Click.
Clack.
I floated across the open floor. His scent lingered. So did his depth. There was so much more to the lone wolf at the bar. And, as a person with a fetish for digging, probing, and discovering new information about situations and people, it was hard to leave him at the bar without asking the questions that would sooth my natural desire to be knowledgeable.
“Uh hm.” I cleared my throat as I swallowed the unspoken words.
The line didn’t interest me the second time either. I stepped up to the desk where a guest was waiting to be checked in. The long, slim, and chocolate-colored stiletto nails tapped against the counter.
The young lady who’d taken my bag paused momentarily, peering in my direction. Nervously, she smiled back at the man in front of her. She was unsure if she should continue serving him or tend to me. I made her choice an easy one.
“Sir–”
My attention departed. My line of vision weaved through the hotel guests in search of the source of the small commotion that others were anticipating. It wasn’t long before I spotted it.
Of course.
I glided across the lobby, nearing the bar, again. Just as the hooded stranger stumbled forward, I looped my arm underneath his and held him upright.
“Sir, we’re going to have to as–”
“He’s fine,” I exclaimed, squaring my shoulders and pulling my lips apart with a smile.
I patted his chest, sure to stand him upright.
“Hmm? You’re fine, right?”
An exaggerated nod confirmed my claims.
“You two have a great night.”
“You do the same, sir.”
The fragile, easy target went about his way as I started toward the elevator with the handsome stranger on my arm. I pressed the button upon arrival. It opened instantly, relieving us both.
Inside, he retreated to the far left corner. I took the right. Starting from his shoes, I analyzed his frame. Inch by inch.
Six three. Four, maybe.
Two fifty. Two sixty. Two fifty, surely.
Single-parent household.
A product of poverty.
Hungry for change.
Secrets.
Skeletons.
Regrets.
Revolver.
He’s a Revolver man.
I kissed the skin of my teeth as a chuckle rolled off my tongue.
