I manage to push out a shaky laugh that I’m sure sounds forced.
“Yeah, I’m good,” I say, waving a hand like it's no big deal. “Just wasn’t prepared to be promoted to Mrs. Brooks before lunch. Should’ve worn something cuter,” I joke, looking down at my sweatshirt and leggings.
I expect him to laugh, to tease me like he always does, but he doesn’t.
Instead, his expression shifts to something more serious as the lines of his face soften and his eyes sweep over my face. His smile fades as his gaze holds mine.
“You look great, Meadow,” he replies, voice thick. “You always do.”
My pulse stutters so violently that I’m shocked I don’t go into cardiac arrest. I try to hold onto my laid-back smile, but it wobbles the instant the words leave his mouth. Because how am I supposed to play it cool when Owen says things like that, as if he actually means every word?
Before I have a chance to catch my breath, Benji reappears with a bright smile.
“Right this way, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks. Let’s get you two checked in.”
The moment shatters, drifting away as Owen steps forward to follow Benji to the lobby. I coax my feet to move, trailing after him toward the reception desk and leaving a piece of my pride on the stone path.
“Whoa,”I gasp, as the door swings open.
I expected the room to be nice, butdamn. This is like something out of a travel magazine spread.
The middle of the suite is an open living space with vaulted wood beams and a bamboo ceiling fan gently whirling cool air around the bright room. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows showcase the balcony that spans the entire length of the suite. Beyond the railing, the resort drops down in neat tiers of tropical greenery and stone before meeting the shoreline.
The living area is decorated in sandy neutrals, with two sofas in an L-shape across a woven rug. Two doors sit on the left andright of the suite, which I assume are the bedrooms. A small dining table and kitchenette are set up behind the sofas with a neat row of glasses and a fancy-looking coffee machine.
“Shit,” Owen blows out an impressed breath. “Not too shabby, huh?”
“Um… Understatement of the year,” I mutter, turning a slow circle. “Owen… this is incredible.”
I can feel Owen watching me as I take everything in. When I finally turn to face him, his eyes are focused on me, a gorgeous grin spreading across his face.
“You like it?” he asks.
“Do I like it?” I deadpan, giving him a look. “I freakingloveit.”
My gaze flicks toward the two doors. “And we both have our own rooms? Wait, why did you book two when this trip was supposed to be for you and your girlfriend?”
His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows, and guilt twinges in my chest.
Great.
Way to bring up his ex, Meadow…
He clears his throat and gestures toward the doors.
“Yeah. Two bedrooms,” he nods, voice a little rough. “But we do have to share a bathroom; I hope you don’t mind. You can take the master since it’s the one with the en suite. I’m sure you’ll be spending more time in there anyway.”
He hesitates, clearing his throat before continuing.
“I uh… I originally only booked one room,” he admits. “But when you said yes, I upgraded. I figured it’d be better this way.”
His tone is a bit shy, like he’s worried he overstepped, or maybe the thought of sharing a room with me was too much for him to process.
I hadn’t let myself ask what the sleeping situation would be because, honestly, I wasn't sure I wanted to know. Apparently, he’d thought it through so I didn’t have to.
But still, I can’t stop my mind from wandering about what it would’ve been like if wehadbeen forced to share a bed. His body a breath away from mine all night.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I say, my voice quieter than I intended. “Owen, this suite must have cost—”
