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“One’s fine, thanks,” I say.
“One’s good for me, too,” Liam adds.
The young man frowns, seeming almost confused, then passes us each a keycard in a little white sleeve. “Room number and wifi password are in there. Enjoy your stay.”
Liam makes his way to the elevator without so much as a glance at me.
But I can’t be too put out by this brusqueness… hedidjust let me throw myself at him, and he even played along. I still can’t fathom why. This guy’s an enigma in a dark-and-broody package.
“Thank you,” I say again to the receptionist. “Oh, and where’s my luggage?”
“Pardon?” He sighs like he wants me to go away so he can get back to the worn Terry Pratchett book and Starbucks cup he’s got behind the desk. I don’t blame him; I’d be doing the same.
“My suitcase?” I ask.
“Ms. Jacobs, I’m not sure what you mean.”
“I checked a suitcase onto the plane,” I explain patiently. Maybe he’s new.
The guy stares at me blankly for a moment. Rather similar to Rosemary’s stare, actually. “It’s still on the plane,” he explains slowly. “The passengers were advised numerous times at the airport that they’d only have their hand baggage for the night.”
Oh,frick.
This is what I get for watching Liam try, and fail, to get comfortable on an dinky plastic chair in the departure lounge instead of listening to the AmeriJet announcements. And unlike Liam—who travels with a silver-bullet-style carry-on capable of inflicting major leg wounds—all of my things are rammed into my two checked suitcases.
Meanwhile, my hand baggage consists of three packets of Haribo, two books, a half-knitted scarf, and my overflowing wallet (overflowing with receipts I haven’t bothered to sort through, not cash. Which is a real pity). No toothbrush or change of underwear in sight.
Frickety frick.
“Oh,” I say weakly. “Thanks anyway.”
He nods once, already pulling out his book.
Liam’s still waiting for the elevator, so I stand beside him and flip open my keycard sheath. Room 216.
It’s not ideal that I don’t have any of my things for bed, but I can make do without my thermal PJs for one night. Maybe I’ll be super crazy and sleep naked, like sexy celebrities claim they do in interviews.
Hopefully I’m not on the same floor as Justin and Veronica. I don’t think I could cope if I had to hear them do…that.
Not even sure you can dothatwhen you’re so heavily pregnant. Again, should this woman be jetting off to Aruba tomorrow?
Not my business.
The doorsping, and Liam and I step into the elevator. We reach for the same button—second floor.
Hmm. Wonder if Liam’s room will be next to mine. That would be very weird. Especially if he calls one of his long list of body part females to keep him company tonight.
Sigh. I guess I’m wearing my noise-canceling headphones to bed, no matter what.
Or am I making too many assumptions about my new pal?
Hedidsave my bacon earlier, after all. Even made a few jokes at my expense. Maybe he has a Guys Gone Wild side hidden beneath that perfectly-tailored suit.
Interesting thought.
The elevator doors open and Liam makes an “after you” gesture. Which, I guess, is nice.
Until he sighs like I’m taking too long.
