Page 27 of The Love Trick

When we arrive at our destination, we all grab our bags, pile into shuttles, and head for the resort. Blaze and I get stuck sitting next to the bridesmaids once again, and while their chatter about bar hopping and what they plan to wear isn’t even remotely intriguing, it’s way better than sitting beside my granny.

I really didnothandle her interrogation at the airport very well. And I hate that my answer made Blaze uncomfortable.

I’ll do better next time, though.

My gaze drifts to Blaze, who’s staring out the shuttle window, his eyes locked on the clear blue waters.

“It’s gorgeous,” I say, nudging him slightly.

He looks over at me and nods. “Yeah, it is. I’ve never been here.”

“Well, you’re here now.” I smile. “Hawaii is one of my favorite places in the world. Maybe after this is all over, we can make plans to come back.” He looks over at me, returning a smile, but something flickers in his amber eyes. “Everything is going to be okay, I promise.”

“Yeah, I know,” he murmurs before turning back to the window.

When our shuttle finally arrives at the resort, we all pile out. The wedding planner begins distributing our room keys right here in the parking lot. Before she gets to us, my mom makes her way over, her lips pursed.

“Since we didn’t know in advance that you were bringing yourboyfriend”—she emphasizes the word as she looks at Blaze—“you two will have to share a room. I know this is not ideal, but the hotel is completely booked, and no one in our party has any extra beds.”

I force a smile, doing my best not to panic. “That’s fine. It’s a suite, right?”

Mom frowns. “Honey, why would you get a suite? When we made the reservations, you were a one-person party. I figured you’d be fine with one of the smaller king rooms. I trust that the two of you will behave.”

Blaze nearly chokes, but somehow, he recovers. “You don’t have to worry about us, Mrs. Williams. I promise.”

Mom gives him this giddy smile that catches me off guard. “Good. I know I can count on you.” There’s not a single tinge of concern in her voice, and I find that perplexing. But maybe she’s just trying to keep her cool since we’re here for my sister’s wedding.

Before I can say anything, the wedding planner appears and hands me two room keys. “Here you go. Your room is located on the top floor, so you’ll at least have a good view.”

“Thank you,” I say. Mom and the wedding planner walk away. I turn to Blaze. “Shall we?”

“I guess so,” he mutters, all our luggage in hand.

I take one of the bags from him, and we enter the resort alongside some other family members. We head straight for the elevator. I smash the up button. When it arrives, Blaze and I pile in alongside my sister.

“Are you excited?” Aurora looks at me, her cheeks rosy and eyes bright. “I can’t believe it’s almost wedding time.”

“Yeah, you’re about to be a wife,” I say stupidly, still trying not to think about sharing a bed with Blaze.

Aurora nods. “Maybe you’ll be next.” She bursts into a fit of giggles, looking up at Blaze. “That would besocute. I overheard you and Granny talking at the airport. That was so brave, just throwing caution to the wind like that and admitting your love for Blaze.Ugh.” She places her hand over her heart. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you be so bold before, Addy.”

“Yeah, I guess he just brings out the best in me.”

Blaze snorts, and I elbow him.

“Awww.” Aurora draws out the word as the elevator stops on her floor. She pooches out her lower lip. “Love that for you, Addy. You two are just so sweet.” She steps off with her luggage, and I breathe a sigh of relief as the doors close.

I turn to Blaze. “You’re right. I overstepped by telling Granny that. I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize.” He chuckles. “What’s done is done. You’re in love with me, as far as your whole family is concerned. We’ll just need to try to act like this relationship is more than just casual.”

“Was it ever just casual?” I retort, but my comeback is terrible and awkward.

He shakes his head at me as the doors slide open on our floor. “I’m glad you’re not worriedat allabout this.”

We lapse into silence as we walk to Room 1015. My mind races. Surely, we’re not going to be stuck sharing a bed. There should at least be a couch—or something. We could always order a rollout bed? Right?

I mean, I guess if we had to share the bed, it’s not that big of a big deal, right?

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