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His face turns grim. “I’m sorry, Marin. I insist on separate hotel rooms. I’m not that kind of man. How dare you think I would agree to something like that when we’ve only known each other for…almost two weeks? I’m so insulted.” He shakes his head, looking down at the table. “This is so degrading.” His eyes drift back up to me as he suppresses a wicked grin.
I give him major stink eye. “Hold on, buddy. Aren’t those my lines?”
We laugh in unison. I knew Slade had a sense of humor, but I didn’t know it could be wicked.
He pulls me to my feet and wraps me in his arms. “Of course, we’ll have separate hotel rooms, sweetheart. Our relationship is new and we’re not ready for that step. I’m fully aware of our boundaries. I promise to never pressure you.” He steps back and cups my cheeks in his hands. “Can’t say I’m not tempted, but I don’t want to rush things and take the chance of ruining the relationship we’ve started. Okay? You good?”
My eyes well with tears. He’s too good to be true. I’ve finally found the man who trumps my imagination. “I’m good. I wouldn’t mind having connecting rooms, though. I like the idea of you being close by.”
He nods. “You always surprise me, Marin. And I love being surprised. If that’s what you want, then that’s what we’ll do.”
I’ve found my Westley. He’s going to sayas you wishany moment now.
He leans in, drowning me with soft kisses. The kisses escalate faster than usual. Before I know it, we’re lost in each other for several minutes. I fear my actions are saying, “Just kidding about separate hotel rooms.” Itistoo soon for that, though. I’m relieved he agrees.
With reluctance, I end the kiss. “Here’s the thing. I’m a wait-for-marriage kind of gal. It’s just the way I was raised. No judgement on anyone. It’s a personal choice. Are you okay with that?”
Surprise registers on Slade’s features. “You mean you and Blu never…”
“No, we were waiting for marriage.”
Slade taps his heart with his fist, then points at me. “Mad respect.”
I’m so relieved. I’ve dated men who were absolutely not okay with it. On the first date. I’m looking for a meaningful relationship, not a one-night stand. “That being said, I’m tempted, too. I need you to help me keep my promise to myself.”
“I will.” Slade kisses my forehead. “You have my word.”
He’s so perfect. “Okay, let’s get outta here. We have plans to make.”
“Yes, we do.” Slade takes my hand.
“Wait.” Concern takes over my features. “There’s one more thing. My parents. I know I’m a grown woman, and I can do whatever I want, but when they find out I’m taking off to Italy with a man I’ve just met, they’ll worry about me. I don’t want to cause them worry. We’ve always been close. I can’t do that to them.”
Slade’s lost in his usual deep thinking for a moment or two. “Okay. Today’s Wednesday. We’ll plan on leaving on Saturday if I can get a flight. Can you invite your parents up here for a barbeque on Friday? Maybe if they meet me and my mom, if they hear why we’re taking off for Italy, they’ll feel better about the situation. Sound good?”
I study him, awestruck. Did I die in the car ride over to the coast? I was devastated that day. Did I crash, and this is Heaven?
I don’t think Slade is actually this amazing, perfect man. (Well, truthfully, he is.) But in reality, I think he’s just a normal, kind, and respectful human being. I spent the last two years with a man who was uptight, unemotional, and impassive. He was dead on the inside. I just didn’t realize what I was missing until now. Somehow, the worst day of my life was actually the best day of my life. I have a new road to happiness now, filled with something new around every curve.
His voice brings me out of my musing. “Marin? Is that okay?”
“Yes, that would be perfect.” My eyes glisten with tears. “Thank you. I’ll call them.”
“I’ll go down to my office and make all of the arrangements right now. Wanna help me choose our hotel?” Slade asks.
I love the way he always includes me. It should be the norm. Unfortunately, it’s not. Blu made all the plans for our honeymoon in Cancun without consulting me once about anything. It was extremely difficult for someone like me, who needs to feel I’m in control of my life. Blu’s currently enjoying his carefully planned trip all by himself. Alone, the same way he planned it. Seems fitting.
Okay. No more comparisons. It’s not healthy.
Before we leave my room, I silently do what I promised myself I’d do every morning.I’m grateful for a trip toVenice with Slade.
Good enough for today. My heart is full. Overflowing.
Once in Slade’s office, we sit side by side in front of his large-screen desktop computer. If I sit any closer, I’ll be on his lap. His affectionate nature tells me he loves being as close as possible as much as I do.
“Hmm,” Slade’s chest rumbles. “Where should we stay in Venice? It’s small and very much a walking city. Cars aren’t even allowed. Small bridges take you across the canals from island to island. Or you can take a water bus. They’re called vaporettos. Basically, it’s their public transportation. It costs, of course. The point is, we can stay anywhere and easily get to my father’s home. I mean, it might take twenty minutes. But that’s nothing to worry about.”
I toss him a strange look. “How’d you know all that?”
