Chapter 23
At the airport, the team gathered around a sleek pop-up briefing station while Blake stood in front like a TED Talk host who could absolutely ruin your life with a smile.
“Our client,” Blake began, “is Seabreeze Hotel. Five stars. Michelin chef. Views that’ll ruin you for city life.”
A few impressed murmurs.
“You’ll find pools, trails, cocktails, espresso – and a boutique I was specifically warned not to let Camille near unsupervised.”
Camille raised a hand. “I accept the challenge.”
Blake smiled. “The only problem? Location. It’s an hour from the airport.”
He paused.
“Everything about the experience is exceptional. But too few people make the trip.”
Another beat.
“So your job,” he said, “is to live it. Fully. Take it in. Taste everything. Try everything. Flirt with the staff if you must…”
His gaze flicked, just briefly, to Jamie.
“…just be the kind of guest we’re trying to attract.”
Jamie blinked. “So… we’re the target audience?”
“Exactly,” Blake said. “This is research.”
A small smile.
“The fun kind.”
Jacob leaned back. “Do we have to write those stories shirtless by the pool?”
Blake didn’t even hesitate. “Only if it’s on brand.”
The shuttle was sleek, cool, and far too nice for the level of chaos already unfolding inside it.
Jamie stepped in, aiming for a window seat…
and of course…
Blake slid in beside him like it had always been the plan.
Jamie gave him a look. “Couldn’t stay away?”
Blake shrugged, settling in, his thigh brushing Jamie’s like it meant nothing.
“Window’s yours,” he said. “Plus, I like watching you try not to fall asleep on my shoulder.”
Jamie rolled his eyes. “One time.”
Blake smirked. “One very memorable time.”
He’s never letting that go.
The drive was stunning.
Rolling hills. Glimpses of ocean. Roads lined with wildflowers and sunlight.
The team buzzed – podcast debates, snack-sharing, Jacob already planning his “pillow review series,” Trisha being dared into a cocktail tour.
But Jamie?
Jamie was aware of exactly one thing.
Blake.
Next to him.
Close.
Too close.
Every turn of the road sent Blake’s knee lightly into his.
Every time…
neither of them moved.
This is fine. This is completely fine.
And then they arrived.
Seabreeze wasn’t just beautiful.
It was unfair.
Modern lines softened with stone. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Ivy spilling over balconies. The ocean stretching out below like something out of a film.
The air smelled like citrus, sea salt, and money.
Jamie exhaled. “Okay… yeah. I get it.”
Blake glanced at him. “Told you.”
Inside, check-in was seamless.
Until…
“All set,” the receptionist said brightly. “The suites have been prepared as requested.”
Blake nodded. “Remind me – how did we divide the rooms?”
The receptionist checked the list.
“Rome: Jacob and Toby. Málaga: Camille and Trisha.”
A pause.
“Paris: Blake Sterling and Jamie Capulet.”
Jamie blinked.
“Sorry – what now?”
The receptionist smiled, completely unbothered. “Paris is our signature suite. Juliette balcony, clawfoot tub, best sunset view.”
A beat.
“Very romantic.”
Jamie made a sound that wasn’t a word.
Beside him, Blake didn’t flinch.
“Sounds perfect.”
Oh, he’s enjoying this.
Jacob was already grinning. Camille whispered “oh my god” into Trisha’s shoulder.
Jamie stared straight ahead.
Stay calm. Stay normal. This is work. This is work. This is…
Blake turned to him.
That calm, dangerous smile back in place.
“Come on, Capulet,” he said. “Let’s go see Paris together.”
Absolutely not.
A beat.
Absolutely yes.
Jamie followed, dragging his suitcase, already pulling out his phone.
Jamie → Shona: I’M GOING TO FAINT
Three dots appeared instantly.
He didn’t even read the reply.
Because Blake was ahead of him.
Because the suite doors were getting closer.
Because the next three days suddenly felt like a very bad idea…
in the best possible way.
And Jamie?
Jamie couldn’t stop smiling.