Page 35 of Have To Be Mine

“We have rooms,” I said.

I saw the relief. “Fine. I guess when you’re willing to trade on your name and pay millions, you can get whatever you want.”

“Yep. If it’s an issue, you’re welcome to stay here on your own,” I said.

We grabbed our bags and headed back downstairs. I called a car. Not a taxi. I was done slumming it for the day. Krista didn’t say a word during the twenty-minute drive, just stared out the window at the Corfu coastline.

The hotel was exactly as I remembered it. Pristine white buildings cascaded down toward the sea. Lush gardens. A lobby that smelled like money. The kind of place where they remembered your name and your drink order. A large fountain in the center with plenty of greenery around to make it feel like you were walking into a spa.

This was what I was used to.

I saw Krista’s eyes widen slightly, but she quickly schooled her expression back to neutral.

“Mr. Blackwell,” the concierge said warmly as we entered. “Welcome back. We’re honored to have you with us again.”

“Good to be back.” I handed over my credit card. “I believe you have a reservation for me?”

“Of course. Our finest suite. Ocean views, private terrace, full amenities.”

“Perfect.”

I signed the paperwork, very aware of Krista standing beside me radiating tension. When the concierge handed me a single key card, I saw her jaw tighten.

“Just the one key?” she asked quietly.

“For the one suite, yes,” the concierge said with a smile. “Would you like an additional key?”

“One suite?” Krista repeated.

I looked at the concierge. “I asked for two rooms.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Blackwell. We only have one room. We are fully booked.”

I cringed and looked at Krista. Instead of anger, she looked smug. “All booked,” she said. “Imagine that.”

“It’s a private room. And I guarantee you we will be the only ones using our bathroom.”

“A second key would be great,” Krista said with a tight smile.

He produced another card and handed it to her.

We followed a bellhop to the elevator. He pressed the button for the top floor and we rode up in silence. I could practically hear Krista’s thoughts churning. When we reached the suite and the bellhop opened the door, I had to admit it was impressive even by my standards.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Ionian Sea. A massive living area with white couches and modern art. A full bar in the corner. Fresh flowers everywhere.

“One bed,” Krista said flatly. “This is a suite with one bed.”

I looked. She was right. One very large, very luxurious bed dominated the bedroom.

“Is there not a second bedroom?” she asked the bellhop.

“No, ma’am. This is a one-bedroom suite. But the sofa converts to a bed if needed.”

She turned to look at me with murder in her eyes.

“I didn’t know,” I said, hands up in surrender. “I just asked for whatever they had. They didn’t exactly give me options.”

The bellhop excused himself, probably sensing the tension. I quickly tipped him and the door clicked shut behind him, leaving us alone in the suite.