Neighbors with Benefits (Anderson Brothers, #2)(37)

Room. Singular. Shit. Of course there would only be one. They were supposed to be engaged. That meant she’d be at war with her libido all weekend. Hopefully, there would be two beds in the room or a sofa like at the apartment. Michael picked up both suitcases and they followed Sue into the quaint bed and breakfast.

“Mark and I, and our parents, are on the first floor. Separate rooms, of course. You know Mom. We can’t share a room before the wedding because it’s bad luck or some such nonsense.”

Mia loved Sue’s mom. Always designating herself den mother or camp director—so unlike her own hands-off parents.

“Jason and Kelli are on the second floor, and so’s the photographer,” Sue continued. Michael tensed noticeably at the mention of a photographer. Sue grinned back at them as she reached the second floor landing. “And you two are on the top floor.”

Well, at least they had a floor to themselves. Sleeping arrangements might not be that bad after all.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Sue cracked a cheery white wooden door open just enough to reveal the smallest room Mia had ever seen. A narrow bed filled almost the entire space, barely leaving room to creep in through the door, which could only open part way before bumping the bed.

Sue giggled. It was her familiar high-pitched titter she did when she was nervous. “I’m sorry about the room.” She stepped away from the door. “It’s small, but so’s the hotel and the wedding party.” She brushed her blond curls over her shoulder. “And, um… honestly, Mia, nobody expected you to really bring a date.”

Great. Just great. She closed her eyes as an embarrassed flush burned her cheeks.

…

Michael set the suitcases down in the hall and squeezed through the partially open door into the room so that he could compose himself. How could Mia’s friends sell her so short?

“There’s no closet,” Sue said from out in the hallway. “The owner told me that you could keep your luggage downstairs in the storage closet and she’d give you a key so you can come get things any time you need them. You can’t leave suitcases out here in the hallway or on the stairs because of fire code or some silly thing. ”

The room was clearly a converted attic with walls sloping to a low peak right above the bed, which meant he couldn’t even f*cking stand up straight. He poked his head into the miniscule bathroom and grimaced. There was no way two people and a dog could share this space comfortably. Especially two people who had a business-only relationship.

He was tempted to call Jacob and get Mia out of this place where people she called friends placed bets on how late she’d arrive and thought so little of her, they hadn’t even considered she might have a date. Honestly, her being the maid of honor struck him as terribly odd.

“Again, sorry about the room, Mia,” Sue said. “I really thought you’d be alone and wouldn’t mind because, well, you’re used to sleeping in less than ideal situations.”

“Yeah,” Mia’s voice sounded flat. “I sure am. I slept with Jason for almost a year, and that was certainly less than ideal.”

Sue gave another shrill giggle. “Well, there’s that. So… We’re good then?”

Michael squeezed through the door into the hallway. “We’re great,” he answered before Mia could get a word out. He slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him, which made him feel better about the ridiculous room, the way Mia’s friends treated her, and even Sue’s obnoxious nervous giggle. “Better than great.”

Mia wrapped her arm around his waist as if the contact soothed her as well.

Sue smiled. “We’re planning to hit some shops a little later and Mark and Jason want to visit a pub that’s nearby.” Sue scanned them, pausing when her gaze hit his fingers wrapped around Mia’s shoulder. “If you guys are game, we’re meeting on the porch in an hour.”

“Sounds great.” Mia’s voice was a little too cheerful and bright.

After giving Clancy a pat on the head, Sue headed down the stairs, passing Jason and Kelli on the landing below. For a moment, Mia said nothing as her friend’s footsteps faded and her ex and his girlfriend closed the door below them.

When she finally spoke, she didn’t make eye contact; she stooped to pet the dog instead. “I’m so sorry about this, Michael. I’m sure you’re accustomed to huge suites and chocolates on the pillows, not dinky rooms the size of a closet.” She kept her attention on Clancy, but he could see the tears pooling in her eyes, and it made him want to take her in his arms. “If you want to leave, I’ll totally understand. I can come up with a cover story. They all saw you. I’m sure that is enough to give them a weekend of gossip.”

She stood and he took her face in his hands. “Please stop.” He ran his finger over the smooth skin of her cheek, wishing she could see herself through his lens, not that of her friends. “I’m not here for luxury accommodations. I’m here for you.”

Her eyes met his, and her lips parted. He wanted to kiss those lips—wanted it more than he’d wanted anything in a long time. Briefly, her gaze flitted to his mouth, then back to his eyes and he hardened.

“Your words are as smooth as your public image, Michael David Anderson. A girl could fall hard for you if she weren’t careful.”

He found himself holding his breath.