Chapter 6: One Bed. One Night. One Mistake?
The resort looked like something out of a magazine. It was too perfect. Too sunny. Too bright.
Exactly the opposite of how Jay felt as she stepped out of the family van and immediately spotted him.
Keifer.
Of course, he was already here. Already tan. Already shirtless. And already annoying.
"Don't tell me you packed only that," she muttered under her breath.
"Good to see you too, fiancée," Keifer said with a lazy smirk, pushing his sunglasses up to meet her glare.
Jay rolled her eyes and stomped toward the check-in area where their parents were already arguing with the receptionist — well, more like cheerfully bickering like old friends.
Percy was leaning against a pillar beside them, sipping a slushy and wearing his classic smug face.
"You look like you're ready to commit murder," he told Jay as she joined him.
"Don't tempt me. Where's Aries?"
"Inside, being a dad. Keiren and Keigan already ran off to the pool. Ella's here too, by the way."
Jay stiffened. "With Aries?"
"Yup. And surprisingly not trying to start a scene."
"Well. Yet," Jay said bitterly.
Just then, Keifer strolled up beside them, towel slung over his shoulder. "Hope you don't mind, but there was a slight mix-up in the rooms."
Jay narrowed her eyes. "What kind of mix-up?"
Keifer grinned innocently. "You and I are sharing one."
Jay blinked. "What?"
Percy choked on his slushy, clearly delighted.
"Oh, didn't you hear?" Keifer continued, turning to Percy like this was normal. "Our lovely parents thought it'd be a bonding experience for the engaged couple."
"You're kidding," Jay hissed.
"I'm not. Room 308. One key. One room. One bed."
"One bed?" she repeated like she'd been slapped.
Percy was wheezing now. "Oh my god, this is better than cable."
"Shut up," Jay and Keifer said in unison.
They glared at each other.
"Fine," Jay snapped. "I'll sleep on the floor."
"Oh no, princess. My back's too valuable. You're the floor type."
Jay stepped closer, teeth clenched. "Say that again."
"You're the floor type."
"Guys," Percy interjected, completely unbothered. "Please wait until after dinner to kill each other. I want dessert first."
Dinner – 7:32 PM
Everyone was gathered at the long wooden table on the patio under hanging lights. It was picturesque. A perfect evening. Warm air. Sea breeze.
But all Jay could focus on was the heat radiating from Keifer beside her. Because of course he had to sit right next to her. And of course, he had to brush her knee under the table every time he shifted.
She swore he was doing it on purpose.
"Pass the butter, sweetheart?" Keifer asked with fake charm.
Jay clenched her jaw and shoved it toward him without looking.
Aries, across the table, raised an eyebrow. "Aww. Look at the newlyweds."
"We're not—"
"Yet," Keifer cut in with a wink.
Percy leaned in, grinning. "You two are such a married couple already. Jay nags, Keifer ignores. Classic dynamic."
Jay glared at Percy. "Don't make me dump your dessert in the ocean."
Keifer chuckled and took a sip of his drink. "I'd pay to see that."
Ella cleared her throat a few seats down. She looked away when Jay glanced at her. Jay noticed Aries pretending not to notice either of them. The tension at that side of the table was a whole different flavor.
"Anyone want to go for a night swim after this?" Keigan asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"I think I'll go cry in the room," Jay muttered.
Keifer grinned. "I'll join."
"Dream on."
Room 308 – 10:17 PM
Jay stood in front of the bed.
The bed.
It was huge. Plush. White. And absolutely not for two enemies to share.
She turned to Keifer, arms crossed. "Stay. On. Your. Side."
He was already shirtless, smug as hell, tossing a pillow onto the far end. "I'm not into sleep-cuddling, Jay. Relax."
"You're not into brains either, clearly."
He laughed. "You're really in a mood tonight."
"I'm always in a mood when I'm near you."
Keifer walked past her, brushing his bare shoulder against hers.
Jay didn't move. But her breath did catch.
His voice dropped. "You should admit it sometime."
"Admit what?"
"That you don't hate me as much as you pretend."
She scoffed, turning away to change. "You wish."
Later That Night
The room was quiet.
Only the sound of the fan spinning and soft waves crashing from the balcony.
Jay couldn't sleep.
She turned, and—
There he was. Keifer. Lying there, shirtless, facing the ceiling, eyes closed.
And damn it. He looked… peaceful. Not smug. Not irritating. Just there, bathed in moonlight.
Jay whispered to herself, "He doesn't look that annoying when he's asleep."
"Wow," Keifer's voice said — low, amused.
Jay froze.
He cracked one eye open, grinning. "Didn't know I had a fan club."
She flushed red. "I thought you were asleep!"
"Hard not to wake up when someone's staring at you like I'm the last donut on Earth."
Jay scowled. "You're disgusting."
"You're cute when you're embarrassed."
Silence.
Then—
He leaned in.
She didn't move.
And when their lips met—it was messy. Heat, frustration, teeth and lips and breathless gasps. A kiss that wasn't gentle. Wasn't soft.
It was a war.
And she kissed back like she hated him for it.
He pulled away first, lips brushing hers, and said, "So… you still hate me?"
Jay blinked.
Then she shoved him away.
"That never happened," she muttered, heart pounding. "Go to sleep."
He laughed — but quietly. "Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
"I mean it, Keifer. Stay on your side."
"Yes, ma'am."
Morning
Jay woke up warm. Cozy. Comfortable.
Which was weird because—
Wait.
Her leg was over something.
Something… strong.
And her hand?
Curled up against a chest.
She opened one eye.
Keifer.
They were tangled together, his arm around her waist, her face practically buried against his neck.
"WHAT—" she started.
But then she stopped.
Because he looked peaceful again. Not smug. Just… asleep.
She stared for a second.
"Fine," she whispered. "You don't look that annoying when you're unconscious."
"I heard that," he said sleepily, cracking one eye open, smirk already forming.
"Ugh—"
"You're not moving."
"YOU'RE the one holding me!"
"Sure. Keep telling yourself that, stalker."
She groaned and tried to shove him off.
But his grip tightened.
"Five more minutes, Jay."
"Keifer—"
"Unless you want to kiss me again. Then I'm very awake."
She shoved a pillow in his face and rolled away.
"Idiot."
He chuckled into the pillow. "You love it."