Page 40 of Official

XANDER

“You don’t need to do all this—it’s too much,” Sam says as we follow the speed-walking hotel manager to one of their deluxe suites.

“We insist,” she calls over her shoulder, waving her shiny key in the air.

I wipe my damp palms down the sides of my shorts, my nerves in overdrive, and not because of the rogue hog.

Or because Teddy’s going to actually fucking kill me—although I don’t feel great about that, either.

It’s because the hotel staff is so apologetic over the pig running through our room that they want to upgrade Sam and me to their best available suite, free of charge.

As in, they’re putting us in the same damn room.

I’m supposed to sleep in the same space as the woman I just fucked on a desk like a caveman.

My best friend’s sister, at that.

I’m definitely not going to live to see my thirties.

They gave us complimentary drinks at the bar downstairs too, while we waited for them to get the place ready for us. Now we’re buzzed, but it’s still not enough to dull the feel of her eager fingers digging into my back or the sweet and salty taste of her on my tongue.

I run my hands through my hair, grains of sand still coating my head.

I never showered.

We went straight from lunch to sex to rescuing a pig, then watching the sunset while we drank our free cocktails.

I’m still covered in Sam, and our whole situation is making me dizzy.

“Here we are,” the manager sings and opens the double doors, leading us to an extravagant room with an open floor plan and cream furniture.

Orange pillows fluffed on the couch brighten the sitting room, and several vases of fresh pink-and-white hibiscus flowers rest on the coffee table and kitchen counter. As we take the three steps down into the main room, my jaw drops—it feels like I just walked into a Hawaiian magazine. There’s even an infinity pool beyond the sliding glass door. Next to the shimmering water is a small deck surrounded by a balcony that overlooks the beach.

“The fridge is stocked with waters, snacks, and other drinks. Chilled champagne is outside and ready for you as well.”

“While we really appreciate this, it’s too much. We can’t possibly stay here.” I shake my head, backing away as guilt settles on my chest.

I’m being handed the fucking lottery, but I don’t deserve it. Not after what I just did.

“Nonsense. We take care of our guests around here like they’re family, and we can’t apologize enough for the inconvenience.” The manager outstretches her hand toward the balcony. “At least no wild animals can reach you up here.”

Sam dips her head and giggles, and I can’t help myself, either.

Is it possible that’s why the hotel had two available rooms on the ground floor when we first arrived? It is a popular time of year to visit the island, but it seems the other guests knew the risks of sleeping where mischievous pigs could play pranks on them.

I’ll be locking away that piece of intel for future reference, just in case.

“I’ll leave you to it. If you have any questions or need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out.” The manager smiles at both of us and nods. “Aloha.”

Once we’re alone in this massive suite—wearing new leis that the hostess downstairs gifted us—I idly rub my chest over my bright yellow shirt and follow Sam toward the bedrooms. There’s one on either end of the suite, far from each other, so that eases some of my nerves. It’s much like the adjoining rooms we just had, so I can easily stay on my own side.

No big deal.

After we’re done exploring, we make our way onto the balcony, still too stunned to speak. The sun has started setting, and the colorful glow is reflected over the water, forming a Christmas-tree shape along the surface. A bottle of champagne is nestled in an ice bucket on a small table between two chairs, just like we were told.

It’s all very… romantic.

And on top of that, Sam and I are very alone for the first time since we ripped each other’s pants off.

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