“No, it wouldn’t,” he replied, turning to face me. “This is our first date and I want it to be perfect. You’re never going to have another first date, so it has to be one you’ll alwaysremember.”
“Have you always been this incredible?” I asked him, amazed that he was going to so muchtrouble.
“What can I say? I’ve had a long time to figure out what our first date would be. I’ll let you decide in a few years whether you still think I’m incredible,” he joked, bending down and brushing his lips against mine. Someone cleared their throat, and we looked up to see the receptionist smiling atus.
“Your key sir, room 401, on the fourth floor. The elevator is to your left. If there is anything you need, please let us know,” she said, stillsmiling.
“Thank you,” Josh responded, taking my hand and guiding me toward the elevator. I was beyond excited. The hotel was beautiful, and I couldn’t wait to see what the room was like. I squeezed Josh’s hand as we waited for the elevator to arrive. He looked down at me and smiled. “Happy?” heasked.
I nodded. “You have no idea how happy Iam.”
“I think I do Sav, I think I do.” He bent his head and captured my lips with his, and I melted into him as he wound his arms around my waist, kissing me until I was breathless. My stomach fluttered as if there were a million butterflies in there, and my heart pounded in my chest. Pulling away, he rested his forehead on mine. “I still can’t believe I get to kiss you like that whenever Iwant.”
“Don’t ever stop,” I whispered. “Promise me you’ll always kiss me likethat.”
“I promise,” he said, tugging me into the empty elevator and pressing me against the back wall. His eyes were hooded as he looked at me, and after a few seconds, he broke eye contact to reach across and hit the button for the fourth floor. The doors closed behind us and his lips crashed against mine, his kiss urgent and intense. I kissed him back, my hands resting on his hard chest. His heart was racing under my fingers and I grabbed his shirt, pulling him closer against me. Snaking my tongue into his mouth, I felt him moan against my lips. Suddenly the elevator chimed, signaling that the doors were about to open. Josh quickly stepped away from me and we stood side by side, both breathing erratically. If anyone was waiting to enter the elevator, they would know exactly what we had been doing by the state we were in. Thankfully, as the doors opened, we were faced with an empty hallway, and we both looked at each other andlaughed.
“Come on, let’s find our room,” Josh said, winking at me. We walked hand in hand until we reached 401. He released my hand, and I stood behind him as I watched him enter the key card into the lock. The light flashed green and he pushed on the door, holding it open forme.
I walked past him into the room and gasped. Spinning around, I stared at him. “Did you arrange all of this?” I asked in amazement. He nodded and I turned back to look at the room, which was filled with orchids. “How did you…” I trailed off, lost for words at how much trouble he’d gone to. Shaking my head, I turned to face him. “How did you do it? You only booked the room a few hoursago.”
“I have my ways. Do you like them?” he asked, lookingunsure.
“Josh, I love them. How did you know they are my favoriteflowers?”
“I’ve known you my whole life Sav, I know what your favorite floweris.”
“How?” Iexclaimed.
“The same way I know about your chili cheeseburger obsession—I pay attentionbaby.”
I smiled before throwing my arms around him. “Where have you been all my life?” I whispered into his neck, and he chuckled before moving back so he could see myface.
“I’ve been here sweetheart, I’ve always been here.” I brushed my lips against the stubble on his cheek before turning to look at the room. Even without the hundreds of beautiful flowers that covered every surface, it would have been incredible. The door from the hall opened into a large sitting room, where there was a sofa and chair positioned around a small glass coffee table. A TV was mounted on the wall across from the sofa, and there was a huge floor-to-ceiling window that looked out over TownLake.
Rushing to the window, I gasped again. “Josh, this view is amazing,” I gushed, pushing my nose against the glass. The enormous lake was surrounded by lush green trees, and the river was dotted with boats. “Look, there are people on boats! Do you think we could go on a boat?” I asked him, bouncing up and down with excitement. I heard him laugh behind me and his arms slipped around my waist as he gently pulled me backward onto his hardchest.
“We can do whatever you want,” he said, kissing my neck. I turned in his arms, kissing him quickly on thelips.
“What’s through there?” I asked, gesturing to the doubledoors.
Chuckling, he released me from his arms. “Why don’t you take a look?” Walking over, I pushed on the doors, and they opened into the bedroom. A huge bed sat against the opposite wall, and sliding glass doors opened out onto a balcony. To the right there was a door to what I assumed was the bathroom, and I noticed more orchids in this room, the scent of them invading my senses. Walking through, I opened the bathroom door andsquealed.
“It’s huge in here! There’s a massive walk-in shower, and a freestanding jacuzzi bath. I can’t wait to soak in there later!” I exclaimed, spinning around to see Josh standing in thedoorway.
“Do you think you might need someone to wash your back?” he asked, a smirk on hisface.
“Nah, I think I can manage,” I replied, giggling, and he grabbed me, tickling my waist. “Josh! Stop!” I laughed, squirming in hisarms.
“Are you sure I can’t wash your back?” he asked, laughing as he watched me squirm. Squealing as he tickled me under my ribs, I tried to reach for him to tickle himback.
“Okay, okay, if you stop tickling me, I promise you can wash my back,” I said breathlessly, my words finally making him stop. Breathing heavily, I swatted him on his chest, and he laughed as he led me out of thebathroom.
“Let’s go find you something to wear to dinner,” he said, and I nodded, following him back into thebedroom.
“Thank you for making our first date so amazing Josh. I’m overwhelmed byeverything.”
“It’s me who should be thanking you. You could so easily have ended up hating me with how I’ve behaved over the years. I know how lucky I am to finally have you, and I’m never going to forgetit.”