Page 37 of Lucky 22

Well, not the Magic. Christian.

We pull up to the hotel, and I suddenly feel guilty for anentirely different reason. When Christian mentioned paying for my room, Iwasn’t entirely okay with it, but he wouldn’t budge. But the hotel I’m lookingat right now is a bit swankier than it looked online, and I don’t know how I’msupposed to be okay with the whole thing.

The driver helps me out of the car, and a bellman isimmediately there to assist with my luggage. I’m not used to this level ofservice, and I have no idea who I’m supposed to tip or how much.

I’m no country bumpkin, but I wasn’t prepared for this,and I’m second-guessing my decision to come without setting some boundariesfirst.

Too little, too late, Ella. You’re here now.

I reach into my purse to tip the driver, but he politelydeclines and wishes me a wonderful stay. With nothing left to do, I follow myluggage into the hotel and go to check in. At the front desk, I pull out my IDand credit card and quickly find out that my room is ready, and they don’t needmy card. They simply hand me my room key and a resort map and, once again, wishme a wonderful stay.

I smile, but it feels awkward.

All of it.

I don’t make small talk with the bellhop on the way to theroom, but that’s only because he’s giving me the whole spiel about the hoteland its amenities. I smile and nod, feeling utterly relieved when we arrive atmy room. This time, I make sure to tip. Once I’m alone, I think I may be alittle overwhelmed.

Is Christian’s room next door? I don’t see an adjoiningdoorway, but that doesn’t mean anything. Does everyone on staff know I’m herewith him? Do they know we barely know each other? Are they talking about it?

“Okay, get a grip,” I mumble. “We’re not that newsworthy.”

Stepping farther into the room, I walk over to the windowand look out at the view of the mountains. It’s breathtaking. I instantly relaxand give myself a few minutes to admire the scenery. I don’t know much aboutTempe, but I’m sure I’ll learn all about it over the next several days.

My phone rings, and I realize that I never let Christianknow I arrived at the hotel. Or my mother. But when I look down, I see it’sChristian.

“Hey,” I say when I answer. “I’m here.”

“That’s great. I figured you needed time to get checked inand up to your room. I really wanted to meet you in the lobby, but I justfinished my session, and I’m heading back to the hotel now.”

“How did physical therapy go today?”

“Long and painful,” he says with a laugh. “But we can talkabout it, or not, over dinner. I made reservations at the rooftop restaurant.”

“Oh, wow. You didn’t have to do that. I would have been finejust grabbing some sandwiches or something.” I don’t want him spending all thismoney on me. It’s something we’ll have to discuss sooner rather than later.

“I thought it would be nice for our first night together inTempe,” he says easily. “I should be there in about fifteen minutes. I’m in theroom across the hall from you.”

“That’s great. I was wondering if we were on the same flooror in completely different parts of the hotel. Either would have been fine, butI was just curious, and it’s all so unfamiliar to me. But the hotel is great.Very nice. Much nicer than I thought it would be. And this room is amazing, andthe view is spectacular. I’m going to take pictures and send them to my mom andJen. They’ll be so envious, and—”

“Ella Rose?” he says in that deep, masculine voice that I’mgetting very accustomed to. “You’re rambling.” I can hear the amusement in hisvoice, but he’s right. I’m definitely rambling.

“This is just…” Pausing, I sigh. Loudly. “This is just somuch more than I was expecting, and I guess I’m nervous.”

“The last thing in the world I want is for you to beuncomfortable.”

“I’m not. I swear. But it’s all new to me.” The nervouslaugh is out before I can stop it. “I’m fine. Really. By the time you get here,I promise I’ll be my normal self.”

“As long as it’s how you feel,” he says, and I can alreadyfeel myself calming. “You don’t need to pretend with me. It’s okay if you’renervous. I am, too.”

For some reason, that thrills me.

“Really? You’re not just saying that?”

He laughs. “I believe in being truthful at all times. Evenwhen it might not make me look great. The thing is, this is all new to me, too.All I know is that I’m glad you’re here, and I can’t wait to see your face.It’s been too long.”

“It’s been four days. Barely,” I tease.

“Still too long.”