Page 18 of Time To Live Again

The need to go to my room outweighs the desire to stay.Click.“I promise I’ll think about it,” is the last thing I say before the door closes.

I rest against the metal wall and squeeze my eyes shut. Did this miraculous afternoon really happen, or am I still on the ferry, fast asleep in my car? He was flirting with me, right? I’d rather not overanalyze it only for it to blow up in my face. Because, crazy as it sounds, he’s not the only one who craves more.

The bell rings, and the door slides open. I step out and look to the left. I approach the wooden door bearing the correct room number. Opening it, I flick on the lights, and my jaw drops. This is definitely not a double room.

I enter, scan the spacious layout, and am instantly captivated by the charming country appeal. Directly ahead is a homey sitting area nestled near impressive windows and a glass door leading to the balcony. To the left is a separate bedroom with a luxurious king-sized bed. Exposed wooden beams run along the ceiling, and romantic decor featuring shades of crimson and ivory fills the entire suite. A week in this exquisite hotel won’t be enough.

I peruse the lavish bedroom and bathroom, then wander over to the balcony door. The occasional squeak of the hardwood floor travels behind me. I step outside into the blustery air to find the tree Leo was talking about. I see its brilliance before I get to the balcony’s edge. It’s a towering tree, decorated with glistening balls of white lights swaying in the wind. Because of the distance, I squint and vaguely see a bench.

A gust of frigid wind passes by, making me shiver. I hug myself and slip back into the room. My eyes wander the room again, and I do a double take when I discover a bottle of champagne on the rustic coffee table. How did I miss that when I came in? A red envelope with my name on it rests against the bottle. It’s probably from Andy. He’s the only one who knows where I am. Or it’s a generous welcome from the hotel.

I sit on the edge of the couch and eye the envelope like it’s a precious diamond. Finally, I pluck it off the table and rip it open. Pure excitement transforms my mood. It’s not from my brother or the hotel.

Dear Olive,

I couldn’t help overhearing that it’s your birthday today. Here’s a little something to kick off another year of your life. If you want to share the bottle with someone, you know who to ask. Happy birthday and happy New Year!

Leo

The words blur, and I realize I’m crying. There’s no doubt in my mind what I’ll be doing tonight.

And it’s not drinking this alone in this suite.

8

LEO

Damn, it’s cold. It’s not raining but the air is damp, making it feel colder. I pace in front of my favorite tree and blow into my hands to warm them up. I should’ve hit the gym to burn off some of the buzzing energy that’s been building since Olive went to her room. I tried to sleep for a little while before the party started, but my brain wouldn’t shut down. It swirled like cotton candy.

Olive should’ve found the champagne already. I was hoping she’d send me a text, but there’s been dead silence. Was it a bad idea? Now I feel like a complete idiot because I brought two flutes in case she comes with the bottle. I even brought a blanket to keep us warm if we sit on the bench.

How long should I wait for her?You made her wait a long time for her room.I glance at my watch again. Only five minutes to go. What if she can’t find the tree? No, that’s stupid. It’s huge and lit up like a beacon.Chill the fuck out!

Why did I change my plans for her tonight? What is it about Olive that compels me to be impulsive? She’s a stranger…but from the moment she arrived, I haven’t wanted her out of my sight. I imagine myself following Olive everywhere, tugging on her shirt for attention. I chuckle to myself.

Since my cousin Corey died, I really haven’t formed any meaningful connections with new people. Well, no, that’s not true. The couple throwing the party tonight are the only ones. They don’t know everything about my past, though. When I met them, their unparalleled love story sucked me in, and I adore their relationship.

It’s been a while since I’ve been genuinely interested in a woman beyond sex. The closest I ever came to love was with my high school girlfriend. That was a joke, since it fizzled out right after graduation. Nothing’s come close to it since.

But with Olive, somehow I feel a connection that’s…fucking indescribable. I’m not saying it’s love because that would be bullshit. Right? Then why does talking to her make my heart race, as if I’m being chased? And why does her intoxicating scent arouse me to the point I might embarrass myself? And why the hell do I feel like I’ll burst if I don’t see her tonight?

Because I’m borderline obsessed.

“Hi, Leo,” Olive says softly behind me.

She’s here!I stiffen from surprise and my pulse skyrockets, sending warm tingles to my icy fingers and toes. I turn around, unable to hide my excitement. Olive stands a few feet away from me with her arms behind her back. Her hair is pulled into a low side bun, and her lips are a glistening shade of pink.

“Hi! I’m really glad you came. You look beautiful.” My cheeks are going to hurt tomorrow from my wide perma grin.

“Thanks. You look handsome yourself,” she says, her eyes cast down. “It wasn’t a simple decision. My nerves were getting the best of me.”

I lower myself to encourage her to look at me. When she does, I ask with anticipation, “What changed your mind?”

“This.” She lifts the bottle of champagne in front of her. “I felt so special. Thank you, Leo. I knew you overheard some of the conversation with my mom. But I didn’t think I mentioned my birthday.”

“It was my pleasure. I hope you don’t think I was eavesdropping.”

“No. Not at all. I wasn’t very discreet. I’m sure you’ve heard worse things while on the job.”

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