He pulled a face, nodding slowly.“Yeah, I could see how that could be inconvenient.”A pause.“But even so, I think I’ll risk it.I’d like to go.”
It seemed improbable, even with him insisting.“I mean, if you’re sure...”One last opportunity for him to change his mind.
Kai chuckled.“It’s a date.”
Chapter Fourteen
Even after years ofstaying in hotels, my stomach still knotted when I was checking in with another guy.It’s a strange situation to begin with, of course.Standing there in either awkward silence or amid equally awkward small-talk, waiting as the hotel receptionist does an improbably large amount of typing on a screen you can’t see.Wondering whether they’re simultaneously judging you for being gay is just the added anxiety I would heap on top.
I wasn’t sure whether the fact that the woman at the desk was clearly distracted by Kai next to me helped, or just added to that tension.The way she briefly muttered “thanks” when I handed over my credit card, only to immediately look back and smile at him, would’ve made me laugh had I not been so tense generally.I probably could’ve guffawed and she wouldn’t have even noticed.
“Are you here for the conference?”she asked, as her fingers struck out morse code on her computer.Either she was very good at her job or just typing gibberish, as her attention was very much fixed on Kai and not watching the display.
Kai smiled at her, somehow managing to look relaxed and comfortable despite the early start and a flight with more than its share of complaining kids.“He is,” he replied, tilting his head at me.“I’m just along for moral support.”
She smiled back, eyes flicking to take me in as though it was the first time she’d noticed I was there at all.“Well that’s nice of you,” she cooed, “you’re a very good...”
I bit the edge of my tongue as her voice trailed off.I wasn’t sure how one random woman we met less than two minutes ago had managed to raise the question we - well, I - had been dancing around for weeks.Too confused to know the answer, and yet too obsessed not to chew over the possibilities again and again.
Somehow Kai’s smile got bigger.“Oh, I am, very good,” he told her, neatly skirting the question but in such a charming way - the wink helped, I was sure - that all she could do was grin in return.Was that the slightest of blushes I could see across her cheeks?The lobby lighting made it hard to be certain.
“Well, here are your keys” - she held the cardboard packet out to Kai - “and you’re in room 6215.Down the hall, to the elevators, then turn left on the sixth floor.And if you need anything, any help at all, I’m Janelle and I’d be happy to be of assistance.”
I opened my mouth to thank her, then realized it probably didn’t make much difference whether I said it or not.I’d faded into the blind spot again.
“Does that happen a lot?”I asked him, when we were alone in the elevator.
Kai turned to look at me.“Does what happen?”
I chuckled.“Pretty women flirting with you, as though, oh shucks” - I forced a coquettish giggle - “you’re just the most handsomest boy I ever darn saw!”
He made a face, smirking.“I hadn’t noticed.”
My turn to look disbelieving.“Oh, sure.What it must be like for the beautiful people, always wafting through life as the center of attention.”
Kai leaned in, until he was pressed firmly against my shoulder.“And yet how long was I flirting with you, and how long did it take you to realize?”
