Chapter Eleven
So much for keeping things casual. Chrissy had no idea what to say to Wyatt right now. He’d kissed her. It had her heart soaring higher than it should have for such a brief moment in time. She’d wanted him to kiss her again, too, until her common sense took over. Chrissy suppressed a groan as her mind wandered to all the ways this was going to complicate the weekend. They hadn’t talked about it, but she’d assumed the public displays of affection rules from the birthday party applied here. Holding hands only when necessary. Yeah, pretty sure kissing went a bit beyond that.
She remembered what he’d said about all the family members attending the reunion. If there really were so many people, there’s no way she and Wyatt would even be in a situation where they’d be tempted to kiss again. See, it was all a moot point. Keep to group activities, and they’d be just fine.
Relief collided with disappointment, which was completely ridiculous. It was one kiss with a guy that was completely wrong for her and likely her sister’s future boss.
Agreeing to go to this shindig was a stupid, stupid mistake.
“The resort is just up ahead.”
Chrissy stared as the giant building grew larger the closer they got. It looked like something out of a travel magazine from some exotic country. She had no idea there was such a place right here in Texas. Waterfalls cascaded down the sign welcoming them as they drove through the twenty-foot gates and followed a paved road to the circular driveway out front.
The Jeep had barely come to a stop before doormen approached. They wore slacks and long-sleeved dress shirts with the resort logo on them. Wyatt got out and unlocked the back. The men collected their luggage and headed for the impressive front entrance of the resort.
Chrissy opened her door to find Wyatt waiting to hold it for her. She slid out of the seat and slipped past him. They were close enough for her to catch a whiff of his aftershave, and she ignored the instinct to linger for another one. Seriously, no guy should be able to walk along the coast in the heat like he did and still smell that good.
She felt his hand lightly touch her lower back as they walked past various topiaries to the towering door. Two more doormen opened it for them.
Chrissy took in the flowers, crystal, highly polished floor, and plush carpet. It made the country club look like a cardboard box. She tried to guess how much renting this place for the weekend must’ve set Wyatt’s parents back. She couldn’t imagine having even a sliver of that kind of money.
Wyatt led the way to the front desk. He’d clearly been here many times before and didn’t seem phased by the décor. It only served as a reminder of how very different they were. If he hadn’t come into the coffee shop, Chrissy was certain they never would’ve crossed paths anywhere else.
There was no way she would fit in here. She was trying to figure out how she could get back home without Wyatt having to miss his reunion by taking her when Violet walked in. There was a flash of surprise in her eyes before she composed herself, lifted her chin, and approached.
Escaping was going to be next to impossible now. Chrissy reminded herself that her mom and sister would insist she stay. She could almost hear Emma telling her that this would be her one chance to feel like a princess in a castle.
Violet gave her brother a hug and Chrissy a fake smile. “I’m so glad the two of you could make it. Are you just checking in?”
Wyatt accepted two sheets of paper. He signed one and handed Chrissy the other to sign. A quick glance told her it was just a paper outlining responsibility for the room. She didn’t have to pay for it, but of course it would make sense that each occupant would sign one of those agreements. Especially if the room was even remotely decorated as nicely as the rest of the resort…
Wyatt handed over the signed papers and turned to Violet. “Yes, we just got here.”
Violet’s eyes followed their every move. “Wow, you’re staying in separate rooms.” Her brows rose high enough to disappear behind her bangs. She said nothing else, but the implication was still there.
Wyatt didn’t flinch. “You know how Gran is. She might pretend, but she’d never be okay with Chrissy and me sleeping in the same room.”
He tossed Violet a look of warning. Did Violet just assume everyone was sleeping together, or was she trying to get on his nerves? Chrissy was glad he was handling the conversation well because she, on the other hand, was busy mentally counting the number of tiny lightbulbs in the chandelier. Thankfully, neither of the siblings seemed to expect her to add to the exchange.
A glance at Violet’s face told her that Wyatt’s sister wasn’t happy with his response, but she didn’t feel like she could say anything else, either.
A bellhop appeared with their luggage on a rolling cart. “If you two will follow me, I’ll show you to your rooms.”
Thankful for the distraction, they proceeded to the elevator and up to the third floor. The bellhop opened door 312 and motioned for Chrissy to enter. “This is your room, miss.”
Chrissy’s eyes widened as she took in the space that would qualify as an apartment anywhere else. With a small kitchenette, a luxurious bathroom complete with a garden tub, and a giant king-sized bed, Chrissy was confident she could comfortably live there.
The bellhop put her luggage on a small table. He picked up a piece of paper from a desk in one corner and turned with a smile. “Here’s a schedule for tomorrow. Breakfast begins at five and is served through ten. If there’s anything you need, just pick up the phone and dial zero. We’re happy to help.”
“Thank you.” Chrissy took the paper from him. Before she had the chance to offer a tip—and she had no idea what amount would be appropriate—Wyatt stepped forward and slipped some money into the man’s hand.
He bowed slightly and motioned back to the door. “I’ll show you to your room, sir. It’s right across the hall.”
Wyatt smiled at Chrissy. “I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast?”
“Sure. What time?”
He thought a moment. “Are you an early bird or do you like to sleep in? There are people here who will do both, which is why breakfast is served for so long.”
