When the ringing phone wakes me for the second time today, I open my eyes gingerly, not sure I want to get up and face the world again this morning. But my headache’s gone, and I groggily grab the phone.
“Hey, sleepyhead.” Dylan’s sexy voice comes through the receiver.
“Hey.” I struggle to sit up and look at the clock. Shit, it’s already after nine.
“Can I come by?” he asks me. “I have a surprise.”
“Um…” I glance at my rumpled clothes. “I need to shower first.”
“I’ll be by in a half hour. See you then, baby.”
Baby. He just called me baby. That scares the freaking daylights out of me, and yet—
I fight a smile as I head for the shower.
* * *
Thirty minutes later
After I finish drying my hair, I quickly dress in black jeans and a lace cami and pull on the lone sweater I brought with me—a deep violet color. I love that I won’t need a jacket even though we’ll be outdoors. I’ve always loved warm climates, and Tucson is hotter than L.A. Even in February, despite the cool breezes and lower temperatures, the sun is always shining.
I call the catering company to confirm everything is set for this afternoon. Then I look at the list and freeze at what’s next—Red Rock Foster Care, Inc.
I text Lilla and ask her to make that call instead.
As I sit down on the bed, I glance at the clock.
Dylan’s late.
I exhale in relief when I hear a knock on the door. To be blown off at this stage in the game would not feel as easy as a no-strings affair should.
I open the door to a smiling Dylan, along with a waiter and room service cart.
“Hey.” Dylan steps inside my room, followed by the cart and waiter. “This is Joaquin, the head server. I hope you didn’t eat breakfast yet.”
“Wow.” I wave at the smiling Joaquin. “No. What did you get me?”
“Us.” Dylan takes the bill from Joaquin and signs it. “Breakfast for us. And Joaquin will show you. It’s his favorite part.”
“This is true.” Joaquin beams at me. “For the lady: French toast, scrambled eggs with tomato and feta, and a cranberry juice.”
I turn to Dylan. “How’d you know I like scrambled eggs with tomato and feta?”
“Little sleuthing.”
“Did you interrogate Lilla?”
“Only if you call asking her what you like for breakfast interrogating,” he answers me.
Joaquin interrupts. “And for the gentleman—eggs Benedict, bacon and sausage, stack of cakes, and an OJ.”
“Thank you, Joaquin.” Dylan hands him back the bill. “Have a great day.”
“Thank you, sir. Madam.” Joaquin bows at me, and I wave as he lets himself out.
I sit down on the edge of the bed, and Dylan takes a seat next to me.
“Thank you for doing this.” I raise my water glass to him in a toast. Then I catch myself. “Shit. Bad luck.”
