Not in my wildest dreams had I imagined Ben planning a surprise trip to see me. If anything, I thought he’d fly into New York and have me meet him there for a discreet hook-up. Coming here was risky.
There’s already a man in my bed…
The sound of a muffled grunt from the other room reminded me that this impromptu visit was risky for more than one reason.
“Seriously, you’ve gotta go!” I said as I yanked the bathroom door open and stumbled back into the room.
Chad, no Charlie… maybe Chance? He was on the floor with one shoe on and holding his other foot with a grimace on his handsome face.
“I hit my toe off the fucking bed frame.” He grumbled.
“Sorry…” I bounced on my toes and anxiously glanced around the room.
This place is disgusting.
That’s what you get when you put ‘do not disturb’ signs on the door for a week straight.
“Look, I don’t mean to be a bitch but… my, sort-of boyfriend is on his way here from the airport and I really want to avoid the scene that will happen if you’re here still…”
He raised his eyebrows, alarmed, and surged to his feet.
“Boyfriend?!” His tone was incredulous.
I bristled at the judgment from a total stranger and gave him a dirty look.
“We aren’t exclusive.” I snapped. “It doesn’t matter; I just need you to stop crying over your toe and go!”
“Don’t worry, I’m outta here.” He rolled his eyes and finished getting dressed, and with one last disgusted look, slammed the door behind him.
I hurried to the phone and called the main office.
“I need housekeeping, right now.” I demanded. “I have company coming in less than an hour and I need new sheets, towels, and the trash removed.”
“You’ll have to do it yourself, but I’ll drop off the supplies.” The man on the other end had a nasally, grating voice, “Do you need more than one set? The rate your visitors seem to come and go I’m surprised you haven’t asked for new sheets before now.”
“Excuse me!” I gasped.
“This place might not be the Ritz, but it ain’t one of those by the hour places either…” He continued.
“Could you just bring the sheets and towels…” I choked out before slamming the phone back into the receiver.
I’d had enough with being judged by strangers for one day.
· · - ·?· - · ·
I had just finished putting on my makeup when I heard three forceful knocks on the door.
“Coming!” I called out and took a final glance around the tidied room. It needed to be vacuumed and had a strange smell, but it looked better than it had. I pasted on a big smile and flung the door open.
“I’ve missed you!” I said shyly as Ben stepped into the room and looked around with narrowed eyes. I shut the door behind him and wrapped my arms around his neck.
His eyes finally met mine as he stiffened in my arms. I pulled back and tilted my head.
“What’s wrong?”
He forced himself to relax and lightly placed a hand on my lower back.
“Long flight.” He murmured and finally lowered his head to kiss me.
