“I’m afraid I’m not allowed to give outthat information.”
“Do you have a supervisor I can speakwith?” Cole’s tone is even, but his forehead is scrunched with annoyance.
Darlene makes an exasperated noise and,without saying anything else, walks down the hall, disappearing behind a doorthat says manager. Jeez-Louise, talk about customer service. Their friendlyhospitality is about as inviting as the Arctic Circle. After what seems likeforever, a scruffy guy with a pot-belly trudges over to the counter. “What’sthe problem?”
Cole’s so taken aback by the man’s abruptness,he stands up straight. “What’s your name?” Cole asks.
“I’m Mike the manager,” he grumbles.
“Well, my bride and I have a reservationfor this evening, and there seems to be a discrepancy.”
“What’s the name?” Mike pounds on thecomputer’s keyboard.
“It’s under Cook.” I tuck myself intoCole’s side, trying to ease some of the worry I feel radiating off him.
“And the first?”
“Kate, or Katie, or good heavens,Katherine.” Cole’s hand clenches into a fist.
“Nope. I don’t have a reservation by thatname.”
“Oh good hell,” I shout at the man. “Doyou not see that it’s our wedding night?” I mean come on, have some compassion.We’re standing here in our wedding attire for hell’s sake. “My family allpitched in and paid for it.”
“Look maybe—” Mike the manager starts,but Cole interrupts him.
“No, who’s the owner of this hotel? Is ita part of a franchise or privately held?” Cole’s mad, but his face is calm anddevoid of emotion. But Mike, the manager, doesn’t seem to know how to answerhis question. He stares at Cole like he’s spoken an unfamiliar language.
“Oh. My. Hell. I have the gift cardthingy they gave me.” I pick up my overnight bag and start rifling through it.“Ugh.” I pull out my makeup bag, curling iron, my shampoo and conditioner. Ipull out my lingerie I’m going to wear. “Oh jeez, whatever.” I mutter and plopthem on the counter with everything else. I hear a huff and glance up at Mike,whose face has turned beet red. Crap, is he going to have a heart attack orsomething? “Are you okay?” I turn to Cole. “What’s wrong with him?”
Cole’s face breaks out into a smile, andhe chuckles. He fingers the lingerie on the counter. I roll my eyes and go backto looking for the gift card. What does he think people come here to do? It’s athemed hotel, for heaven’s sake.
Finally, at the bottom of my bag, I findthe pamphlet and receipt my aunt Ruby gave me. “Will this help?” I shove thething in Mike, the manager’s face. This situation feels very déjà vu. In fact,the longer we stand here, the idea of staying in this hotel makes my skincrawl. “Cole.” I pull him away from the counter, but our attention is drawnback to Mike, who’s grumbling under his breath. I roll my eyes. I definitelydon’t want to stay here anymore. This day is supposed to be perfect, and thisjerk is ruining it. Cole turns away from me, saying nothing; he puts everythingback into my overnight bag, zipping it up and throwing it over his shoulder.
“Sorry about this, Cookie.” He gives me agrin.
“About—” Cole hoists me over his shoulder,taking long strides across the foyer. Mike the manager, stares open-mouthed atus as we walk out the door. I have the urge to revert to a child and stick mytongue out at him. I’m so mature. Instead, I manage a little wave. See ya andnot later. Cole punches a button on Fancy Shmancy. I can’t see, but the soundtells me he’s putting the top back down. Thankfully, most of the condoms blewaway when we got on the highway and only a few crepe paper strings remain. Coleslides me into the passenger seat without opening the door and then jumps hisown door, sliding in like a pro. I just shake my head.
“Thank you.” I heave a sigh. “I did notwant to stay there.”
“Me either.” Cole takes my hand.
“But where are we going?”
Cole gets that smile on his face, “I believewe have a bed we need to break in.”
“That’s perfect.”
Thankfully, Cole doesn’t speed too much,and we make it home without getting pulled over. “Oh, I need to open the garagedoor.”
“No need.” Cole pulls out the opener.“I’ve had this since last time.” When the car is in the safe confines of thegarage, Cole gets out. “Don’t move,” he warns playfully. He opens my door andlovingly picks me up. Opening the door, he walks inside. “Welcome home, Mrs.Holt.”
“Thank you.” I breathe over his lips.“This is a dream come true.”
Cole walks us back to the bedroom andgently sits me down, taking me in his arms. “You are so beautiful.” I run afinger down his cheek. I should be used to him telling me this, but every timehe says it, it makes my stomach flutter and my cheeks flush.
“So beautiful.” He caresses my hot cheek.He reaches down, kissing me. He runs his tongue over my teeth, then flicks itinto my mouth. I press my body into Cole, the familiar, pleasurable need takinghold of me.
His fingers pick at the buttons on mydress. “What is it with dresses and buttons?”
