Watching their self-doubt crumble as their confidence soared under his guidance was the real thrill, one that left him craving more.
Signing on for another season was alluring but tension throbbed at the base of his neck, guilt swarmed through his chest even thinking about it, knowing Ella didn’t want it.
The elevator doors pinged opened, he strode down the worn carpet to his hotel room.
Inside he kicked off his shoes, wishing Ella was there to greet him.
Te hotel room was worn but comfortable and he flipped on the bedside lamp.
He knew Ella was safe at home, probably entertaining Helena and Oliver and having a great time with their friends.
Zee emptied his pockets, put his phone on the night table and stripped off before stepping into the shower to rinse the smell of the auditorium off him.
The water was cold and not pleasant, and he ached for the comforts of home.
Yeah, this was exhilarating but he was serious when he told Ella no more.
This season was it for him.
It was time to take Ella on a trip or break ground on that bed-and-breakfast she wanted.
Zee didn’t see the appeal himself.
He loved entertaining people but to cater to them wasn’t in his wheelhouse.
Club Bandit happened because he wanted an exclusive place where he could host his friends and his buddies from the monthly charity poker game.
But they left when they were done and they weren’t there for turn down service.
He didn’t understand why Ella wanted to offer hospitality to strangers on their own home soil.
Guilt swarmed him because he knew part of the problem was his need to be doing something because he still had the fear that if he spent too much time at home, he’d turn into his father.
Grabbing the hotel phone to call for room service, his cell buzzed on the table beside him, flashing Helena’s number.
He made his order, then called her back.
“Helena, hi.I was just going to call Ella.You three must have missed me and wanted to include me in your party.Does everyone still have their clothes on?”
“My clothes haven’t come off, yet.How did the race go?”
“Put me on speaker so I can tell Ella.”
“Have you had a lot to drink tonight?”Her voice cracked, like she was holding back emotion and that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.
“You know that one drink is my hard limit.What’s going on?”
“Sit down.”The cool Domme tone that his friend never used on him was enough to make him follow her direction.
“Helena, tell me what’s wrong.”He pressed his knuckles to his lips, bracing for what came next.
“Ella isn’t here.When we got here for dinner, she didn’t open the door.I let Oliver and I in with the code but the house is empty.”
“Sometimes she loses track of time out there in the gardens by herself.”
The words were flimsy and a distraction because he knew that Ella wouldn’t be in the garden this late.
“Oliver and Finn and other guys from Stone Security are walking the back lots.Carter is in your dining room reviewing footage.They will find her.Erik and Logan and Quinn are here too.”
