Page 41 of Just My Luck

I pressed my lips together and nodded.

Sloane lowered herself next to me, her arms resting on the tops of her knees. “I called my granddad to confirm, and it’s already been decided. He’s planning to take them to a movie in the park and then have a sleepover here. He’s taking them to camp in the morning and everything. The kids will be thrilled.”

At least someone is.

I tipped my face toward her. “Do you really want to do this?”

Sloane picked at her nails. “We need to be believable, right?” Her eyes flicked up to meet mine, and she scrunched her nose. “It would seem kind of weird if a newlywed couple refused a romantic night away, don’t you think?”

Newlywed or not—any man in his right mind would be a fool to refuse a night away with Sloane.

I nodded.

Sloane slapped her thighs and stood. “Great. I’ll go pack a bag.”

I was in hell.

My dear, sweet, scheming aunt forgot to mention that the Wild Iris Bed-and-Breakfast was a boutique B&B specializing in romantic getaways for couples withthemed accommodations.

I frowned at the king-size bed in the middle of the room. “Is that leopard-print bedding?”

Sloane’s wide eyes surveyed the room. “It appears to be...” She lifted something that strangely resembled a wooden club. “Caveman themed?”

She moved to the side table and picked up a brochure. “Wild Iris Bed-and-Breakfast,” she read. Her eyes flicked up as she tried not to smile. “Adventure suites. The caveman is a much-loved prehistoric figure, and your room is a whimsical glimpse into his existence. The Caveman Suite has a king bed and will accommodate two primates.”

I stomped toward her and pulled the paper from her fingertips. “You have got to be kidding me.” My eyes scanned the brochure, and sure as shit, I was in hell. “I’m sorry,” I stumbled. “I had no idea. I can’t believe this...”

Sloane moved around the room, her hands brushing across the stony cave-like walls. I watched as her fingertips danced under the flowing waterfall in the corner of the room. She circled toward me, but stopped at a small piece of animal hide and lifted it.

Her eyes went wide and glimmered with humor. “I think this is your loincloth, husband.”

Heat flared in my cheeks, and I swiped the furry fabric from her hands. “This is not funny.”

A barking laugh burst from her small frame. “This ishilarious. Loosen up a little. Me Jane. You Tarzan.” Sloane thumped her chest in rhythm with my clunking heartbeat.

My eyes landed on the lone bed in the middle of the room.

My hand had reached up to tug at the collar of my shirt when Sloane laughed. I pinned her with a heated look.

“Are youclutching your pearls?” She laughed again, and heat sizzled down my back.

“Of course not.” I looked down at my hand, which was paused at my collar, and dropped it to my side.

Sloane walked over to the edge of the bed and hopped into it, stretching her legs before smiling up at me. “It’s just a bed, Abel.”

The fuck it is.

Sloane adjusted, hiking herself up to her elbows. “Look, it’s really rare I get a break from making every single decision in our lives and worrying that I made the wrong one. Most days I feel like a spinning top.” She exhaled and flopped flat on her back to stare at the primitive art decorating the ceiling. “I didn’t realize how much I needed a little break until we showed up here. It feels good to laugh without worrying. Can we please just... exist here for a little while?”

It was thepleasethat snagged my attention. All she was asking for was a break—a night where she didn’t have to think or prepare or be strong for everyone else.

It was the simplest thing, and I had the power to give it to her.

I looked around, and my attention paused on the cave painting with stick figures in very questionable positions.

A small chuckle broke free.

“There he is.” Sloane goaded as she smiled up at me. “Come on.” She sat up and grinned. “Let’s see what other trouble we can find at the Wild Iris.”

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