Emma popped a truffle from the plate on the writing desk into her mouth. They were probably supposed to be refrigerated, but it couldn’t make her stomach roil any more than it already was.
With one last look at the moonlight glinting off Tyler’s golden skin, Emma picked up her bag and padded into the living area. Emma crossed the room and slid the hotel room door open, careful not to let it creak and sound the alarm.
The hallway stretched out before her, a dimly lit path to freedom. She paused momentarily, holding her breath as she listened for any stirring from Tyler behind her. When all remained quiet, she slipped into the corridor and closed the door behind her.
She leaned against the wall and sucked in a breath, then marched toward the stairs, pulling out her phone to search for a rideshare. This was Canmore, and even though it was mud season, there had to be someone out driving tourists.
Her fingers trembled as she tapped at the screen, summoning a car that would take her back into the city. The wheel spun, but finally, confirmation came, and Emma sighed with relief.
"Morning, love!" Quinn greeted her with surprise. "You're up early.”
Emma smiled. “I have some things I have to take care of at home.”
Quinn cocked his head to the side. “We’ll be sad to see you go. At least have something for the road, then. Since you won’t be joining us for breakfast.” He left the desk and walked through a door to the left of the entrance, then returned with a chocolate croissant wrapped in a napkin.
"Thank you." Emma took it from him.The buffet. Couples massages.Ugh. She’d been so stupid. It all made her want to kick something.
"Take care now," Quinn flashed her a sympathetic smile.
Emma nodded, not trusting herself to speak, then walked through the heavy wooden door. Outside, the morning was cool and crisp, slapping her awake. A Jeep pulled up into the circular drive, and a ski bum with a mop of unruly curls and a friendly grin greeted her cheerfully.
"Hey there! Headed somewhere fun?" he asked, his enthusiasm grating against her nerves. Emma hated morning people under normal circumstances.
"Home" was all Emma could muster as she climbed into the back seat.
"Ah, gotcha. Long night?"
Did she miss a setting? Wasn’t there some box you could click to let your driver know you weren’t interested in conversation?
"Yep." Emma stared out the window, her short responses a brick wall she hoped would deter further questioning. He got the hint and turned on some Nickelback.
That was apropos.
Emma pulled out her phone and texted Lindsey.
Heading home. I’m an idiot. And Tyler’s a dick
She felt a little guilty as she pressed send. Tyler wasn’t a terrible person, but he had led her on. All of his flirtations and signals after she’d been crystal clear about her boundaries and the type of relationship she sought.
Anger and hurt welled up in her.No. It was justified. Never mind that she felt the same disdain for her own actions.
As they sped along the Trans-Canada Highway, then eventually entered the city limits, Emma stared out the dark window as her fingers traced the screen of her phone. When the sun rose, the sky was bleak and grey, and in a place with over three hundred sunny days a year, that felt like a message.
When they pulled up to her apartment complex, Emma thanked the driver and hurried into the lobby. The place was dead, as it should be so early on a Saturday morning. Her body finally relaxed as she slipped into her apartment.Home.
Emma kicked off her shoes and strode to the bedroom. She peeled off her clothes, the fabric sticking to her damp skin that still smelled lightly of chlorine from the hot tub. A shower would eventually be necessary, but her eyes were already drooping. She left her bag on the floor and stumbled into bed, her blotchy face sinking into the pillow.
She slept like the dead until a loud banging jolted her awake. Confused and disoriented, Emma tried to hide under her pillow as if she could smother the sounds of the world outside.Was there construction planned for today?
More banging. "Emma, open up!" Lindsey's voice filtered through the door.
Groaning, Emma forced herself out of bed, her body leaden and sluggish. She opened the door a crack.
Lindsey took one look at her and winced. "You look terrible.” She pushed the door open and walked inside holding a folded paper bag.
"Thanks," Emma muttered. “I was sleeping.”
Lindsey flopped down on the loveseat.
