“Go up,” he said, his voice dropping to a low rumble meant only for me.“Wait for me.”
I nodded, clutching the key card like a lifeline.“Thank you.”
“Go.”
“Carter!”Coach Harper’s voice cut through the lobby noise.
Luke winced.And turned turned around.
Coach Harper stood by the elevators, holding her clipboard.“Bag drop in five.Conference Room B in ten.We have tape on Northeastern’s power play.”
“Go,” Luke whispered to me.“I have to do this.Order room service.I’m starving.”
“Room service,” I repeated, clutching the key card.“Okay.”
“Don’t wait up,” he joked.
Of course, I would be awake when he got to the room.That wasn’t even a question.I hurried toward the elevators, heart hammering against my ribs.
I glanced back once.Luke was standing with his team, looking calm.Ryan was watching me go, eyebrows raised high enough to clear the ceiling.
I stepped into the elevator and let the doors close behind me.
Room 412 was excessive.
Not a room; a suite.A massive king bed dominated the center, flanked by mahogany nightstands.There was a sitting area with a velvet sofa.A minibar.A view of the city that probably cost more per night than my car was worth.
I stood in the center of the beige carpet, feeling like an intruder.
I took off my coat and the conference lanyard.
I checked my phone.
Me:Room 412 secured.It is… excessively large.There is a robe.
Luke:Put it on.I’m trapped in a dark room watching power plays.
Me:I ordered a burger.And a salad.And something called ‘Truffle Fries’ which cost $35.
Luke:Worth it.Eat.I’ll be there soon.
I smiled at the screen.The panic of the lobby was fading, replaced by a humming anticipation.
I was in his room.He had publicly claimed me.
About twenty minutes later, there was a small knock on the door.“Room service,” a voice said through the door.I walked over to the door and opened it.A guy in his mid-twenties wheeled in a cart and asked, “Where would you like it?”
“Anywhere works for me.”
“How about the desk by the window?”
“Sounds perfect.”
The man wheeled my food over and set it up for me.Then had me sign for the food, and I made sure to add what I thought was a good tip.I’m not exactly used to this environment.Sure, I’ve stayed in hotels before, but this was different.This place was nice.
I ate at the small desk by the window, watching the city lights blink on through the snow.
I finished.And wasn’t quite sure what to do next.Do I call them to let them know I’m done?Do I just leave this here and they come get it later?I’ll ask Luke when he gets here.
