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What was that in my chest? Was it disappointment? Yes. Yes, it was. I think deep down, I'd hoped he’d offer to come back to my room to... to what? Spend the evening talking?
I was ridiculous.
"Okay, see you," I said, hurrying out of the room. I was beyond lucky that Malcolm and Francesca had stayed away from me this evening. I went through the narrow corridors, yawning. I just needed a good night's sleep, and tomorrow I could do this all over again.
Once I reached my room, I locked the door behind me, kicked off my shoes, and removed my dress. After a quick shower, I changed into my nightie and went to lie in bed, then opened my Kindle.
I typically only read one chapter before I fell asleep. Two chapters later, I accepted that it simply wasn't going to happen tonight. I'd always had problems sleeping, but I'd gotten better at keeping it under control lately. My insomnia came back whenever I was stressed, though. And having to deal with Malcolm yet again definitely counted as stress.
I got up and began pacing a bit. My doctor had instructed me to get out of bed when I couldn’t sleep; if possible, I was supposed to get out of the room too.
Much easier when I was at my apartment. I didn't want to run through the hotel like a weirdo.
I glanced out the window. The moon was huge. It wasn't full yet, but it gave a lot of light. I could go for a walk. Most people were probably still at the bar, but I bet there was no one on the back porch where I'd noticed a seating area earlier today.
I changed into jeans and a sweater, putting on a jacket as well, and headed that way.
***
Dom
I only stayed at the bar for one drink before realizing this wasn't for me. I didn't want to go back to my room. I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep. For sure, I’d fantasize about Reese. It surprised me how obsessed I’d become with her in such a short amount of time.
I needed to clear my head, so I went outside. It was cooler in the evening than it had been during the day, but it was just what I needed. I had to get my thoughts straight and my libido under control.
I walked around the corner, remembering there was a sitting area there. Right now, everyone seemed to be busy schmoozing inside, so with any luck, it would be empty.
I turned around and stopped in my tracks. It wasn't empty. Reese was sitting there, holding her phone. No, wait. It was bigger than that. It had to be a tablet. The light was illuminating her face, which was scrunched up in concentration. She looked fucking adorable.
What was it about this woman that disarmed me so quickly?
Get your shit together, Dom. You need your guard up. Remember what happened the last time you let it down.
"You didn't go to sleep after all," I said.
Reese gasped, straightening up and placing a hand on her chest.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."
"I was so immersed in my book that I didn't even realize you were here." She pressed a button, and the light on her tablet went dark. But the moonlight was strong enough that I could still see her perfectly.
I went up the steps, and she tucked her feet under her, making space for me. The small couch was like a swing, and when I sat down, it moved a bit.
"What were you reading?" I asked.
"A thriller. It wasn't my best idea considering how dark it is around here. I was wondering how I’d manage to go back to my room."
I leaned closer. "Don't worry. I'll be your escort."
She pressed her lips together. I repeated my last sentence, waggling my eyebrows, and we both started laughing at the same time.
"Not my best line," I admitted.
"No, it was just what I needed," she said, holding her belly as laughter shook her. "I didn't think anyone else would be out here."
"It wasn't exactly my scene. And I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep."
"Oh, a fellow insomniac?"
