“I think it might be too late,” I confessed.
He glanced over at me, eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I think Lara and Grayson are seeing each other now. They haven’t publicized it yet. I don’t know if they will or if this is just a lonely phase they’re going through.”
Groaning, he leaned his head against the seat. “Oh, hell, Luke’s not going to like that. But I guess he’ll get what he deserves.”
That he would, but I was also afraid Lara had turned to Grayson for the wrong reasons. She was old enough to lead her own life and make her own decisions, but I wondered if it would blow up in her face. I could only hope they knew what they were doing.
The plane landed safely in Arizona and we rented a large SUV. Derek and Brianna sat in the very back, while Cooper sat in the middle with Gavin. Kate was too far along in her pregnancy to fly, so she had stayed at home. I could tell by the look on Cooper’s face that he was worried about being away from her. As soon as the game was over, he was going to catch a plane back home.
Once we pulled up to the hotel, everyone got out and Evan grabbed our bags. “We going out tonight?” Derek asked excitedly.
Cooper shook his head and slung his bag over his shoulder. “I’m not.”
“We all knew that, old man,” Derek chuckled, slapping him on the back. Cooper said goodbye and retreated inside. “You in, Gavin?”
“You know it. Maybe I’ll get lucky and score some * tonight.”
Brianna scoffed and rolled her eyes. “I guess that’s the only thing you’ll be scoring, since you can’t get any touchdowns.” Shaking her head, she came to stand beside me. “Why do they have to be such perverted hornballs? I swear, all they think about is sex.”
“Not all of them are like that,” I whispered in her ear.
Her eyes went wide. “Are you trying to tell me you and Evan haven’t…?” I shook my head in reply. “Wow. From as much as you two have been together, I figured it’d happened by now.”
“I’m glad it hasn’t. It’s good to take things slow.”
“Well, honey, good for you. I’m sure it’ll happen this weekend, though. I’ve never stayed at this place, but from what I can tell it’s the epitome of romantic. I don’t think you’ll be able to resist.”
She winked at me and grabbed Derek’s hand so they could go inside. After the valet took the keys, Evan joined me. Brianna’s words echoed in my mind. I don’t think you’ll be able to resist. A part of me knew it might happen, and it scared me. I hadn’t had sex with anyone other than Austin.
“You okay?” Evan asked.
“Yes,” I blurted quickly.
“What were you and Bri whispering about?”
I waved him off. “Oh, just talking about how Derek’s a moron. You know, the usual.”
He chuckled and held my hand as we ventured inside the hotel. The lobby was amazing, with a fountain in the center surrounded by exotic flowers. I stayed there and sat on the ledge while Evan checked us in. He looked back at me and smiled, and I couldn’t help but tremble. I didn’t want to be nervous, but I was. It was a good nervous.
“Are you ready?”
“Sure,” I answered, my voice a little too raspy. “Are you sure you can carry all of that? I can get my bag if you want.”
Over his shoulder he was carrying two of my bags and one of his. I felt bad, but he jerked away when I tried to grab one of mine. “If you don’t stop trying to steal your bag, I’m going to carry you over my shoulder.”
“I think that would make an interesting headline,” I laughed. “Speaking of headlines, when is the article you interviewed for coming out? Mine will be out next month for the fall issue.”
A sly smile spread across his face. “December for mine. Why?”
“I’m curious to know what you said. For all I know, you probably told them you wanted a superhot model with large tits.”
We stopped at our door and he burst out laughing. “I might have. I guess you’ll just have to wait and find out.” He opened the door and held it open so I could walk in. I gasped at the sight before me. The dark wooden floors and cream furniture gave the room a bright yet soothing ambience.
“Evan, this is amazing. How much did it cost?” I went straight to the patio door and opened it wide. We had our own private fireplace with a large hammock covered in cushions and pillows, and the most amazing view of the mountains.
“The cost is of no importance,” he said from behind me. “I thought you might like it.”
“Like it? I love it. This place is so beautiful.”
As he placed his hands on my shoulders, I leaned into him and enjoyed the view. I could stand there and look at the mountains all night. “There are two bedrooms,” he murmured.
“What?” I said, turning around. “Why two?”
He brushed his thumb along my cheek. “I didn’t want to presume anything about this weekend. I’m willing to go at your pace.”