“It’s nice to have options. I guess I’ll figure out what I want to do once I get settled in my room. I need to call my parents, brother, and best friend to let them know I won’t be coming home tonight.”
When we arrived at the hotel to book a room, I looked around for Kendall, but didn’t see him. He’d gotten off the plane with us but lagged behind a bit. I wondered if he had plans for the evening, not that I was interested in him. I was simply nosy.
“Where’s Kendall?” I asked Evelyn.
“Don’t even go there, girl. He is a whole ho out in these streets.”
I laughed. “Oh wow. That’s good to know. I’m not interested in him, though. I was just wondering where he disappeared to.”
“There’s no telling. He probably hooked up with one of the passengers. Hell, knowing him, he already had someone lined up before we landed.”
Kendall was a handsome man, so her words didn’t surprise me. I didn’t have a chance to respond because I’d reached the front desk. Evelyn waited for me to book my room, and we headed to the elevators.
“What floor are you on?” she asked.
“Seven. You?”
“Five.”
The elevator arrived, and we stepped on. She pushed the buttons for our floors, and we waited for the doors to close. Just before they did, an arm slipped between them, and when the face attached to it came into view, I almost lost my breath.
He was tall, with smooth dark skin, prominent cheekbones, and a chiseled jawline. When our eyes connected, he smiled, causing me to do the same. He looked at me with such intensity, I could’ve slid down the elevator wall.
“Hey, Captain McCoy! Long time no see,” Evelyn said, forcing him to look her way.
“Evelyn, hey! Why are you being so formal? How are you?” he asked, leaning toward her for a one-armed hug.
“I’m good. Not thrilled about being grounded on Valentine’s Day, but I’ll survive. What floor?”
“Seven, please. Well, you didn’t hear it from me, but this storm is one of the worst this area has seen in years, and the temps are supposed to get well below freezing, which creates more problems. We could be here for a couple of days.”
“Two days!” I exclaimed.
They both looked at me, and it felt as if I’d said something wrong.
“Captain McCoy—I mean, Sylas, this is Khiya. Today was her first day. Khiya, this is Captain Sylas McCoy. He flies for Sable. This is my floor. Khiya, you have my number if you need anything.”
Evelyn exited the elevator, leaving me alone with Sylas.
“It’s nice to meet you,” he said, offering his hand.
I shook it and said, “You too.”
“Damn. Has anyone ever told you how beautiful your voice is?”
My smile probably stretched across my whole face as I responded.
“A few times.”
“Do you sing in your spare time or something?”
“No. Unfortunately, I’ve only been blessed with a pleasant speaking voice. Singing isn’t my ministry.”
I’d just had a similar conversation with Kendall and Evelyn when they complimented my voice after we officially met before the flight. People commented on the sound of my voice often, especially when I was younger, because I’d always sounded very mature for my age.
“That’s hard to believe. So, you’ve had an interesting first day, huh?”
“That’s for sure, but it could be worse.”
