Take the Bride (The Knight Brothers 1.5)

Sierra felt her mouth drop open at the description. It was everything she’d seen in commercials as a young, love-struck girl dreaming of romance.

“I don’t think–”

“We’ll take one,” he said, cutting her off.

The clerk looked back and forth between them, a definite furrow between her eyebrows. “We can only offer you two nights. I’m sorry but we’re booked after that.”

Before she could utter another word, Ryder slid his credit card across the counter. “We’ll stay both nights. And the airline lost our luggage, so do you think you could hook us up with the basics?” he asked.

She was grateful he was thinking of everything, even if she was still annoyed with him. Besides, she was beyond uncomfortable in the wedding gown, and Sierra hoped the woman could help them.

The clerk’s gaze softened at the mention of missing suitcases. “That’s awful and frustrating. I’ll send up toiletries and amenities,” the woman said. “There are bathrobes in the rooms, and the gift shop and stores open tomorrow morning. You’ll be able to pick up more things to wear then.”

“Thank you,” Sierra said, appreciating the woman’s kindness.

“We’re grateful for anything you can do,” Ryder said.

He slipped a tip across the counter and the clerk glanced down and grinned at him. “Thank you. I’ll call housekeeping right now. In the meantime, here are your key cards. Breakfast and dinner are included. A continental breakfast is served in the room tomorrow. I’ll even throw in some parts of our honeymoon package,” she whispered to Ryder, making Sierra wonder how much money he’d given her.

No matter the amount, she had no intention of making use of their specialty package, she thought, exhaustion seeping into her bones despite her long nap. The day had been overwhelming and was definitely catching up with her.

She unwittingly sagged against him, and his arm immediately came out, wrapping around her, holding her for the first time in forever. It took all her willpower not to lean her head against him and let him take over.

“Come on, sweetheart. You look dead on your feet,” Ryder said, and taking her by surprise, he swept her into his arms.

Just like a real bride.

Although she wanted to argue, she was just beginning to realize how much her feet ached from the high-heeled designer shoes she’d worn. Keeping her mouth shut and letting him hold her had nothing to do with how much she liked the feel of his strong arms wrapped around her. Or the notion of being carried across the threshold of their romantic suite.

Once more, she pushed the thought of what should have been happening tonight aside. It didn’t matter whether or not Jason would have carried her over the threshold or let her walk across on her own. He’d abandoned her, she thought, and to her surprise, tears stung her eyes.

Despite being prepared, when they walked inside, the over-the-top décor took her by surprise. The room was red and white, from the bedding on the circular mattress to the drapes hanging over the windows and the red lacquer dressers and night tables.

Across the room she saw the bathtub reachable by a set of stairs. “Oh my God.”

“Welcome to the Champagne Tower Suite,” Ryder said, lowering her carefully to her feet.

“That’s obscene,” she muttered.

“Or sexy,” he whispered in her ear.

She trembled, nipples puckering, and she stepped aside, annoyed with her body’s reaction to him. Feet cramping, she immediately kicked off her heels and pushed them to the corner of the room.

She didn’t know how she was going to survive the romance of this place with Ryder staying in the same room with her. Yes, it was cheesy, but there was something romantic about it if she let her imagination run away with her, and surrounded by the color of hearts and flowers, which sat on the table, it was hard not to. Especially since she used to fantasize about honeymooning here with him.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, drawing her attention.

She glanced over her shoulder. “I don’t know if I’m more hungry or tired. I’m afraid I’ll fall asleep before we even get room service delivered.”

His gaze softened. “Let’s just put in for an early breakfast.”

“Sounds good.” She glanced at the bed, realizing they were obviously going to be sharing that cozy mattress. She also knew she couldn’t sleep in a heavy terrycloth robe, which meant she was climbing into that bed in her bra and panties. She blushed at the thought.

“Your cheeks are pink. What’s going through your mind?” he asked.

She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. “I have nothing to sleep in.”

His gaze darkened. “You can wear my shirt.”

She shook her head. She wasn’t about to cuddle up and be surrounded by his masculine scent. It was going to be hard enough to sleep beside him.

“I can’t sleep when I feel confined,” she said, using a legitimate and acceptable excuse that wouldn’t embarrass her. She normally got in bed wearing a short silk camisole that she barely felt on her skin. “I’ll make do. Can you help me get out of this dress?”