Page 85 of Craving You

“I did,” she replied. “It wasn’t on purpose, but because this was all sort of short notice, it was either a suite or a first-floor room.” She wrinkled her nose. “With a parking lot view. That wasn’t going to work.”

Reaching for her hand, he gave it a quick squeeze. “As long as I’m with you, I don’t care where the room is.”

“I know it’s already too dark to appreciate the view, but I’ll bet when we get up tomorrow that it will be spectacular.”

They arrived on their floor, and Hailey led the way down the hall. Max wasn’t far behind, but he was enjoying watching the sway of her hips as she walked. It didn’t occur to him to ask if the nurse had told her if it was okay for them to have sex, but he really hoped she did.

She stopped at the end of the hall and waited for him before tapping the key card to their door. Opening it, she stepped inside and then let him walk in ahead of her. He moved past her into the room and froze.

Soft music was playing. There were fresh flower arrangements all over the room. The fireplace was already lit, and there was a tray with chocolate-covered strawberries on the table along with a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket beside it.

“What in the world…”

Hailey came up beside him. “It’s actually sparkling grape juice.”

“This is just…wow! This all looks very romantic.”

“And it’s just the beginning,” she said, her voice sultry and sexy. “I’m going to freshen up and change into something a little dressier for dinner. I brought something for you too. I’ll hang it up outside the bathroom door if that’s okay.”

All he could do was nod because he was still so blown away by all of this.

He had no idea what she had packed for him, but he figured he should change while she was in the other room getting ready.

Twenty minutes later, Hailey opened the door and stepped back into the room, taking his breath away. Her blonde hair was done in long, loose waves, and her dress was sleeveless and ivory lace with a high neck, and it made her look both sexy and innocent all at the same time.

“You look beautiful,” he murmured as he walked closer. “Perfect.”

She blushed as she reached out and smoothed a hand over his tie. “You look very handsome. I love the way you look in a suit.”

Placing his hand over hers to keep it over his heart, he studied her face. “Thank you for doing all of this. I know it doesn’t sound very masculine to say I’m dazzled, but…I’m dazzled.”

That seemed to please her. “Good.” When she stepped away, she walked over to the tray of strawberries. “We have a little time before we need to be downstairs. How about we have a little pre-dinner drink?”

“Sounds good.” He poured them each a glass before sitting and holding his up. “To us,” he said. “And the amazing night ahead.”

Nodding, she tapped her glass to his. “To us.” They drank, they each had a strawberry, and when the alarm on Hailey’s phone rang out, she announced that it was time to head down to the restaurant.

It was as if everyone in the hotel knew who they were. Everyone smiled at them, and when they got to the restaurant, they were seated immediately at one of the best tables. The service was impeccable, and it felt like they were almost being treated like celebrities.

“I knew the service was great here, but tonight it’s like it’s kicked up a notch, don’t you think?”

“Um…I didn’t really notice,” she said vaguely before discussing what they were going to order.

The food was delicious, they danced, and talked and laughed, but when it was time for dessert, Hailey declined—which was completely unlike her. He was about to comment on it, but figured they still had more strawberries up in their room, so they could have them for dessert. Plus, maybe she was just full from dinner.

“Should we walk around a bit?” he asked after paying the check. “Or would you like to go back to the room?”

“The room,” she said softly. “Definitely the room. I just need to run to the ladies’ room first.”

“We’ll be upstairs in just a few minutes,” he reminded her, but she was already on her feet and making excuses that she really needed to use it now. It seemed a bit extreme, but he walked over to the entrance and waited for her there. She joined him five minutes later looking perfectly serene.

Do not ask how the bathroom was or anything related to what she did in there…

“Dinner was fantastic,” he said instead as they stepped onto the elevator.

“It really was. Everything we’ve ever eaten there has been amazing. If they were closer to town, I’d want to eat here at least once a week.”

“Same. Although, I think they’re worth the thirty-minute drive.” They rode up the rest of the way in companionable silence, and when they got to their floor, they strolled hand in hand to the room. This time, Max opened the door for them and followed her in. She walked over to the bed and then paused, looking at him expectantly.

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