Page 75 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
“Hey!” the guy said.
“Let’s get you guys inside. You’re both soaked.” I led them inside the lobby.
The woman I had been talking to earlier looked shocked. “Eddie!”
“Hey, babe,” Eddie answered with a lopsided grin. “I thought I’d come check on you.”
“Check on me? You’re soaked!”
“It’s raining out there,” he said with a shrug. She wrapped him in a hug.
“Did you walk all the way here?” I asked Ryan.
I was dying to touch him. I wasn’t sure if that was allowed. He looked a little pale. The man was thoroughly soaked through. His T-shirt clung to his skin and outlined every little muscle. His shoes left footprints on the clean floor.
“We only had to walk about half a mile,” he said.
I was about to ask him what happened. Then it dawned on me he was probably freezing. He needed to get out of his wet clothes. “You probably want to change,” I said.
He laughed. “Yes.” He walked over to Eddie and slapped him on the back. “Thanks for getting me here. I owe you one.”
“No problem,” Eddie said.
Ryan looked to me. “Come to my room.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
“I really want to give you a hug right now, but I don’t want you to get wet,” he said.
I stopped walking and threw myself at him in the hallway. I didn’t care if I got wet. I held him close. “I’m so glad you’re in one piece,” I breathed. “I was so worried. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m okay,” he said and rested his chin on my head. “Let’s get to my room. I want to change out of these wet clothes.”
“Of course, I’m sorry.”
He took my hand in his. His skin was cold to the touch. “You need a hot shower,” I told him.
“No power,” he reminded me.
“Dammit. I can go talk to Eddie’s girlfriend. She’ll get you something hot to drink.”
“I’ve got a minibar with my name written all over it,” he said.
I didn’t blame him a bit. We made it to his room and he unlocked his door and we walked inside. The first thing he did was kick off his wet shoes.
“Your feet must be freezing. I’ll get you some towels.” I rushed into the bathroom and was impressed with the size and the plush appearance. I grabbed all three towels and carried them back to him. He was crouched in front of the minibar. “I would remind you how expensive that stuff is, but I’m sure you are well aware.”
“Yes, I am, but I am starving, and I don’t think I’ve ever needed a drink as bad as I do right now.”
“Here.” I handed him a towel. “Why don’t you change? I’ll pour you a drink, unless you want to drink straight from the bottle.”
He smiled at me. “Thank you. Make it a double, please. And whatever you want.”
He walked into the bathroom and closed the door. It had been a really, really long time since I’d opened a minibar in a hotel room. It was way too rich for my blood. I scanned the contents of the fridge. I pulled out the little bottle of Jack and a can of Coke for him. For myself, I grabbed the little bottle of Pinot Noir. There wasn’t much in the way of satisfying food options. I would wait and let him choose. I mixed the drink for him and poured the wine into one of the glasses.
When he came out of the bathroom, he was wearing the complimentary robe. The thought of him naked under the thing sent a shiver down my spine.
“Here,” I said and handed him the drink. “I’m afraid your choices for food are popcorn, jerky, or some cheese and crackers.”
