Page 34 of One Night Stand After Another
“No check-in?” she asked.
“I checked in on my phone. Keyless entry. I love technology.”
Their room was all the way at the end of a hall on the fourteenth floor. He held his phone screen to the door, and she heard a click.
He opened the door and gestured for her to go in ahead of him.
The scent of lemons greeted her as she stepped into the room. Soft light lit the main room. An enormous bed, two chairs, a small settee, and a desk filled the elegantly decorated space.
“Do I hear water?” she asked.
“I texted when we were close. The reviews said it takes forever to fill up the tub, and I like instant gratification. Since this place prides itself on its high level of service, I saw no reason not to take full advantage of the amenities. A good soak will do wonders for your back.”
“Is this real?” She pinched her arm, dramatically. “Okay, that hurt. But I still think I might be dreaming.”
“It’s going to get even better when you slip into the hot water and I bring you a snack.”
“A snack? I’m starving. We haven’t eaten since those sandwiches after the alpaca farm.” The Cheetos didn’t count. “Can it be a big snack? Super-sized?”
He grinned. “I promise, you will not go to bed hungry. Since we’re in Chicago, I need you to answer one question: hot dog, Italian beef, or deep-dish pizza?”
If she was doing this, she was doing it right. “Surprise me.”
…
“No way.” Clara stood in the lobby and stared.
“I told you.”
“You certainly did not.”
He laughed. “This is where I got the idea for the chocolate fountain for Jack and Lila’s wedding. I stayed here five years ago and never forgot it. When Lila told me she wanted chocolate, I decided to give it a shot. I got pretty close, but they’ve had more practice.”
In the two hours they’d been upstairs, the lobby of the hotel had been transformed into a chocolate bar. She counted ten different stations, each with a unique, decadent-looking creation.
She took a deep breath. “I’m going to try everything.”
“That’s my girl.”
If she were here by herself, she’d spend the whole night down here, pacing herself so she could sample everything. But she wasn’t alone, and she wasn’t going to be up for fooling around if she ate a couple pounds’ worth of chocolate desserts. She couldn’t believe she was even worrying about whether she’d be up for more sex when there was a literal buffet of heaven in front of her, but they only had a few days left.
Get a grip. You got laid like five minutes ago.
Sex with Zane was not better than—she checked the menu he’d handed her—six different countries and ten different blends of chocolate.
But it was kind of—unbelievable.
“Why do you look so tortured?” he asked. “From what you said the other night, I thought you’d do a swan dive into the fountain and start a happy little breast stroke.” He winked. “That’s my plan.”
She heaved a regretful sigh. “My desire to attempt death by chocolate is at war with my desire to maximize our time together, if you know what I mean.”
Impossibly, his gaze got even more volcanic. “I like that. I love that we just got out of bed and you want more. I love that I’m even in the running with the most elaborate chocolate bar in the United States. And I definitely love that you’re hesitating. Because that means I won.” A triumphant grin spread across his face.
Her heart jolted. She needed to remember that this was a game for him, and he liked to win. He wanted her, but he also craved the thrill of victory. He couldn’t help it. He was wired to compete, and she happened to be the lucky lady benefiting from his deep focus. But him winning did not mean she was losing—as long as she stuck to her plan.
Zane took her hand and tugged her toward a display of truffles. “We’ve got three hours until they pack up. Let’s pace ourselves and see if we can try everything. Gorge until we are just on the edge of sick. Then let’s get a slice of our favorite dessert to go and enjoy two of life’s most basic pleasures together.” He leaned down to whisper. “Chocolate is an aphrodisiac, and I want to make you come while you eat the best Chicago has to offer.”
She blinked. “And if I fall on the bed in a lights-out sugar crash?”
