Page 69 of Final Chance At Love (Chance At Love Duet 2)

I looked away from everyone. Rick trailed behind me.

“I don’t know how I’ll survive seeing him every day, Rick,” I whispered to him as I glanced back at Kristoff one more time. I caught him staring after us, his hot gaze on me.

I shook my head and muttered miserably, “I should have said $100,000 per night per room because this is going to be misery.”

“He would have paid it.” Rick sounded confident. “Maybe it’s good that he is here,” Rick advised. “You can decide if you want to go after him.”

“Are you nuts?” I smirked at him. “Did he look alone to you? Did you not notice that seriously gorgeous redhead next to him?”

“I did,” he answered casually. “...but I also noticed he wasn’t looking at her, his eyes were on you the entire time.”

“That’s because he wants to talk about the pregnancy. When that man puts something in his head, he doesn’t let go. I’ve seen him in negotiations.”

“Who’s that?” Kristoff’s voice came behind me, and I whipped around almost bumping into him

“Damn it, Kristoff,” I complained. “You can’t sneak up on people like that!”

“I think he’s worried you’ll take off,” Sophie interrupted jokingly, following behind him, and winked at me. “So I hear you are pregnant with twins?” she asked, smiling and then added, “Congratulations!”

“You are not supposed to be broadcasting it,” I told Kristoff in an exasperated tone, rolling my eyes at the same time. “Seriously, stop telling everyone.”

“I didn’t broadcast it,” Kristoff replied matter of fact. “I just told my family.”

I glanced over to Sophie and couldn’t help scuffed. “Did you get married in the last few weeks?”

Even just saying those words caused a sharp pang in my heart.

“No, I didn’t. Are you offering?” His eyes were intent on me and his voice was serious. It took me back to us driving home from his mother’s birthday party and his offer for me to be his girlfriend. It really felt like déjà vu with Rick and Sophie as witnesses. I searched Sophie’s face for a trace of shock but there was none there.

"Nope," I replied tightly, which earned me a little push by Rick. Just because the redhead next to him may be family still doesn't forgive the blonde that was in his office the morning I left.

“By the way, Gemma,” Sophie started and then asked quickly. “Is it ok if I call you Gemma?” I just nodded in reply. All this was draining me and I was tired. “Thanks! I’m his cousin. We pretty much grew up together.”

I glanced suspiciously between two of them but saw no trace of deceit. A glimmer of hope swelled in my chest but I quickly tampered it down. Instead, I shrugged my shoulders pretending I don’t care what they are to each other, although I wasn’t sure if I was convincing myself or them.

“Want me to show you where your rooms are?” I asked tiredly. I laid my hand over my little bump, feeling little flutters. I realized it was too early to feel the babies, but I couldn’t help but to love those little signs of life growing inside of me.

“Are you alright?” Rick’s worried voice startled me. “You are holding your stomach like it hurts. And you were moving all that furniture around earlier today.”

“What?” Kristoff took a step toward me with the frown on his face. I put my hand up, placing my palm against his chest to keep him somewhat at bay.

“I’m fine, both of you,” I began exasperated at both of them. I glanced at Rick, and added, “And you have to stop, Rick. It’s driving me nuts. I worry enough without adding your worries.”

“You must be tired,” Sophie came to the rescue. “I know I am. I would love to see my room.”

“I’ll stay here,” Kristoff told me. “You go ahead. I want to talk to Rick.” I raised my eyebrow and glanced suspiciously between the two.

“It’s all good, Gem,” Rick assured me and with that I led Sophie to show her the rooms. They were not in bad condition, but they hadn’t been modernized. What I disliked was that the rooms were closest to mine, which was very unfortunate. But the views from those rooms offered some of the best, after the room I was staying in. Both rooms were joined with a large terrace that was literally over the sea crashing into the rocky shoreline.

I opened the door to the room furthest to mine and showed her inside. “You and Kristoff can decide who gets what room,” I told her; although, I secretly hoped Kristoff was closer to mine.

“Oh,” she exclaimed. “This is beautiful! Look at that view!”

I smiled following her gaze out into the sea. “It’s something, isn’t it?” I agreed with her. “I never grow tired of it.”

“I can understand that,” she never looked away from the view.

“Ok,” I told her. “I’ll leave you to it. Hope you enjoy it here.” She smiled at me and I left her in the room.

---