Page 20 of Love on the Run

Because she was on her honeymoon with a man who wasn’t her husband. Things were bound to be awkward.

Beau glanced around the lavish room. “What’s the dress code?”

“Business casual.” Hopefully, Olivia had prepared him for some of the nicer activities Anna had planned. If not, he could wear what he wanted and that would be it.

Beau nodded and left, shutting the door behind him.

With thirty minutes until they needed to be downstairs for dinner, Anna opened her suitcase and unfolded the garment bag. Carefully, she picked through the outfits she’d brought. The sleek, white gown she’d intended to wear tonight mocked her as she pushed it aside.

Every piece of clothing she’d packed had been sent by boutiques from all over the world. Her agreement with each boutique stated she would wear the free clothing and share photos on social media in exchange.

Rubbing the back of her neck, she stared down at the dresses, sweaters, and coats. She couldn’t wear any of it, and she’d have to send every piece back. If pictures circulated of her on her honeymoon with another man, it would do more harm than anything.

The outfit she had on would have to do. Shoving off her coat, she tossed it onto the bed and stepped in front of the large mirror by the closet. Her hair needed attention, but the fitted, scoop-necksweater would have to do. The blush color highlighted the blue in her eyes, and the tailored charcoal slacks gave the outfit a business casual air.

The crushing silence settled on her shoulders. Who cared what she looked like? Everything seemed so unimportant in retrospect. She wanted a warm meal and twelve hours of uninterrupted sleep. As if that would make today disappear.

Opening the bedroom door in a rush, she stopped short when she spotted Beau lowering his arms after removing his shirt.

Thankfully, the white undershirt he wore was still tucked securely into the waist of his jeans or else she would have witnessed a real show.

It had been a while since she’d seen him in a short-sleeve shirt—at least a few months. Had his shirts always pulled tight over his shoulders and back?

“Um… sorry. I should have knocked or something,” she sputtered.

Beau tossed his shirt onto his duffel bag and grabbed a gray button-up. “Just changing shirts. What’s up?”

“I was thinking we could see if they’ll seat us early for dinner. If you want.”

Beau gave her his signature nod, and that was all. As much as she loved to talk, his simple gestures were much better than Dean’s constant protests and complaints.

Three minutes later, Beau was dressed in a gray button-up and black slacks.

Okay, so the man could pull off grease monkey and urban chic. His olive skin paired with thick, dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard was the perfect mixture of masculinity and style. He’d be a great model if she ever decided to expand her social media platform to include men’s fashion.

As if Beau Lawrence would ever agree to be her model. He’d never commented on her influencer status, but he probably thought it was silly.

Fireside was the most formal of the three restaurants in the resort. The dark ambiance was broken up by white tablecloths spread throughout the room and flickering candlelight. The dark night through the large windows featured the Rocky Mountains bathed in the glow of the moon.

A host wearing all black greeted them with a subdued smile. “Good evening.”

“Reservation for Lawrence,” Beau said, stepping up beside her.

Lawrence? She’d booked the reservation under Dean’s name, assuming she’d be Mrs. Simmons tonight.

“Right this way,” the host said as he gestured toward the dining room.

Leaning closer to Beau’s side, Anna whispered, “Lawrence?”

“Olivia texted earlier that she changed all of your reservations into my name.”

Anna lifted her chin as she wove through the dining room. Olivia had outdone herself. All of her friends had come through today. What could have been an awful day was reminding her of all her blessings.

The host recounted the specials and quietly slipped away.

Despite the gentle gnawing in her stomach, Anna couldn’t tear her attention from the beautiful view. Snowflakes slowly drifted to the ground in front of a peaceful mountain scene.

Beau didn’t look up from the menu until a young waiter appeared beside their table. “I’m Grayson, and I’ll be at your service this evening. Can I start you off with a glass of our house wine?” He showcased the bottle as if it were a priceless relic that belonged in a museum.

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