Aiden looked at her with a smirk. “I think Tully Cross did her a world of good.” He went into his pocket to produce his wallet. “Ms. Harper reserved our room, but I’d like to pay for it.”

“Of course,” said the receptionist, taking his card. “Mr. Byrnes, is this your first stay in the Atlantic Coast Hotel?”

“Yes, it is.”

The young woman looked around them. “And do you need help with your luggage?”

Antonia’s face reddened. They had no luggage.

“Won’t be necessary,” Aiden said with a handsome smile.

“Right, well here are your keys for room 205. The elevator banks are to the left of our lobby.” Breda gestured to her right. “Thank you for choosing Atlantic Coast Hotel, again.”

They waited for the elevator in silence. Antonia gazed upward at the numbers, while Aiden stared at her. She turned to face him. “What?”

“Would you like to use the shampoo and conditioner in the morning?” he asked.

She laughed. “Why are you like this?”

“I’m concerned about your hair maintenance,” he replied. “You know, since we don’t have luggage.”

“That was so embarrassing,” she said in a low voice. “She thinks that we’re just here for...”

He nodded. “Yup.” He didn’t seem very concerned at all.

When the empty elevator bank opened, they stepped inside and watched the doors slide before them. “I hope that she—”

Antonia was interrupted by Aiden’s mouth covering her own. His lips were ravenous as his tongue plundered fast and loose. His hands dug into her hair, pulling her close to him as he edged her against the elevator wall. Aiden’s lean, hard body pressed against her, making her moan beneath his lips. She raised her hands to his strong chest and gently pushed back. When he got the message, she was able to pull back from his lips. “Aiden,” she breathed.

“I’m sorry,” he said panting. “I’ve been waiting to do that all night.”

She peered at him from beneath her lashes. “Can you wait just a moment more?”

“Patience has always been a challenge for me,” he said, glancing from her to flashing numbers.

When the doors slid open, he grabbed her by the hand and took off down the hallway. Antonia had to run to keep up with him, laughing along the way. Upon reaching their room, she watched Aiden fumble with the key, nearly dropping it before he could slide it in. She stood fidgeting, tucking an errant curl behind her ear and smoothing down her wool sweater. Once he unlocked the door, their actions seemed to slow to an achingly awkward pace. He stepped inside first, turned the light on and swept an arm to gesture, “this is it.” She took a tentative step forward and gave an appraising nod.

“Yep, this is what I remember from the website,” she said. She closed the door behind her with a soft bump and locked it with an even softer click.

“Would you like anything to drink?” he asked with a hoarse voice. He gave a small cough and wiped his hands on his jeans.