Page 17 of Time To Live Again

“Here you go. Safe and sound.”

I grab my coat and hang it over my arm, then reach for my bag. He’s too fast and rolls the suitcase toward the elevator, saying over his shoulder, “Follow me.”

We stop in front of the elevator, and I reach again for the handle but end up grasping the warm hand that’s wrapped around it. The contact shoots tingling sparks straight into my heart. I gasp, enjoying it way too much.Did the fireworks start early?I roll my eyes to myself. That was pretty cheesy.

I try to pull my hand away, but he grabs it before I can. “Olive, do you want to go to a party tonight? As my guest? There’ll be great food, an open bar, music…”

Could I picture myself at a party where I don’t know anyone? My social battery is close to zero. I bite on my inner cheek and don’t know what to say. Is this the party the redhead was talking about? Of course it is. Being in a room with a bunch of drunken strangers doesn’t sound like a good time. Not tonight.

I hardly know Leo, though I’m sure he’s pretty harmless. Still, it’s New Year’s Eve—who knows how he behaves when he drinks. I could, however, go sing “Auld Lang Syne,” steal a drink, and leave if I don’t feel comfortable. Do people sing that song anymore? They probably do if they’re drunk enough.Forget the stupid song!

No, the awkwardness is already setting in. I scratch the back of my neck.

“I’m not sure, Leo. Those are your friends. Socializing isn’t my best strength.”

He holds my hand in both of his. “You’ve been fine with me.”

“I know, but that’s because you’re…you. And we’re one on one. Not in a group. I’m not sure I’d be the best company for you. What’s the dress code, anyway? I didn’t plan for a party when I packed.”

“Okay. I get it. Let me think for a second.” He lets go of my hand and looks up at the ceiling, tapping his chin.

And…I smileagain.

“Okay. I’ve got it. How about this? When you’re standing on your room balcony, and you look out at the water, you’ll see a huge madrone tree with several large lanterns hanging from it that look like big sparkling snowballs. Or maybe it’s mistletoe.” His eyebrows squeeze together as he considers. “I think it’s mistletoe. Anyway, you get the gist. There’s a white bench there under the branches. You can’t miss it with the amount of damn lights my sister put on that tree.

“At eleven, I’ll be waiting there for you. Meet me there if you change your mind. You’ll miss the good food, but you won’t have to sit at a table full of strangers for dinner. Then, we’ll go to the party for the open bar and dancing.” His babbling is adorable and very convincing.

“Eating isn’t the issue. I was planning on calling room service, anyway.”

“I promise you, you won’t regret it. This is a fun group of people and there’s no dress code. Some will wear suits or dresses, but the rest will opt for jeans. I’ll be dressed casually. My friends hosting the party are laid back and love to have fun.”

I did bring a white button-down top that I could wear with these jeans. My black boots would add a little extra zing to the outfit.Wait a second! Am I really thinking about going?

“My sister, Tonya, will be there too. I think you two would get along great. You came here to get away. Maybe a party or doing something different could help you forget for a little while. And I can be your p…partner in crime.” There was a tiny hesitationbefore those last three words. And they came out stifled, as if it pained him to say them. Strange.

I’m already a jittery mess thinking about it, but how can I say no to him? I picture myself standing there all awkward and alone while Mr. Social bounces around the room. It’s not for dinner, though. Only drinks later on. Kind of like a party crasher. That’s much more appealing.

Fuck, this is annoying. One side is ready to jump in and say, “Hell yes,” while the other side firmly responds, “Fuck no.”

“Anyway,” he says, “think about it. There’s plenty of time to decide. I can give you my number if you have questions.”

I take my phone out of my pocket and turn it on without hesitation. Seconds later, tons of messages and voicemails pop up on my screen. Gritting my teeth, I ignore them. I open my contacts and hand him the phone. He adds his info, then gives it back.

“I won’t ring myself, in case you don’t want me to have your number. I’ll leave it all up to you.”

Is he real or only a dream?

He pushes the elevator button and the door slides open. “You’re on the fourth floor and your suite is the last door on the left when you exit out of the elevator. I’d take you there myself, but I’d probably talk your ear off again.”

“And I wouldn’t stop you,” I say with flirty humor. I step in, then turn to face him. “Thank you for everything, Leo. It was a perfect afternoon.”

“It’ll be even better if you meet me tonight.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

I burst out laughing. “I’m sure everything with you would be better. Now let me go.” I’m not lying.

He puts his hands up and retreats. “All right. I’ve only known you for a hot minute and I’m already craving more. Now hit the fourth floor before it’s too late and I jump in there with you.”

Don’t press it!My shaky finger lingers over the button.Stay with him!No.