Page 30 of #Resort Romance
Opening the door for her, he commented, “As long as it has everything you want or need, it doesn’t matter.” They stepped out onto the porch and locked the door behind them.
It was another beautiful night, and it felt lovely to just stroll along the path up toward the lodge. No one else was around and that seemed a little odd, but she figured they timed it so they were going to maybe be a little late, which is what she mentioned to Jayce.
“My folks took my grandparents up to the lodge about an hour ago so they could oversee the room being set up and then be there to greet people. I’m honestly happy to not be going up as a group.”
“How come?”
“I’m all for a leisurely stroll once in a while, but every time we walk anywhere with them, it’s almost painful how slow we have to walk!”
They both laughed at that.
“That’s fair. Still, it’s hard to be annoyed about it,” she reasoned. “Some of the conversations we’ve had or overheard have been kind of hysterical. Your grandmother is a riot!”
“That she is.” Jayce paused and when Kelsey looked up at him, she could tell he had more to say on the subject.
“Jayce?”
“Yesterday, when you went into town with my mother, Gram and I went for a walk down to the lake. She’s very fond of you, you know.”
“Aww…that’s sweet. I’m fond of her too.”
Another pause.
“Why do I feel like you’re trying not to tell me something?”
“Well…maybe because I am?” he replied, laughing softly. “Okay, here’s the thing—she loves that we’re together, but it…um…distresses her a bit that we’re not…or that we’re like…”
“Wow, you are really bad at this,” she teased. “Why are we upsetting her?”
“Because we’re sleeping together and she’s old-fashioned and she thinks it’s a disgrace that—and these are her words, not mine—that I’m not making an honest woman out of you.”
The bark of laughter was out before she could stop it. “Oh my God! Are you serious?” More laughter. “I mean…wow! I didn’t think anyone even said things like that anymore!”
“Yeah, well…she said it to me so…if I had to be traumatized, it seemed only fair that you were too.”
“Aww…aren’t you sweet?” she joked. “I’m a little embarrassed knowing she thinks all those things. My grandparents passed away a long time ago, so I had no idea what it would be like dealing with the older generation in situations like this.” She paused. “Or that there would even be a reason to be discussing our sex lives.”
“To be fair, if we weren’t all staying within twenty feet of each other, there would be no discussion. Unfortunately, logistics aren’t on our side.”
Kelsey knew it was unreasonable to think that no one was noticing the fact that she and Jayce were spending their nights together; she just didn’t expect anyone to say anything about it out loud.
“I’m not sure there’s any way to make her unthink all of this, huh?”
“I’m afraid not, love.”
“Drats.”
“I never should have said anything,” Jayce said with a groan. “And certainly not as we’re getting ready to walk into their party.” Another groan. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I asked.” She shrugged. They reached the entrance to the lodge and Jayce held the door open for her. They were greeted by several members of the staff, who pointed them toward the party room. They could already hear the soft music and the sound of laughter.
When they were only a few steps away from the party, Jayce stopped her. “If you don’t want to go in, you don’t have to. I never should have said anything about my conversation with my grandmother. But, for the record, she didn’t mean anything malicious by it. She genuinely loves you and it’s more me she has an issue with. But if you’re embarrassed, then you don’t have to stay. I’ll explain what I did and…”
“Jayce?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m fine. I’m a big girl and I believe we had a similar discussion about this a week ago. I can handle myself. I’m not ashamed of our relationship, so…” She held out her hand to him. “Come on. We’ve got an emerald wedding anniversary to celebrate.”
