Page 186 of Champagne Nights

Paisley

“Where do you think you’re going?” Ben asked as I rolled over and attempted to get out of bed.

“To get the room service menu for breakfast. I’m starving.”

“Me too. We worked up quite an appetite last night.” He smiled.

I climbed out of bed and slipped on my nightshirt. Ben pulled on a pair of shorts and went out on the lanai. After taking the menu from the desk, I handed it to him and asked him what he wanted. After placing our order, I sat on his lap, and we watched the waves crash against the shore as his arms were tightly wrapped around me.

“After breakfast, I want to go surfing,” I spoke.

“Sounds like fun. Have you been surfing a lot while you’ve been here?”

“Every day. I was going to ask you this last night, but it never seemed to be the appropriate time. Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”

He chuckled. “I extended my leave of absence.”

“Why?”

“I never took any time off after Amy passed away, and with the holidays coming up, I just thought it was a good idea.”

“So when do you go back?”

“Not until after the first of the year.”

“So that means I get you all to myself until then?” I smiled as I kissed his lips.

“Yep, and after that, and after that, and after—” He laughed.

Room service arrived and set up our breakfast outside. It was a beautiful, clear, and sunny day, and it was going to be hard to leave here. I picked up my phone and sent Keaton a text message.

“Thank you, little brother.”

“You’re welcome. I hope you’re happy.”

“Very happy.”

“When are you coming home?”

“Soon. Tell the family that I’ll be home soon.”

“Well, hurry up. I miss you, and so does Romeo.”

“I will. I love you, Keaton.”

“I love you too, sis.”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you!” I squealed as I looked at Ben. “I’m on the last chapter of my book.”

“Paisley, that’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you. I want to finish it up. When we get back home, I’ll start sending it out.”

“Can I read it?” he asked with a smile.

“I would love for you to read it. But you have to wait until it’s finished.”

“Deal.”

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