Chapter Eleven
Jess
I pretend to be asleep when Nick comes back to the room, and it’s the most restful portion of the evening. How am I supposed to relax when I know what happened in the depths of my subconscious the night before? Sure, I built a wall of pillows between us this time, but something tells me my horniness and my intense attraction to Nick Matthews aren’t going to let a little fluffy down get in the way of pressing against his rock-hard body.
And so, since I never really go to sleep, I make sure to “wake up” well before him. I dress in the same jeans and sweater as the day before, hoping today is the day the storm abates so I don’t have to keep washing my bra and underwear in the sink. Though I did get a bit of sick pleasure from leaving my lacy red undergarments to dry in the bathroom, where there’s no way Nick could miss seeing them. Payback for him noticing me ogling him the other night when he stripped off his shirt. If he wants to play the who’ll-give-in-to-the-sexual-tension-first game, I’m a more than willing participant. I fully plan to come out on top.
Probably not the best way to phrase that, given the circumstances.
As quietly as I can, I grab my laptop and a key and let myself out of the room. It’s still dark outside, and the coffee counter in the lobby is not officially open yet, but the barista takes one look at me and makes me a double peppermint mocha. Thank god for baristas.
Since there’s no one else in the lobby save the lone employee behind the reception desk, I make myself comfortable in one of the cozy armchairs near the fireplace. The fire roars to life as I sit down, and my eyes fly to the employee, who holds up a remote and flashes me a smile. I return it and settle in to write.
But as so often has been the case lately, nothing comes. The previous day must have been a total fluke, probably brought on by something I don’t want to acknowledge.
Okay, I don’twantto acknowledge it, like even thinking about it might make it true, but I had the most productive writing session I’ve had in over a week. Right after waking up in Nick’s arms.
I refuse to give weight to that thought, focusing my attention instead on the story in front of me. The second-chance romance that will end with an HEA, not the one I’m living where there will be no second chance and definitely no romance. I manage to get a couple sentences down on the page, but I know reading them back that they are going to end up getting cut.
But, I tell myself, this is why we have revisions. The important thing right now is to get something written. I can’t edit a blank space, but between myself, my agent, and myeditor, we can make even the roughest of rough drafts into a decent book. Hopefully.
And yes, I want more than just a decent book. I have dreams, plenty of goals still left unfulfilled. I’d love to hit a list or sell a movie option or be in some kind of fancy book box.
All things Nick has already done.
My eyes narrow on the screen, but I block him out of my head. This is my writing time, and I’m not going to let him intrude on my brain any further.
I stare at the screen for long enough that by the time I come up for air, the coffee shop line is snaking through the lobby and the restaurant is packed with breakfast goers.
Now that I’ve seen all the people, the noise of the room starts to seep into my brain. I’d blocked it out for a while, so lost in my own process—or lack thereof, if we’re being honest—but now that I’ve heard the chatter, I know I won’t be able to turn it off. I pack up my laptop, thinking I might grab some breakfast and maybe see about one of those massages.
My phone buzzes before I can abandon the noisy center of the lobby.
Alyssa:Are you still alive? You were supposed to let us know when you got home safely last night!
Shit. I totally forgot, in the haze of my anger at Nick, to let my friends know I was still stuck here. It would probably be easier to tell them I’m back at home, but I can’t lie to them, and something tells me I might need them to keep me grounded if I’m going to be trapped here with Nick for another few days.
Me:Yeah, so funny story. The storm is still going strong, and so I’m still here at the inn.
Me:And also, they lost my reservation and I don’t exactly have a room because no one has been able to leave.
Kennedy:So where the hell are you staying then?
Alyssa:OMG!! Are you okay?!?!? I’m so sorry, Jess! I should have been there with you!
Me:You being here would just mean we are both trapped, I’m glad you’re safe at home!
Kennedy:Don’t think you can avoid my question. Where have you been sleeping if you don’t have a room?
Me:So funnier story. As I was attempting to check in, Nick was also checking in and of course they didn’t lose his reservation so he offered to let me stay with him, so that’s where I’ve slept for the last two nights.
My phone is still and silent for the next two minutes. Alyssa is able to get it together first.
Alyssa:Are you okay?
Her simple question almost brings tears to my eyes. No judgment, just a desperately needed check-in.
Me:I don’t know, honestly.
