Colton worried about Ellie the whole flight to the resort. He knew she was in a form of shock as she held on. Her body was rigid, her breathing was shallow and fast, and her eyes were so clouded with pain that he wanted to just blast this other woman and be done with it.
He pulled her close when they landed. "Hey, just remember that whatever this woman is up to, it has nothing to do with us." He pulled back and cupped her face. "I almost feel like I owe her a bit of gratitude for sending you to me. I know that wasn't her intent, but sometimes you have to take the silver lining."
Her eyes welled with tears, and he leaned down and kissed her. "I've got you either way, Ellie, and I plan on keeping you around for a long time."
A spark suddenly appeared in her eyes. "How long do dragons live?"
He grinned before he kissed her again. She responded with as much heat as he felt. "Long enough to love you the way you deserve."
This time she pulled back. "You love me?"
Not anticipating the question, he choked. "Well, I... I mean..."
She yanked away. "Come on. Let's get this over with."
He closed his eyes. Of all moments to go speechless. Of course he loved her. He just hadn't been expecting the point-blank question. He started after her. "Ellie..."
She waved her hand but didn't turn around. "It was an unfair question. Just let it go, Cole. We have enough to deal with. I never should have asked you that. I just got caught up in the moment."
Yeah, but those are the moments I want to last forever.He wanted to say it out loud, but she was right. They needed to focus on the task at hand. His lips tightened as they neared the suite and as before, they headed for the stairs instead of the elevator. He suddenly grabbed her shoulder. "Hold on. Let's try to do this the easy way."
He led her back to the main lobby so he could check with the front desk and see if Nita was still checked in. As they turned the corner into the reception area, he stopped. "Damn."
"What's wrong?"
"It's not the girl that gave me all the help before."
Ellie brushed past him. "Who cares. I got this." She marched up to the older lady behind the desk. "Excuse me. Can you please tell me if Nita Anderson is still checked into Suite 504?"
"And you are?"
Colton cringed. He knew that tone, and he knew that Ellie wasn't going to get any information.
"I'm her sister, and I was supposed to meet her here a couple days ago, but I was delayed with filming. I haven't been able to reach her by telephone, so I took the chance that she's still here."
The authoritative tone in Ellie's voice was impressive, and Colton crossed his arms to watch the show. It was going to be a battle of determination between these two.
"I'm afraid that I can't divulge that information."
Ellie leaned forward. "Do you know who I am?"
The lady bristled. "No, I do not."
"Well," Ellie continued, "I can promise you that if I cause a scene, most of the people in this establishment do know me, and I can have dozens of paparazzi here in the snap of a finger. You can either answer my question and tell me if my sister is here, or I'm going to use every ounce of my star power in a way that I never have before."
The lady's eyes widened. "Well, I never."
"Obviously. Or, if you prefer, I can just go banging on the door of all of your suites searching for her, and if she's not even here, I'd just be ruining your guest's stay. Now which is it?"
Sensing defeat, the lady tapped on the keyboard before she reached for the phone. "I'll ring the room for you."
Ellie put her hand on the phone to block the other woman. "You just answered my question. There's no need to disturb her. I'll be doing that in a moment, and I'd prefer to keep it a surprise. Am I clear?"
The woman nodded and refused to meet Ellie's gaze.
With his enhanced hearing, Colton chuckled as they walked back toward the door, and he heard the woman cuss under her breath about the Hollywood types. Once they were outside, he grabbed Ellie's arm. "That was impressive."
"It got the job done." She wouldn't slow her pace. "Let's just get there before the lady tips her off."
