Page 38 of Not Exactly a Small-Town Romance

This place is something, that’s for sure.

I ring the bell, and a bleary-eyed man steps out from a room behind the desk. “Can I help you?”

“I need a room.”

“We’re all booked.”

I glance out the window, mostly blocked by a huge taxidermy bear. The parking lot is half-empty. “Really?”

“We got a whole hunting party here. Came five to a truck. Lent my last room to a young lady a few hours ago.”

I sigh. Maybe I can get hold of Kelsey and see her for a minute before I try to find some other place. It’s not likely she’s asleep at this hour. I know her habits pretty well.

“Thanks,” I tell the man and step away from the counter.

I sit on a wooden bench. What should I say to her? She doesn’t know I’m coming. She might not want me here.

Me:You need a pick-me-up?

I wait.

Nothing.

Me:I’m about to start making out with a beaver.

It takes a minute, but she texts back.

Kelsey:What?

Me:Rumor has it that she has a loose eye.

Kelsey:Are you seriously here?

Me:I’m downstairs.

Kelsey:Did you get a room?

Me:They’re all booked. Hunters everywhere.

Kelsey:One was cleaning a shotgun in the lobby earlier.

Me:This does not surprise me.

Kelsey:Come up! I’m in 203.

I hesitate. This is what I was angling for, but I wonder if it’s a good idea. Kelsey and I have spent a lot of time together over the years, but never alone in a hotel room when I don’t have anywhere else to go. At least not yet.

But it seems I’m committed.

Me:On my way.

I stand, and the man behind the counter looks up.

“I’m headed up to my friend’s room.”

He shrugs and disappears through the door.

I dislike that I’m carrying one of my suitcases into her room, and for a moment, I consider taking it back to my car.

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