Page 9 of Delayed
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The line to check in at the hotel was tendeep. Two employees manned the front desk, taking credit cards andslipping room keys across the black granite counter.
People milled around in the lobby. Some hungaround the high-top tables, watching the weatherman on the bigscreen TV explain the storm blanketing them in snow. A few gatheredat the bar, ordering drinks to help them deal with their newfoundfate. Others cozied up on the leather couch near the gasfireplace.
Anna snuggled closer to him. “Do you thinkthe storm will last more than one day?”
“Not sure.” He shrugged. “Usually, winterstorms blow through in a day. But the weather’s been so whackylately.”
They edged another step closer to the checkin. She pushed her fingers through her hair, then rubbed the backof her neck.
“At least we’ll have a warm and comfortableplace to weather it out.” He squeezed her hand. “Better than beingstuck at the airport.”
She nodded, clearly distracted.
The line moved forward. They were next.
Anna stood next to him, her shoe tapping onthe floor. “One room.”
He stilled. He had every intention ofgetting two rooms so that she wouldn’t feel pressured. He’d be inher room until she kicked him out, but she’d have the option to doso. He looked at her.
Her cheeks were rosy. Her eyes sparkled. Shebit her bottom lip.
He ran his thumb over her mouth, freeing herlip. Then he bent to kiss her. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She didn’t even take a breath beforeanswering.
Resting his hand at the small of her back,he pulled her closer. He nuzzled just below her ear, inhaling herintoxicating vanilla scent. “I promise I will make this a night youwill never forget, Sunshine.”
She shivered. “I’m counting on it.”
His chest fluttered.
“Next,” the front desk clerk said, wavingthem forward.
They stepped forward. “We need a room forthe night.” He’d never been this excited to share a space with awoman. He shuddered with his enthusiasm.
Key in hand, he guided her away from thecounter. On the left was a bistro-style restaurant. He paused. “Didyou want to grab something to eat now before we head up?” heasked.
“Not right now.” She gave him a shy sidewaysglance.
All the way up to the fourth floor, Annafidgeted, brushing her hair behind her ears and then releasing itto flow over her shoulders. Her nervousness was adorable but madehim want to take things slow, to take care of her. He wasn’t awham-bam-thank-you-ma’am kind of guy anyway, but he would make thisexperience extra special for her.
The elevator slowed to a stop and the doorsslid open. They walked out and down the hall toward their room.
He found the room, waved the key card, andopened the door. His palms sweated against the cold metal of thedoorknob. Why the hell was he so nervous?
She walked in, her boot heels clicking onthe tiled floor of the entryway. He closed the door behind him andplaced her suitcase and his bag near the closet.
When he turned around, Anna stood rightthere, her coat was gone. Her gaze roved over him from head to toesand back again before settling on his mouth. He inhaled deeply,trying to maintain his composure.
“Kiss me, Rex.”
Those three words set his nerves firing allat once. The way she looked at him made him want to push heragainst the wall, hike her skirt and take her right there. Hesucked in a deep breath. He needed to move slow.
He relaxed his arms at his sides. “This isat your pace, Sunshine. You kiss me.”
Her eyes widened. Then she stepped closerand smiled the sexiest smile he’d ever seen. He knew in that momentit would be a nighthe’dnever forget.
