23. Chapter 23 Several Inches of Heavy Snow are Expected
Chapter 23: Several Inches of Heavy Snow are Expected
J ENNY
“I’m looking forward to tonight,” Wade said as they exited the charter bus.
“Me, too. I’ve always wanted to do an escape room.”
“That, too. I’m looking forward to spending time with you.”
Jenny’s giddiness knew no bounds, but she’d never had a boyfriend who actively sought her out when he had friends or other entertainment available. She would have been embarrassed to say that out loud to someone else, but in the privacy of her own mind, she could admit it.
To paraphrase a famous actress of her mother’s generation, Wade liked her, he really liked her. And she didn’t think it was just the possibility of sex. He didn’t pressure her for any physical affection when they went back to their suite. Chad would have expected a blow job as a bribe for going to something like this.
When they dropped off their stuff, Wade asked if she wanted to change. At first, she thought it was a sneaky way to get her undressed. Then he told her the temperature dropped twenty degrees, and he didn’t want her to be cold. Jenny changed into a wrap V-neck sweater and lined leggings, and they headed out.
Unlike the previous night, there were no dramatics when they waited for the bus to take them to tonight’s off-site event. Wade told her about his friend Brian’s predicament as they waited, and she echoed his hope that Howard would give in to his wife’s pleas to retire sooner than later.
Once they arrived at the escape room facility, they were assigned to a group. Their team was a mix of people from different organizations, and Wade knew one of the other members. When the timer started, everyone got into the spirit.
“Everybody spread out,” Leon, one of the people familiar with escape rooms said. “Let’s work in pairs and each take a corner to investigate thoroughly. We’ll compare notes in a few minutes. Look for patterns or anything that looks out of place, has a lock, or doesn’t match.”
“Oh, I think this might be a clue.”
“All of the books on this shelf have the same kind of cover except this one. Do you think that means something? Oh, wow, the book is hollow.”
“I found a red key. Has anyone seen another one? This box has two locks on it.”
“Dial this number on the land line and write down the message.”
“Let me try. I play logic games all the time.”
“Is anybody good at math puzzles?”
“These look like map coordinates to me.”
“Check the pockets of the clothes in the wardrobe. Shirts, too.”
“This code’s in binary! I knew someday it’d come in handy.”
“There’s a small flashlight in this box. Oh cool. It’s a UV light, and there’s a message on the wall behind you.”
“Look, it’s a cryptex. I bet that’s where we’ll find the final key.”
Jenny had a blast as she, Wade, and their team worked together to solve the puzzle. They completed the escape with more than ten minutes to spare.
“Wow, that was amazing. I had so much fun,” she said as she guzzled the bottle of soda Wade handed her.
“Definitely. I hoped it would be fun, but that was awesome.”
Before they could say anything further, other members of their party joined them. Leon, who had taken the lead at the start of the event, sauntered over.
“We’ve got an hour and a half until the bus returns. The conference rented out this whole facility tonight, so if we want to run another escape room we can. If we want to just hang out in the lounge area, we can do that. They have beers and wines plus snack foods since dinner is back at the hotel.”
Wade and Jenny looked at each other. Uncertain, she didn’t know how to ask for what she wanted.
“Can we have a drink and then go for another round, or do we have to pick one or the other?” Wade asked.
“We can do whatever we want. We need a minimum of four people per escape room, but if there’s one that’s free, we can start whenever we want.”
“How does that sound, sweetheart?” he asked. “We can have a drink and then go for another puzzle room. Or would you rather—?”
“No, that’s perfect. I love it.”
She didn’t know how Wade guessed what she wanted, but her happiness grew. They sat in the bar area and had a drink, and they chatted with the others. After a bit, some of the others were eager to do another escape room. Leon volunteered to find out what was available, and he returned after a few minutes with options.
The second time through was just as fun because they were high on their earlier success and a little buzzed. Jenny’s cheeks ached from laughing by the time they solved it, with only a few minutes to spare.
When everyone gathered in the lounge with their winter gear, Jenny vibrated with excitement. The whole trip had been better than she imagined but tonight had been the cherry on top. Their transportation arrived late, but they were finally herded onto the bus and headed slowly back to the hotel.
After they arrived, Wade looked at his phone before he volunteered to run their coats to their room if Jenny would save him a seat at dinner. Confused, she agreed but was unsure why he needed to put their coats away. Why couldn’t they hang their coats on their chairs like everyone else?
Jenny sat with the escape room team since they were a convivial group. When she saw Brian and a few others Wade introduced her to, she invited them to join their table. The atmosphere was merry and cheerful as everyone enjoyed the complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres while the dinner buffet was set up.
She recalled Wade’s comment about Brian’s frame of mind. She coaxed him out of a blue mood by asking how pool went. It took some cajoling, but once he started, he regaled them with lively observations of the ill-fated game of pool. Her stomach hurt from laughter at his sardonic commentary.
