Page 132 of Again, In Autumn

There’s a rustle of fabric, the fallen sheets flying into the air as Adam struggles to scoot out from under the bed. He winces, standing. “Ow. I think I bruised my shoulder.”

“Sorry about that. I guess you could have just hid in the bathroom.”

“You think?” He smirks. “Don’t forget that gesture. Apparently I just do whatever you tell me to do.”

I walk over and touch the top of his shoulder, replacing his hand, lightly massaging the spot. Under this robe, my skin might be as on fire as I feel inside. I have Adam, naked in front of me, eyeing me as though I’m a four-course meal and he’s famished.

“Did you get rid of her?” he asks, his voice low.

My breath shakes, hand running along the front of his chest, twirling in dark curls. “Yes. She said breakfast ends in an hour and they’re all going home now. You and I can go back whenever we want.”

“We’ve got an hour?” Adam tilts his head.

“Yes.”

“Just one?”

“In this room, at least. I’m sure there’s a broom closet somewhere.”

“Good.” He plucks a kiss from my lips. “I’m not much of a breakfast person anyway.”

“I saw a McDonald’s on the way here.” I clasp my hands around his neck.

He closes his eyes, “Vienna, you shouldn’t eat that kind of junk.”

“I like clown food, sue me.”

His hand slips into my robe and around my back, pulling him to me, scooping up my bottom. “I do like the idea of us being here all alone. And in a car, all alone.”

“We can do whatever we want,” I say, my breath hitching as his hand moves.

“You’re way less inhibited now than you were at eighteen.”

“Are you slut-shaming me?” I breathe.

Adam’s mouth is hot on my neck. “Just an observation,” he mutters, scooping me off my toes and falling, taking me onto the bed with him.

We’re dressed and packed. As Adam and I begin to walk down the stairs, he takes my bag from me and folds his fingers into mine. We exchange a smile, knowing that no one here cares about us holding hands. We look like any other loved-up couple.

Mackenzie looks up as we reach the check-in counter.

“Well, well,” he says with a smirk. “It looked like that one room worked out for the best.”

My cheeks burn red, and Adam says, “All right, all right, you made your point. Sly move.”

“Sly move?” I repeat. Then, I’m suddenly in on the joke.

Mackenzie apologies, “I’m sorry, but I had to give my guy a little support. Call me Cupid. I love love. I wanted to help.”

Adam checks to see if I’m offended or angry, but I can’t help but laugh. “You’re a hell of a wingman,” I say. For us both, I want to add.

“He doesn’t get all the credit for bringing us together,” Adam argues. He bends over and kisses me. “They should give out trophies for what I did –”

“Adam,” I snarl before he says anything else.

He breaks into a grin. He tears his eyes from mine and shakes Mackenzie’s hand. “Thank you for everything, Mac, this was incredible.”

“I’m glad you had a good time.” Mackenzie mentions to the valet about my car. “And Vienna – thank you so much for the cookies. They’re amazing.”

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