smiled faintly. “Yeah. They make a good couple.”
He nodded. “They do. I’d love to have something like that one day. Someone just on the same wavelength, you know? A real partner.”
“As opposed to a fake one?”
The elevator doors opened with a ding and I stepped inside. It was empty, unfortunately, meaning a trip alone with Bryson.
I could sense the tension gathering in the small space as he joined me. I hit the 3, which would take us to the rooftop bar level of the hotel.
“Did I hit a nerve?” Bryson asked. “I just meant a partner who will be there for you. Not fake, as in...”
“Fake like me?”
His eyes widened. “I don’t think you’re fake, Silas.”
“You said you got to see the real me on that date. Meaning I’ve been fake the rest of the time. Right?”
“No.” He grasped my shoulders, eyes meeting mine. “Of course not, Silas. I meant that you were hiding your true feelings from me. I don’t think that makes you fake at all. I just…I wish?—”
The look in his eyes shifted. I felt the spark of a coming lightning strike. He was going to kiss me again.
I wasn’t sure I had the strength to stop him, either. His eyes were so intent I felt naked. More than naked. I felt transparent. See-through. Like he could read every detail of my life on my skin.
It was incredibly exposing—but also so tempting—to finally be seen by someone.