Jenny also convinced Leon to share some of their adventures from the escape room. While everyone around her laughed, she fidgeted, confused about what was taking Wade so long. It was clear to her that he used the coats as an excuse to leave, but she couldn’t figure out what she’d done wrong.
No, she hadn’t done anything wrong, and she wasn’t going to keep thinking that way. If she messed up or upset someone else, it was on them to tell her so she could examine her behavior. For her own mental health, she needed to rewrite her internal dialog and stop assuming the worst.
Wade returned after much longer than Jenny expected. He apologized for his delay, but his overall attitude was so delighted and open that she couldn’t help but relax. When he sat, he told her he’d explain everything after dinner. Satisfied, she immersed herself in good food and better company.
As the restaurant staff wheeled dessert tables out, Jenny vaguely recognized the hotel’s concierge heading for the podium.
“Good evening, everyone. I’m Mr. Simmons, and I have an important announcement. I hate to interrupt, but this can’t wait. The weather has taken a turn for the worse. The National Weather Service has upgraded the situation from a winter storm warning to a blizzard warning.”
Shock rippled through the room at his words.
“What does this mean in practical terms? It means that several inches of snow are expected within the next twelve to forty-eight hours, and it could mean a lot of snow for several hours at a time. At a minimum, we’re expecting several inches of snow and dangerous road conditions tomorrow afternoon.”
Shouts rang out, and Mr. Simmons attempted to calm everyone.
“Please remain seated. For now, morning flights and the highways appear to be operating as normal. Your conference was scheduled to end at noon tomorrow. If you originally planned to stay for the morning sessions and then head home, you should reconsider. All flights have been canceled after two p.m. tomorrow.”
Sounds of dismay broke out around the room, and Jenny’s eyes flew to Wade’s. Instead of looking alarmed, he smiled at her.
“Don’t worry; we’re good,” he said in an undertone as the hotel concierge attempted to calm everyone.
“We strongly encourage everyone who intended to leave tomorrow afternoon to adjust your plans,” Mr. Simmons continued. “Either leave in the early morning or stay until the roads and airport re-open. We were at capacity, but two other conferences ended today, and others already left after today’s sessions. We’ve also had cancellations for the weekend due to the weather, so we have openings.”
The noise in the room grew, and the concierge raised his voice to be heard.
“Please let me finish. We have additional staff on hand in the lobby area right now. They’ll be available for the next few hours to assist everyone who wants to make changes to their itinerary. Look for signs for the airlines and car rentals to speak with the correct person. We also have additional staff manning the check-in desk for those of you who want to extend your stay.”
During his speech, Jenny read weather alerts on her phone. As he said, several inches of snow were expected. In this part of North Texas, ice storms and sleet in the middle of February were common, but not snow. Blizzards were unheard of.
When the hotel staff dispersed to help people make alternate travel arrangements, Jenny turned to Wade.
“What should we do?”
Wade looked a bit nervous before he blurted out, “I already extended our reservation.”
Jenny’s eyes popped open.
“What do you mean? When?”
“Robert—”
“Elizabeth’s assistant?”
“Yes, as you know, he made our reservation. He messaged me earlier to say he’d been watching the weather and thought we should wait out the storm. The highway’s expected to shut down, and you know Texas only has five snowplows for the whole state.”
Jenny snorted at his joke.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Jenny asked.
Wade looked sheepish.
“Before I dropped off our coats, I extended our reservation through the weekend. They’ve had a lot of cancellations, but I wanted to make sure we got a spot first. Maybe that makes me a jerk for not telling everybody else, but…”
His voice trailed off, and he looked away.
“What aren’t you saying?” she asked softly.
“You matter more to me than a bunch of strangers. I’m a good driver, but as a native Texan, I don’t have a lot of experience in the snow. I don’t think it’s safe for us to be on the roads tomorrow. This wasn’t a trick to keep you here, though I’m thrilled to spend more time together. However, we don’t have to hang out together if you’re already tired of me.”
“Are you crazy? I love spending time with you. The more I’m around you, the more I like it, and the more I like you.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
Jenny grinned like a fool, but she didn’t care. The hubbub receded, but all that mattered was her and Wade. She was curious how things would be between them when they were back in their normal environment rather than this in-between world. But right now, it seemed like a gift to have more time together. Alone.
JENNY
“Shh,” Wade admonished her with a laugh of his own.
Jenny covered her mouth with her hand, but more giggles erupted as they walked down the longest hallway in the world to reach their suite. The last few hours had been chaotic. Since they drove and didn’t need to make travel arrangements, they waited on hold for some who did and assisted in other ways.
Once everyone at their table had a new plan for dealing with the exuberant winter weather, they collectively relaxed and enjoyed a second round of deserts and drinks provided by the hotel.
