She frowned, âA couple-themed hotel? Are you sure about this?â
Hilliard met her gaze earnestly.
âWeâre engaged, after all.
Spending a night here doesnât seem out of place, does it?â
As she stared at him, her frustration began to rise.
Their engagement notwithstanding, this was their first true date.
The choice of a love hotel seemed unconventional for such an occasion.
She pondered whether his decision was naive or feigned ignorance.
With a flush of embarrassment, Jennifer whispered, âYou didnât opt for a themed room with an oversized bed, did you?â
âyhat?â Hilliardâs confusion was evident.
âWhat do you mean? Itâs just a standard room Iâve booked.
Are you into themed rooms? I could see about changing our room with the hotel manager.
â
âNo! Thatâs not it.
Letâs just head inside,â she quickly interjected, her cheeks burning hot as she used her hand to try and cool them, leading the way into the hotel with a shy stride.
Once they had checked in, Hilliard, taking the room card, took her hand and together they stepped into the elevator.
Their room was 1314.
Jenniferâs nerves tingled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension as they approached the room.
Standing at the door, her heart pounded as she swiped the card.
After two seconds, the door unlocked.
With the card inserted to power the room, they were greeted by its warm Light.
The room, bathed in elegance, boasted a sprawling round bed at its heart, encircled by red gauze curtains that lent a romantic haze.
Yet, it was the see-through crystal bathtub across from the bed and the vivid murals adorning the walls that sent Jenniferâs embarrassment soaring.
She couldnât help but question the designerâs intentions behind such a bathtub â not that she planned to use it.
Feeling like a teenager again, her heart fluttered at every new discovery in the room.
Hilliard was equally unsettled, his first foray into planning such an evening proving to be a nerve-wracking experience.
âWell, Jennifer, why donât you freshen up first? Iâll follow, and then we can turn in early,â he suggested, attempting to navigate the awkwardness.
âOkay,â she agreed, making her way to the bathroom.
Yet, she soon encountered a glaring issue â the bathroom door wouldnât fully close.
She had no choice but to leave the door ajar, heightening her discomfort during private moments.
To make matters worse, the door was see-through, offering a clear view from the outside.
Feeling trapped, she eventually spoke up.
âHilliard, I canât lock the door.
Promise me you wonât walk in.
Just stay out here.
â