SIX
Brittany adjusted the tight, black skirt around her thighs, and smoothed a hand down the snug fitting, stretchy blue shirt with elbow-length sleeves. She kept a few buttons of the shirt open at her throat, not caring if it didn’t show enough cleavage. She knew her role, but she refused to look too slutty.
As she watched the floors move by on the elevator’s wall panel, she touched her finger to the earpiece hidden in her ear. “I hope you can hear me,” she said softly.
“I can.” Kurt’s voice came across loud and clear. “And just relax. You look gorgeous.”
Inwardly, she groaned. She didn’t need to hearthat. “Thanks, Hamill. I’m happy you approve of my Halloween costume.”
His laughter from the other end made her smile, but it didn’t make her relax at all. What worried her more than coming face to face with Austin again, was knowing that Kurt could now hear their conversation. Her gut twisted. She hadn’t told Kurt about the kiss she shared with the perp, and if she had it her way, Kurt wouldneverfind out. It was degrading enough that she’d lowered herself and allowed Austin to seduce her into a passionate kiss. She couldn’t allow it to happen again.
The elevator doors opened and she stepped into the hallway, wearing her black, high heeled stilettos. Shoulders back, chin lifted, she walked toward the familiar door as her heart frantically beat against her ribs. Good grief, if the noise from her heartbeat was any louder, the first floor would be able to hear.
Her stomach twisted in knots, making its own pretzels. She tried to breathe slower in hopes that it would calm her down, but her fast pulse let her know nothing would be coming to a halt anytime soon. She may as well be running a 4k race. If her heart was going to get exercise, her legs should, as well.
Taking a deep breath for courage, she raised her hand and knocked. Then waited. There was nothing but silence from the other side of the door. She hesitated a couple more seconds before knocking again. Still nothing. Was he taking another shower? Well, she wasn’t about to go inside this time just to find out. Not even if he slipped and fell on the wet floor.
“I don’t think he’s home,” she said so Kurt could hear her.
“The hotel clerk told me Mr. Reeder would be in his suite this afternoon.”
She shrugged. “Maybe he’s resting, then.”
“Knock harder.”
Irritated, she did as Kurt requested and knocked harder. Still, there was no sound on the other side.
“I think the hotel clerk was wrong,” she said.
“Me, too.”
She moved back to the elevator and walked inside. She pressed the button of the floor she wanted. There was no use waiting around here. When the doors closed, she released a sigh of relief. And yet, inevitable, she would have to meet up with the perp sometime, and then she’d have to talk to him.
“He’s not here, so I’m coming down.”
Kurt grumbled. “We’ll try again later.”
“Yes, we will.”
“I’m shutting down my earpiece now.”
“Me, too.” She reached to her ear just as the elevator doors opened on the seventh floor. She scooted to the corner, readying for others to join her on her ride down. But only a single man walked in. A very familiar, single man.
When Austin Reeder’s gaze met hers, he gasped and froze in his step. She groaned in silence, leaving the earpiece where it was, just in case. What was he doing on the seventh floor instead of up in his own suite?
His eyes widened. “It’s you!”
Apparently, her acting began now, not later. She licked her lips and moistened her suddenly dry throat with a hard swallow. “Yes, it’s me.”
“What…are you doing here?” he asked as he came inside and pressed the key to the second floor.
“I, um…”Are you kidding me? Tongue-tied again? This is definitely not like you, Russell! Get a grip!She cleared her throat. “I’m actually here to see you.”
“Me?”
She couldn’t tell for sure, but it appeared as though he held his breath. “Yes. I came to…apologize.” She almost couldn’t get that last word out. She really hated begging for forgiveness. Kurt knew she didn’t like sayingI’m sorry. Perhaps that’s why he laughed while telling her about his great idea of what to say to the perp.
“You did? Why?”
