Page 21 of Watching Her

“Are you okay?” Anita slid next to me, forced to talk loudly since the noise level was ridiculous.

“Just… dandy.”

“You’re drunk.” Her giggle dragged my attention.

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

As I turned toward her, I swayed just enough I had to grab the edge of the table to keep from falling backwards. With my other hand, I put my thumb and index finger together with a space in between. “Wittle.”

She laughed. “Well, your drinks are on me. After everything you did, it’s only fair.”

“No. No!” My voice was little too loud even with all the noise. “I bought someone a drink.”

“No biggie. I think I can handle it. A hot guy?”

“Yep.” I popped the p.

“Confess, girl. You work fast. I thought given your recent posts you were abstaining from anything involving men.”

I gulped the rest of my drink, swinging my head toward her. Oops. Almost fell again. “Did I say that on a post?”

“On several actually, which is quite a Debbie Downer for readers.” She laughed. “You’re just in a slump. Who knows. Maybe this trip will get you out of your funk. Now, tell me about this hottie.”

Leaning over the table, I tried to envision his face. “Tall, dark, and handsome. Eyes like… He possesses a devastating kind of handsome, where a shock of dark, messy hair frames a warm face, lit from within by piercing, smoky-gray eyes.” A tiny burp escaped and I was mortified. This wasn’t like me in the least.

“Wow. You sound like a romance author. Maybe you need to consider switching professions.”

“Very funny. But he is so sexy. I sent him a drink.”

“Yes, you told me. Is he still in the bar?”

This time when I swung my head around, I had a hint of nausea. “He’s gone. He left me. Maybe for someone else.” I stared at the empty glass, giving myself a big girl talk. “I think I’m going to call it a night before I decide to knock on every door in the hotel until I find him.”

Anita giggled while patting me on the shoulder. “See? The trip is already doing wonders for you. Get a good night’s sleep. A big day tomorrow. I hope you brought a costume for the masquerade ball.”

“I did.” Although at this minute, I couldn’t remember what that was. I grabbed my purse, determined to make it out of the dark bar without embarrassing myself.

Somehow, I made my way to the elevators even while searching for my room key. What floor was I on? Oh, yes, pretty high up there. My fingers were around the card by the time the elevator came. Wow, I was definitely hotter than before. Hopefully the air conditioning was on full blast.

I leaned against the wall, thankful I was all alone. I wasn’t entirely certain what time it was either. I made myself a promise that I’d eat real food. Images of the mystery man’s handsome face played out in my mind. A little fuzzy, but I could see him.

Every angled feature. High cheekbones. A chiseled jaw. Perfect nose.

He was far too handsome for his own good.

When the doors popped open, I jumped. Then laughed. Oh, boy. The bed would feel so incredible tonight.

I made my way down the hallway, able to put one foot in front of the other. There was my room. Right there in front of me. Now I could fall under the softest sheets I’d felt, the thick covers keeping me warm and… No, too hot.

As I slipped the card into the holder, successful only after two tries, I took a deep breath. I’d call the day a success. Although Jordan hadn’t been but so accommodating. I’d promised to haunt him in the morning if he failed to honor my requests.

You bet I would.

The light remained red. What? Ugh. I’d turned the card the wrong way. They were very sensitive. I tried again. And again. And third time had to be the charm.

Only the light continually flashed red.