She laughs again, and I find myself wanting to make her do it more. It's a dangerous feeling.
“So,” she says, shifting on her stool so her knee brushes against mine. “Looks like we're trapped together for at least another night. Any thoughts on how to pass the time?”
The images that flash through my mind would make a porn star blush.
The bartender clears his throat, still hovering. “We're showing the Bruins game in the lounge later, if you're interested.”
I turn slowly to face him, letting him see exactly how much I don't appreciate his interruption. “Do I look like I give a fuck about the Bruins right now?”
His eyes widen, and he takes a step back. “I'll just…check on my other customers.”
Hennessy laughs as he scurries away. “Was that necessary? He's just doing his job.”
“His job isn't staring at your tits while he does it,” I growl, taking another swallow of whiskey.
“Because you should know by now, you're the only one who gets to do more than look.” She leans even closer, her breath warm against my ear.
“You shouldn't say shit like that,” I mutter, knocking back the rest of my whiskey and signaling for another.
“Why not?” She runs her finger around the rim of her glass, eyes locked on mine. “It's the truth.”
Hennessy glances at her watch and sighs. “Shit, I've got to go.” She slips off the barstool, gathering her purse. “I havean appointment at the spa in five minutes. Massage and facial package. Can't be late or they'll give my spot away.”
“The spa,” I repeat flatly. “In the middle of a blizzard.”
She shrugs, the cream-colored top slipping further down her shoulder. “If I'm stuck here, might as well make the most of it. Besides,” she leans down, her lips brushing against my ear, “after what you did to me, my muscles could use some attention.”
Before I can respond, she straightens up and leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. The innocent gesture feels more intimate than it should, her lips lingering just long enough to leave the ghost of her warmth on my skin. The scent of her, sugar and cinnamon floods my senses.
“See you later, Beck,” she whispers, then turns and walks away.
I watch her go, unable to tear my eyes away until she disappears around the corner toward the spa.
“Man, you are one lucky fucking guy,” Chad says, shaking his head as he wipes down the bar. “She's something else.”
I turn to look at him, my jaw clenched. “Fuck,” I mutter, then down my second whiskey in one burning swallow. I slam the glass down harder than necessary and stand up. “Put it on my room.”
My room feels emptier than it did this morning. I toss my duffel on the bed and stare out the window at the snow, which is coming down in thick, angry sheets now. The parking lot is already covered, the cars looking like white lumps under the accumulating powder.
I'm officially trapped here. With her. In this hotel. For at least another twenty-four hours.
Pulling out my phone, I check for updates from Maris. Atext confirms they made it back safely, just before the worst of the storm hit. At least I don't have to worry about my players. Campus might be a shitshow of drunk hockey players by tomorrow, but at least they're not dead on the highway.
Maybe I can just stay in my room for the rest of the time, and it’ll be like I don’t even know she’s here.
Best idea I’ve had in a while.
Chapter 11
Hennessy
My entire body feels like it's been dipped in warm honey, muscles loose and skin glowing after three hours of pure bliss. Money might not buy happiness, but it definitely buys a hot stone massage, hydrating facial, and a mani-pedi that has my toes and fingers looking like little festive masterpieces.
I adjust the plush hotel robe around my shoulders, making sure the thin tank and shorts I'm wearing underneath are covered enough to be decent. Not that I particularly care about decency, but the last thing I need is some pearl-clutching snowed-in hotel guest complaining about me. My chanclas slap against my heels as I walk, the familiar sound comforting as I make my way through the lobby.
The snow is still coming down in thick sheets outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the world beyond them a blur of white. If I have to be snowed in somewhere, this hotel with its luxury spa, restaurant, and bar is definitely not theworst place. I hum to myself, feeling lighter than I have in days despite being trapped.
Heading over to the front desk, I want to check something. The last thing I need is to get hangry because I missed the kitchen closing.
