Page 45 of Closer

“Didn’t want to miss this.” I wink at the receptionist. “I’ll take it from here.”

The woman hands over two key cards. “You’re all set, Mr. Barron. Enjoy your stay.”

I scoop up Lil’s bag before she can, guiding her towards the elevators.

She waits until the doors close behind us to round on me, eyes flashing. “Seriously, what are you doing here?”

Fuck, she’s gorgeous when she’s pissed.

I give her my best innocent look. “Can’t a guy surprise his girl with a romantic weekend getaway?”

“Is this some kind of joke?”

“No joke, princess. Just me, you, and a couple’s massage with our names on it.”

“You really think I’m going to go along with this?”

The elevator dings, and I gesture for her to exit first. She does, albeit reluctantly, and I follow close behind.

“Look, Lil.” I catch her elbow, whirling her to face me. “I know we have a lot of shit to sort through. But can we… pretend for a bit?”

“Pretend?”

“Yeah. Pretend we’re a normal couple. No fighting, no rehashing the past.” I point between us. “You and me, enjoying each other’s company.”

Shestares at me like I’ve grown a second head. “Are you insane? We can’t pretend everything is fine.”

“Why not? We did on your wedding day. It’s just for the weekend. Think of it as a trial run. All in.”

“No fighting? No rehashing the past?”

“None. We can pretend it’s our first date or some shit.”

Lil worries her lip between her teeth, and I can practically see the gears turning in her head. I can’t blame her. I fucked up. But I don’t want to fight this anymore. I’ve been trying to deny it for far too long. I’m still in love with her. Hopelessly, irrevocably in love with this woman.

And now, I have a chance to prove it to her. To show her that I’m not the same man who walked away all those years ago. That I’m ready to fight for her, for us.

If she’ll let me. It couldn’t all have been a lie.

“Let me show you how good we can be together. Please,” I say.

“Fine. But separate rooms.” She tries to snatch the key cards from my fingers.

I tut, holding them out of reach. “Ah, ah. All in, remember? That means sharing a room. And a bed.”

Her eyes widen. “No way. Absolutely not.”

“What’s the matter, princess?” I dip my head. “Afraid you won’t be able to keep your hands to yourself?”

She meets my gaze head-on, unflinching. “Hardly. There’s nothing between us anymore. You made sure of that.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I force my expression to remain neutral. I deserved that.

“Prove it then,” I dare her. “Share a room with me. Let’s see who cracks first.”

“This is crazy.”

“Crazy can be fun.” I smirk. “Come on. Take a chance.”

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