Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
I clung to Clark’s back, my backpack secured between us. Downtown Brevard sparkled with twinkling Christmas lights, each storefront adorned with white squirrel statues.
As we pulled up to the Inn, I admired its charm. The historic brick building stood tall, ivy climbing its walls, lanterns casting a warm glow. Haddy stood on the porch, her silver hair in a neat bun, her smile welcoming.
“Well, if it ain’t Aurora Jenkins and Clark Thompson,” she called out. “It’s been ages!”
“Ms. Haddy!” I exclaimed, removing my helmet. “I can’t believe you’re still here.”
She chuckled. “Where else would I be? This inn keeps me young. Come inside. I’ve got everything ready.”
We followed her into the cozy lobby, the scent of cinnamon and pine filling the air. Framed photographs of Brevard’s history lined the walls, a crackling fireplace adding to the homey atmosphere.
“I remember when you both were just kids,” Haddy mused. “Seems like yesterday I was substituting in the district.”
Clark grinned. “You gave me detention once for passing notes.”
“Well, Frog, you probably deserved it,” she quipped, winking.
I laughed. “I can’t believe you two know each other.”
“I’ve known Frog since he was a tadpole.”
If Haddy knew Clark, how many more mutual acquaintances did we have?
Haddy retrieved a vintage brass key. “Your mother called, Aurora, and told me the good news. Congratulations are in order!”
Clark and I exchanged puzzled glances but played along. “Thank you,” we replied.
“Let me show you to the honeymoon suite,” she said, leading us up a staircase adorned with garland and fairy lights.
My stomach did a flip. The honeymoon suite?
We entered a room straight out of a romance movie with a king-sized canopy bed draped with sheer curtains, rose petals on the duvet, and a bottle of champagne chilled on the bedside table.
“This is... lovely,” I managed.
“I’ll leave you two to get settled,” Haddy said with a knowing smile. “Breakfast is at eight, but feel free to sleep in.”
“Thanks, Ms. Haddy,” Clark said.
As the door closed, I set my backpack down, trying to process everything. Spending the night in a honeymoon suite with this biker had me trembling. But Clark wasn’t a stranger anymore. Haddy had known him since he was young. That meant something.
“Well, this is... something,” I said, avoiding his gaze.
Clark draped his jacket over a chair. “They really went all out.”
I turned and saw him pull a small velvet box from his vest. My heart leaped.
“What’s that?” I asked.
He looked at the box. “Oh, this? It’s my mom’s old ring.”
“Why do you have it?” Panic edged into my tone.
He sighed. “I told my mom things were serious between us. She insisted I take it. She probably thinks I’m proposing tonight. Might have told your mom.”
I stared in disbelief. “How could you tell her that?”
“Look, my mom’s old-fashioned. She doesn’t think I should spend the night with a woman unless we’re engaged.”
“But you’re a biker,” I shot back. “I’m sure you do worse.”
He frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I folded my arms.
“You really don’t like bikers, do you?”
“Honestly? No. I’d probably run if you stopped to help me.”
He looked hurt. “You’ve got me all wrong, Aurora. I ain’t a bad guy. My club is my family. And as for my family here, you will wear that ring tomorrow and play along. I did you a favor tonight. Now it’s your turn.”
Indignation surged. “Unbelievable.”
Without another word, I grabbed my backpack and headed to the bathroom, ensuring the door was closed behind me. I leaned against it, taking deep breaths.
This was spiraling out of control. Pretending my fake boyfriend was real was one thing, but making my mom think I broke off another engagement was out of the question. I changed into pajamas, trying to focus on anything but the biker holding an engagement ring.
As I brushed my teeth, I caught my reflection. My cheeks were flushed, eyes bright with a mix of anger and something else—fear. But not of Clark. I was afraid of how my heart raced when he was near, how his smiles disarmed me, how pretending felt dangerously comfortable.
Was I falling for him? Pretending to be his fiancée would make it harder to say goodbye.
I turned off the faucet and braced myself. This was supposed to be a simple favor. Yet here I was, tangled in unexpected emotions.
Taking a deep breath, I faced whatever awaited me.
I opened the door. Clark stood by the window, looking out into the night. The velvet box lay unopened on the table.
He turned at the sound. “Aurora...”
I held up a hand. “Let’s just get some sleep. We’ll figure everything out in the morning.”
He nodded slowly. “Alright.”
I climbed into the expansive bed, staying to one side. After a moment, he settled on the opposite side, keeping a respectful distance.
Silence enveloped the room, broken only by the soft rustle of sheets. Staring up at the canopy, I wondered how I ended up here, caught between deception and an undeniable pull.
As sleep claimed me, one thought lingered. I wasn’t just pretending to be in love with Clark. I was falling.