“I spend my money properly, Rosebud.” The smile he flicks at me is slightly condescending, but I let it slide.
“And the presidential suite is properly?” He wipes a hand down his face before snatching the key card out of my hand, swiping it, and then opening the door, holding it, and gesturing for me to hurry up and enter. I do, silently, but then once we’re in the room I spin and raise an expectant eyebrow because none of this makes sense.
“I like to sleep comfortably. I like the balcony because there is fresh air and there is an entire view of the city that is my home. I also planned for it to be the suiteweshared, and you don’t deserve to sleep in some cheap, half-rate room with a minibar. This comes with a fully stocked kitchen, and maybe”—he steps closer into my space and plays with a curl hanging by my face—“if you’re a good girl, you’ll even get to try my famous pancakes.” His eyes dart to my lips and I can’t help but wet them with my tongue at the way his heated and hooded eyes burn my skin. But the empty smirk across his face tells me he isn’t about to demand I get on my knees and crawl. Instead, it’s a smirk I’ve come to know is his own version of a mask. Doing too well of a job hiding all the emotions he won’t let me see.
I don’twantto see them, they are none of my business. I continue to tell myself.
“That means there are at least two bedrooms.”
He drops the curl, taking his bag and heading for the first hallway. “Correct.” He sounds defeated.
“So, why’d you let me order a damn cot?”
“I was a little busy trying to come up with a way to turn down the date you tried to hook me up with at concierge.” His head tips over his shoulder and he gives me an exasperated look before a gentle smile, and then he’s gone. He pushes through the bedroom door and closes it. While I’m still standing here. Alone in the hallway.
“Uh, okay then.” I shake the confusion, dragging my case into the other bedroom…after taking a few minutes to find it. It isof course on the opposite side of the suite, has its own en suite and balcony, which is nice. It almost looks like the master suite, but I presume this is one of those rooms where all the bedrooms look like a master suite. I get unpacked and text Addy to say that I’m here and getting settled, letting her know where I’m staying—leaving out the fact it is the same suite Caleb is staying in, obviously.
I’m unpacking my toiletries when there is a soft knock on my door. I’m almost there to open it when his voice reaches me from the other side.
“Heading out for a run.” I still haven’t opened it, and I can hear his retreating steps.
My chest deflates. Why am I disappointed by this?
I hate the way I feel a little hollower knowing that I’m now alone. Also why do I care that we just got here and he’s already leaving me alone?
I pack away my toiletries into the vanity cupboards with a little more frustration than I had a moment ago, the force of me stacking my products getting a little out of control when my phone buzzes with a text. I reach over, feeling my face light up a bit at seeing Addy’s name and a message that she’s in the lobby.
Perfect! Just the distraction I need.
“Hey, girl!” I call when I meet her down in the lobby, dressed comfortably as she suggested. She looks like the little athlete she is in her activewear, and I’m more than a little fascinated with what she has planned.
“Noah said he and Caleb needed to go over some business stuff.” Oh…he said he was going for a run. Why didn’t he tell me?Because he is none of your business.
Right.Right.Duh.
I clear my throat and hideall my thoughts and feelings away.
“I figured I’d show you one of the best places I’ve found in Chicago. Figured you could use it.” Her smile is playful and it issinging to my soul. I love Addy like this. She has had such a hard time over the years and I know she silently struggles every now and then. Watching her glow makes my heart warm, and I’m so proud of her strength.
She crooks an elbow and turns for the door. “You in?”
“Oh, I’msothere!” I link my arm in hers and we chuckle as we strut through the front doors and into a waiting cab.
“So, this is the Rage Cage?” I peer up at the building as the cab drops us off and peels away from the curb.
“Well, nottheRage Cage. The one I usually go to is in NYC. I found this one on a visit with Noah while he’s been staying here. Sometimes a girl needs to break some shit, you know.”
“Do I ever.”
“So ready to release some rage?” She sounds downright giddy, and when I turn to look at her, her cheeks are slightly flushed from the heat and a gleam of excitement in her eyes. Her little spark of fire is one of my favorite things about this little pocket rocket.
“Who says I have any rage in need of releasing. I’m perfectly composed and calm all of the time,” I tease, and she chuckles.
“Girl, I saw your dad rock up at the gala. I saw you storm away in his direction. Don’t think I don’t know a thing or two about daddy issues. Tell me thinking about his face doesn’t make you want to break shit.” She raises a questioning brow at me and I snort gently under my breath.
Well, she’s got me there.
“All right,little demon,let’s go break some shit.” I give her a friendly little spank on the booty before I ditch and skip into the building. I can hear her sputtering a choked laugh at the taunting nickname. Thin walls and all that. Strangely, I kind of miss having her and Casey under my roof. I certainlydon’tmiss hearing all their athletic sex though.
