A Shared Suite

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Ashley muttered, glaring at the receptionist.

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” the receptionist said apologetically. “It’s the holiday season. There’s only one suite left.”

Ashley clenched her jaw, trying to suppress her frustration. Behind her, Demitri leaned casually against the counter, looking utterly unbothered by the situation.

“Well, you should take it,” Demitri said, his tone laced with nonchalance.

She turned to him, incredulous. “What about you?”

He shrugged, hands in his pockets. “I’ll figure something out. Maybe check around the neighborhood or crash in the car if it comes to that.”

“Crash in the car?” she echoed, her voice rising slightly. “That’s absurd. It’s freezing outside, and you’ll look ridiculous.”

Demitri smirked. “You sound concerned, Ash. Don’t worry, I’m tougher than I look.”

She shot him a pointed glare. “It’s two days to New Year’s, Demitri. Do you really think you’ll find a room anywhere without a reservation?”

“Well, what do you suggest then?” he asked, his smirk widening.

Ashley sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Why didn’t you book ahead?”

“It never crossed my mind,” he replied with a shrug, as if it were the most logical answer in the world.

She stared at him in disbelief for a moment before muttering, “Unbelievable.” Turning back to the receptionist, she said curtly, “We’ll take the suite.”

Demitri raised an eyebrow. “We?”

“Yes, we,” she snapped, spinning around to face him. “The suite has two rooms, right? We’ll share it. Just don’t get any ideas, Demitri.”

He chuckled, clearly amused. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Good,” she shot back, grabbing the keycard from the receptionist and stomping off toward the elevators.

****

The suite was beautiful, with a cozy living area, a small kitchenette, and two adjoining bedrooms. Ashley dropped her bag near the couch and stretched her arms above her head, letting out a tired sigh.

“Well, this is nice,” Demitri commented, glancing around.

Ashley ignored him, flipping through the room service menu. “I’m ordering wine,” she said flatly.

“Make it two glasses,” he replied, sinking into the couch.

She rolled her eyes but placed the order anyway. Afterward, she grabbed her toiletries and headed for the bathroom. “I’m taking a quick shower. Don’t touch anything.”

“Relax,” he called after her, his voice tinged with amusement. “Your stuff is safe with me.”

—

When Ashley stepped out of the bathroom, Demitri was pouring wine into two glasses. His head snapped up at the sound of the door opening, and the sight before him made him freeze.

Ashley stood there, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders, droplets of water glistening on her skin. She was wrapped in a fluffy white towel, the edges barely grazing her thighs.

Demitri blinked, his hand still gripping the wine bottle as his eyes roved over her.

Ashley frowned, noticing his distracted state. “What are you staring at?” she asked sharply.

He didn’t answer.

“Demitri!” she repeated, louder this time.

Still no response.

Annoyed, she marched over and poked him firmly in the chest. “Demitri!”

He blinked, snapping out of his trance. “What?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Were you even listening to me?”

He smirked, setting the wine bottle down. “Not really.”

Ashley rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Unbelievable.”

He leaned against the counter, his smirk widening. “You should really put on some clothes before accusing me of not paying attention.”

Her eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Maybe you should focus on the wine and not me.”

Demitri chuckled, holding up her glass, his eyes lingering on her a moment longer, but Ashley turned away, determined not to let him get under her skin.