“We’d like to check in,” Skeet said in a casual vacation voice. He slipped his hand to the small of Chloe’s back. “We’re on our honeymoon.”
Her entire body heated.
Stop.
The manager’s face lit up. “Oh, how wonderful! Congratulations.” She picked up her tablet, scrolling through the reservations. “I have the perfect accommodation for you. We’re upgrading you to our Bird’s Nest Pool Villa—complimentary, of course. It’s our honeymoon gift to you.”
Skeet’s arm slipped around Chloe’s waist, and he pulled her against himself. Easy. Natural. But it only ignited a terrible fire inside her, his body strong against hers.
Probably too late to ask for separate rooms.
“That’s generous, thank you,” Skeet said.
“The villa is nestled beneath our rainforest canopy, connected by jungle pathways. Very private.” The manager’s eyes twinkled. “Perfect for newlyweds.”
No! Bad idea!She glanced at Skeet.
He just smiled as if to say Perfect. Even glanced at her and winked.
Winked!
She took a long sip of the cool coconut water.
Oh boy.
A bellhop materialized beside them—young, immaculate in his pressed uniform. He glanced at her single backpack and his military-style rucksack. The luggage looked more suited to a jungle expedition than a luxury honeymoon, but he hefted both with professional dignity.
The pathways belonged in a botanical garden. Towering fig trees draped with vines created a living canopy overhead. Rare orchids bloomed in shades of purple and gold. The scent of frangipani and pikul floated in the air. In the canopy above,exotic birds called to each other. And in the distance, waves tossed against the shore.
When she rounded the final curve, Chloe’s breath caught.
Their villa perched in the treetops. Woven bamboo slats formed an organic cocoon around floor-to-ceiling windows, while a private infinity pool seemed to float among the branches. The structure appeared to grow from the forest itself.
“Wow.” Skeet shot her a sideways grin.
“Definitely wow.”
She stepped onto the wooden deck. Two plush, cushioned daybeds faced the endless blue of the Andaman Sea. Below them, the resort’s other villas nestled among the trees like exotic birds’ nests.
She almost wished they really were on their honeymoon.
The interior blended into the natural environment. Bamboo walls, teak floors, and white silk curtains billowing in the cross breeze, rosewood furniture that looked hand carved. Through the bedroom’s sliding glass door, the pool beckoned with turquoise water so clear it looked like liquid crystal.
Then she noticed the bed.
Onebed.
King-sized and draped in mosquito netting, but one bed.Of course.They were supposed to be newlyweds. What had she expected?
She caught Skeet looking from the bed to the polished concrete floor, then back to the bed. His jaw tightened.
“I like the floor,” he said quietly, as he tipped the bellhop.
“We’re adults. We can figure it out.”
The look he gave her edged on dubious.
Oh. Um. Okay.“I’m going to change for dinner.”