Chapter 12 Megan #2
We went inside the hotel, and I looked at the receptionist apologetically. "I'm sorry. The wind took away my umbrella."
"Don’t worry. You're the fourth one to have it happen."
"And here’s mine," Travis said, handing it to her.
"Thank you."
We were both surprised to find Luke standing next to the door when we turned around. Had he been there the whole time and we didn't see him?
"Jesus, brother, announce yourself," Travis said. "You surprised me."
"Where were you two?" he asked.
"We went to the general store. Got some stuff for you too."
"Thanks. Very generous." He looked between the two of us intently. Travis cocked a brow. I instantly felt as if I'd done something wrong, and it pissed me off.
"So, about dinner," Travis said, cutting through the tension. "It's five o’clock, so let's make it six thirty?"
"That's fine by me," I said.
Luke nodded.
Travis handed him a bag. “That’s the stuff I bought for you. I suggest we stay here for dinner. The rain is too strong. I've looked over the restaurant's menu, and it's decent."
I smiled. "Great. I'll just go to my room. I need to take a hot shower.”
"See you later," Travis said.
Luke didn't say anything. That feeling of wrongdoing intensified, and it made me even madder.
Just to be sure I wouldn't have another semi-sexy encounter in the elevator, I took the stairs. It also warmed me up a bit.
Once I was in the shower, I turned the water as hot as I could bear, washed my hair, and then soaped up my body.
After stepping out, I blow-dried my hair again. I’d put all my clothes on the heater in the bathroom. They hadn’t had time to completely dry, so I used the blow-dryer a bit on them, and that hastened up the process. I put on a pair of the new panties.
Checking my phone, I saw Nina had sent me a couple messages.
Nina: Drinks tonight?
Nina: Helloooo
Nina: I’ll take that as a no.
Megan: Sorry, I only saw your messages now. I’m not in Chicago. There’s a storm, and we can’t fly back.
Nina: You’re stranded with the handsome boss? Do tell.
Megan: Nothing to tell.
Nina: Yet.
I laughed but didn’t reply. She did not need encouraging.
I went straight to the restaurant at six thirty, taking the stairs again.
The place was nice, with carved wooden ceilings and several chandeliers hanging from it.
The bulbs mimicked candles. There was a bar area in the front, and it was quite crowded.
Travis and Luke were sitting at the table by the window.
I liked the setup of the place. It didn't have booths, but it did have dividers between the tables, so each one seemed cozy and private.
"What does everyone want to drink?" Travis asked. "I'm still cold, so it's going to be a shot of tequila for me."
I shook my head. "No alcohol for me. I'll just take a hot tea."
"I'll stick with soda," Luke said. He was looking at the menu. I had a distinct impression that he was still upset about earlier.
I studied the menu, already starving despite the pizza I had at lunch.
Travis ordered ribs with fries, and Luke and I ordered burgers. Mine had fries and ketchup and a small side salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
After we received our food, Travis looked at his brother. "By the way, Reese told me she and Gran are going to come back next week."
"So soon?" Luke asked. "I thought Reese wanted to stay away longer. The press is still relentless."
"Yeah, what are we doing about that?" Travis asked. He glanced at me. "Right. We can discuss this another time."
"No, no, don't bother on my account," I said, eager to hear more.
Luke shifted in his seat. "Do you think it's time we pull the Maxwell weight to quiet the press? Let's talk with everyone, see where we have contacts and use them." He said this so nonchalantly, it almost made me laugh. They both seemed willing to go to great lengths for family.
I was going to keep my fingers crossed for their plan to work. I couldn’t see how one could stop the press, but I wasn’t a Maxwell.
The conversation stopped once we got our food. The three of us were clearly hungry, because we ate at the speed of light. Travis ordered a second shot of tequila after he finished his ribs. He kept glancing toward the bar.
"You don't have to stay here on our behalf," Luke said. "Just go do your thing."
Travis winked at us. "I'm going to leave you two. I'm done being on my best behavior."
"Oh." I blushed as I watched him walk to the bar and chat up a woman. I was instantly transported back to the night I'd met Luke. No, no, no. I had to put those thoughts to the back of my memory right now. Clearing my throat, I searched for a safe topic of conversation.
"Pity I didn't know we were going to spend the night here," I said. "I would have brought my workout clothes. I could do a yoga session, or maybe Pilates."
Luke turned toward me. His eyes were glinting playfully. "That's what you do in your free time that you didn't want your employer to know?"
I licked my lips, drawing in a deep breath. Goose bumps broke out on my arms. I crossed and uncrossed my legs—a nervous habit of mine.
He leaned in slightly over the table. "Tell me more. I want to know."
Away from the office, it was easier to give in to temptation. Shaking my head, I rolled my shoulders.
"Travis was right," I murmured. "Indecent is the word to describe you, though he seems to fit that description as well."
Luke frowned instantly. I felt as if he was pinning me to the spot, like I couldn’t move even if I wanted to.
"I will only ask you once," he said. "Do you like my brother?"
I blinked, jerking my head back. "Are you serious?"
"Answer me." His tone was commanding again. Usually, I liked it. Now it just annoyed me.
"You're unbelievable. I'm going to my room."
Pushing my chair back, I rose from the table, heading straight toward the exit. From the bar, Travis noticed me and immediately straightened up. He whispered something to the woman he was with and then walked to the back, presumably to the table.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him cutting off Luke, who’d already been hot on my heels. Good. I didn’t want him to follow me.
Jackass. Who does he think he is, talking to me like that?