Page 29 of The Sweetmate
“But do we have your blessing in this union?” I ask which results in Lisa pushing me ahead through the line.
For once I had a pleasant time through security check. If that’s not reason enough to marry someone, I don’t know what is.
***
I don’t remember much of the flight because I slept. Traveling always drains me. It’s almost like déjà vu when we reach the resort and Jensen goes to check us in. However, this time the lady behind the check-in counter leaves her station to come toward us.
“Mr. Riis. It’s an honor to have you staying at our resort.” I extend my hand, and she blushes. “My name is Gia, and I’m the manager. Please feel free to let us know if you two need anything.”
“That’s so kind, thank you,” Lisa tells Gia, her voice full of warmth.
“To show our excitement, we’ve given you the honeymoon suite at no extra expense.”
“How thoughtful. Thank you so much, Gia.” I reach over and wrap my arm around Lisa. Her body stiffens, but it’s showtime. I try to run my thumb up and down her side to soothe her. It works, but I can still feel the nerves radiating off her. I whisper in her ear, “It’s another sign. First the cake, now this.”
Gia beams and hurries back to the counter to finish checking us in. Once again, I notice Jensen’s shoulders gently bouncing. It’s always nice to see Jensen amused, even if it is at my expense. Lisa is not going to be happy, because I have a feeling the honeymoon suite will only have one bed.
And it does.
Jensen inspects our suite, only to return with a snicker before wishing us luck. “Enjoy, lovebirds.”
“He’s such a jokester,” I tell Lisa.
I expect her to be outraged by our predicament, but instead she’s smiling from ear to ear. She brings her hands to her face and rushes over to the French doors that lead out to the balcony. Lisa inhales a deep breath, her chest rising and falling, and then opens the doors.
A happy cry escapes her as she throws her arms into the air. It’s the most carefree she’s been the last two weeks. “It’s magnificent!”
“Yeah, this room is something,” I agree.
She spins around and I notice her eyes are glistening. “No, the ocean.”
I join her on the balcony and take in the view. As far as the eye can see is vivid blue water, so clear I can see the ocean floor.
“It doesn’t look real,” she says.
“Wanna go down there? We have a couple of hours before the gala.”
Her head spins to look at me. “Gala?”
“Oh, shoot. Yes. I forgot to mention. You’re my date, obviously, to the gala. It’s just a mixer to kick off the competition. It’ll be fun.”
Uh-oh. The anger is rising fast. Her fingers are curling into clenched fists, and a red hue is spreading across her chest and neck. There’s steam coming out of her ears when she speaks through gritted teeth. “What am I supposed to wear? I’m not prepared.”
“Is that all your worried about?” If I didn’t think she’d erupt like a volcano, I would laugh. “I’ll have a dress ordered. So, beach?”
“No,” she hisses. “I’m going to go unpack.”
I pull my phone out, swipe, and go to my contacts. In less than five minutes, I’ve ordered a dress for Lisa tonight. It’ll be here in less than two hours, along with a stylist. Maybe I should get her a spa day tomorrow? I’d volunteer to work the tension out of her myself, but I’m worried she’d throw something harder than a pillow at me.
To get Lisa’s attention, I knock on the open arch doorway. She’s hanging up her clothes and folding her garments in thedrawers. I usually just live out of my suitcase. “What do you say to lunch on the balcony? Room service?”
Her lips twist and she gives me a one-shoulder shrug. “You mean you’re going to ask me before throwing it at me last minute?”
“Yes. Meet you on the balcony in an hour? Or whatever time’s good for you?”
Her cheeks turn a light shade of pink. She allows her gaze to travel over my frame before her eyes finally lock on mine. “An hour is perfect.”
“Perfect,” I repeat.
