Page 25 of Lost Room Lawyer
In disbelief, I let out an exasperated sigh. “This is unbelievable.”
“I can reserve the two rooms for Monday if you’d like.”
“Yes, do that. And prepare the sofa,” I said, slipping the phone back into my coat pocket. “We have no other choice.” I knew all too well that it was pointless to look for another room on a Saturday night.
So I took the key cards and handed one to Nico, who had a grin that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“Don’t worry,” he said with a wink. “I won’t pounce on you while you’re sleeping.”
And what if I pounce on you?
7
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Nico
I was completely drained from sorting through all the paperwork, but as soon as I saw Hector at the hotel, something stirred inside me, and I felt revitalized. The fact that we didn’t have separate rooms didn’t bother me at all. Ever since I got into Hector’s car this morning, I felt so drawn to him that I hardly recognized myself. It seemed like the energy I had been trying to fight for the past two weeks vanished all at once.
How many times had I secretly watched him—at the office and also today at Canonica’s house—constantly thinking about that hot moment after the poker game? I was sure he also occasionally recalled it, given how he sometimes looked at me so furtively.
Silence surrounded us in the elevator, while I wrestled with my thoughts. Naturally, I imagined grabbing him, pressing him against the wall, and kissing him. Who wouldn’t think about that—except for the older couple who were also heading to the fourth floor?
But wasn’t it obvious what was going to happen? He was clearly into men. Not that it was evident from his appearance. He was far too strict with himself to give any hints. Maybe that’s why I was so attracted to Hector. I wasn’t the type of person you could immediately tell was gay either.
When I was out at clubs and partying, attracting various men was effortless. Especially those who wore their orientation openly. I could wrap them around my finger in no time. They were also easy to get rid of. Oh yes, a little fun and then everyone goes their separate ways.
So much for that,I thought with a sigh as I followed my boss down the hallway to our room. I knew snacking wasn’t allowed, and I felt like a kid in a candy store because I wanted it so badly.
And suddenly, I found myself in a room that, by my standards, was a suite. The hotel clerk hadn’t exaggerated when she assured us there was plenty of space.
“Okay,” Hector said, turning around to me in the living room. “The sofa looks comfortable. I’ll—”
“You’re definitely not sleeping on the couch.” I eyed the enormous sofa.
“You’re right,” he replied, his cheeks slightly flushed as he cleared his throat.
I couldn’t help but smile. Was he feeling uncertain?
“Then you’ll sleep here,” he said, heading toward the bedroom.
“No,” I said, causing him to stop. I could tell from his posture and the way he shrugged his shoulders that he hadn’t been prepared for this “no.” Slowly, he turned back to me.
“No?” he repeated, frowning in confusion.
I tilted my head with a defiant smirk. “No, I’m not sleeping on the sofa.” My gaze drifted toward the bedroom. “That king-size bed looks awfully comfortable.”
Hector took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “Is that meant to be a clever argument?”
I raised an eyebrow in challenge.
“I’m the boss. You’re the intern,” he said, moving closer to me. “That’s an argument.”
“But it’s not a strong one, Mr. Lawyer, especially since you would have been willing to sleep on the couch,” I countered, stepping toward him.
Hector opened his mouth, but no words came out. Had the great lawyer run out of arguments? That was something that puzzled me. Out of nowhere, I felt a pang of guilt. This man wasmarried and had two children. Who was I to challenge him in such a dirty way? He was right! I was just the intern!
You’re an adult, I told myself.So act like one.
