Page 32 of Let It Be Me
“What doyou mean you have no record of my room?” I ask the concierge. I try not to come off too angry as he’s justdoing his job. But, seriously? I have my confirmation email on my phone.
“I’m sorry, miss. I’d book you another room, but with all of our sports teams playing this weekend, we’re completely booked.”
If he was lying I would know. But unfortunately he’s not as I checked the schedule for this weekend so I knew what I was getting into which is why I booked my room so far in advance. “Okay. Thank you, though.”
I do the walk of shame back to my car with my suitcase in tow. Pulling up my phone I do a quick search of any hotel with availability for the rest of the week. Nothing within twenty miles.
“Why the long face?” A voice asks in front of me.
I stop and drop my head back, groaning loudly. “Did you do this?”
“Now what kind of boyfriend would that make me if I made my girlfriend stay in a hotel when I have a perfectly good condo you could sleep at?” Riley asks as he invades my space bringing his familiar cedar wood and leather scent mixed with what smells like sweat.
I right my posture and come face to face with the blond devil himself. “The fake kind.”
“No fun in that. Now let’s go.” He says and takes my suitcase from my hand before moving towards my car. It’s then I notice him in workout clothes with a light sheen of sweat covering his body.
“Where’s your car?” I ask even though I already know the answer.
Riley looks over his shoulder at me with a devilish grin. He taps the trunk of my car, motioning for me to pop the trunk. With an annoyed breath, I do what he wants and waitfor what’s next. Riley rounds the car to the passenger side and nods at me, waiting for me to join him on that side.
“I’ll drive,” he says as I make my way over to him as he opens the door and holds his hand out for the keys.
“You’re like an overeager puppy.” I tell him as I drop them in his hand and slide into the passenger seat.
“You love it.” He leaves me with a smile as he closes the door and rounds the car to the driver's seat. I watch in amusement as he squeezes into the seat and moves it back.
I don’t admit to myself that I like someone taking charge.
I don’t admit that Riley showing more effort than Paul is something I like.
I don’t admit.
I don’t admit.
I. Don’t. Admit.
Riley effortlessly backs my car out of the spot and pulls onto the main road. I try to memorize landmarks but everything blurs as he navigates the streets with ease. I revel in not having to think for the first time ever and the next thing I know, we’re slowing down and turning into a parking garage. My head turns in Riley’s direction but he firmly ignores my look.
I open my mouth multiple times to ask where we’re at, but I use my brain and deduce that we’re at his place. He pulls into a spot next to his behemoth of a Range Rover and silence falls over us as he parks and turns my car off.
“Home sweet home.” He announces and slides out of the car without waiting for my snarky retort.
I’m slower to get out as my senses are all out of whack. But when I do, I see Riley waiting impatiently with my suitcase.
“Yes?” I ask.
He holds his hands up in front of him as his only response and I suspect it’s to hold his tongue. Riley walks towards the elevator bank and I can’t help but follow closely behind. The elevator opens instantly and we file in. Taking up opposite sides of the car, I can’t help but flashback to our first time in an elevator.
“So what’s the plan for this week?” I ask Riley as the elevator rolls up. It’s also to hopefully distract my mind from us and elevators.
“Well, we have our first preseason game tomorrow evening. I usually hang out at home before heading to the arena. But you’re free to explore the area.” Riley tells me as the elevator stops on his floor.
“I might stick around here so I don’t get lost.”
“Okay. If you want, I can be your tour guide the day after,” Riley assures me.
I smile at his back as he opens the door to his place. “Thanks,” I tell him as he holds the door open for me. The high ceilings and open living room greets me as I walk out of the foyer. “Wow. This space is incredible.” Movement out of the corner of my eye surprises me. “Oh, hello,” I say and squat down.
