Page 46 of Have To Be Mine

I spent the rest of the day doing my actual job. I coordinated with the photographers, checked in with the models, made sure the lighting crew had everything they needed. I reviewed the shot list with the creative director and confirmed the locations for tomorrow’s shoot. I was professional. I was competent. I was everything Krista claimed I wasn’t.

And she was nowhere to be seen. I spotted her occasionally, standing at the edges of things with her tablet, making notes. Watching me. Probably documenting every mistake for her report to Adrian. By the time we wrapped at five, I was exhausted and angry and so fucking done with this entire situation.

The drive back to the hotel was silent. Krista sat on her side of the car. I sat on mine. Neither of us spoke. The tension was thick enough to choke on. When we pulled up to the hotel, I got out without waiting for her. I heard her footsteps behind me as I walked through the lobby, but I didn’t turn around. I went straight to the front desk.

“I need another room,” I told the concierge. “I don’t care what it costs. Make it happen.”

He looked up from his computer. “Let me check.” His fingers flew across the keyboard. “Ah, yes. We just had a checkout. Ocean view, king bed. Would that work?”

“Perfect.”

I handed over my credit card. When he handed me the key card, I felt some of the tension ease from my shoulders. At least I wouldn’t have to share a bed with her tonight. Wouldn’t have to lie there in the dark feeling her judgment.

I took the elevator up and found Krista in the suite. She was on the balcony.

“I got you your own room,” I said.

She turned slowly. “What?”

“Your own room. Down the hall. I figured you’d prefer that.”

Something flickered across her face. Surprise? Disappointment? I couldn’t tell.

“Oh,” she said. “Thank you.”

“I’ll help you with your bags.”

She didn’t argue. Just walked into the bedroom and started gathering her things. I grabbed her suitcase and carried it down the hall to her new room. I unlocked the door and held it open for her. The room was smaller than the suite but just as nice.

“This is great,” Krista said, setting her bag down. “Really. Thank you.”

“No problem.”

We stood there awkwardly for a moment.

“Have a good evening,” I finally said, turning toward the door.

“Dash, wait.”

Her hand caught my wrist. Not hard. Just enough to stop me. I looked down at her fingers wrapped around my arm, then up at her face.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “For how harsh I was this morning.”

I waited.

“I’m used to things being done a certain way,” she continued. “And sometimes I slip back into old habits from my military days. The protocols are important to me. It’s how I learned to operate, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way.”

My curiosity flared despite my lingering anger. “What exactly were these military days of yours? You’ve never actually told me.”

She released my wrist and stepped back. “It’s not that interesting.”

“I think it is. Come on. You know all about me. My family, my reputation, my failures. I don’t know anything about you, except that you’re scary efficient and you love pockets.”

“They’re practical,” she said.

“How about we go for a walk?” I suggested. “Get out of this hotel. Find somewhere to grab a bite to eat. You can tell me why you have a spine made of steel.”

She nodded. “I’d like that.”