Up to Me - By M. Leighton Page 0,10

passing through. No reservations. Do you have any suites available for the week?"

"A suite? Of course, sir. Let me check availability for those dates."

As she types on her computer, I glance down at Olivia. She looks like she's holding up pretty well, all things considered. She's a little pale, but I'm sure she's scared shitless, so that's to be expected.

She looks up at me and smiles. It's a small, tight smile, but a smile nonetheless. I'll take it.

I squeeze her hand and bend to kiss her cheek. Before I straighten, I whisper in her ear, "I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

When I lean back and look into her big, green eyes, they're shimmering with unshed tears. Her chin trembles and my heart squeezes in my chest.

I've done this to her.

I don't know if it's fear for her or Marissa's safety, or just the shock of what's happened on top of everything else that's happened in her life lately, but something is overwhelming her. I can see it and I feel responsible.

She squeezes my hand back. I take that as a good sign that maybe she doesn't completely blame me. Well, maybe that she doesn't completely hate me. Because the blame, no doubt, falls to me.

"Sir, we do have a suite available through next weekend. Do you have a Rewards card with us?"

"No."

"Yes, sir. I'll just need your driver's license and the credit card you'd like to use for payment."

I notice she doesn't mention a rate for the room. I suppose it's understood that, when you ask for a suite at a hotel like this, it's going to be exorbitant. I hand her the card for Dual. It's listed under the name of the corporation, so no one should be able to track its usage. Also, I specify that I want the reservation under that same name, for billing and tax purposes. She nods her head in understanding.

For most people, that would seem completely reasonable. And she's no exception. Several times, I see her eyes flicker to Olivia. No doubt she thinks I'm a business man having an illicit affair on the company dime. I don't care what she thinks, though, as long as it's nowhere near the truth.

"Here are your keys, sir. Your suite is on the fifteenth floor. Suite elevators are just behind the water wall. Wave your key in front of the infrared eye once the elevator doors close. It will take your floor. Your room will be to your left as you exit the elevator. If you have need of anything, my name is Angela. It would be my pleasure to assist you."

"Thank you, Angela. One question: do you offer twenty-four hour room service?"

Yes, sir. In-room dining is available at any time to our suite guests."

"Fine. I think we're all set for the night then."

"Yes, sir. Enjoy your stay."

After taking the keys and the packet of information Angela hands me, I put my hand in the small of Olivia's back and guide her to the elevators. Once inside, her silence continues. I don't try to urge her into conversation because I know she has only questions, questions about things we shouldn't be discussing in a public elevator.

When the car comes to a smooth stop and the doors open with a muted whoosh? I usher Olivia out and to the left. I open the suite door and let her precede me into the room.

I can tell by her expression she's never seen accommodations like these before. Despite her shock and fear, she's still clearly impressed. And the suite they gave us is pretty upscale. It makes me happy I've got the money to treat her to something like this, even though the circumstances are less than desirable.

The first thing I notice when I walk through the door is the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the impressive Atlanta skyline. They are the backdrop for the living room straight ahead, as well as the dining room to the left. Both rooms are done in a beige color and dark red. The lighting is soft, which has a soothing effect. As a guy, I totally approve. There's a huge flat screen at one end of the living room and, beyond