Chapter 4

Two Days Later

Cheyanne

Today would beour last full day here, which meant it was time for Chandler's surprise for me. I always looked forward to what he had planned. As always, he gave me no clues about what was in store. He did pick out my outfit, but that didn't give me much to work with. Chandler selected a white spaghetti strapped, lace mermaid dress. It had red polka dots, so I paired it with red heeled sandals and a matching clutch. We slightly matched because he had on black slacks and loafers with a short-sleeved, red button-down shirt. The low seventies June weather had been good to us. It wasn't humid and hot near the beach, and the wind gave a continuous breeze.

"Do you want to talk about the meeting yesterday?" I asked.

"Nope. We're back off the clock, and I want you to relax and enjoy yourself."

"I'm not sure why I even asked you that."

"I'm not sure either."

I laughed lightly, but it faded when I realized we were pulling up to the airport. "Chandler…"

"Yes, your surprise is out of the city. No, I'm not going to tell you where." My arms crossed over my chest as I pouted. He lowered my arms as he added, "Cut that out. I'll give you anything in this world, just no clues on this surprise."

I couldn't help but smile because I believed that to be true. It wasn't until we were on the jet and the pilot announced our destination that the wheels in my mind began to spin. We were going to Monterey, California. Was that our final destination or a pitstop? I tried to think of things Monterey were known for. They had those unique and colorful fisherman houses and beautiful beaches, so I figured we'd have a good time if that was where the surprise was.

But it wasn't.

From Monterey, we took a drive to Big Sur. When we arrived at Ventana, I squealed. I'd mentioned this place to him once last year, and here we were. Chandler was such an intentional man, and this moment only made me like him more.

"I can't believe you did this," I said as the driver opened the back door.

"I had our bags brought down while you were talking to the lady at the front desk. We're staying in a suite here tonight and flying back home tomorrow."

"This is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to see what all we can do while we're here."

"We can do whatever you want. If we need to extend the trip, we most certainly can."

I wasn't sure how it happened or who reached first, but we held hands as we headed inside. I checked us in, and we went to our separate suites in less than fifteen minutes. I loved the cabin like décor, leather recliners, and large fireplace.

After we freshened up, Chandler and I didn't waste much time before we started doing activities. Chandler wasn't kidding when he said we could do whatever. We literally did one activity after the next—water coloring, making cocktails, and creating our own candles. We ended the night leaving the property for a wine tour that left me tipsier than I'd ever been around Chandler, but I felt safe with him.

We ended up spending the last thirty minutes of the tour walking the grounds alone. By the time we met back up with our guide, I was unable to wipe the huge grin off my face.

"You two make such a lovely couple," Diana said. "How long have you been together?"

"Oh, we—"

Before I could correct her, Chandler was wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me into his side. He was tipsy, too, but not as much as me. His eyes were low and smile playful as he looked down at me.

"We've been together for two years," he answered, lowering his hand to my ass. When he gave it a gentle squeeze, I gasped. Chandler lowered himself and gave me a kiss on the center of my forehead.

Between his lips, the warmth of his breath, and his hand on my ass… my nipples hardened, and chills covered my arms. I knew he was just joking, but this felt a little bit too real.

"If you decide to get married in the future, we offer several wedding packages and make the planning a breeze," Diana said, and that was enough to snap me out of my trance.

I removed myself from his hold but took his hand into mine. "Excuse me, where's the nearest bathroom?" I asked.

As she rattled off directions, I tried to pay attention so I could get there on my own. It didn't matter; Chandler took me anyway. Looking at myself in the mirror, I pulled in deep breaths. Once I was composed enough to interact with Chandler again, I headed out of the bathroom.

His hands were stuffed in his pockets and head hung low.

"Are you okay?" I asked, stepping close to him.

"I'm so sorry, Chy. I shouldn't have touched you like that. That was extremely inappropriate. I hope I didn't make you too uncomfortable."

His apology caught me off guard. I didn't want to tell him that I liked it, because I didn't want him to do it again. I didn't want to suggest it made me uncomfortable, because I didn't want to make him feel bad. Licking the corner of my mouth, I considered every possible outcome before replying.

"You don't have to apologize. It caught me off guard, but it didn't make me uncomfortable."

"Then why did you practically run away?"

"Because it turned me on," I admitted, surprising both of us. A slow smile spread his lips, and I knew he would never let me live that confession down. "Don't make a big deal out of this, Chandler. I had a natural physical reaction to you, but that doesn't mean anything."

With a chuckle, he took my hand into his. "Whatever you say, Cheyanne. Let's head back to the resort."

As much fun as we were having, I was ready to get back and put some space between us. It was a good thing we were going back home tomorrow. Otherwise, I couldn't guarantee things wouldn't take a real turn between us.