By the timethe hotel doors slide open in Dallas, everyone is done. Keke storms in behind Liev, forcing me to leave Dani and Marco behind to keep pace with her. Her sunglasses are still on even though it’s late evening and we’re standing under a massive chandelier.
“I can’t believe this. I had stores picked out I wanted to go to.”
“You still have tomorrow,” Dani sighs.
“No, I won’t,” Keke snaps. “They’ve got me under hotel arrest now.”
The desk clerk looks up as we approach, smiling brightly. “Good evening. Welcome?—”
Liev steps forward, and the man looks like he’s swallowed his tongue. “We’re checking in. Three rooms. Two junior suites and a double room adjoining one of the suites.”
“Yes, sir, we have your rooms ready per the notes on the reservation.” His smile brightens when he addresses Keke. “Ms. Novak, welcome. We’re happy to have you.”
Keke slides her sunglasses down her nose and stares at him over the top. “I need a room with a real tub.”
“You have one,” The clerk assures her.
“And I want to go shopping tonight.”
The clerk blinks. “I’m… not sure how I can help with that.”
“Keke, it’s late. And Todd said—” Marco begins to say.
“I don’t care.”
“Let’s get settled in the rooms.” Liev sounds like he’s chewing glass.
The clerk slides the keys across the counter and is listing the amenities when his words bring my heart to a stuttering stop.
Liev hears them too. “A king bed?”
The clerk checks again. “Yes, sir. That’s correct.”
“We booked a double.”
He types and then frowns at the screen. “Unfortunately, with the requirements provided.” He lists them off. “Rooms on the third or fourth floor, near the stairwell, and adjoining rooms with doors… This is the only option.”
“We need two beds,” Liev repeats.
“I’m sorry, sir. We’re fully booked for junior suites, unless you’d like smaller rooms…”
“It’s fine.” Liev’s eyes whip to me, and I lift an eyebrow. “We’ll make it work.”
Keke is still complaining when we reach her door. “I’m not leaving this room tonight. If anyone so much as breathes near my door—” She disappears inside and slams her hotel door before finishing.
Liev opens the door to our room, and I drop my bag by the chair before gesturing at the elephant in the room. “We’re adults.”
The air feels heavier than it should.
“If it makes you uncomfortable?—”
“It doesn’t,” I cut in. “It’s a bed.”
He studies me. “Okay.”
My phone buzzes and I glance at the message. “Her Highness ordered room service again.”
“I’ll stand in the hall until she gets it,” Liev volunteers. “Order ours?”
