Ocean City, Maryland

Tiara

Okay maybe I overreacted a little.

Or more than a little.

I probably shouldn’t have fired at him like that. Especially since I had no right to. But he had called our kiss ‘nothing’. A kiss that had me reeling from it for over hours. It had not been nothing. At least not for me.

I wanted to explain after, maybe even to apologize. I wanted to tell him I didn’t mean to get all riled up and maybe even blame it all on the stress of the trip. But he spent a whole lotta time in the shower, and by the time he came out I was fast asleep.

Throughout the entire journey during the flight and the ride to Ocean City, he remained eerily silent. The only times I heard his voice were when he had to take phone calls, otherwise, he was quiet.

As we drive, to shift my attention away from his quiet brooding and the imposing presence he cuts behind the wheel I focus on the view of Ocean City landscape, unfolding outside. The city is beautiful, I see why Ciara chose to have her wedding in Maryland. As we glide along the coastal roads to the resort of the wedding, I watch as soft golden lights dances across the waves, a mesmerizing blend of coastal charm and natural beauty.

The sun-kissed beaches, the tranquil waters… we even pass by quaint shops and restaurants with colorful facades and twinkling lights, and it ain’t even Christmas yet.

Ryan’s voice brings my attention back to the car. “You like it don’t you?”

There’s a hint of a smile on his lips and I exhale in relief. He isn’t upset after all.

To his question, I mutter, “Why don’t I live here, geez.”

He gives me a real smile. “Well, buckle up, we’re almost there.”

“You’ve been here before?”

“Yeah,” there’s no smile in his voice now, “Ciara and I… for a while we talked about y’know, tying the knot here.”

“Oh,” Crap. Why does it hurt when he talks about her? For all I know, he belongs to her. It shouldn’t feel this way.

“And here we are.” He proclaims, about two minutes later.

I watch as the gates open to vibrant lush greenery and what I can only describe as a picturesque paradise. Driving through the windy path, the sound of gentle music drifts through the air, mingling with the ever so sweet scent of blooming jasmines.

We drive into a tranquil oasis, where crystal clear waters sparkles in the sunset and palm trees sway gently in the breeze. I take in a deep breath, letting the salty flowery scent fill my lungs.

It’s exquisite, the sights, the sounds, the scents and my breath catches at how peaceful it all looks.

Ryan gives me another look as we get out of the car, striding towards the reception area.

“What?” I ask him.

“You just look so… peaceful.”

The way his eyes narrows is unnerving and I have to look away. “On the other hand you look like you’re tied in knots.” I joke.

The receptionist behind the desk perks up as she sees us, immediately recognizing his tall, dark, handsome features. “Welcome, Mr. Shelby,” she says, her voice practically a drool. I doubt she even notices me standing beside him.

Ryan drags his sunglasses up to his dark curls, holding it back. “There’s supposed to be a reservation for us.”

“Uh…” she taps on a computer, “there is no reservation under your name, sir, but if you want I can go against the rules and boo—”

I chip in. “It’ll be under my name.”

She stares at me as though seeing me for the first time, then she gives me a one-over like she thinks there’s no way on earth a person like me can afford a reservation here. “And your name would be…”

“Tiara,” I snap, “Tiara James-Lemptons.”

I watch with satisfaction as she recognizes my name and the shock hits her face. “Oh my! For the wedding. Uh, give me sec,” she taps on the computer again. “You’re right. There is a reservation,” she smiles at me, “it’s one of the best rooms, overlooking the ocean. You’re mother reserved it for you.”

Ryan taps on the counter to get her attention. “Upgrade it. We want a suite.”

Her eyes and mine widen at the same time. “But s-sir, you have to make a reservation for that.”

“Well, what were you saying about breaking the rules earlier?” his voice is sarcastically sweet, like grated sugar.

“Um, it’s just—”

“Make the upgrade and place all the charges on my card,” he hands her his black card, “wouldn’t want to bother dear Mrs. Lempton.”

How rich do you have to be to have a black card?

“I’ll make the arrangements right away.” the receptionist stutters.

He turns to face me, his eyes twinkling. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy the suite.”

Is he being sarcastic right now?

Five minutes later, we are on the west coast of the resort en route to the luxurious suites buildings, with the bellhops ahead of us, whipping our luggage.

“This is where it begins, Tee,” Ryan says, in a voice I can barely hear, “your last chance to back out.”

“And leave you here all by yourself? Looking like that?” I give a half laugh, “Not a chance.”

His hand shoots out to halt me, resting gently just above my elbow, “For what it’s worth, I’m really glad we’re doing this, Tee.”

His hand on my arm is sending tingles down my skin and as I stand there looking deep in his eyes, a fleeting thought passes through my brain. More than him, I’ve actually began to look forward to this one week in front of us, pretending to be a real couple. And I have no idea why.

His hand moves to my face, caressing my cheek, brushing a lock of hair away from my face. My breathing hitches and my eyelids drop to those lips.

We are so close and he leans down a fraction, his lips brushing sensually over my cheeks.

Oh heavens!

Is he going to kiss me? Here? Out in the open? Is he going to pull me closer and—

Click!

The crisp snap of a camera’s shutters floats to me, a second before the lights flashes in my face momentarily blinding me. I gasp involuntarily.

With a satisfied smirk, Ryan pulls away from me, his hands going back to fall by his sides.

The man who took the picture is standing to my left, not too far from us, grinning from side to side, like a child who just won the trophy. I hadn’t seen him earlier, but Ryan must’ve done. Was that why…

The jerk! I’m about to say something when –

“Tiara James-fucking-Lempton!” the squeal that follows the call is almost deafening as Melody bounds towards me, excitement radiating from every step.

Before she gets to me, I look back up at Ryan and he gives me a wink.

“See you, Tee.” Then he strides off.

Melody gives me a hard pinch as she gasps. “Okay gurl, you’ve got a lotta explaining to do.”

Nothing to explain here. Just a guy who I’m attracted to, blowing me off for hours and almost kissing me just because of a camera.

Nothing at all to see here.