She bit her lower lip to hide her grin, not wanting Preston to think she was unhinged or anything.
This was so out of character for her, and yet, it felt perfectly natural to be following this sex-on-a-stick man whom she’d JUST met into a swanky five-star hotel.
It was hard for her to believe she’d only met Preston a few hours ago. Practical, play-it-safe Chelsea would never have left a party with a virtual stranger, going to a hotel with him, but the truth was, every single one of her instincts told her she could trust this man. Which was also shocking, considering she thought her trust meter was broken for good.
“This place looks nice,” she murmured. He started to agree, but she shook her head. “No. Like, too nice. Too expensive.”
Preston chuckled. “It’s on me.”
“That’s not what I’m saying. It’s just…”
“Chelsea. I’m not dragging you to some seedy motel. I wanted to take you somewhere nice, and this is one of the best hotels in Philly.”
“Yeah, but we don’t even have any luggage. It’s going to be kind of obvious we’re just here for a hookup.”
“I’m pretty sure hotel hookups are a common thing, even in the ritzy places. Are you having second thoughts?” he asked.
“Good God, no.”
Preston gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Good girl.” He handed his keys to the valet, then placed his hand on the small of her back. “Don’t forget, you promised to text Allyson the name of the hotel.”
Since she and Preston had both gotten their tickets to the party secondhand and at the last minute, neither of them had been able to book a room in the inn, those spots filling months ago.
The fact Preston was reminding her to do the mature, self-protective thing proved just how far off the deep end she’d fallen. Because Chelsea, the never-stick-a-toe-out-of-line, so-predictable-you-could-set-a-clock-by-her girl had checked out of the building, replaced by this impulsive, wild, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants woman.
“Oh right.” She quickly fired off the hotel name to Allyson, who had absolutely lost her mind when Chelsea told her she was heading out with Preston. Her bestie had squealed with delight, hugging her before high-fiving the man.
Completely mortifying, but one hundred percent Allyson.
Then, she and Allyson had done the unthinkable and switched friendship roles, Allyson demanding Chelsea text her where she was going and insisting she call her first thing in the morning, as well.
“Proof of life,” her insane friend dead-panned.
Chelsea had promised, then left the inn with Preston.
He was the one who’d suggested a hotel, which made her curious, wondering why he wasn’t inviting her back to his place, but she brushed it off, deciding it was no big deal. Maybe he was a slob or had annoying roommates or preferred to maintain his privacy. And it wasn’t like she could invite him to share her blow-up mattress at Allyson’s cousin’s place.
It didn’t really matter to her where they went, because she meant what she’d said to him.
This was just a one-night stand.
Her first ever.
And she realized the timing on it was right.
Tonight felt like a bridge from her old life to her new. She wanted to reboot her life, and by taking this step with Preston, it was as if she was shedding some of old Chelsea’s inhibitions and embracing this new version of herself. This Chelsea emphatically shouted “Yes!” to amazing opportunities, like finding a dream job, moving to a new country, and spending the night with a sexy, sweet, romantic man.
Once they stepped into the foyer, her phone rang. Glancing at the screen, she rolled her eyes.
“Allyson has a big mouth.” Chelsea flipped her phone around so Preston could see Ethan’s name on her screen.
“Your friends are protective of you. That’s not a bad thing, Chels. Why don’t you talk to him while I go get us a room?”
She nodded, enjoying the view as Preston walked to the check-in desk. Sweet Jesus, she could bounce quarters off that tight ass.
“Hello,” she said, distractedly.
“Giiiiiiirl. Ally just called.”
