Page 11 of Whisker Me Away

I toss my shit into my bag, closing the zipper. I put my beanie back onto my bald head, wanting to keep it warm once we step outside the train.

“Which hotel is your reservation for?”

“The Peterson. You?”

“The same,” Spencer says with an excited grin. Gods, he’s so pretty. “It’ll be nice to have a familiar face around. I have no idea what to expect when we get there.”

“We’ll stick together,” I tell him before pausing. “Well, we can stick together as much as you’d like. I don’t want to intrude or anything.”

“You wouldn’t be,” Spencer says right away.

He must notice my hesitation because he finishes packing his things before stepping over to me. With a determined look, he moves to stand between my thighs. Tentatively, so he can pull away if he wants to, I place my hands on his hips.

The air between us grows heated and by the look in Spencer’s eyes, I can tell he’s feeling it as well. There is definitelysomething here between us, a tether pulling tighter and tighter. It feels inescapable yet I have no desire to pull against it. If anything, I want to lean into it. I want to see where this goes. I want to see if Spencer and I can make something real from this undeniable pull.

I’m delightfully surprised when Spencer leans down. This is the first time he’s initiated a kiss between the two of us without alcohol clouding our minds. My chest warms and my stomach flutters with emotion.

This kiss is just like the others we’ve shared yet somehow better because Spencer is taking what he wants. He kisses me like he’s on a mission, like he wants to crawl inside my chest and make a home there. We’ve only known each other a few days, but somehow, I already feel like I know him yet want to spend every one of my breaths getting to know him better.

All these feelings are overwhelming and confusing, so I push them away in order to enjoy this soft, gentle kiss. I want to stay in the moment instead of thinking about what ifs and the future.

“Thank you,” I whisper when Spencer pulls back. He pushes his messy hair out of his eyes, his cheeks beautifully rosy. “That was just what I needed.”

Spencer gives me a soft smile before he clears his throat. “I’m glad that there was a mix up, Cade.”

When he says stuff like this with those giant doe eyes, I feel myself melting. How am I supposed to keep my feelings in check when he’s doing stuff like this? I squeeze his hip. “I’m glad for it too.”

Matthew knocks on our door, letting us know the station is just ahead. We grab our things, double checking every cranny to make sure we’re not forgetting anything before heading out towards the doors. It’s a whirlwind of shuffling and walking and waiting. Once outside, I breathe in the fresh air, my chest feeling light.

“Share a taxi?” Spencer nods.

We find one easily enough and head to our hotel, making easy small talk as we go. Being in this little space together, I can’t help but subtly breathe in Spencer’s scent. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to just how much I like it. I wish I could roll around in it, or maybe bottle it up so I can keep it close and smell it whenever I want.

The hotel is far nicer than I’m used to. The lobby we enter has giant ceilings with the most intricate chandeliers hanging down, sparkling like diamonds.

I whistle softly. “This is way nicer than I thought it would be.”

“I know,” Spencer whispers back, looking down at our clothes. “I feel incredibly underdressed. I feel like this is the type of place we’d run into a celebrity or something.”

“Wouldn’t that be something?”

The person working at the counter greets us with a smile. “Welcome, gentlemen.”

“Hi,” I say, pulling out my paper. “We’re here to check in.”

Spencer takes his paper out as well, sliding it across the desk. The guy quickly starts typing at his computer. “Ah yes, here we are.” He looks at both papers before giving them back, handing us each a keycard.

“The two of you will be on the third floor, room 345. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call the front office. We offer free wake up calls, a pool room, the gym, a sauna, and of course, free breakfast and coffee every morning. You’ll also find a menu of the a la cart items we offer up in your room.”

“Sorry, the two of us? We’re in the same room?”

The receptionist looks at the computer again before nodding. “Yes. A king suite.”

I give Spencer a look, waiting to see if he’ll ask for a new room as I take the key card from the counter. Eventually, Spencer just nods. “Thank you so much.”

“Enjoy your stay.”

With my bag rolling behind me, I start walking towards the elevator. Spencer’s cheeks are bright red as he follows me. Once inside the elevator, I press the giant three and the doors close.

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