Page 115 of Waiting to Lose
“Jake?”
“Shh…” he said. “Just wait.”
The elevator doors opened and they turned, approaching the door to the room. He produced a key from his left pocket and opened it for her. He pushed buttons on the panel near the entrance and the silent alarm was deactivated.
The lights were already on inside. She gasped as she took in the view. Jake followed her gaze. The windows were floor to ceiling, and the lights and buildings of the city outside created an impressive view. To the right was an expansive seating area with beige couches, a baby grand piano, and a fireplace, blazing and lighting the room.
She turned to see a massive kitchen and dining area. She gasped and turned to him, and he couldn’t help but smile.
“I hope you like it,” he said, closing the door behind them.
Madi opened her mouth to respond when she heard a panting sound and the click of nails coming closer. She turned in time to see Murphy bounding toward her.
She gasped and fell to her knees. Jake joined her as Murphy attempted to jump from him to her and lick both their faces.
“He’s here?” she laughed.
“I hope you don’t mind.”
“Are you kidding me? I’ve missed your sweet little mushy face,” she said as she held his head in her hands. He licked her face and she giggled. He darted off from her as his back legs raced up to his front and scooted around the room excitedly, like a puppy.
“I didn’t know they allowed dogs in hotels like this,” she said.
“We’re not in the hotel,” he responded.
She turned to stare, confused. “What do you mean we’re not in the hotel?”
He stood and held his hand out to help her up. He unzipped her coat and pulled it from her shoulders before removing his jacket and placing them both by a chair near the door. “Come with me.”
“Wait… does he need to go out?” Madi asked.
“No. I have someone who takes care of him for me when I can’t be here.”
Madi nodded as he took her hand and led her down a hall that seemed to flow in a half circle. Her head twisted and turned, taking in every detail as she followed him. “There are three additional bedrooms, an office and four baths,” he said, pointing as they walked.
“Why do we need so many rooms,” she asked. “Are you feeling adventurous?”
He smirked as he led her toward the back. He opened the door to a gigantic bedroom, the likes of which, by her reaction, she’d never seen.
The bed was most definitely a king. There was a purple and grey comforter on it that appeared to be down, and similar accents throughout. There was a sitting area that overlooked the city, with a view that caused her to gasp. He watched her eyes as they took in every detail excitedly. “This is unbelievable!” she shouted.
Jake laughed as he watched her. He took a deep breath, suddenly nervous and excited at the same time. “If there’s anything you don’t like, say the word, and I’ll change it.”
Madi shook her head. “Why would I want you to change it, and how could you? I know you’re you, but I’m pretty sure these rooms come as they are. I’m sure they’d get pissed if you changed something.” She laughed as she glanced into a closet, and it lit up immediately. It was a huge walk-in. “My gosh! Who could possibly need that much space?”
Jake played with the key in his hand and stared after her as she walked into the adjoining area. The light flicked on and Madi gasped.
It was another closet. This one was his.
She turned to him in shock, pointing. “There are clothes in here!” she whispered.
He nodded.
She stared at him and walked into the space, glancing around. “These areyourclothes,” she stated, her eyes widening.
“Yes,” he nodded as he flipped the key in his hand.
“Why would you bring all your clothes here for three days? And how did you get them here?”
