Ocean. B.L.U.E (Book 2)

Their room was unbelievably nice. Far beyond anything I had expected for a school trip.

The moment we stepped inside, I stopped dead in my tracks, my suitcase forgotten at my feet. Everything was pristine, stylish, and way too luxurious for a bunch of high schoolers to be staying in. The walls were painted a deep navy, accented with gold trimmings that made the whole space feel modern but classic at the same time. The furniture was sleek and stylish, with a massive king-sized bed in the center, covered in crisp white sheets with a thick, ridiculously fluffy duvet. The pillows were stacked perfectly, each embroidered with tiny golden pineapples.

"Are you kidding me?" I finally managed, spinning in place to take everything in. "This—this is the fanciest hotel room I have ever set foot in. There are robes, Alex. Robes. Look at the bathroom!"

Alexander smirked, kicking his suitcase to the side and stepping further in. "Elias, we haven't even checked out the minibar yet."

I whipped around and gasped. "Are you telling me—there's a minibar?"

I rushed to the glossy black counter tucked near the window, my eyes widening at the tiny, ridiculously overpriced snacks lined up like a work of art. Next to them was a mini fridge stocked with drinks and a sleek espresso machine that looked like it belonged in a celebrity's kitchen.

Alexander, meanwhile, had walked over to the massive window. He pulled the curtains back, revealing a breathtaking view of the city. Skyscrapers stretched toward the sky, the streets below bustling with life, and in the distance, I could just barely make out the glint of the bay.

I turned back toward the bed, my heart pounding. "Okay, but this—this is crazy, right? We're definitely not supposed to be staying somewhere this nice."

Alexander chuckled, dropping onto the bed, bouncing slightly on the insanely soft mattress. "Well, we are. And we're sharing this bed, so I hope you're prepared."

I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything, strong hands caught my waist and yanked me forward.

I barely had time to register what was happening before Alexander's lips crashed against mine.

My breath hitched, my hands flying up to grip his shoulders as he pulled me flush against him, his fingers digging into my hips like he couldn't get me close enough. Heat flared beneath my skin as he deepened the kiss, his lips moving against mine with a hunger that sent my thoughts scattering in every direction.

God, this boy.

This ridiculous, infuriating, beautiful boy.

I melted against him, letting myself get lost in the warmth of him, the way he tasted like spearmint and something distinctly Alex. His hands slid up my back, his fingertips tracing along my spine in a way that sent shivers down to my toes. I curled my fingers into his shirt, pressing closer, tilting my head to let him deepen the kiss even more.

For a moment, there was nothing else. Just the soft sheets beneath us, the golden light spilling through the window, and the slow, intoxicating rhythm of our lips moving together.

Then—reality smacked me over the head.

I pulled back, gasping for air, my brain finally catching up to what we were doing. "Wait—wait, Alex—"

He made a noise of protest, chasing after my lips, but I put a hand on his chest, forcing myself to think.

I needed to distract myself before we ended up doing something incredibly stupid.

So, I blurted the first thing that popped into my head.

"Which U.S. student are you paired with?"

Alexander froze, blinking at me like he had completely forgotten that was even a thing. Then, he let out a breathy laugh, dropping his forehead against my shoulder.