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“Why does it matter?” I asked, trying to hide the amusement.
“Oh, stop acting like you don’t know.” She seemed embarrassed, covering her face with her hand. “I saw my reflection in the car’s window on our way here. I look like complete chaos.”
“That’s not true. You look… cute.” I caught myself smiling at her like a fool. “Besides, you’re here with me. I’ll punch anyone who dares to say something that would offend you.”
That was so damn lame. What am I now? Her knight in shining armor?
But she smiled, and for some reason, it felt nice. “You don’t understand. They know me here. And I no doubt remind them of some kind of a pickup street girl now. Just go to check-in, and I’ll wait here. Please.” She gave me puppy eyes, and I gave in.
“Okay. I’ll be right back.”
I went to the reception, but all I could focus on was her. I glanced in her direction and saw a tiny, petite woman anxiously hiding from the world, wondering how I was supposed to see someone this fragile as my enemy?
I watched Melanie lean against the wall, reeling in embarrassment, when a desk clerk's voice snapped me out of my thought, “Here you go, Mr. Vergoossen.” A beautiful brunette in her twenties said as she handed me the key to my suite, smiling politely, “Enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you,” I grabbed the key and headed toward Melanie, my gaze focused on her the entire time.
“We can go.” I took hold of her hand and led her toward the elevators.
I pressed the top floor button, and we watched the elevator door closing in silence.
“So?” She paused, hesitant. “You’re staying at a hotel?”
“Yeah, I’m not a local.”
“So I’ve figured.” Her eyes were carefully scanning my face. “What brings you here?”
“Business,” I stated, without the intent to elaborate.
“What kind of business?” She tried to drag something out of me, but I just smiled.I heard the elevator ring, and we headed to my presidential suite.
“WHISKEY?” I ASKED, holding a scotch bottle.
“Yeah, please,” she said quietly. “Why exactly did you bring me here?”
“I told you,” I said casually. “I wanted to make it up to you somehow.”
“It?” She raised an eyebrow and curled her lips in a soft smile.
“That I nearly hit you with my car.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” she reluctantly admitted. “You don’t have to feel obligated to babysit somebatshit crazy chick who ran in front of your car in the middle of the street, you know?”
I smiled, fetching her the drink, and she tilted her head to the side, frowning, again with a soft smile.
“What’s so funny?”
“That’s what I was thinking about you a while ago.” I’d been struggling to hide the amusement.
“Thinking what about me?”
“That you’rebatshit crazy,” I scoffed. “But now—” I paused, contemplating my words.
“But now?”she demanded an answer.
“But now I see you’re not some crazy chick, but a fragile human being dealing with some shit.” She seemed surprised, and we kept staring into eachother’s eyes for what felt like an eternity. It felt weird. As if no words were needed. As if I could read right through her. As if we had some kind of an instant connection.
“Yeah, well,” she was rubbing the back of her neck with her long, slender fingers while biting her bottom lip anxiously.
