“I called earlier this week to add a second room to the reservation, were you able to get them on the same floor?” I ask politely. Not that it really matters where our rooms are, but for convenience, I’m hoping we’re close by.
The clerk stares at their computer screen for what seems like too long, then looks at me apologetically. “I’m so sorry, Miss Chapman, but it seems there was an error in processing that request. I don’t see a second room added to your reservation.”
“Oh, okay,” I say. “Well, can you just add one now?”
The clerk’s frown deepens. “Unfortunately, no. We’re fully booked tonight. Not only do we have the Chapman wedding, but we also have a convention in town that booked the rest of our rooms. I do apologize for the inconvenience, but we only have your original booking available.”
My original booking was for a single queen room. The cheapest option since I’m footing the bill for myself. I feel the heat start to rise from my chest. “You’re sure you have nothing else?” My voice is sounding shrill even to my ears. Just then, a warm hand lands on my upper back.
“It’s fine. Thank you.” He takes the key from the clerk and guides us toward the elevator.
“Jude, I’m so sorry. I honestly did call and try to get a second room. This is embarrassing. I can find somewhere else to stay. Maybe with my parents or something.”
I’m babbling and panicking but honestly, this couldn’t get any worse. How the heck are we meant to share a room with only one bed?
The elevator doors close on us, and Jude turns to me, placing his hands on my shoulders. He looks so calm, so at ease. I have no clue how or why.
“Lily, it’s fine. Breathe for me, okay?”
I nod rapidly.
His lips start to almost turn up but then they stop. “I mean it. Deep breaths.”
I force air out of my lungs and drag in a deep breath.
“That’s better. Now. We’re both adults here, we can figure this out. Right?”
“How are you so calm?” I blurt out. He lifts his shoulders and lets them fall again.
“In the grand scheme of things, a hotel room doesn’t seem worth freaking out over.”
I arch a brow at him. “Are you still going to think that when I tell you I booked a room with only one bed?”
I don’t intend to insinuate anything with my words, but holy hell. Jude’s eyes darken and his voice goes impossibly deep.
“Like I said, we’re adults. We can figure it out.”
A shiver runs down my spine as an image of Jude stretched out next to me in bed — or better yet, tangled in the sheets with me in bed — runs through my mind.
The elevator chooses that second to open on our floor and the crackling tension is broken. We make our way down the hall in silence, and Jude slides the key card in and opens the door.
I step inside and gulp. The room is small. There’s only one bed. And as Jude steps up behind me, the very feeling of him fills the space completely.
“Right, so, I’ll just, uh, go into the bathroom to get ready. Unless you need to use it.”
Good grief, my voice sounds shrill even to my own ears. Granted, I sort of feel that way right now as well. Completely unhinged and like I have zero control over anything right now. I don’t like it.
I dash into the bathroom, which is, thankfully, a decent size. Leaning against the counter, I force three slow breaths in and out, willing my heart to slow down and my mind to settle.
“You can do this, Lily Chapman,” I whisper to my reflection. With one final nod, I turn and unzip my suitcase, removing my dress, makeup bag, and hair products. Everything gets laid out, and then it’s go time.
Less than an hour later, and with just thirty minutes before the ceremony is due to start, I open the bathroom door cautiously.
“Jude? Is it okay for me to come out?”
“Yep.”
I step out, my heels dangling from my hand. No sense in putting them on until I have to. “You can use the bathroom now.” My words die out as I take in the sight of Jude stretched out on the bed. He’s every woman’s fantasy come to life, in perfectly pressed black pants and a crisp white shirt with a bow tie hanging untied around his neck.
