Page 160 of Cherry Beats

“Julia said the hotel was swarmed with paps earlier.”

“They’ve gone now,” I assured her.

“Gone? Gone where?”

“The lads jumped in a car and Julia set up a decoy car for you and me. They think we’ve gone with them.”

“And we haven’t…” She narrowed her eyes, not understanding.

“Nope,” I answered, popping the P.

“What are you up to, Presley Aron West?”

I’m about to whisk you away and ask you to marry me.

“Nothing.” I shrugged. “Just thought you and I could do with a little alone time.”

Her face relaxed, green eyes twinkling and luscious lips thinning as she smiled. “I like the sound of that.” She glanced over my shoulder and took in all the bags I had stacked by the door. “I’m guessing we’re not staying here another night.”

“Nope.”

“Shame. I’ve enjoyed Miami.”

“You’ve said that about every place we’ve been to in the last two months.”

“True.” She mused, pushing her lips out as she looked back at me. “Must be the company I’m keeping.”

“And the dick that’s keeping you screaming at night.”

“That too,” she laughed, her eyes widening with pure joy.

Her smile was freer these days, her comebacks and enthusiasm for banter stronger than ever.

“Can I ask where we’re going?”

“No.” I shook my head.

“Is it far?”

“Not telling.”

“Is it hot?”

“Hush.”

“Will it be epic?”

I released a breath through my nose, letting it out as slowly as I possibly could.“Yeah. It’ll be epic, baby.”

She rose up on her toes and rubbed her nose against mine, her arse there for my hands to wander to and squeeze tightly.

“Your whole life will be epic if you stick with me,” I promised her.

I meant it, too.

We were going to Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys—a destination that involved planes, taxis, and boats, and one that we would be venturing to alone.

There, we’d spend two nights away from the band, the business, and the life we led together. We’d be two people in love, taking in the beauty around us—her staring at the sand and the ocean while I got off on staring at nothing but her.

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