“Once I fell asleep, I slept hard.”
“I see that.” I grin, nodding down at his crotch.
Blushing, he reaches into his bag and grabs a navy hoodie and covers himself.
“It’s a normal biological response,” he mutters. “Don’t make a big deal out of it, okay?”
“Right, silly me to presume otherwise.” I roll my eyes dramatically. “Well, I’m just going to use the bathroom, and then I would like to figure out how I’m going to get all my stuff.”
“Uh-huh,” he says, trying to avoid eye contact. “Yeah, sure. I’m just…um…going to put clothes on. Then I’ll order us coffee.”
“Good idea. I know how much you need your caffeine first thing in the morning.” I bite the inside of my bottom lip, trying to suppress a smile at Ryan’s obvious discomfort as I turn and retreat into the bathroom. Tongue-tied Ryan is adorable.
When I return after freshening up a short time later, Ryan has put on his hoodie and running shoes. A backward hat sitson his head, and he looks positively delicious. Never have I ever seen Ryan dressed for pure comfort, and I like what I see.
He glances up from his phone when I enter the room. “I got ahold of Vaughan. He arranged for a new key for your room to be ready at the front desk. He apologized for the inconvenience.”
“Perfect,” I say as I walk across the room and look out the window. “Did you see this view? It’s even prettier here in the daylight.”
Down below, autumn perennials line the natural stone pathway that leads to the waterfront. Throughout the expansive garden, someone arranged wooden benches and chairs in private seating areas. Some maple trees still hold on to what remains of their red leaves. It really is the perfect place to escape. When he doesn’t respond, I glance over my shoulder and catch him staring at the back of my thighs.
“Eyes up here, Pretty Boy,” I say, slowly turning around.
Clearing his throat, he gestures with his thumb over his shoulder. “I’m going to head down to get your key and grab your bag from your room, okay?”
“I can go. I just need to throw on my jeans. I don’t think Vaughan would appreciate me walking through his hotel in my panties and your T-shirt.”
“No,” he objects quickly. Clearing his throat, he says, “I’m already dressed.”
“That’s great, thank you. My bag is the black backpack sitting on the dresser. There’s also a leather jacket somewhere. If anything gets left behind or you accidentally grab something of April’s, we can sort it out later before we head home.”
“Vaughan asked if I would drive you back to Emerley. Apparently, April tried to call you, and it went straight to voicemail. Your phone was on the bedside table, so I plugged it in when you were in the bathroom.”
“Remind me not to go anywhere with April ever again,” I grumble.
Sure, Ryan and I had fun together last night, but he shouldn’t be forced into spending time with me. Losing my room key wasn’t her fault, though. That’s all on me.
“I don’t mind driving you; I’m heading back this morning anyway.” He lifts the corner of his mouth. “Breakfast will be here shortly. I can wait for it to be delivered before I get your things.”
“It’s okay. You go ahead, and I’ll be here when it arrives.”
After hesitating for a moment, he says, “There is a robe on the back of the bathroom door. Put it on before you answer the door and make sure you check the peephole.”
“Yes, sir.” I mock-salute him and throw myself backwards onto the bed.
Shaking his head, he huffs and leaves the room, shutting the door softly behind him. Rolling to my side, I grab my phone off the table to check my multiple missed messages. When I see who they are from, I choose to check the ones from my friends first.
April
Good morning! I hope you had a great time last night. It sure looked like you were having fun
Thanks for going back to Emerley with Ryan I just need one more night - IYKYK lol
XOXO
I’m not happy that you ditched me, but yes, I had fun. Enjoy the rest of your weekend
There are a bunch of messages in our Book Club group chat confirming everyone is going to Hannah’s this afternoon. Perfect. I can’t wait to see my friends.
