Page 24 of On Cloud Nine

“I’m going to put my arm around you; is that alright?”

Molly turns to me, and I wish I could see her gaze behind her sunglasses. “Uh, yes. Good thinking.”

I gently drape my arm over her shoulders and draw her close.

The scent of red ruby apples, bright and fresh, engulfs my senses. The smell reminds me of the autumns I spent trampling through an orchard as a child. It makes me think of home.

This is going to be a long trip.

Maybe I can use these feelings to my advantage. It’s normal to be attracted to someone like her. It’ll make this act we’re putting on all the more convincing.

The car pulls up before us. A tall woman with short gray hair and deep tawny skin exits the vehicle.

Molly gives me one final nod before her expression is engulfed in a radiant smile that mimics the one she wore during her wedding shower. Mollybot 2.0.New personality secured.

“Lolita!” she calls out.

“It is a pleasure to see you, dear.” Lolita embraces Molly’s hands and looks over at me. “You must be the wonderful Mr. Hudson who’s captured our sweet Molly’s heart.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I flash her my best grin, ignoring the simmer of electricity coursing through my veins as Molly’s shoulders rise and fall beneath my arm.

“Welcome to On Cloud Nine,” Ms. Deveaux continues. “We’re elated to help you and Miss Greene cultivate your budding love through tranquility and rejuvenation. If I understand correctly, you have requested two rooms for your stay?” She eyes me with a nonjudgmental smile.

“Yes,” Molly confirms. “We’re waiting for our wedding night.”

“Ah, how special. However, I spoke with Mrs. Greene, and it seemed most appropriate to place our beautiful Molly and her lover in the Unity Suite.”

Molly’s body stiffens in my embrace.Great.

We agreed we weren’t sleeping together, but this is a luxury resort. The rooms must be huge. We’ll figure out a way to make sure she’s comfortable. There won’t be observers making sure we consummate our union like in medieval times. Right?

“Shouldn’t we keep the room for a couple who’s actually on their honeymoon?” Molly’s voice pitches upward, the way it does when she’s uneasy.

“Bonding young love involves cohabitating,” Lolita declares. “I guarantee the journey you’ll be taking with me over the next two weeks will strengthen your relationship.”

A knot tightens beneath my rib cage. All this talk of love is making me tense.

“Is there a Unity Suite with two beds?” Molly rubs her hands together. “I kick around in my sleep.”

“No. Unfortunately, the only available room has one bed.”

“Well, we both like sleeping. It’ll be great to do it together for two weeks,” I blurt out.Wow. Smooth, man. Real smooth.The corner of Molly’s mouth quirks up. “Besides, maybe you can finally let me know if I talk in my sleep.”

“I’m sure you have many interesting things to say, like the various synonyms for the wordbulbous.” Molly breaks into bashful giggles. I knew sharing my ick would come back to bite me in the ass.

But if her laughter follows the word, then I think I can bear hearing it a few times.

Her laughing fit turns into a snort. She claps her hand over her face.“Oh my god. I’m so sorry; I snort sometimes when—”

“Why are you apologizing? I’ve heard your laugh before.” I drop my arm from her shoulders and look at her. “It’s adorable.”

Her eyes twinkle so brightly I can see them through her sunglasses. A rushing sound fills my ears. Is that my heartbeat? No. Must be the heat.

Lolita interrupts our moment “Ah! You two are truly in love. Inside jokes are so important in relationships. Let’s get you over to dinner, and the staff will take care of your things.”

Triumph floods my veins. We’re putting on a good show.

We climb into the back of the town car and make the brief trip through the five-hundred-acre property. For the next hour, Lolita and Molly give me an extended tour, sharing details about the healing powers of canyons, the exclusive workshops, and the different workout facilities.

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