She should probably knock it off. She didn’t want to give him the wrong impression. She wouldn’t be going back to his room.

But…he hadn’t shaved in several days, so he had a good amount of scruff. It accentuated the sexiest mouth she’d ever seen.

He’s gorgeous.

And that hard, muscular body.

“I’m more of an outdoors guy. Clubs, loud music, shouting to have a conversation…it’s not my thing.” As the ride continued its descent, he stepped away. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out a small plastic bag. “Here.”

Happiness danced on her heart. “You bought something for me?”

“Happy birthday and congratulations on graduating college.” The contrast between his laidback attitude and gruff tone ignited something in her.

Sparked a hunger she’d never felt before. “I can’t believe you got me a gift.” Opening the bag, she pulled out a plastic Las Vegas sign jutting out of a black base. When she flicked the red switch, it lit up. She laughed. “I love this so much.” In an impulsive move, she leaned in and kissed his cheek. His scruff tickled her lips, and she filled her lungs with his clean, masculine scent, as if she could bottle it and keep it forever. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Something about the intensity of his gaze had her staying right where she was, a whisper away from him. “This whole night…it’s been perfect.”

The pod landed. In a moment, the doors would open, and they’d get off.

But neither of them budged.

His big hand grasped the back of her neck, and the thrill of his possessive hold rocketed through her. “Know why I got it for you?”

She barely shook her head.

“Next time you have to fake a smile, I want you to look at this and remember to get out there and do something different. Shake things up.”

“You got any other ideas for shaking things up?”

He gave her a devastating grin. “You know I do.”

The waiter set a huge stack of buttermilk pancakes in front of her. A melting ball of butter sat on top. “What else can I get you?” he asked.

The table was loaded with syrup, a plate of bacon, a bowl of mixed fruit, two mugs of hot coffee, and two icy water glasses. “This is perfect.” Coco smiled. “Thank you.”

“You got it. Enjoy.” He took off.

With the edge of her fork, Coco cut into a pancake and took a bite. Drenched in butter and maple syrup, it was the most amazing thing she’d ever tasted. She closed her eyes and savored it. “Oh, my God, this is unbelievable.” She noticed him watching her instead of eating and grew self-conscious. “What? We can’t all be mean, lean, fighting machines.” She pointed to his vegetable-stuffed omelet. “No booze, no carbs…that hunky body. Professional surfer?”