As Mr. Simmons said, the conference numbers had dwindled already. Nearly a third of the attendees left after the last conference session earlier that day rather than pay for another night’s stay for the last two sessions. It was hectic and loud, but the atmosphere was surprisingly jovial, all things considered.
Lost in her thoughts, Jenny tripped over her trailing pashmina shawl.
“Careful, darlin’,” Wade said as he wrapped the material around her shoulders. “I don’t want you to fa;;. I promised you a foot rub.”
Wade apologized earlier for not consulting her before renewing their hotel stay. After getting Robert’s message, his immediate priority had been to extend their reservation. Due to the earlier reservation snafu, he worried that even a few minutes’ delay would cost them their chance.
Jenny understood his rationale and would have made the same choice. However, she teased him that he could make it up to her with a foot rub. It never occurred to her that he’d be interested, but he jumped at the opportunity.
“Oh, I haven’t forgotten,” she said in a husky voice.
Wade’s eyes dilated, and his nostrils flared.
“Let’s get you off your feet then,” he said.
He offered his arm, and he guided her swiftly down the hallway. Jenny thought she should be nervous, but she wasn’t. The erection he sported made it clear that he wasn’t faking his attraction. That went a long way to soothing her nerves.
Inside their suite, Wade guided her to the couch where they’d already made some exciting memories. He draped her pashmina over the couch’s arm.
“Would you care for a drink? Water, cocoa, some wine?”
“Actually, a cup of hot cocoa sounds amazing.”
Jenny excused herself to use the bathroom. After she freshened up and brushed her teeth, she grabbed some of the condoms from Gloria’s stash and tucked them in the phone pocket of her leggings.
They chatted for a few minutes while he prepared the cocoa. She removed her shoes and kicked them under the coffee table as she reclined against the arm of the couch and watched him.
“Want a little whiskey in it, too?” Wade asked.
“I probably shouldn’t, but why not? Everything’s topsy turvy today.”
“Not everything. Not yet anyway.”
Wade smirked as he sat next to her with their drinks. Jenny’s eyes widened when she took her first sip.
“That’s delicious but strong!” she said as she sat her mug on the coffee table.
“That’s what she said,” he teased.
Her giggle morphed into a squeal when Wade grabbed her legs and lifted them to place them in his lap. When he used his thumbs on the arch of her foot, she let out an audible moan.
“Oh, god, that feels good,” she whimpered.
A few minutes later, he had reduced her to putty. Wade removed both of her socks and paid considerable attention to her arches and toes.
“Where did you learn to do that?” she asked.
Immediately, she wished she could recall the question. She didn’t want to know if he learned it from some other girlfriend.
“My mom broke her ankle when I was a teenager, and we all learned so we could help her rehab it.”
“I’m sorry that happened to her, but I’m grateful to reap the benefits.”
Wade’s chuckle washed over her, and Jenny snuggled back into the couch more.
“This feels good?” he asked.
“Oh, it’s wonderful. I love it. Only, I wonder…”
Her voice trailed off as embarrassment struck. It was one thing to be enthusiastic, but could she initiate this? When she looked at Wade’s expectant, open face, she knew the answer. She cleared her throat, and a tremulous smile formed on her lips.
“I love it,” she repeated. “Only, I wonder if you’d massage my calves, too.”
“Of course,” he answered with alacrity. “Touching you is no hardship.”
Her legs shook slightly as she swung them over to the floor so she could stand. Wade watched in confusion until her hands went to the waistband of her leggings. With a deep breath, Jenny pushed them down over her hips. Then she bent at the waist and thrust out her ass as she shoved the pants down to her knees.
“Fuck,” Wade said on an exhale.
“I sure hope so,” she murmured.
More of her anxiety eased as he scrambled to help her peel her pants down her legs. The lining of the leggings made them much thicker and harder to remove than the yoga pants she preferred for lounge wear. Her pants disappeared once she was freed of them.
When she changed earlier, she also swapped out her bra and panties for the sexiest pair she brought with her. If Wade’s expression was any indication, she made the right decision as she stood there in just her purple thong and wrap sweater. He looked gob-smacked, which she interpreted as a good sign.
Her eyes darted to the front of his pants, which were tented. Okay, everything was going as it should. So far, so good. Jenny maintained eye contact as she leaned against the arm of the couch and stretched her now-bare legs in his direction. The fire in his gaze would have kept her warm if the hotel furnace stopped working.
His voice guttural, Wade asked if she still wanted a massage.
“I want you to touch me. Please. I’ve thought about your hands on me all day.”
Wade’s hand caressed her calf, and she hissed.
“That’s lovely, but I was hoping for something a little higher.”
Of course, he taunted her by rubbing her knee. Jenny scrunched her nose at him, and he chuckled. His fingers trailed along the inside seam of her thigh, and he watched her face for a reaction. Her breath caught when one of his fingers rubbed against her damp crotch.
“Is that more like what you had in mind?”
“Oh, yes,” she purred as she widened her legs.