I compare the two of them in my mind. Luke is as forward as McHottie is mysterious. They are both tall, but McHottie is beefy and broad, whereas Luke seems strong and sleek. They are both fair, but their hair and eyes are striking opposites. McHottie has been serious and mercurial, whereas Luke seems almost playful in contrast. They really are night and day.
I’d love to see a side by side, preferably naked.The thought lights my face up with a smile so big my cheeks ache. Despite my fatigue, my musings on the two guys who have turned up in my life have passed the quick mile trek back to the hotel in record time.
As I walk through the lobby, I inhale a deep lungful of their signature scent as I cross to the elevator. Instead of enjoying its lightness, though, this time, I wish it were darker and spicy. A mix of leather, tobacco, and cinnamon would be perfect.
“Ms. St. James?” The clerk who checked me in earlier today at the front desk calls out to me, stopping me in my tracks.
“Yes,” I reply, walking over, curiosity stamped on my face.
“This came for you,” she says, handing me an envelope with my full name beautifully written in bold calligraphy across the thick red stationery.
“Thank you,” I say as I take the envelope, frowning at it. I get in the elevator, hitting the button for the fifth floor. I juggle the garment bag over to my other arm. It was heavy to carry the entire way back to the hotel, but I didn’t want to leave it with my other items for pickup tomorrow.
I’m dying of curiosity, so hurry back to my room, eager to set down the weight of the bag from my aching arms. I swipe my room key and enter, welcoming the chilly blast of the air conditioning. After I hang my new duds in the closet, I walk over to the window.
I absently rub the back of my neck as it prickles, by now getting accustomed to the strange feeling. I remind myself McHottie can’t be in my hotel room and turn my attention to the enigmatic mail.
I look at the envelope in the sunlight, noting a faint iridescence to the heavy red paper and admire how my name is so magnificent in the bold calligraphy. Wondering what on earth this could be, I turn it over and find a thick gold wax seal over the flap embossed with a stylized raven.
I trace it with my finger and then break the seal to find a ticket inside for tonight’s entertainment at the expo. Written in bold letters, I see the name of the show, Cirque Maléfique, and the designation of VIP. Flipping it over, I find a handwritten note on the back in the same beautiful calligraphy that says,
I request the pleasure of your company this evening.
That’s strange. I thought it was just a general admission. The ticket must be some kind of perk, perhaps for the massive amount of money I dropped today, but how would they know what hotel I am staying at?
I peek back in the envelope for more clues, but it’s empty. Curiouser and curiouser. Or maybe when I registered for the expo, there was something about hotel accommodations and I just don’t remember filling it out, which is entirely possible. Perhaps everyone got one of these delivered. If so, their marketing is incredible.
I flop down on the bed and toe off my Converse, letting them fall to the floor. Might as well think this through while I relax. I had planned on taking a nap, but the note and ticket have me amped back up now. Why hadn’t I brought a cooler outfit for tonight? Or at least better shoes.
What if I see Luke? I’d love to look a little hotter than my jeans and converse. Well, I guess I’ll just have to go full war paint then. I spin around and prop my legs up against the headboard and text Jo.
Lieshe
Hey babe, I met a super hot dude at the expo.
Jo
Whattttt????? Spill
Lieshe
Think ginger, long-haired model with Van Dyke facial hair.
Jo
Ew. You know I hate facial hair. It’s like pubes ?? but on your face.
Lieshe
Really? That’s what you took away from that text?
Jo
[sends GIF of Carrot Top]
Jo
Does he look like this?
