Page 18 of Caught in the Middle

“I just don’t want your dad coming up with an idea for us to all hang out just yet. I need some time with Cam first.”

“Uh-huh, sure you do,” Lulu purred.

Emma rolled her eyes and didn’t bother with a comment. As they reached the group at the same time as Henry, Lulu began passing out envelopes, only bothering to double-check the room number on one of them.

Henry always splurged on his room, although Emma would never complain because to be here at all while someone else insisted on paying was more than she could ever ask for. She was used to it now, but it took years of telling herself it wasn’t out of pity for her and Aunt Mel’s lack of money in comparison to theirs. She didn’t have a lot growing up, but she had enough.

“How about we all take some time to unpack and get freshened up?” Emma suggested, then subtly elbowed her friend.

“Uh, yeah, that sounds great,” Lulu added.

“That’s a wonderful idea,” Lauren said in agreement. “I think I’d like to walk the beach afterward and explore the hotel, too.”

Asher nodded that he liked that idea.

“Everyone go enjoy themselves,” Henry stated. “I won’t steal all your time this week.” He chuckled and his expression made Emma remember him as that dad with three teenage girls on vacation, knowing full well they were more interested in exploring on their own than hanging out with an adult. It made her smile. “But let’s all meet up for dinner tonight. Do we want to eat here or find a restaurant?”

“I vote here tonight. I always get tired after flying,” Lulu responded.

“Works for me,” Emma said and the other three agreed.

It was settled. She’d have the afternoon alone with Cam. The perfect amount of time to put some more rules into place and make sure nothing went wrong. They’d been so exhausted and on the fritz last night, so maybe today would be easier. She’d known he hadn’t been happy about Henry flipping the bill for his trip.

They all headed to the elevators, everyone getting off on the same floor except for Henry. He waved bye before they set off for their rooms. Emma noticed Lulu turned left at the hall and the rest of them went right. It wasn’t until she stopped in front of their door, Cam a few steps behind her, that she noticed Lauren and Asher were still approaching too.

No, she thought. No, no, no.

“Looks like we’re neighbors,” Lauren exclaimed.

Dammit. “How awesome,” Emma matched her enthusiasm. She quickly unlocked the door. “See you later tonight.” And then she was inside, vaguely aware of Cam following behind.

Damn Lulu for not checking the numbers first.

When she stopped to put her bag on the bench, she caught sight of Cam trying not to laugh.

“Shut up,” she muttered. And that did it because that contagious sound erupted from him and loosened something inside herself that made her laugh too.

“Of all the rooms,” he said, still laughing and shaking his head.

“Shh,” she said, though her eyes were still alight with humor. “I don’t want them to hear you.”

“Oh man, this is good. Too good.” He plopped on the bed, his suitcase still on the floor.

Emma rubbed her temples trying to think. “Maybe we can switch to another room.”

“Won’t that look suspicious?”

That was a good point. “True. Okay.” She waved her hand as if to clear her thoughts. “For now, let’s focus on what we can control.” She started opening drawers on the dresser, then headed to the small closet door.

“What are you doing?” He stood to watch her.

“Looking for extra blankets. You can have half of the bed pillows, but I’m thinking they should have extra bedding in here.” She turned to see him looking at her. “For the couch,” she added, not sure why his brow was quirked.

It was the second time Cam laughed within minutes of walking into this room, but he was sure Emma thought he must be losing it this time.

He’d just spent all morning and early afternoon traveling for a trip he didn’t want to be on as a way to help her save face in front of her ex, and now she was going to assume he’d be the one on the couch?

Normally, he would’ve just offered to take the couch. In fact, he already assumed he’d be the one on the couch too, but there was something about her entitlement for sleeping on the comfy bed whenever she was the one who got them stuck in this situation that made him decide it wasn’t happening.

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