She’d been so lost with watching the weather that when lightning cut across the sky, she’d turned excitedly to Jacob. Storms were fascinating for her, and he would watch them with her. A smile would settle on his lips as she chatted excitedly about them, her guard down during those moments.
He had stared at her icily; flinching, Sierra had twisted back to watching the storm outside, her heart heavy. She had to remind herself that it was over between them and not forget herself like she just did. Even though she was no longer the woman she used to be, she had burned that bridge completely and needed to respect his feelings toward her now.
On the plane ride back, he spoke to her long enough to explain what was happening with Kaitlyn. With her informed, he had leaned his head back and closed his eyes for the rest of the flight. Now she was in the confines of his car, traveling to the hotel that Valeur had booked for her.
He hadn’t asked any questions about her friend, and she was relieved. If he started digging, there was a chance he would find out she was an author now. Though she didn’t regret modeling the male leads off him and using their intimate moments as inspiration, Sierra wasn’t sure how he’d take the discovery right now.
They pulled up to the hotel, parking by the entrance and popping the trunk. Once out of the vehicle, Sierra moved toward the trunk to retrieve her cane. To her surprise, he’d already picked up her suitcase, knapsack and purse and promptly walked to where she was standing and handed her the cane.
They moved together, though she followed at a slower pace. He left his raincoat in the car, allowing her a glimpse of his form in his thin, light blue sweater and his dark blue jeans. She noticed he had put on more weight, and she was glad for it. The last time she saw him, divorce papers in hand, he had been gaunt and tired. She couldn’t help staring at his broad back and tight ass in those jeans. He had a good ass before but now it was thicker and firmer.
He stopped for a second and she held her breath, forgetting that they could always feel each other eyes; his hands tightened around her stuff, and she could sense a warning rippling over his form before he continued on like nothing happened. She let out her breath and focused on the doors.
Jacob stood by her as she checked in, sliding the receptionist his credit card to use. She’d uttered a sound of protest. He ignored it. “I brought you here, it is the least I can do. And you have no money or credit card to afford this place.”
Affronted, she opened her mouth to tell him otherwise, but quickly shut it again. It was better he knew nothing about her work and financial situation. “Thanks for dropping me off,” she told him once she had the card for her room. She turned to the receptionist.
“Where is the porter? I need help carrying my things to my room.”
The receptionist looked up and shrugged. “Probably taking his tenth cigarette break of the day. You will have to wait over there ’til he comes back, where those other people are waiting in that spot.”
She was tired and just wanted to go to her room, but she didn’t want to bother Jacob any longer. Tomorrow, she was going to walk over to the hospital to be tested and meet Dr. Hayes. With her defences now down from the emotional day she had, she needed to get away from Jacob and put her walls back up. Being around him was affecting her and she didn’t want to say or do something that would embarrass her or make him decide to put her back on a plane home.
“Come on, I will take this to your room, you must be tired.” His glance ran over her features.
She gave him a grateful smile, then nodded. She opened the key holder she’d been handed earlier. They both looked at the room number.
“She couldn’t have a room on the lower floors?” Jacob said tersely.
“No, we are all booked solid and were only able to provide this room. It’s not too far up, only the fifth floor.”
Jacob stepped closer to the desk. “What happens if there is a fire, or your elevators are not working properly? Does she look like she could make it all the way down those flights of steps?”
Sierra felt warmth spread through her at Jacob’s concern, but she immediately brushed it off. This was only basic courtesy for anyone with a cane who could barely move. Trying to end the conflict, she touched his arm. His reaction was immediate; he pulled back as if she burned him. Tucking her hand back at her side, Sierra mumbled, “It’s okay Jacob, I can always check when a room is available on the lower floors and move then. Let’s just go now.”
“Yes, I have left Kaitlyn alone too long with the nanny and want to see her before she goes to sleep.” He grabbed up her luggage and strode toward the elevator. Hearing him say their daughter’s name and how he was going to see her left Sierra teary-eyed because she wanted to see her daughter. She owed her so much; an apology was not enough, and though she didn’t deserve another chance, she wanted to try and make amends while she was here.
She flipped on the light and made her way inside with Jacob close behind. She couldn’t wait to shower and let hot water run over her muscles, especially her legs. The effect of carried tension on her body caused a headache to begin. As shedumped her purse on the bed, she noticed Jacob eyeing the room in disproval. This was the closest hotel Valeur could find, and she didn’t care how the room looked; she just needed a place to rest her head and be close to the hospital and her daughter.
He then turned to her, an expectant look on his face. She frowned. “What?”
“No tantrum?” His eyes could have pierced glass.
Sighing, Sierra lowered herself wearily onto the bed. “I know you are not going to believe this Jacob, but I am not the same woman you married. The accident woke me up and—”
“You’re right, I don’t, so save it.” He walked over to her and put her bags at her feet with a thump. But as he turned to leave, her request froze him in place.
“Jacob, I would like to see Kaitlyn.”
He whirled on her, anger etched into his face. “Not happening. Just do what I asked you to do, Sierra.”
“Please, Jacob.” She dug her fingers into the duvet, shaking. “Just let me see her or I—”
He strode back to her and picked her up by her arms, squeezing his fingertips into the muscles. “Or what Sierra? Are you threatening me? Will you now not go and do the blood work like you promised?”
“No, I’m not threatening you.” She winced, meeting his eyes to show she was sincere. “You are hurting me.” He loosened his grip but didn’t release her. Voice trembling, Sierra kept trying. “I was going to say or just let me talk to her over the phone.”
Without a word, Jacob released her and walked out, tugging the door shut. In the silence of the now empty room, Sierra whispered forlorn. “Please, Jacob.”
