Page 7 of Fake Spring Fling

He kisses my temple, then fakes grabbing my ass on the far side of the girls, where they can’t see. I jump a bit, and he laughs.

The second he walks away, all five of us turn to watch. The heavy pressure in my chest begins to loop and swirl. It’s not just that he has the most incredible ass and thighs I’ve ever seen, or that my friends are obviously impressed, maybe even a bit jealous. It’s that he’s standing up very straight and strutting a bit, putting on a good show since he knows exactly what’s happening behind him.

Wyatt is playful. And committed to me making a good impression with everyone.

This blanket of care and comfort that’s wrapped around me is starting to feel very real.

4

WYATT

Iwas so excited to spend time with Madison. Plus, attending my family function without having to be glued to them the entire time was the perfect compromise. But I might be in trouble, for a number of reasons that hadn’t even occurred to me.

I was pretty sure that Mom would want me to eventually marry a certain type of woman, but I never dreamed Madison would be that type. So I hadn’t even thought of what would happen if she adored her immediately.

Can you blame her, though? Madison is radiant out here, among the trees and the birds and the waves. I had wanted to take her for a romantic nature walk immediately, not turn her over to her loud, brash friends. Oh well. There’s always tomorrow.

After checking in at the front desk, I wave off the bellhop and bring our luggage to the suite myself. It’s as amazing as the common areas. They’ve leaned into the Nordic Lodge vibe without overdoing it. Cozy, and not remotely a theme hotel. Somehow, they found the perfect balance.

Mom was right about the incredible view. And it’s a king-sized bed, thank goodness. Plenty of room to share from a polite distance. Although if that makes Madison uncomfortable – and it will be easy to watch her radiant eyes and know how she truly feels – I’ll take the floor.

When I walked past the Cedar Lounge I’d seen a row of younger men staring at everything in a skirt. I don’t think I’ve ever felt jealous of anyone or anything before, but I already know if any of those guys even thinks about getting too close to Madison…well, I don’t even know what I’ll do.

I change into a nicer shirt, then take my time walking down to the Pine Lounge. Tanya and Steven are sitting at a table near the front that’s been pulled to the side so she can be right under one of the lights.

Of course.

As soon as I walk in, she runs toward me, enveloping me in a hug, then pauses and glances around to make sure the photographer has been paying attention.

What the hell, it’s her weekend. I’ll give her the photo she’s hoping for. Scooping her up in my arms like when we were kids, I spin her in a circle, making sure that her hair flies out when we’re at just the right angle.

Then I set her on her feet gently. “How was that?”

She beams. “Perfect. Thanks, big bro.”

Steven comes up behind her to shake my hand. “Welcome to the family,” I say, not at all surprised to realize there’s a videographer on the other side. “You’re a good man. So I’m sure you’ll be a good husband. Plus all that stuff I’m supposed to threaten you with if you don’t treat her like a princess.”

Everyone around us laughs, then the crowd dissipates and Heather slides on over. “When are we going to see that amazing girl again?” she murmurs. “She has to meet everyone.”

“Soon.”

“Everyone is going to love her. Seriously, I’m glad you ended up with someone so sweet. She has such a warm smile.”

“We haven’t ‘ended up’ together yet. It is super-early. Calm down, you’ll scare her away.”

She turns to me with that fire in her eyes that only appears when I’m misbehaving. “Wyatt Angus Brian Smith, if you don’t close the deal with that adorable girl, I will use some very bad words.”

Correcting her is not going to make this weekend go more smoothly, so I just roll my eyes. “I’ll see what I can do, Mo– I mean,Heather.”

I gently push her toward of one of my many aunts, who is waving her over, then make my escape.

The Cedar Lounge is just across the lobby. When I walk in, my eyes take a moment to adjust to the darker room, then I see that every woman in the place is staring at me, including Madison.

Her hair is more tussled, making me instantly wonder what she’s going to look like first thing in the morning after spending the night beside me. Swallowing hard, I nod and smile, then head to the bar.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch as she exchanges numbers with a few people, probably potential connections.

A few moments later, I come up beside her. “Vodka and soda with lime, right?”

---