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She couldn’t deny that because of him she’d started to change. Bit by bit, she could feel her protective layers peeling away, and beneath was someone who wanted things. Had hopes of one day experiencing things like relationships and love.
Tonight, passion had stirred inside her. The wonderful flood of need had made her feel reckless, and for minutes Ted had been there with her.
Of course, he’d experienced that before, and what a depressing thought that was. Mandy vowed that one day she’d feel passion again. Not with Ted, he’d made that clear tonight. And maybe she’d overreacted at the bar when he’d confronted her, which again was not like her, but she was starting to feel things, and they were making her behave differently.
From now on she’d smile and be polite when she saw him, but there’d be no more kisses or intimate moments.
“Yes, that makes sense,” Mandy said, thumping her pillow. The thought of not going back to the gym was not a happy one, but she could find somewhere else to go that would not put her up close and personal with Ted.
Closing her eyes after one more pillow thump, Mandy pushed thoughts of sexy Ted Hosking aside and decided that tomorrow was officially a new beginning for her. A new apartment and a new life. Tomorrow night, she’d be cooking for herself. The thought had her falling asleep with a smile on her face.
Chapter 17
Ted read the paper midmorning and saw his father and brother staring back at him… again. Things were hotting up for Anthony, it seemed, and some people were saying he could win that seat in the Senate. Ted wasn’t so sure. Yes, his father had pull, but Anthony was a newbie in political circles compared to the other candidate.
“Ted, I wanted to let you know that last night there were several complaints from guests about the noise coming from 234. Niki just filled me in on all the details.”
Lenny smothered a yawn. He’d had a late night like Ted and started his shift here at five. Looking at his watch, Ted noted it was time for Lenny to head home now.
“Did she go to the room with security?”
He nodded. “When the guy opened the door, he said he was sorry and that he and his partner were dancing, and that they’d shut it down.”
“Did she go into the room?” Ted asked.
“No. Niki stood outside for a while, and all was quiet. There were no further complaints,” Lenny said.
“Okay, I want someone cleaning outside that room, and the minute they check out, I want to know.” Something told Ted there would be a mess inside that room. They’d had two complaints so far about room 234’s guests.
“She couldn’t throw them out at that time of night,” Lenny said, looking defensive.
“Niki did the right thing. Now go get a coffee, you look like you need it, and head home. Next time call me, and I’ll deal with it.”
“She dealt with it, Ted.” Lenny smothered another yawn.
“Sure, I can see that, and thanks. Now go home and get some sleep.”
“Wish I could, but I foolishly told Mandy I’d help her move this morning.”
That’s right, she was moving today, he’d completely forgotten. Not that she’d want him anywhere near her after last night. He’d dreamed about that kiss and the feel of her breast in his palm.
“I’ll go help, you head home to bed,” Ted said before he could stop himself.
“Really? Thanks, man, that’s awesome.”
Ted raised a hand, and Lenny hesitated, then high-fived him. Clearly, he had to loosen up a bit.
Finishing off his coffee and the work that was pressing, he went back to his rooms and changed. He then drove into town, not giving himself time to think.
Parking close to Tea Total, he got out and headed up the street.
She wouldn’t be pleased to see him, Ted knew that much. Not after he’d made a complete mess of talking to her last night. He cringed as he remembered his words. She’d been furious with him, and justifiably so. But he still believed what he said was right. She was an innocent, and it would be easier for him to walk away from an affair than her.
“You just said it all wrong, you idiot,” he muttered.
“Ted, could I have a moment of your time?”
“Hi, Mrs. Longkovsky.” She stepped into his path. The owner of one of Ryker’s gift shops, she was one of the more colorful characters in town. They often nodded and exchanged a few words, but hadn’t talked a lot.
