Page 47 of Fragile Hearts

“What did you do? A formal dinner?”

“I didn’t do anything,” he says. “It’s just something my parents put together when they open a new resort. You’re good. Like I said, I’ve got you covered.”

The conversation dies there when he moves on to trying to get my suitcase in order. He holds up a sundress from the suitcase, looking at me as if to ask if I want to pack it or hang it back up. Taking it from him, I hang it back up.

We go along like this until I’ve got the suitcase packed, and Owen zips it closed without having to put all his body weight on it.

“Ready?” he asks, heaving it off the bed. “Let’s get going so we don’t miss that ferry.”

Orchid Bay Lux is exactly as I expect it to be. Luxury. Peak fucking luxury. I thought Orchid Bay on Maui was stunning, but this is a whole other level. It looks like it was crafted by billionaires specifically for the luxury crowd, with everything in soft tones and lush greenery. Colorful flowers are woven throughout, dotting each area of green with strategically placed color, like Mother Nature herself decided to partner with them on this.

The open-air lobby has a soft tropical breeze blowing through it, and somehow it feels warm yet still air-conditioned, something I can’t even begin to explain.

And the smell, oh my god, the smell. It’s fruity and subtle, and it makes me want to close my eyes and bask in it.

“Owen, this is unreal,” I say, finally finding my words. I was silent most of the drive over here, being picked up by a driver at the harbor in a fully restored mint green Ford Bronco convertible that was something you’d see in a movie or on some influencer’s Instagram page.

“Yeah, it’s pretty fucking epic, huh? Wait till you see our room,” he says, and I don’t know why it’s just hitting me now, but we’re sharing a room.

“Do your parents know we’re sharing a room?” I ask, my nervousness returning.

“Of course they do. We’re dating, right?”

“We did say we’re dating,” I say, giggling. “I mean, that’s what this feels like. Although, I’ve never dated, so I guess I don’t really know. I’ve had like random boyfriends and hook ups, but…” I stop, my word vomit is only getting more embarrassing as it goes on.

“Dating is good, Sloane. This is good.”

He pulls me close, and I turn to him, smiling. I push up on my toes, kissing him. “Thank you. I don’t think I can thank you enough for all of this.”

“Nah, it’s all good.”

I look around, seeing something new in this gorgeous lobby every time I do. It’s not very busy, and I guess it wouldn’t be since it’s not actually open yet.

“It’s going to be a little quiet today,” Owen tells me. “People don’t start arriving till tomorrow, so today is just training staff and my parents running around making sure everything is perfect.”

“Do they need any help?” I immediately ask, wanting to make sure they know how grateful I am for this experience.

“They wouldn’t let you even if you tried. You’re a guest today, so enjoy it.”

Grabbing both our suitcases, he tilts his head, telling me to follow him, and I do, taking in every angle of the resort as we walk to the elevators.

No expense was spared when it comes to the Orchid Bay Lux, even the elevator is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, with deep-stained wood and pearl buttons. I can’t even begin to explain this, and I snap a few pictures of it, needing to send them to Alana and Daisy because they won’t believe it.

Owen leads us to our room, a suite that seems to be the only thing on the floor, and when he opens the door, holding it for me, I gasp out loud.

“This is bigger than your house,” I cry out, rushing over to the open-air lanai, the view spanning the entire thing. “And oh my god, this view! The mountains and the water. I’ve never seen it look so blue. Did your parents do that too?” I let out a laugh, and Owen does too.

Coming up behind me, he encircles me with his arms, pulling me so our bodies are flush. Moving my hair to the side, he kisses my neck, and I close my eyes, loving the feeling of having him this close.

“You’re spoiling me like you do Mochi,” I tell him, turning in his arms. “What if you don’t?—”

“Don’t. Don’t say what you’re thinking because it’s not going to happen. I’m obsessed with you, Sloane. I want to give you the world.”

“But what if all I want is you?”

“I’m already yours.”

I swallow hard at his words. I’m his too. Something I never thought I’d be in my life. If anyone had said I’d be with Owen Sinclair, I’d have laughed, but here we are.

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