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I bite down on my lower lip, refusing to be baited. It’s clear we're both in the mood to fight. But I don’t want to say anything I’ll regret. We have a mission to focus on and-
“Because I can,” he informs me smugly. “Easily.”
“Good for you,” I say dismissively and open my tablet back up.
“What about you?” he asks.
With a sigh, I tilt my head to look over at him. I’m not sure how he even fits all that bulky muscle in the plane’s seat. “What about me?” I ask slowly, not sure where he’s going with this conversation.
“Any prospects? Since you and Dr. Strangelove broke it off?”
“I’m taking a break from men and dating,” I inform him, trying not to smile at the nickname. He always referred to my ex as Dr. Strangelove and I stifle a giggle even though I’ve never even seen the movie, so I don’t know why I find it so funny.
“Hmm,” he murmurs and leans back in his seat.
I roll my eyes. “Don’t worry about my love life. I have it handled.”
He arches a dark brow. “Really?”
“Really.” I look back down at my story, but no matter how hard I try, I have trouble concentrating.Dammit.I’m so annoyed that he’s got me mentally cursing.
The rest of the flight passes far too slowly and by the time we land in D.C., I am itching to get off this plane.
“See you guys in a few days,” Finn says with a jaunty salute goodbye. “As long as you don’t kill each other,” he adds under his breath with a chuckle.
I wave and we load our bags into the back of a waiting rental SUV. Maddox slides into the driver’s seat and plugs our destination into the GPS. The hotel we’re staying at is in the middle of the city, and fortunately we have two rooms booked. The client’s flight will arrive at Dulles International Airport tomorrow. We’ll meet him there and make sure the rest of his trip goes smoothly. Once his speech and the conference are over, we’ll escort him right back to Dulles then head over to meet Finn and go home.
I expect this job to go off without a hitch. Easy peasy.
I’m still feeling a little grumpy and pull a stick of gum out of my purse. Chomping on gum relaxes my nerves. I have no idea why, but snapping, popping and blowing bubbles helps me chill.
Luckily, the evening traffic has mostly cleared up and our commute is relatively quick.Thank God.Having to sit in D.C. traffic with Maddox, after that flight, would be maddening. I’m not sure I packed enough gum for that.
We arrive at the Willard InterContinental on Pennsylvania Avenue, not far away from The White House, without incident. The luxury hotel is a 5-star spectacular, and slightly intimidating for a former Midwest girl like myself. But its close proximity to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center where the conference is being held makes it a great location.
While Maddox checks us in, I look up at the amazing, recessed ceiling where gold-ensconced light fixtures dangle. The lobby is decorated in golds and blues, with endless marble pillars and a table dominated by a huge vase containing what looks like 100 fragrant lilies. I know the hotel has played host to the world’s social and political elite, including presidents, foreign dignitaries and celebrities, and I can see why.
The joint reeks of money,I think, and look down at my busted-up suitcase with duct tape on its corner.
Maddox walks over to me and hands me an envelope with my room key. “Third floor,” he says, and we head over to the elevator.
I’ll be glad to disappear into my room for the rest of the night. I’m tired and don’t have the energy to exchange barbs or witty banter with Maddox. All I want is a warm shower and then to crawl into a comfy bed. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy, very long day.
“Are you hungry?” Maddox asks as the elevator zooms up.
“A little,” I admit.
“The Round Robin Bar downstairs is supposed to be pretty iconic and has handcrafted cocktails.” He arches an inquiring brow, but I shake my head.
“I think I’m just going to order room service, shower and go to bed.”
He nods and the elevator door glides open. “Yeah. I hear you.”
It almost sounds like he’s disappointed, but that’s silly. He’ll probably be glad to have a break from me. As we walk down the elegant hallway, I sneak a peek at his rugged profile. Yeah, his brow is furrowed which means he’s not happy.
Hmm. Interesting.
We find our neighboring rooms and I slip the keycard in the door’s slot as I say, “I’ll see you in the morning.”
