She walked over and glanced at the black keys and saw some smudges of grease.
That was gross.
“It happens. I can’t get this puzzle app out of my head. I was making progress.”
“That’s great,” she said. “I’m happy for you.”
“It’s been a good day. I found a place and signed a six-month lease.”
“That was fast. I didn’t think you’d find something that quickly.”
“It’s not available until May first. I’ll talk to someone at the desk and see if I can extend my stay another two weeks here. If not, I’ll find another hotel, but thought I’ve got an in with someone here and hoped you’d pull some strings.”
The heat hit her belly, traveling up her chest. He was moving fast. Maybe faster than anticipated.
Or expected.
Shewantedit. She just didn’t think it’d happen like this.
He was true to his word. Something she valued.
“I’m sure we can find you a room or even keep you here in this one. I can take care of that for you.”
The urge to offer her apartment was riding on the tip of her tongue screaming for an escape.
It was best not to test those waters just yet.
Her tiny place wouldn’t give him room to work and if he spent his time like this, she didn’t want to come home to the clutter either.
“I knew you’d come through for me. Were you looking for a quickie on a break?” he asked, his eyebrows wiggling some, his hand reaching for hers again.
She pulled it back before he could tempt her more.
She wouldnotfall for his charm right now. Not on the clock.
Maybe later though.
“No quickie. I had a meeting with Hunter. I had to inform him that your mother had found out where you were and your room number without your knowledge. We take that very seriously.”
“It’s not a big deal,” he said.
“It is to our business. Did she indicate how she came about that information?”
“No. She’d never give it up. Finding where I’m staying was easy. She’s got private investigators on staff. She took a guess once she got your name.”
That was what she hoped.
“But she found out your room. My staff insist it wasn’t them. I questioned everyone that was on duty a few days before and the day she arrived. I believe them.”
Which didn’t mean someone wasn’t lying, but she didn’t think any of her staff would risk their jobs. It’s not like Arik was some celebrity. To them he was another guest who had some money. They saw that daily.
“I’m not sure what to tell you. My mother could have seen and followed me. Had me followed too. Though I’m not sure she would have gone to those lengths. Not for an Easter dinner or to meet you so early.”
Just the thought any parent would do that had the helicopter mom signs lighting up.
Though Arik made it sound as if he wasn’t close with either of his parents.
She sure didn’t witness it.
