Page 4 of Havenfall Harbor
Wes’s eyes squint the tiniest bit. “Okay, well, let me see if anyone over in security has your badge and keys.”
Wes hustles back to the desk, and I meander after him.
Chapter 2
Quinn
The clickingof heels comes before I see anyone. I smooth my hand over my t-shirt and look down at my Converse. Noting, not for the first time, that I probably should have went with a more business casual look instead of just comfort for travel.
A woman becomes visible down the long hall. I let my eyes take in her slim figure and appearance. My shoulders ease when I see her dark, tapered pants and slouchy shirt. Maybe my jeans aren’t such a big deal.
Her steps never slow as she approaches with her hand outstretched. A slight tightening around her eyes relaxes as I lift my hand to return her gesture. “Hi, you must be Mrs. Miller. I’m Quinn Shaw. Thanks for taking the time to show me around.” I take note of her hazel eyes with long, dark lashes and light hair. She’s pretty in an effortless kind of way. Her skin is clear and her lips are slightly pouty.
“Call me Alice. It’s nice to meet you, Quinn.”
“You too.” I reach over for both of my bags.
“Hey, Wes, do you have her key and room number?” Alice folds her arms and leans over the desk.
I swear Wes’s cheeks tinge pink as he fumbles with the phone on the desktop. “Paul’s on his way over with them.” He clears his throat after his voice cracks. “How was your day?”
Alice traces her finger over the high counter of the desk. “Good, I didn’t see you at lunch.”
“I went to the infirmary.” Wes’s eyes are a little wide as they dart to me.
Alice clicks her tongue. “Still bagging it, huh?”
“Paul should be here any minute.” Wes swallows, avoiding the question. Within a few seconds, the door to the left of the desk swings open and a burly man stomps through.
My back goes a little straighter. His eyes scan over the entry before he scowls at Wes. “Here, I have shit to do.” He drops a set of keys on the desk, not bothering to speak to anyone else, then turns around and heads right back in the direction he came from before the door he walked through even has a chance to close.
Wes lifts a single key ring with two brass keys dangling off it. I release one of my bags and step forward to take them from his hand. “You’re up on the third floor, room 330.” He drops his eyes and scans the desk. “I don’t think Paul brought your badge.”
“It’s fine, Westly, we can grab it later.” Alice pushes off the desk and turns to face me. “How about we hit your room first, get rid of your bags, and then I’ll show you around on the way to dinner? I’m starving.”
I tuck the keys into my pocket and wave my hand out in front of me, gesturing for her to lead. “Sounds perfect, thanks.”
“Bye, Westly, I hope to see you later.” Alice sashays over to the door behind the work station . She turns her back and leans against the door while dragging a thin, black cord out from under her shirt with a flick of her wrist. She places it near a square black box high up near the door and winks over at Wes. The click of the bolt disengaging is loud as she pushes her butt against the door and holds it open for me to pass through. I watch as she gives Wes a little flirty finger wave before letting the door fall shut behind her.
I want to grin at her boldness, but I stifle it. I wouldn’t want her to think I was making fun of her. I appreciate her directness. Wes, on the other hand, seems like he might have been a tad overwhelmed by her attention.
Alice licks her lips and does a slight shimmy once Wes is out of sight. “Have you ever dated a newly blooded vamp? So sexy.”
I do smile now. “No, I haven’t.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing.” She grins, then her brows furrow. “I have dibs on Westly though,” Alice adds quickly.
I lift my hands in surrender. “Wouldn’t dream of stepping on your toes.”
“Good, now I just need to convince his ass he’s ready for the big leagues.” Alice snorts out a laugh and reaches her hand out to me. “Here, let me help.”
I give her the handle to one of my bags as we make our way down the hall. Now that I have a chance to look around, I blow out a heavy breath. “Man, I’m glad I don’t have to dust this place.” I take in all the wood paneled walls and gleaming hardwood floors.
“No shit.” Alice walks us past several closed doors, pointing at a few as we go along. “That’s one of the security offices and these are the stairs. With you being on the third floor, though, I think you’ll find the elevators much more appealing.”
I take in as much as I can while trailing slightly behind her. Alice’s low-heeled boots click along the corridor as I tread along relatively quietly in my sneakers. After the second turn, we step up to a small cove, revealing a beautiful, art deco elevator door right in front of us.
“Wow,” I breathe. I really shouldn’t have been surprised, this place has been way nicer than I expected, but this elevator is almost over the top.
