Chapter Nine
Nine
Caine
When we reach the hotel, Margot walks Gremlin out front while I check us in, happily paying the pet deposit.
The lobby is bustling, which makes sense since it’s next door to the convention center.
One overcrowded elevator ride later, and we’re swiping the key card to home sweet home for the next two nights.
It’s all I can do not to punch the air when we walk into the suite.
Margot surveys the room, eyebrow arching at the single queen-sized bed. “Seriously?”
I give her my best grin. “Looks like we’re snuggling tonight.”
“You and Gremlin maybe,” she mutters.
“We can all fit.” I could backflip around the room. Two full nights in not only the same room, but the same bed? Be still my heart.
“I’m calling the front desk and asking for a cot once she’s situated.” She sets Gremlin’s bag down, unzipping the front.
“If you must.” I drop my bag in the corner of the room, then fling myself onto the bed. “I am an excellent bedmate, though. No cold feet on your side. I’ll keep my hands to myself, unless requested otherwise. Sometimes I snore, but I don’t think it’s that bad.”
“Of course you don’t. If you’re the one snoring, you’re sleeping through your own sounds.”
I point at Gremlin, who’s stretching luxuriously. “I’ve heard the engine on that thing. Trust me, if you can sleep with that little woodcutter, you won’t even notice.” Mid-stretch, Gremlin freezes, staring me down.
“Please. It’s adorable.”
Gremlin finishes her routine now that Margot’s defended her honor.
“Maybe I’m adorable when I snore. Let’s not make any snappy judgments.”
“I’m calling the front desk,” she says with a note of finality.
I send every good vibe I have into the universe that there will miraculously be a shortage of cots.
Much to Margot’s annoyance, my vibes are granted.
That win has me riding high the rest of the afternoon, which I spend in a conference room with a handful of winners from other seasons.
We watch footage from the season of Love my heart rate isn’t.
Her hand moves.
Oh, all right, then.
She pinches a chest hair and tries to pluck it.
“What the fuck.” I grab for her hand, but she’s too quick, slipping back to her side. “You monster.”
“Honor the barrier.” The words are swallowed up in a yawn. Her playfulness makes me optimistic. After a minute or two to compose my thoughts, I speak. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“Kay.”
I think I hear another yawn.
“I came to the house instead of going straight to the convention because you told me you broke up with Jeremy. With the ex-husband bullshit, and recent breakup, I understand the last thing you’re probably thinking about doing is starting a relationship.
” I swallow hard, wishing I could see her face.
Why didn’t I have this conversation with the lights on?
“But I like you, and when you’re ready, I’d love to take you out.”
Good. Subtle. Not overwhelming.
I wait.
And wait.
“Margot?”
I peek over the barricade. She’s out, hair spread across the pillowcase, Gremlin curled by her side.
Shit.