Page 16 of Ghost Of You

I can’t wait to see her reaction to all of this—every detail meticulously chosen to make our stay unforgettable.

Laelia stops midway into the lobby and turns to face me, a sceptical eyebrow raised. “Since when did we book this hotel?” she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.

I shrug casually. “I upgraded us,” I reply, a hint of mischief in my tone.

“Why?” she presses, her gaze steady.

“Because I wanted to,” I answer with a grin.

A faint blush colours her cheeks as she turns her attention back to the reception desk, clearly touched but trying to maintain her composure. After a quick check-in, the receptionist hands me a sleek key card, and we make our way out of the lobby. We walk down a long, elegant corridor before stepping into a lift that ascends to our floor.

Once we reach our room, I use the fob on the door, and the lock’s light turns a satisfying green. I push the door open, gesturing for Laelia to go ahead. As she steps into the room, her eyes widen, and her jaw drops in sheer amazement. The deluxe suite is a feast for the senses: the walls are adorned in a soft, sophisticated grey, and the real oak flooring adds a warm, earthy touch.

To the left, a forest green couch beckons, draped with a cosy cotton blanket. In front of it, an oak table holds a delicate crystal vase filled with vibrant blue roses—an extra touch I arranged with the hotel for an additional fee, knowing how much she adores blue roses.

I watch as Laelia eagerly moves to the window, her excitement palpable. She draws back the satin grey curtains, and her face lights up as she takes in the breathtaking view of snow-covered mountains stretching into the distance. A wide, genuine smile spreads across her face.

“It’s beautiful,” she says softly, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Thank you.”

Her reaction fills me with satisfaction, and I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s moments like these that make every effort worthwhile.

Before I can even utter a word, she dashes through the doorway and into the bedroom, her excited squeal echoing off the walls. I follow, dragging our suitcases behind me, and enter to find the room bathed in the same elegant colour scheme of deep greens and rich woods. The centrepiece is a magnificent king-sized bed adorned with forest green linens that look both inviting and luxurious.

As I step further in, I see her eyes wide with wonder as she surveys the room. Her gaze lingers on the intricately carved oak furniture, its details accentuated by delicate gold paint. It’s clear that this is the most opulent hotel we’ve ever stayed in, and it’s the best in the area—something I believe she truly deserves.

Without warning, she flings herself into my arms, pressing her lips to mine in a passionate kiss. I respond eagerly, my hands roaming over her body, but she gently pushes me away.

“As much as I would love to, I’m so exhausted I feel like I’d fall asleep during sex,” she admits with a playful grin.

I chuckle softly, my lips brushing against her neck. “I’m certain you’ll be wide awake when I’m finished with you,” I tease, eliciting a soft moan from her as my kisses travel to her collarbone.

She swats my arm playfully, laughing. “Sleep,” she drags out the word as she steps back. “Nice try, but the puppy dog look isn’t going to work. It’s one in the morning, and I need my beauty sleep.”

I feign a pout, which only makes her laugh more. She opens her suitcase and starts pulling out her pyjamas, while I come up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and planting a kiss on her cheek. “But you’re already so beautiful,” I whisper.

She relaxes against me, a contented sigh escaping her lips. “I’ll take falling asleep in your arms right now,” she murmurs.

“Deal,” I reply, releasing her gently. She grabs one of my band t-shirts and a small box from her suitcase, disappearing into the bathroom for a moment. When she emerges, she’s wearing the oversized shirt, her hair tumbling loosely around her shoulders. Her appearance is effortlessly stunning, even as she yawns.

My gaze falls to her feet, and I can’t help but laugh. Perched on her feet are adorable bunny slippers, with ears that nearly touch the floor and a pompom on the back that mimics a tail.

“When did you get those?” I ask, eyeing her fluffy footwear.

“When I knew we were coming on holiday,” she replies, smiling down at her feet. “They’re cute and comfy.”

She sits on the edge of the bed, removes the slippers, and then slides under the covers. Her eyes flutter shut the moment her head hits the pillow. “Now get in bed and cuddle me,” she commands, already drifting off.

With a chuckle, I shed my clothes until I’m only in my boxers and make my way around the bed. I slide under the covers, and she immediately latches onto me, her arm draping over my stomach, her head nestled in the crook of my neck.

Turning to face her, I see that she hasn’t moved; her arm remains securely around me. I wrap my own arm around her, and she snuggles even closer, her head burrowing into my chest, her warm breath tickling my skin.

I press a tender kiss to the top of her head, and her soft hum in her sleep brings a smile to my face. “I love you,” I whisper, though she remains deep in slumber, unaware of my words.

I pull the duvet up a little higher, ensuring she’s snug and warm. Closing my eyes, I let myself drift off, dreaming that tonight my heart’s deepest wish will come true and that she’ll say yes to everything I hope for.

Once we were up and about, we dedicated our day to exploring and indulging in every quaint food spot we could find. For breakfast, I savoured a stack of fluffy pancakes layered with crispy bacon and drenched in rich maple syrup. For lunch, a juicy, satisfying burger was the perfect choice. By the time tea rolled around, I decided to be adventurous and tried reindeer steak. To my surprise, it wasn't as off-putting as I'd anticipated, but it's not something I plan on having again, especially with Laelia's running commentary about how I'd dined on one of Santa's reindeer.

Now, it's ten thirty at night, and we're perched at the summit of one of the small mountains, surrounded by other eager tourists, all waiting for the Northern Lights to make their grand appearance. The hotel staff had assured us that if we stayed until around midnight, the celestial display should begin. Thanks to my extensive pre-trip research, I know that the prime viewing season spans from September to April, and with it being March, we're perfectly timed to witness the breathtaking hues that transform the night sky.

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