“Of course, Mr. Kingston,” she says, typing rapidly on her keyboard. “We actually have several guests extending due to the weather. Would you like to keep the same room?”
“That's fine,” I say, pulling out my credit card. Expensing that right back to SCU.
As she processes the extension, movement at the hotel bar catches my eye. I turn my head and immediately wish I hadn't. Hennessy is perched on a barstool, laughing at something the bartender is saying as he mixes her drink. She's wearing tight jeans and a cream-colored top that slips off one shoulder, exposing skin that I've had my mouth on.
Of course she's still here. The universe clearly has it out for me.
“Your room is all set, Mr. Kingston,” the clerk says, handing back my card. “We've extended your stay through tomorrow, though you're welcome to check out earlier if the roads clear. You can also extend again if needed.”
“Thanks,” I mutter, not taking my eyes off Hennessy. Shehasn't noticed me yet, too busy charming the pants off the bartender who's looking at her like she's his next meal.
I should go to my room. Order room service and watch game tape. Anything but stand here staring at her like some lovesick teenager.
Instead, I find myself walking toward the bar, my feet moving of their own accord. The bartender spots me first, his smile faltering slightly as I approach. Hennessy turns to follow his gaze, and the smile that spreads across her face is pure sin.
“Coach King,” she says, raising her glass in greeting. “Looks like we're both stuck here for the duration.”
The bartender glances between us, clearly sensing the tension. “Can I get you something, sir?”
“Whiskey,” I say, not taking my eyes off Hennessy. “Neat.”
“Celebrating the end of the conference?” Hennessy asks innocently, taking a sip of her brightly colored cocktail. “Or drowning your sorrows because you have to spend another night in this hotel?”
“Neither,” I growl, sliding onto the stool next to her. The bartender places my drink in front of me, and I take a long swallow, welcoming the burn. “Just trying not to freeze to death on the highway.”
“Smart man,” she says, twirling the straw in her drink. “My dad left just before the advisory. Hopefully, he makes it back before the worst hits.”
The bartender leans across the counter toward Hennessy. “Can I get you another?” His eyes linger on her exposed shoulder, and I feel my fingers tighten around myglass.
“She's fine,” I answer for her, earning a raised eyebrow from Hennessy and a confused look from the bartender.
“I think I can speak for myself, Coach,” she says, but there's amusement dancing in her eyes. She turns to the bartender. “I'm good for now, thanks.”
He nods reluctantly, moving away to serve another customer.
“Jealous?” she asks, voice low enough that only I can hear.
“Of that kid? Please.” I take another sip of whiskey. “He looks like he still gets carded for lottery tickets.”
She laughs, the sound sliding down my spine like warm honey. “He's twenty-six, actually. We were chatting earlier. He's working here while getting his MBA.”
“Fascinating,” I deadpan, fighting the urge to look over my shoulder to make sure the little shit isn't still staring at her. “You always get bartenders' life stories within five minutes of meeting them?”
“Only the cute ones,” she says with a wicked smile.
My jaw clenches. The thought of her flirting with this guy, maybe even taking him back to her room, makes something dark and violent stir in my chest. I'm not a fucking teenager. I shouldn't give a shit who she talks to.
But I do. God help me, I fucking do.
“You know,” she continues, leaning closer, “if you wanted my attention, you could just ask for it instead of glaring at poor Chad like you're planning his murder.”
Chad. Of course, his name is fucking Chad.
“I'm not planning his murder,” I mutter, though the thought had crossed my mind. “That would be messy. Especially during a blizzard.”
“Fair point,” she concedes, eyes twinkling. “Hard to dispose of a body in eighteen inches of snow.”
Despite myself, I feel the corner of my mouth rise. “Not if you know what you're doing.”
