Forever Us (Forever, #3)

I grabbed my phone from my purse and looked at the time. “Okay, everyone, we have spa appointments in five minutes. We’re all getting the works. Massage, facial, manicures, and pedicures.”


As we walked out of the suite, Mason looped his arm around me. “You sure know how to do it up, girl!” He smiled.

We all changed into our luxurious robes and slippers from the spa. I realized that I had left my phone in the suite, and I needed to keep it on me in case there was an emergency with Julia.

“I’ll be right back. I left my phone in the room,” I said as I got up and walked out of the spa.

While I stood and waited for the elevator, I couldn’t stop thinking about Connor and how I already was starting to miss him. I was beginning to regret not telling him my plans, but I knew he wouldn’t approve of the nightlife with his safety issues and all. When the elevator doors opened, I gasped and I stood there, unable to move. The man inside of the elevator looked at me. I looked at him. As I swallowed hard, my heart began beating rapidly from the way he was staring at me. His mysterious eyes studied me as they looked me up and down.

“Which floor, miss?” he asked.

“Thirty-fifth, please.”

“Spa?” he asked as he stared at the robe I was wearing.

“Yes, I’m throwing a bachelorette party for my best friend,” I answered as I bit down on my bottom lip.

The elevator stopped at the thirty-fifth floor and we both stepped out. “Have a good time at the bachelorette party. Hopefully, I’ll run into you again.” He smiled as I turned right and he turned left. I smiled and nodded my head as I thanked him and walked to my room. I took the key from the pocket of my robe and, as I slid it in, I turned my head and looked in the direction he went, only to find him six rooms down, staring at me. As I opened the door, I quickly stepped inside the room and shut it. Backing up against the door, I let out deep breaths as my heart pounded rapidly in my chest. What the hell is wrong with me? I walked over to where my phone sat on the table and checked it. There weren’t any messages from my in-laws or Connor.

As I lay on the massage table, I couldn’t stop thinking about the elevator, the man in it, and the way he looked at me. My heart began to rapidly pick up pace just from the thought. My mind needed to snap back into reality if I was going to pull this party off. After all of us were finished with our spa appointments, we went back to the room and Peyton screamed when she walked in and saw two hot, buff men wearing nothing but little aprons, cuffs and bow ties.

“Oh my God, Ellery! I fucking love you!”

As I laughed at her reaction, Landon walked over to me. “Nice touch, Ellery.” He smiled.

The buff butlers opened a bottle of champagne and handed each of us a glass. It wasn’t too long after that the stylists arrived. I pulled out a rhinestone studded, silver tiara that said “Bride to be” and handed it to Peyton’s hairstylist. While we were getting ready for our big night out, room service was delivered. The butler answered the door as the trays of sushi, and cheese, and crackers were delivered to the room. Taking the card from the tray, the buff butler handed it to me. It read:

“A little gift for you and your girls.

I hope you enjoy it.

Regards, the man from the elevator.”

“Who’s it from?” Peyton asked.

“It’s just from the hotel staff,” I lied.

“Butlers in the buff, bring those trays over here!” she said.

I smiled as I read the note and, once again, my heart started racing at the thought of him. The mystery of him got under my skin. I couldn’t believe he sent the trays and that he was thinking about me.

“Hello, Elle! What world are you lost in?” Peyton said as she snapped her fingers.

I looked at her in confusion. “What?”

“You looked like you were stuck in space or something. What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing. I was just thinking about Julia,” I replied as I sipped my champagne.

Once my hair and makeup were done, I stepped into my bedroom and took out the dress I had bought. As I slipped it on, I looked in the mirror. The low cut, short silvery beaded dress was perfect for tonight.

“Look at you, hot and sexy mama!” Mason said as he walked into the room. “That dress is hot and your up-do hairstyle really complements it. I don’t think Connor would approve of you looking like that without him by your side.”

“Connor’s not here, is he?” I smiled.

“No, he’s not, but you better be careful because you’re going to have all the guys drooling on the floor.”

I laughed as I put on my silver, high-heeled, Jimmy Choos. Everyone looked amazing. Before leaving the suite, I took out the white sash that was embellished with the words “Bride to be” on it and put it on Peyton.

“There! Now your outfit’s complete.” I smiled.

Peyton hugged me and there was a knock at the door. As I opened it, the bellhop handed me a piece of white paper. I opened it and it read:

“I’m sitting at the bar in the hotel.

If you can join me, even for a few minutes,

I’d appreciate it.