If anything happened to him…
I gulp half of my wine, and Jamie charges it to my room. Then I slide off the stool and make a beeline for the lobby. He calls after me, “Have a good night!”
I spin in place to tell him, “You too,” before powerwalking to find Isaac.
I spot him on his phone with a blanket draped on his lap, seated in one of the large chairs across from the front desk. As I approach, he glances up, my favorite dimple appearing the moment he sees me. I don’t have time to swoon at his boyish grin and lay into him. “What are you doing?” I whisper-shout.
“I was just texting you.” He tilts his phone to show me, and sure enough, he was drafting a text to me.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I narrow my eyes on him. “The bartender said you’re sleeping out here?”
“The hotel is fully booked.” Isaac shrugs, and while his smile falls, his eyes are still bright.
“Can’t you room with Tim? Or someone else on your staff? You’re the Prime Minister, for fuck’s sake.”
“Everyone is already doubling up, sharing beds, couches are full… I’d rather my staff get a good night’s sleep. So, I’ll be taking a little nap out here in the lobby each night.”
Such a martyr.
Okay, fine, it’s actually really sweet.
I glance over to the reception desk, then back to Isaac. “One sec.” Making my way over to one of the available attendants, I ask her, “Would you be able to provide me an extra key to my room?”
“Of course.” She begins typing something into the computer. “What is the room number?”
“612. It should be under Olivia Harris.”
“Ah, yes. I’ll just need to see your ID.” I show her my driver’s license, then she creates a keycard for me, sliding it across the counter when it’s ready. “Is there anything else I can assist you with, Governor Harris?”
“No, thank you.” I head back to Isaac, who I doubt has taken his eyes off me since I wandered over to the reception desk. I settle into the chair beside him and check that no one is watching as I discreetly hand him the card. His brows pinch, and there’s no harm in keeping a little bit of mystery. All I tell him is, “Room 612,” then stand, sling my purse over my shoulder, and head toward the elevator bank. Glancing over my shoulder, he hasn’t moved, but I also don’t think he’s figured out it’s my room.
One of the elevators pings before the doors open, and I step inside. Once I’m to my floor, I walk briskly to my room, hoping I have enough time to clean up a little before he comes. My heart thumps wildly in my chest, and my hands are a little shaky as I open the door. With Aubrey and Tracy next door, there’s no wayin hell Isaac and I will do anything more than sleep. We’ll have to keep it a secret, but if one of us sneaks out early enough each morning, it should be fine. If we get caught, I’ll claim he slept on the sofabed.
Then again, when have we ever been able to keep our hands to ourselves?
22
Isaac
As soon as Olivia’s out of sight, I glance down at the white keycard with the hotel logo, curious how she was able to get a room for me. She mentioned that the bartender told her I was in the lobby, but the only people who know are my team and the front desk. I’m a little concerned about safety, since it seems word travels fast here.
Shrugging off the blanket and setting it on the chair beside me, I stand and make my way over to the bar, surprised to find James there. My brows furrow. “James?”
He glances around nervously. “Oh. Hello, Prime Minister.”
“What are you doing behind the bar?”
“I’m working,” he replies flatly. “Would you like a drink?”
“No.” I shake my head. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little confused. You work here?”
“Just part-time. But I assure you, it doesn’t affect my other job.”
He’s one of the most dedicated people on my staff; why would he need to work a second job? Do I not pay him enough? Thethought sours my stomach; no one on my team should have to work multiple jobs. I’ll need to remedy it as soon as I’m back in office.
“There was a woman here earlier—Governor Harris. Did you, by chance, tell her that I was in the lobby?”
James’ eyes widen. “It sort of slipped out. She didn’t know we were snowed-in for the week, and I accidentally mentioned you didn’t have a room.”
