“Why?” I flick through the channels on the TV, searching for a movie.
“Because there are no rooms left.”
“Oh, what a shame. This is Rome. Find another hotel.” I pop a piece of popcorn into my mouth while the trailer plays for a romance movie.
“I don’t need another hotel when you have a double room.” His voice is clipped and I imagine the twitch in his lip while he loosens his tie in frustration.
A smile spreads across my face as I pop another piece of popcorn into my mouth. “I already have a date tonight, thanks.”
“What?” His footsteps carry through the handset. “If you don’t tell me what room you’re in, I’ll break down every damn door in this hotel.”
My stomach pops as if the popcorn is having a party in there. “You’re not ruining my date night. Find another hotel.”
“Date night over my dead body. Get rid of him before I doit for you.” Heavy breaths come through the speaker. “Do you want me to call your mother?”
Ugh. My shoulders deflate, remembering what Mamma said today. “Room 89.” I hang up the phone and jump as the hotel door thumps. The bag of popcorn topples, spilling out onto the bed.
I tie my robe tight to hide my nightdress and catch my reflection in the mirror. A sheet mask stuck to my face. Stuff it. If he wants to stay here, he can put up with my chick flick and pamper night. I look through the peephole.
Dan’s clenched jaw is the first thing I see as he fiddles with his tie, his neck tilts to the side, then the other, his knuckles white as he balls his hands into fists as if gearing up for a fight.
With a small giggle, I swing the door open. “You come to join me on my date?”
His dark eyes flick over me, his brow wrinkling as he takes in the mask on my face. He barges past me into the room. “Where is he?” Dan drops his holdall onto the floor and stomps into the bathroom.
I close the door and can’t stop the giggle bursting out of me. “Well, I can’t decide whether to have a date with Zac Efron or Channing Tatum.” I point to the TV. “And if you’re joining us, you’d better be quiet.”
His eyes narrow as he glares at me. “You think this is funny?”
More laughter spills out of me, my mask wrinkling as it slips down my face.
“You won’t be laughing when I take the remote.” He crosses his arms over his broad chest, his jaw ticking as he watches me plop back onto the bed, completely unbothered by his fuming presence. He’s probably still frustrated from our little fumble this afternoon.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he made the whole “no rooms at the inn” thing up just to get in my bed and in my knickersagain. He’s a master at manipulation and if lying were an Olympic sport, he’d win gold every time.
The movie plays the intro toMagic Mike. I lean back on a cushion and get myself comfy while hoovering up the fallen popcorn with my hand and mouth.
Dan yanks his tie off and throws it on the dresser. “You can turn this shit off.”
I raise an eyebrow, pushing my sheet mask back into place. “Last time I checked, I’m paying for this room, so I’ll watch whatever I please.”
He leans over me, gripping the headboard, his face inches from mine. “Last time I checked, the airline paid for this room.”
“Fine, let’s watch whatever you want. Maybe there’s a documentary on how to be an arse.” I lift my finger in the air. “Oh wait. You already are one.”
His lips twitch like he’s resisting a smirk, but his arms stay locked either side of me, his biceps bulging under his white shirt. “I’m not watching a film where you drool over shirtless men.”
Something flutters in my chest, but I keep my face solemn under my pink mask. “How inconsiderate of me. I’m sorry. The last thing I want to do is make you jealous.”
He laughs, lets go of the headboard, and unbuttons his shirt. “I’m not jealous.”
I pat the side of the bed. “Then sit down and prove it. Popcorn?” I shake the bag, the kernels rustling.
Dan glares as if I’ve just offered him cyanide. “No, thanks.”
I toss a handful into my mouth. “Suit yourself, but standing for a two-hour movie is going to be hard on those old man knees.”
He chuckles as he unbuckles his belt and I try not to glance at him, but my eyes wander at the clink of his belt. “My knees are strong enough to hold you up against thatwall and fuck you senseless. I can prove that to you if you like.”
