Chapter 15
“Ah, regret, my old friend has arrived to taunt me.” ~ Dakota
Dakota
I stretch my legs as I slowly wake. These sheets feel fabulous against my naked skin. Whoa! Naked skin. Why am I naked?
The arm around my waist tightens and memories assault me. Rhett touching my skin. Rhett sinking into me. Rhett making me come more times than I can count.
Sex with Adam was never this good. Not even in the beginning, before his ‘work’ trips began. I can’t wait for the next time.
Next time? Slow your roll, Dakota. There won’t be a next time.
Rhett made himself perfectly clear. Last night was a one and done situation. Although, the one turned into several times, as evidenced by the delicious ache in my core.
I guess I shouldn’t be annoyed he eavesdropped on my conversation, or else— Hold on. Rhett only had sex with me after he overheard my conversation with Grigori. Oh no. Did he have pity sex with me?
I need to get out of here. I can’t handle the brush off. Not from Rhett.
I’ve been here before. I thought we were becoming friends when we huddled together in a closet during a hurricane but Rhett couldn’t wait to point out how wrong I was.
I bite my inner cheek before I groan at how stupid I was last night. But who can blame me? Rhett Raider is the sexiest man I’ve ever met. One of the sexiest men on Smuggler’s Hideaway. When he promised me multiple orgasms, I couldn’t resist.
But I won’t be a fool twice.
Especially since being a fool last night may well lead to the end of my career at Buccaneer’s Whiskey. Eli wouldn’t listen to Rhett before but maybe he will now, since Rhett can prove how unprofessional I acted.
My body tingles with the need to escape. To pretend last night never happened.
I lift Rhett’s arm and scooch until I’m at the edge of the bed. I place a pillow under his arm and he cuddles it with a sigh.
I snatch my phone from the nightstand before tiptoeing to the bathroom. I shut the door behind me and open the app for the airline. I change my flight to one leaving in ninety minutes. I need to hurry.
Lucky for me, this fancy hotel suite has a walk-in closet attached to the bathroom. I don’t bother with a shower. I throw on some clothes and shove everything back into my carry-on.
I place my ear against the door and listen for any sign of movement from Rhett. When I don’t hear anything, I slowly open the door and peek out. He’s fast asleep and facing away from me. Now’s my chance.
I carry my bag out of the room and creep toward the front door. I snag my purse from the counter and grab my shoes before leaving. When the door clicks shut, I can breathe for the first time this morning. I made it.
I check the time on my phone. Not quite. I need to catch my earlier flight before I can rule this escape a success.
I hurry to the elevator. When I’m inside, I kneel down to put on my shoes. The door opens on another floor and a couple enters. Her eyes widen when she notices me putting my shoes on. Oh god. Is this what a walk of shame is?
My cheeks heat. “I slept in. I have a flight in just over an hour. I don’t want to miss it,” I ramble.
The woman grins. “Ah, to be young again.”
Apparently, I’m not fooling her one bit.
We arrive at the lobby and I shoot out of the elevator. I ignore the reception. Rhett can deal with checking us out. I have a plane to catch and an escape to complete.
I skid to a halt in front of the doorman.
“I need a taxi to the airport.”
“Of course, ma’am.”
He takes my bag and leads me outside, where a row of taxis are waiting. Oh. Silly me. I forgot we’re staying at a fancy schmancy hotel.
The driver of the first taxi jumps out of his car to open the trunk.
I fidget as the doorman and driver secure my suitcase. Do I tip the doorman? How much?
The doorman smiles at me. “Mr. Raider will settle up with me.”
My shoulders sag in relief. I should probably be embarrassed – again – that my nervousness is obvious to one and all, but I can’t bother to care now. I need out of here.
As we drive to the airport, I watch the taxi meter with alarm. The dollars add up faster than I can count and I can count pretty darn fast. I check the bills in my wallet. Luckily, I have a bit more cash than normal on me due to this trip.
When he pulls up to the terminal at the airport, relief fills me. If I only tip ten percent, I have enough cash.
“Sorry,” I say as I hand him the money. “I don’t usually carry cash.”
He pats my arm. “It’s okay, honey. Be safe.”
Why is everyone being nice to me this morning? Does my face have a sign with ‘pathetic loser’ on it?
I hurry toward the check-in line and show the attendant my ticket.
“You’re in the wrong line.”
Panic hits me hard. I need to get on this flight. “I changed my ticket,” I explain. “I’m taking an earlier flight.”
She points to a different line. “You have a first class ticket. You can check in there.”
Relief flits through me. I can still make this flight. “Oh.”
“No bags to check in?” the attendant at the first class check-in asks me when I hand her my identification.
Oh no! I left Rhett to handle all of the bags. We had two heavy suitcases filled with various Buccaneer’s Whiskeys. I’m such a jerk. I should have at least taken one of them.
“No bags?” the attendant repeats.
I shake my head. “Nothing.”
She hands me my boarding pass. “Have a nice flight.”
I make my way through security and rush toward the gate. I arrive as the flight is boarding. I start to join the line but I might as well enjoy the privilege of first class since I doubt I’ll ever fly first class again.
“Good morning,” the flight attendant greets me.
I force a smile. Judging by the way her eyes widen, my smile is more of a grimace.
She leads me to my seat. First class is empty besides me. Good. I can freak out about losing my job in peace.
I’m settling into my seat when she returns with an amenity kit. “You might want to freshen up.”
She doesn’t give me a chance to ask any questions before she’s gone. But now I’m curious. I make my way to the restroom and lock the door behind me. When I gaze into the mirror, I nearly scream. No wonder everyone’s being nice to me. I have mascara smudged all over my face and my hair resembles a rat’s nest.
Note to self. When you’re escaping a one-night stand, wash your face and brush your hair before leaving your hotel room.
I snort. As if I’m ever going to have another one-night stand. In fact, I think I’ll return to my previous policy regarding men. Avoid them at all costs.
I scrub my face until it’s clean. Then, I tackle my hair. The free brush and comb in the amenity kit are no match for my curls. I finally give up and pile my hair on top of my head. There. I no longer resemble a raccoon.
I return to my seat and settle in for the flight.
The same flight attendant arrives with a glass of champagne. “You look like you could use this.”
I don’t usually drink, but I’m making an exception today. “You have no idea.”
She giggles. “I have some idea. I was young once, too.”
“But were you an idiot who slept with your boss’s brother, who you also happen to work for? And who hates you?”
I nearly slap a hand over my mouth. Talk about oversharing.
“I’ll bring you the bottle,” she says before whirling around and marching to the galley.
She’s back in less than a minute with a bottle of champagne and some nuts. “I’ll serve breakfast once we’re in the air but you shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach.”
I blink back tears at her kindness. “Thank you.”
“No need to thank me. Us women need to stick together.”
Once she’s gone, the tears slip from my eyes. I wipe them away and reach for my glass. I’m not going to worry about the consequences of last night now. No one can phone me while I’m flying. I’ll enjoy being unreachable for a few hours and hope my life doesn’t implode when I return to Smuggler’s Hideaway.
I down the champagne and reach for the bottle.