As we moved upstairs, the proximity and the casual ease of our conversation only intensified the tension between us. In the hallway, Emma paused, her hand resting on the banister.

"These stairs must see a lot of action, considering how many rooms you have up here," she said, her tone light but her eyes holding mine a little longer than necessary.

I smiled, aware of the double entendre. "You have no idea. Let me show you the guest rooms."

Each room we entered was met with ...