“Of course, they are.” He shuts off the car, swinging his door open. “And they have a state-of-the-art location to stay in.”
I move to leave the car, as well, and once I’m outside, I look toward him. “Like where I’m staying?”
He laughs while shaking his head. “Nothing like where you’re staying.”
Taking a few steps, I make my way over to where he’s standing. “What’s the difference?”
“The hotel is not fitted with AI in the same way. With frequent turnover, it’s just not feasible.”
“Soooo,” I draw out, “what you’re saying is my accommodations are better.” Playfully, I bat my lashes, and he continues to chuckle.
I will never get over this swoon factor from that damned chuckle.
“Only the best for you. Come on. Let me show you.” He reaches out and takes my hand to pull me toward the building. Willingly, I follow, loving how his hand feels wrapped around mine.
I’m pissed off when he drops it the moment we step inside the automatic doors, but my annoyance is soon replaced by awe once I’m standing in the grand foyer.
The ceiling must be twenty stories high.
But it’s the chandelier that has my eyes widening and my mouth falling open.
It looks like a waterfall is falling from the sky, but it’s not water, rather individual illuminated glass lights. The illusion is remarkable.
“I’m impressed.” I turn to face him until our gazes lock. “I have done endless research on lighting. I consider myself quite the expert.” I wink. “And never have I imagined a chandelier to cascade down like a river plunging to a pool below.”
Cain stands in front of me, momentarily speechless. His large brown eyes widen. I think I surprised him.
“Come on,” he finally says, and then again, he takes my hand and pulls me toward an open glass elevator. Because we are the only people here, we don’t have to wait for it, and when we step inside, I can’t help but grin at him. “Nothing is better than watching you,” he says, and while I know he’s talking about my reactions, there’s something else in his tone which leads me to believe he’s talking about something else. Dare I say this tangible pulsating attraction between us.
When the elevator stops, I lurch forward a bit, and Cain’s arm shoots out. His large hand brackets around my waist.
For a second, I can’t breathe.
His fingers touch the exposed skin between my blouse and my skirt.
My heart thumps rapidly in my chest. It beats so hard that I’m afraid it will explode.
Should I turn around?
Should I look at him?
I’m about to when the elevator door opens, and he quickly drops his hand. A cough escapes his mouth. “After you.”
The hallway is serene, with soft, gray carpet, and the walls are glass windows facing the branches of the trees cocooning us.
The light fixtures are flush mounts. I have to stifle a laugh as I realize after all my bitching over articles I’ve been forced to write in the past, I’m now well-versed on the matter.
From the corner of my eye, I catch Cain strolling over to a large black door. Then he steps back and waits for me to enter the room.
The moment I do, a gasp escapes my mouth.
Inside, it’s not much different from the homes, but what sets it apart is the view. The hotel is built within the mountain, set amongst trees.
Decorated in soft grays and whites, it’s tranquil. But it’s the balconies that deserve the standing ovation. Each room has a balcony cocooned in branches. “It reminds me of a tree house.” There is no hiding the awe in my voice. My words come out breathy and low.
He takes a step toward the glass door that leads outside and pushes it open. “That was exactly the idea.” Turning toward me, he reaches his hand out, and I press mine into his. “You really do understand.”
My cheeks grow warm. Is the heat spreading over my face from the compliment, or is it because Cain’s fingers lightly dance over my skin as I make my way out onto the terrace?
“It feels like heaven.” I’m not sure what I’m referring to.
The balcony? The view? Or the man standing close enough I swear I can feel his body heat?
All of the above.
Side by side, we face the trees. A gentle breeze has the branches making a soft swishing sound around us.
Here. At this moment. I see it. I see the possibilities. I see the world he’s creating.
I open my mouth to tell him, but my tongue feels heavy, and I can’t seem to find the right words.
“I know,” he says, and he gives my hand a squeeze. As crazy as it sounds, I think he does know. My emotions bounce around like an old-fashioned pinball machine. “Come on, let me now show you the rec room,” he says, breaking the heavy mood.