Page 27 of Daddy's Desire

“We called an Uber for you,” Shelby said. “Are you sure you don’t want one of us with you?”

Courtney wanted to yell,Yes, but I have to grow up and take care of myself now. “No, but thank you.”

She hugged them as the Uber drove up to the house. She walked down the steps, turned back when she got to the car, and waved. “I’ll talk to you soon. I’ll call you when I can.”

The women looked shocked.

“Wait,” Larkin said. “You’re coming back here, right?”

Courtney slid into the car. “Not right now, but I’ll have to come back for my clothing, and I have to see you guys again.”

“No,” Brylee called out. “You need to come back here.”

Courtney shook her head and tried to smile. “I’ll see you soon.” The girls kept yelling and trying to get her attention, but she ignored them. “Let’s go.” She gave him the address, and they drove off.

So many emotions were racing through her, and none of them were good. She needed to get through the next few hours and find a hotel for the night. Only then would she let the tears fall that desperately wanted to cascade down her face.

Chapter Eleven

After the meeting with the lawyer and bank, she needed some time alone, so she had them call for a car. James tried vigilantly to keep her with him or go back to Larkin’s, but she refused. She needed to do this to show herself she wasn’t totally inept.

The car pulled up to one of the best hotels in the city. She paid the man. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Miss.”

Courtney walked into the hotel lobby and looked up at the beautiful chandelier.

“May I help you?”

Courtney looked at the counter, where a woman smiled at her.

“Yes. I want a room at least for one night, please,” Courtney said.

“Does it matter what floor?”

Courtney shook her head. “No. The higher up, the better, though.”

The woman laughed. “How about the top floor? The Presidential Suite has opened up.”

“I don’t need anything that expensive,” Courtney told her.

“I’d charge you for a regular room. The people who were supposed to take it called in the last few minutes, and they have already paid the deposit.”

Courtney’s eyes widened. “Oh, wow. You would do that for me?”

The woman smiled. “It looks like you need a little break.”

Courtney grimaced. “Do I look that bad?”

The woman laughed. “No, you just look like you lost your best friend.”

“Nothing that dramatic, but it has been a hellacious day.”

“Well, then, you definitely deserve it. Here’s your key card.”

Courtney took the sign-in sheet and filled it out. “All I have is a check or cash. Would that be okay?”

“Sure. We usually prefer a credit card, but I’m not going to make you. If you need anything, call down to the desk. By the way, my name is Mandy.”

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