Swallowing hard, I started the truck and made my way to the ferry. Luke had told me about a new hotel in Rockport that he had looked into for their wedding night, but something fell through and they weren’t going to be able to stay there. It would be perfect for Lauren and me.
“Do you know where you’re going?” Lauren asked.
Reaching over, I grabbed her hand as I nodded. “Yep, if we can’t be home, I think I’ve got the next-best place.”
PULLING DOWN A long driveway, I stopped in front of a giant white plantation-style house. Lauren leaned over and let out a gasp. “Colt, this is beautiful.” Turning back to me, she wore a radiant glow as she looked in my eyes. “It’s perfect,” she whispered.
Placing my hand behind her neck, I pulled her to me as I gently kissed her lips. The driver’s side door opened and I heard someone clear his throat. Lauren smiled against my lips and said, “I think they’re waiting for us.”
“Let them wait.” Kissing her again, I sucked her lower lip into my mouth as Lauren let out a soft moan. When our kiss finally broke, Lauren turned and stepped out of the truck. With my heart racing, I followed.
“Good afternoon, sir. Welcome to the St. Claire. How many nights will you be staying with us?”
“One,” I said as I opened the back door and reached in for my backpack that I always carried in my truck, and Lauren’s bag.
Turning to the valet, I reached for his arm. “Dude, take care of her. She’s my life.”
Glancing to the truck and back to me, the valet nodded his head and gave me an understanding smile. “I’ll be sure to keep her in a safe spot for you, sir.”
Giving him a quick handshake, I said, “Perfect. I appreciate that.”
Walking up to Lauren, I placed my hand on her lower back and gently guided her into the hotel. Seeing my father do this to my mother all the time, I knew women must like it from the reaction my mother always had.
As we walked up to the front desk, Lauren turned and gave me the sexiest look I’d ever seen. My dick jumped in my pants and I prayed to God I didn’t come the moment I saw her naked. My hands shook as I reached for my wallet in my back pocket.
“Good afternoon. Welcome to the St. Claire. Do you have a reservation?”
Nodding my head, I smiled. “Yes, I called not too long ago. Colt Mathews.” After pulling up their website, I had called and booked the reservation as we rode over on the ferry and Lauren watched the dolphins.
“Yes, I have it here. I see y’all are celebrating a special occasion.”
Lauren’s head jerked up as she looked between the desk agent and me as excitement danced in her eyes. My hands began to sweat as my heart pounded in my chest. Lauren and I were finally going to be together. “Yes we are, indeed. Tonight is a very special night for us.”
The desk agent gave me a tender smile as she typed away on her keyboard. “Looks like I have the perfect room for you.”
After giving her my credit card and getting our key, Lauren and I headed up to the third floor. As we stepped off the elevator, we stood before one door. “Is this the only room on this floor?” Lauren asked. Shrugging, I looked around. “I guess so.”
Lauren jumped as she clapped her hands. “Oh my gosh! I can’t wait to see it.”
Smiling, I handed her the key and watched as she rushed to the door, inserting the key card, Lauren let out a gasp as she walked into the room. Following behind her, I almost let out a gasp myself. We were in the St. Charles room. I’d seen it on their website. It occupied the entire third floor of the hotel and had a view of the bay.
Lauren turned and looked at me, her mouth parted slightly open. “This is beautiful,” she whispered.
Fist pumping internally, I walked over and pulled her to me. “Not as beautiful as you, Lauren.”
Closing her eyes tightly, she opened them. They were filled with tears and my breath left my lungs. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” I asked as I dropped the bags I was carrying and cupped her face.
“I’m so sorry, Colt.”
Looking at her with a confused look, I asked, “Sorry for what, Lauren?”
Placing her hands on my arms, she was barely able to speak. “I’m so sorry for pushing you away, for hurting you with the things I said and did, and for Roger.”
Roger. Oh God. She slept with Roger. I felt sick to my stomach and I wanted to take a step away, but I didn’t.
“Roger?” I asked as my voice cracked.
Her eyes widened in horror. “No. Oh God no, Colt. I never slept with him. I knew it would drive you crazy if I dated him and that’s why I did. He tried a few times to get me to sleep with him, but . . .”