Chapter 2

Rory

Westoninsistedonchecking us in at the hotel, and I let him. With him, I know I need to pick my battles, and something small like who checks us in isn't a battle I want to fight.

He comes back out, helping me with the bags. When we walk back through the lobby to the elevators, he presses the right floor and then looks over at me.

"Here's your room key," he says.

Taking the plastic card from him, I check the room number. Then I walk down the hall and stop in front of my door. Looking back, I can see he’s watching me, and I assume he wants to make sure I get into my room and lock the door. So I open the door and step in.

It's a pretty standard hotel room with two beds. What I don't expect is for him to step into the room behind me.

"Hey, excuse you! Why do you think you can barge into my room?"

"Our room."

It takes a minute for what he said to sink in. Did he just say our room?

“No way! We are not sharing a room. Why do you think we need to share a room?"

"We are because it's too dangerous for you to be on your own."

He sets his bag down on the bed closest to the door. Always the protector. I want to smile because my dad did the same thing when we traveled. He and my brother took the bed closest to the door, and my mom and I shared the other one.

"Nope, not going to happen. I didn't agree to this, and my sleep clothes are completely inappropriate to be in around you. Furthermore, I'm not sharing a bathroom with you." I cross my arms over my chest, suddenly uncomfortable as his eyes rack down my body.

When his eyes land back on mine, he smirks.

"I can put the seat down," he says and pulls out clothes and other things to take a shower.

"Not the point," I sigh. After tonight, he will get two hotel rooms, and I’ll just have to prove my point.

Once he's in the bathroom, I sit on the bed, pull out my phone, and text my brother.

Me:I did NOT agree to share a room with him!!!

Nate: I know, but it's the safest. If someone knows you are sleeping alone, they might try to break in.

Me:Why are you so paranoid? Did you join the mafia?

Nate:No, but Mandy watches those true crime shows, and it has made me more aware.

Me:Tell her this is all her fault and whatever happens is her fault.

Nate:See you in a few weeks. Love you.

Me:Love you too, barely.

I have never had a problem with Mandy, Nate's fiancé, and my soon-to-be sister-in-law. But if she is making him this paranoid, we need to have a talk.

Since the shower is still running, I decide to call Kinsley.

She answers on the first ring, so I know she was waiting for my call.

"How goes the road trip with Westie the Hottie?" she giggles.

"Good lord Kins, what if he was standing right here?"