Page 6 of Holiday Hook-Up
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Master Yoda (Gary Woods)
Muffledlaughteranddistantmusic traveled into the lobby from the adjoining banquet room. It sounded like a good time. A part of me wanted to kick myself for my reclusive tendencies. I could have been enjoying a delicious meal and striking up conversation, learning more about the people who made my hotel run so smoothly.My hotel.Who was I kidding?As soon as they realized I was who I was, they’d treat me exactly like they treated my father.With ass kissing.It didn’t matter that these were different employees with different circumstances. The outcome would be the same.If I wanted authenticity, I couldn’t be me.On top of that, I didn’t need a scandal.
Felicity’s voice rang in my ears.But you’re not you. You’re Mr. Nick, remember?I shook it away and focused on the treadmill in front of me. Some heart pumping cardio would get me too exhausted to continue feeling whatever the hell these feelings were.
Sticking my AirPods in and starting my rock playlist, I adjusted the speed and incline, breaking into a light jog. The heavy drum beats and melodic screams took me to another place in my mind. A place where my thoughts were clear. Where I didn’t need to doubt who I was and what I wanted. Where my image was nothing but a pile of bullshit.
I upped the speed, breaking into a run.Yes. My muscles screamed but fuck if I didn’t feel alive.
Halfway through my first mile, the back of my neck prickled with awareness. I shifted, twisting my head to find a woman had slipped into the room. Not just any woman.Emerald eyes.Even from behind, I knew it was her.
She peeked through the small window, clutching her arms around her chest, before glancing at me with wide eyes.
I paused the treadmill and pulled out my AirPods. She was trembling. What the fuck? Something wasn’t right.
“Are you okay?” I hopped off the treadmill, going to her on wobbly legs. Fuck, she was gorgeous. I stood stunned, taking her in. Rich auburn hair curled in waves over fair skin. Her curves in that dress…
Bad timing, I scolded myself.
“I-I don’t know.” She crowded herself against the wall, sucking in a deep breath. “Can you keep an eye on the door for me please? I’m going to make a call.”
“Sure,” I whispered, matching her quiet tone even though I could feel my body tensing. It wasn’t my place to pry for details but hell, there was no doubt in my mind that this woman was scared and I needed to know why.
It didn’t take long to see what the issue was. More likewhothe issue was. I clenched my jaw, ready to throw hands if I needed to.
“There’s someone coming. A guy.”
“Shit. I hoped he’d leave me alone.” She paced a few steps, eyes cast toward her feet.
I surprised myself by saying, “I’ll get rid of him, if that’s what you need.”
She stopped pacing and opened her mouth to speak just as the guy yanked the door open.
“Follow my lead,” she whispered, leaning into me with pleading eyes.
What was happening?
“There you are, baby. You trying to play a little cat and mouse?” he said, stumbling toward us. He sized me up, brows drawing low. “Who the hell is this?”
Emerald eyes came out from behind me. I hadn’t even realized that I’d stepped in front of her on instinct.
“This,” she said, facing me. “Is exactly who I was looking for. Right, babe? I forgot you were coming down to the gym.”
She slung her arms around my neck, and before I knew what was happening, her lips brushed against mine.
My body reacted instantly and I pulled her closer, splaying my palms against her ribcage. Her lips moved against mine, awakening some long dormant need within me. When I swiped her lip with my tongue, she moaned and opened to let me slide my tongue inside. She tasted so fucking sweet, like cherries and cream.
The room dissolved, leaving only me and her. Until the ogre who followed her punched the wall, grunting like a feral boar. We broke apart but I kept one hand wrapped around her arm as I stepped in front of her.
“Fucking slut.” Spittle left his lips as he backed toward the door. That piece of shit didn’t deserve to breathe the same air as this woman. If I found out he hurt her I didn’t think I could keep my cool. “And who are you supposed to be?” He looked me up and down. “Her father?”
Trying to hit me with a low blow.So original.
She tried to step in front of me as curses slipped through her lips, but I blocked her. This asshole was clearly drunk and unhinged. Who knew what he was capable of?
“Step away, man.” I kept my voice level to deescalate the situation. “You don’t want to do something you’ll regret.”
He stumbled back a step and reached for the door to steady himself. “You know what? You can keep her.”
