“Aiden, mind if I steal your girlfriend for a few minutes? I want to show her the view of the mountains before the sun completely sets.”
“Why don’t we all go?” Cadence suggests with a smile. “Yes, c’mon. Everyone get a drink and let’s go outside!”
Dante winks down at me and whispers, “Well, I tried. Don’t worry, we’ll get him to commit by the end of the week.”
Then he rushes off ahead with Cadence, and I wait for Aiden to catch up with me.
“Is that one of Elliot’s friends?” he asks, jutting his chin toward Dante.
“I think he’s closer to Stephanie.”
He nods and I can tell he wants me to elaborate, but instead, I conceal a smile.
“Want a sip of my drink? Dante made it.”
Aiden grabs it, downing a hefty swallow.
“Let’s hurry,” I say. “I want to see this sunset everyone’s talking about.”
Outside the main living area, there’s a sprawling pool deck with several sitting areas, a few loungers, and a fire pit. Native plants and shrubs rim the perimeter of the space, and beyond that, desert sand and dirt stretch all the way to the horizon, where a mountain range steals the last rays of the sun.
The sky looks filtered, as if someone splashed it with pink and yellow and orange paint.
It’s breathtaking, and it seems to have made our long drive worth it.
“See?” I say, glancing up at Aiden. “Maybe this week won’t be so bad.”Aiden and I have to sleep in the same bed. There’s no getting around it. After drinks and dinner, Stephanie shows us to our bungalow.
“I secretly gave you guys the best one. It’s totally secluded compared to some of the others, so you don’t have to worry about making too much noise.” Her suggestive wink is not missed by Aiden.
“Stephanie!” I hiss.
“What?! I just figured since you guys are a new couple…you know…” Her brows shoot up and down suggestively. “Am I wrong?”
Aiden laughs, thoroughly enjoying this.
I move to the window, hoping to divert the conversation.
“Wow!” I say quickly, my voice high-pitched and loud. “It’s so pretty! Look at the view of the stars.”
I can’t quite see the stars because the lights are on in the room and there’s a sharp glare on the windows, but no one calls me out on my bullshit.
“Yes, that’s the other bonus about being in this bungalow: nothing blocking your view. Now, there’s a bathroom just over there and a mini fridge with snacks and drinks inside the armoire. If you need anything, the main house won’t be locked, though there is wildlife in the area, so please be careful walking around outside at night.” Then she starts to head for the door. “Make sure to get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow!”
She leaves and we’re left alone in our room. Me and Aiden, in a desert bungalow with a queen-sized bed to split between us. Of course, one of us could offer to sleep elsewhere, but there’s no couch in the room, just two mid-century modern armchairs. The floor is out of the question too since it’s stained concrete. I’d probably fracture a hip trying to sleep on it.
I don’t say a word, waiting to see Aiden’s reaction. He walks around the room, taking in the decor before disappearing down the hall that leads toward the closet and bathroom.
“Someone hung up our clothes in here,” he says, his voice echoing through the space.
I should be glad, but I’m not. I could have busied myself with that task for a good while, at least until we got used to the idea of sharing a room like this.
He emerges from the hallway a second later, looks at me, then looks at the bed.
“You look worried.”
“I hadn’t considered our sleeping situation.” I grimace. “I kind of figured we’d each have our own room.”
He shrugs, utterly at ease. “I could go find Stephanie, ask her if there are any open beds.”
I shake my head. “She’ll think it’s weird considering we’re supposed to be a couple.”
“I could tell her I snore really loudly or, y’know, you’re saving yourself for marriage.”
His suggestions make me laugh, and once I do, my shoulders sag in relief.
“It’s fine, really. What’s the big deal?” I ask aloud. “We’ve slept with people before.”
“Well, I hope you know I sleep in the buff.”
“Aiden!”
“I’m kidding. C’mon, Maddie. Relax. Let’s get ready for bed and then we can…” He looks around, hunting for something to do. When he comes up empty, he rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t know. We’ll figure it out then.”
I head toward the closet to grab my pajamas.
“I’m going to rinse off really quick if that’s okay.”
He nods. “Sure, no problem.”
Well, easy for him to say. The entire architectural design of this desert compound is based on minimalism, so there’s no door that separates the bedroom from the bathroom. Fortunately, there is a door to the water closet, so at least people can do their business in peace, but I’m not getting much privacy with my shower.