Chapter 24
The Paris suite was… something else.
Soft cream walls. Vintage details. Gold-trimmed mirrors. Two bedrooms, a cozy living space, and a minibar that looked expensive enough to require permission before opening.
But what stole Jamie’s breath…
was the balcony.
French doors opened to an ocean view so unreal it felt staged. Waves curled against the cliffs below. Late afternoon light turned everything warm and golden.
For a second, Jamie just stood there.
Okay… I get the hype.
Then…
he sniffed.
Paused.
“Oh no.”
Blake looked over instantly. “Too strong?”
Jamie nodded, already backing away from the vase. “Lilies. I’m allergic. I’ll be fine, I just…”
Blake was already on the phone.
“Hi. Suite Paris. Could we have the lilies removed? One of our guests has a floral allergy. Thank you.”
He hung up, turning back like it was nothing.
“Handled.”
Jamie blinked. “You remembered?”
Blake shrugged slightly. “You mentioned it. Office flowers. Sneezed for an hour.”
Jamie stared.
He noticed that?
Blake smirked. “I remember the important things.”
That shouldn’t make my chest do that.
Later, after unpacking…
(read: Jamie folded things neatly, Blake decorated the room with clothing)
…they stepped onto the balcony.
Two chairs. One table. A view that should come with a warning label.
Blake leaned against the railing, wind catching in his hair.
“You’re overthinking.”
“I’m not.”
“You are,” Blake said. “You’re staring at your notebook like it personally offended you.”
Jamie sighed. “I’m trying to land something good. Clever. Unforgettable.”
Blake reached into his bag, pulled out the stress ball, and tossed it at him.
Jamie caught it. “Why did you bring that?”
“Preparedness,” Blake said. “Now – word game. Go.”
Jamie rolled his eyes, but threw it back. “Escape.”
“Ease.”
“Stillness.”
“Indulgence.”
Jamie caught it again. Paused.
“Belonging.”
Blake’s smile softened.
“That one.”
Jamie looked down, scribbling fast.
“Seabreeze Hotel: Where you arrive as a guest, and stay because you belong.”
He glanced up.
Blake was already watching him.
Warm. Steady.
“That’s it,” Blake said. “That’s the one.”
Jamie flushed.
Stop looking at me like that.
Amara arrived like a whirlwind of competence and charisma.
Five-foot-two. Clipboard. Headset. Energy level: unstoppable.
“And this,” she said proudly, sweeping them into the restaurant, “is our Michelin-rated dining experience. Every table gets a sea view. Our chef trained in Lyon and can do a ten-course tasting menu – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free – without losing his temper.”
Blake leaned toward Jamie. “Note the food metaphors.”
Jamie nodded, barely holding in a laugh. “All of them.”
They moved through the spa (“heaven with eucalyptus”), the pools, the trails.
“The hiking path is ten kilometers,” Amara continued. “Perfect for couples, solo travelers, or anyone working through emotional baggage.”
Jamie glanced at Blake. “That last one feels targeted.”
Blake grinned. “Speak for yourself. I’m emotionally flawless.”
Jamie snorted.
Liar.
At the bar…
“Moonlight & Mojitos,” Amara announced. “Live music Fridays. Couples dancing Saturdays. First drink is free if you compliment the bartender’s bowtie.”
Jamie was already writing. “That’s so good.”
Blake leaned in slightly. “So are you. When you stop trying and just play.”
Jamie stilled for half a second.
Why does that always hit?
Amara beamed. “You two are adorable. Let me know if you want the couple’s spa package.”
Jamie choked on absolutely nothing.
Blake? Completely calm.
“We’ll think about it.”
Of course you will.
By the time they returned to the suite, the lilies were gone.
The air was clear.
The sunset had started – soft gold spilling through the windows, catching on glass and skin and everything in between.
Jamie stood in the middle of the room for a second.
Looking at the view.
Then at Blake.
Then back again.
This is… a lot.
Blake moved past him, easy, comfortable – like this space, this moment, this them was already something real.
Jamie watched him.
Felt it settle in his chest.
Not panic.
Not nerves.
Something else.
Warmer.
Quieter.
More dangerous.
He exhaled slowly.
And looked at Blake again.
This time, not unsure.
Just… aware.
Maybe he wanted to laugh.
Maybe he wanted to flirt.
Maybe…
he was already falling.