The Christmas Plan - Samantha Chase Page 0,7

separate rooms, which begged the question, “That’s what I’m asking. Why?”

She stepped around him and put her suitcase down by the closet. “It’s only one night and I didn’t think it was a big deal. You’ve crashed at my place before and I’ve done the same at yours. Plus, we’re essentially going to be living together for a month.”

“We won’t be like living together,” he corrected. “We just both happen to be staying with my parents. You’ll have your own room.”

She let out a long breath and flopped down on the bed closest to the window. “If you’re not comfortable, then call and see if they have another room. Personally, I’m fine with this.”

Maybe he was making too big of a deal out of it. It was only one night and Aspen was right, they’d stayed at each other’s places before.

Just not in beds that were three feet apart.

It’s not a big deal. I can handle this.

At least, he thought he could. Not that he had much of a choice. They were here in the room now.

You can call the front desk and ask for another room.

As tempting as that thought was, he knew he was overreacting and that Aspen would be completely offended if he got another room.

So, like a man walking to his execution, Gabe put his suitcase down beside hers and then sat on the bed that was going to be his for the night.

“Do you mind if we just do room service?” she asked. “The thought of getting in the car again is just too much for me.”

“I don’t really think they have room service here.”

Pushing up on her elbows, she looked at him with disbelief. “This is a nice hotel, Gabe. Why wouldn’t they have room service?”

“Um…”

Before he could answer, she got up, walked over to the desk, and found the hotel binder with all the amenities and local attractions. “Aha! Room service!” she cried victoriously. Then she came and sat close beside him so he could look at the menu with him. “It’s nothing overly fancy but there are definitely some yummy things on here.”

Glancing at the selection, he said, “I’m going to get the bacon and mushroom burger and fries. I’ll go back down to the car and grab the coolers so we can have drinks and snacks if you need them.”

“Need? Um, yeah. Definitely. But they have apple pie on the dessert menu. And milkshakes.”

“And?”

Her blue eyes went wide. “And? Are you serious? There is nothing in our snack cooler that compares to apple pie and milkshakes, Gabe. Those are much better options and we should totally order them.”

“Aspen…”

“Fine, you eat the snacks from the cooler–but not all of them!–and I’ll order something fresh and delicious.” She stood and walked over to the phone on the desk. “My nana used to make the best apple pie, but honestly, I’ve yet to have a really bad apple pie.” Then she shrugged and called in their order.

And when it arrived, Gabe immediately regretted not ordering the pie too because it looked amazing.

They set up the food on the small table by the window and luckily, it had two chairs. The food looked and smelled good and they both must have been hungrier than they thought because they were several bites in before either of them spoke. Besides her milkshake and pie, Aspen had ordered crab cakes and fries.

“How’s your burger?” she asked.

Nodding, he replied, “It’s good. Want a bite?”

She smiled knowingly. “Sure. Want a taste of the crab cake? We are in Maryland, you know, so they’re really good.”

They swapped bites, and he had to admit, she always ordered the best dish on the menu. You’d think he’d learn to just get whatever she does because as soon as she offers him a taste, he always regrets what he ordered.

Like now.

Gabe heard her low snort and knew she was on to him.

Again.

“Next time, just let me order for you,” she said before popping a fry into her mouth. “I don’t know why you’re so stubborn about this.”

Neither did he, but rather than debate this particular topic, there were other things on his mind.

“So tomorrow,” he began. “I’d like to get on the road early–not the crack of dawn, but definitely between seven and eight. Is that okay with you?”

“No problem. It’s eight hours of driving and I figure we can sort of push through with quick bathroom breaks, maybe lunch in the car, and a few stops for gas. I’m guessing there aren’t many