Page 8 of Extra Witchy

Once the driver took off, she tossed the key fob to Trev. “You haven’t had anything to drink, right?”

“Yep. You didn’t give me the chance.”

“That’s good for us. You’re driving.” She led the way, waving to the night guard as they walked past the security hut. He lifted a hand in turn as she made for her car, a cute convertible that was fairly inconvenient during fall and winter. “Here we are.”

“Sweet ride,” he said, pressing the button to unlock the doors.

She stared at him hard, but the glow from the parking lights didn’t reveal any hint of sarcasm. So she smiled and said, “Thanks,” as she got in on the passenger side.

“Where to?”

“Let’s head to the Holiday Inn Express.” Not exactly a posh night out, but it was the closest spot she could think of that got a lot of traffic from travelers. Less likely that she’d be recognized.

“I know where it is.”

Leanne handed him her pass card, the one that allowed her to come and go freely from the gated community, and then he set out, driving with relaxed proficiency. Now that they were alone, she wondered what the hell she was doing. This qualified as high-risk behavior, going off alone in the middle of the night with someone she’d just met. Yet she didn’t tell him to turn around, because whatever awaited her in the hotel room with Trev, it had to be better than dealing with her mother after she’d drunk all those margaritas on her own.

I hope she doesn’t puke in my favorite purse. Again.

That prospect was almost enough to make her tell him to stop the car, but then she imagined the cleanup and shook her head silently.No way. Stay in the moment.

“You’re quiet,” Trev said.

“So are you. Worried I’ll strip you naked, tie you up, and rob you?”

He paused, aiming a smiling look in her direction. “Well, Iwasn’t.You should know, I don’t have any cash on me, and my card is pretty much maxed out.”

“Card, singular?”

“Is that a problem?” Now he sounded defensive, eyes fixed hard on the long, dark road ahead of them.

“No, I make good money. I can be your sugar mama tonight.”

He laughed. “This was your idea anyway, remember? It’s only fair.”

“True enough.” She liked that he didn’t seem to mind her being more successful, at least in the eyes of the world. “We’re here,” she added. “If you want, you can park the car while I take care of registration.”

Nodding, Trev dropped her off at the front door and circled out of sight, leaving Leanne to stride in briskly. The lobby was decorated in earth tones, and the designer had clearly gone for a modern lodge feel, though there was no fireplace and all the furniture looked like it had come from the same store. Nobody could ever forget such a loud carpet, however.

She smiled at the woman working the desk. “Do you have a room? King bed, nonsmoking.”

“We certainly do.” The night clerk summarized the costs and fees; Leanne nodded through the recitation. “Then may I have your credit card and ID?”

That was easy. Leanne slid the cards across and waited. Two minutes later, the clerk had forms for her to sign. She filled out the info on the car she was parking in the lot, signed in two places, and she was accepting the keys when Trevor strode in. The woman smirked a bit when she saw they had no baggage, but Leanne maintained a neutral expression.

“Thanks for your help.”

“Certainly! The elevator is that way. You’re on the third floor. The pool is closed. Breakfast is included, and it’s in the lounge starting at 6:00 a.m. Checkout is at noon. Have a nice night, and please enjoy your stay.”

Linking her arm with Trev, Leanne sauntered down the hall and pressed the call button. As the elevator dinged and the doors opened, she whispered, “Pretty sure she thinks we’re cheating on our partners.”

He stepped inside without looking back. “Gotta admit, I don’t care.”

“Honestly? Same.”

Their ascent was slow and clunky, but they got there eventually, and Leanne found their room at the end of the hall. Inside, it was about what one would expect from a place that specialized in attracting weary highway drivers, but the room was clean, and the bed looked inviting. There was also a desk, a coffee table, a small sofa, and weirdly, a massive whirlpool tub in the corner, outside the bathroom.

“Should we risk it?” she wondered aloud.

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