6. Raven

"You ready for all of this?"The car pulls to a stop in front of the hotel. White stucco buildings with big black awnings welcome us in. Milan passed by us in a blur from the airport to the city center.

A mix of modern and historical buildings are scattered everywhere.

"Does it matter if I am?" Blair steps out of the car, wide eyes taking in everything around her.

Milan is bustling all around us. People coming and going to the main square just a short distance from our hotel. Flowering trees line the street.

I pull Blair to the side as a bellboy dressed in an impeccable suit grabs our bags. "If you're going to have a freak-out, I'd prefer you do it now rather than inside."

A lazy smile spreads across Blair's face. She holds her hand up between us. Steady. Even. "No nerves. I've got this."

That makes one of us.

After in-flight delays, we arrived much later than I wanted. We won't have much time to get ready for the cocktail hour tonight.

"I will be the perfect doting partner. I can give you the entire history of this company from front to back."

"You can?" I raise a questioning brow in her direction.

"TraveLLin' was founded in 1980 by Eden Sands. Since then, it's become one of the most well-known LGBTQIA+ companies in the world. Each year, twenty percent of profits are given to charities around the world supporting their mission."

Holy shit.

As if I already wasn't attracted to Blair. The minute I saw her in the airport, there was a pull there.

We spent the majority of the flight talking. I wanted to know everything I could about her. No fact was too small.

There's something about her, though, that is closed off. I want to peel back those layers and get to know her.

But it's not for me to learn.

She's here these next few weeks to try and help me win over Eden and buy traveLLin'.

Hearing her spout off facts, though, about traveLLin' like she's done her due diligence on the company?

Competence porn is a real thing.

"Wow. You weren't kidding."

Blair leans in close, her lips ghosting the shell of my ear. A shudder racks my body. "I'm a research nerd. I love learning everything I can for situations like this."

"I'm glad you're by my side," I tell her truthfully.

Anyone else and we would probably be made within minutes.

"I will do everything in my power to make sure you get this company, Raven. I promise."

"Then let's do this."

Linking hands with her, I walk us through the lobby to the check-in desk. Our heels clack on the marble tiled floors. A fireplace sits empty on one wall with couches situated around it. Behind the check-in desk, a courtyard is bustling with guests grabbing drinks. Groups of tourists are crowded around maps, planning their day in the city, their excited voices echoing off the arched ceilings.

It's everything a European hotel should be.

"Buongiorno! Welcome to Milan. Are you checking in?"

"Yes." I give the receptionist a big smile and pull out my ID and credit card for him.

"Ahh, Miss West. It's a pleasure to have you joining us for the next few weeks."

"We've never been to Milan. We're looking forward to it."

"You will love our fine city. So much to do and see." He gives us a grin and a nod as he taps away on his keyboard. "We have you in our most luxurious king suite."

"King? As in one bed?" Blair asks, her gaze snapping to meet mine.

I give Blair a syrupy smile. "What's wrong with that, honeybunch? You don't want to snuggle?"

I burrow into her side as she tries to fight a grimace. "Nothing wrong with that."

"With how booked we are for the convention, we had to upgrade you in order to accommodate your request for the suite," the receptionist tells us.

"Thank you. It sounds wonderful."

He smiles back at her, punching away on his keyboard before handing over two keys. "The elevator is at the end of the lobby on your right. If there is anything we can do to make your stay more enjoyable, please let us know."

"Grazie."

The wheels of our bags click along the tile in the lobby as we head in the direction he pointed us.

"Honeybunch? Really?" Blair asks, crossing her arms the minute we step into the elevator. Her stern look is echoed through the mirrored car. As if endless Blairs are disapproving of the situation we just landed ourselves in.

"Not a fan of nicknames, schnookums?"

She bursts out laughing, a sweet sound that hits me square in the chest.

Get it together, Raven.You're paying her to be here. If you weren't, you wouldn't even be here right now.

"Would you be, cookie?" she throws back at me.

"Touché."

I study her. The way the hem of her dress flutters around her thighs. All that blonde hair of hers is swept up on top of her head. After spending more than a dozen hours on the plane, she looks just as stunning as when she stepped on it.

Her cerulean-blue eyes are studying me just as carefully. I wonder what she thinks when she looks at me.

The elevator doors open, pushing us out to the top floor of the hotel, where there are two doors. Finding ours, I wave the keycard over the lock as the green light clicks.

"Wow." Blair's jaw drops as she takes in the expansive room.

Black-and-white wallpaper is accented by oversized green furniture. Gold lamps sit on the tables in the living room. Old portraits of models hang on the walls. A door to the bedroom sits off to the left, and ahead of us, French doors open onto the terrace with stunning views of Milan and the Duomo. With only a small set of table and chairs, it's the perfect spot for morning coffee.

It's more modern than I thought it would be for a hotel in Milan.

"Is it weird I thought it'd be more gaudy?" Blair asks, dropping her bag onto the small couch. A small tray of drinks sits on the sleek, black coffee table in front of her.

"Want me to request a few ancient statues? Would that make it better?"

Blair laughs. "I guess you'll just have to take me to the museums to see them then."

Finding the door to the bedroom, I swing it open. It's just as extravagant as the rest of the suite. The doors are open to the balcony that hides the city views with a wall of plants and flowers, no doubt for privacy. The king bed—sitting on a raised platform—is covered in pillows of all sizes.

Blair's eyes look like they are going to pop out of her head they are so big.

"You okay with this?"

"I just…"

"Just what?"

Blair's mouth opens and closes, not quite finding the right words. "I didn't expect us to have to share a bed."

"It's not the end of the world."

"At least it's a king?"

It comes out more of a question.

"I can sleep on the couch if it makes you more comfortable."

"No." She's quick to answer. "For three weeks? It's fine. Fine."

"Right." I nod. "Fine."

Except it's anything but fine. Watching Blair move around the room—the graceful way she moves—sends dirty thoughts racing through my mind. I want to throw her down on the bed and taste her lips. Peel her out of that outfit of hers. Do what I've wanted to do since I met her at the airport.

"I'm pretty sure my entire apartment can fit into this bathroom."

Blair's head pops out from the bathroom. I move to where she is, taking in yet another over-the-top space.

An ornate clawfoot tub.

Dual vanity with makeup station.

Glass shower with at least three showerheads that I can see.

It's the epitome of luxury.

"I wouldn't mind taking a dip in that bath."

Her heated gaze meets mine. Is she having the same thoughts as me? Feeling this instant connection that I can't seem to get rid of?

I have one goal in mind.

To get traveLLin'. It's all I want.

And I'm not going to let Blair and those inquisitive eyes of hers distract.

At least more than she already is.

"We need to get downstairs for the welcome cocktails."

Blair's voice cuts through my thoughts—thoughts that I need to force down. Deep down, because the last thing I need is to get attached to someone whose presence in my life is temporary.

As long as I keep reminding myself of that the next few weeks, I'll be fine.

Maybe.

I hope.

Blair tucks a stray piece of hair behind her ear. I follow the movement, watching as her fingers brush against the pulse in her neck.

Damn it.

This is going to be the furthest thing from fine.