Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79328 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79328 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
We’d agreed to keep things between us private for now. It made sense—the official story was that our relationship was fake, a performance for Alexander’s benefit. Even his brother Liam didn’t know that what had started as pretense had evolved into something real. It was simpler this way, less complicated. We could figure out how to navigate the professional implications later, once we understood what this was becoming.
For now, we were here. Neptune’s Kingdom. A weekend of playing the happy couple for Alexander Spencer.
Simon pulled up to valet and cut the engine. Before I could reach for my door handle or the attendant could get there, he was already out and circling to my side, opening it for me with a small smile that made my stomach flutter.
“Ready?” he asked, extending his hand.
With a nod, I let him help me out of the car. He handled things with the valet, who were already unloading our luggage onto our cart to deliver it to our room. Simon’s fingers intertwined with mine, and he didn’t let go as we walked toward the entrance.
From the outside, Neptune’s Kingdom looked like any upscale resort hotel—sleek architecture, manicured landscaping, a grand entrance with automatic glass doors. But the parking lot told a different story. Families streamed toward the building from every direction, kids bouncing with barely contained excitement, parents laden with beach bags and pool toys. The energy was infectious, a buzz of anticipation that seemed to vibrate in the air itself.
The lobby took my breath away and we took a few minutes to take in our surroundings. The ceiling soared at least four stories high, anchored by a massive statue of Neptune himself—trident raised, carved muscles gleaming, expression both regal and welcoming. Water features surrounded the base, sending gentle cascades down tiered pools that caught the light and scattered it like diamonds. Children posed for photos while their parents snapped pictures, and the sound of laughter echoed off the marble floors.
It was Friday afternoon—Simon and I had left the office early to arrive before dinner—and the place was already packed. A line snaked from the check-in desk, but even with all the activity, the hotel receptionists and bellhops navigated the chaos with practiced efficiency.
But we didn’t need to wait. Alexander had sent digital room keys to both our phones, granting us immediate access to our suite. I spotted a rack of brochures near the elevator bank and grabbed one as we stepped inside, curious to see how everything the resort had to offer was highlighted.
The elevator was crowded, so Simon and I positioned ourselves at the back, close enough that our shoulders brushed with every slight movement. The contact sent a pleasant shiver down my spine.
“It says here the indoor waterpark is eighty thousand square feet,” I read aloud, scanning the glossy pages. “Kept at a constant eighty-five degrees year-round. Multiple slides, a wave pool, a lazy river…”
Simon leaned closer to look at the brochure, his breath warm against my temple. “I’m more interested in the adult attractions Alexander designed, like the hot tubs, spa services, the fitness center, and the bar with craft cocktails.”
We’d both done extensive research before this trip—studying the resort’s history, its financials, its expansion potential. Simon wanted to be prepared for any conversation Alexander might initiate, and I’d spent hours reading reviews and analyzing the guest experience. This weekend was about more than playing a convincing couple; it was about demonstrating that Simon understood Alexander’s vision and could help him realize it.
The elevator deposited us on the top floor, and we made our way down a quiet corridor to our suite. Simon swiped his phone against the lock, and the door clicked open.
The room was gorgeous. Spacious and elegantly appointed, with a king-sized bed draped in crisp white linens as the centerpiece. A sitting area occupied one corner—plush couch, two armchairs, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. A desk sat near the window, positioned to take advantage of the stunning view. The massive outdoor pool complex stretched below us, dotted with colorful swimsuits and splashing children.
Our luggage had already been delivered, and I drifted toward the window, taking it all in. From this height, I could see the entirety of the waterpark—the twisting slides, the lazy river winding like a blue ribbon through the complex, the families creating memories they’d carry forever.
“One bed,” Simon observed, coming up behind me.
His hands settled on my hips, and I leaned back into him instinctively. “Mmm. However will we manage?”
I felt his smile against my hair. “I have a few ideas.”
“Do you now?” I turned in his arms, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. This playful, relaxed version of Simon still caught me off guard sometimes. So different from the demanding taskmaster I’d met on my first day. “Care to share?”