the hotel, but I don’t see him. And I would. He is head and shoulders above the majority of people. I start for the entrance, wondering if he went outside, when I spot him standing at the curb, talking with one of the valets. The valet is young, very early twenties maybe, and he’s nodding repeatedly as Mitch keeps talking, handing over a ticket. The valet takes off and Mitch turns, heading back toward the entrance.
I rush toward him, and we meet in the middle, though still close to the front doors of the hotel. “You did valet parking?”
He nods, looking distracted. “Way easier than dealing with that parking garage.”
I’ve never done valet in my life. I think it’s a waste of cash, but maybe Mitch makes really good money. He should, considering he works with professional athletes.
“Why did that guy stop you earlier?” I ask.
“Who called you?” he asks at practically the same time.
“Oh. Uh, it was Kelsey. They’re already at the airport. I forgot to let them know I’m staying another night.” I offer up a flirtatious smile. “Someone kept me a little too occupied earlier.”
He smiles in return before he glances around, tugging on my hand so we end up standing behind a giant plant in a beautiful pot. “Can’t help it. I always want my hands on you.”
His hand slides to my butt as if to emphasize that fact, giving it a squeeze.
I step out of his hold, not wanting people to catch me getting felt up behind a plant. “How long did the valet say it would take to bring your car around?”
“Ten minutes. I told him if he made it in less than ten, I’d give him a bigger tip,” Mitch says. “I want out of here.”
I wonder how much he promised the valet. “Tired of hanging out in a casino?” Oh God, please don’t say you’re tired of hanging out with me.
“Just ready to go home.” He sends me a look that’s full of promise, and relief hits me, making me relax. “I’m glad we’re not staying at another hotel tonight. I want to sleep in my own bed.”
“Do you really think we’re going to get much sleep?” I ask, raising my brows.
“Probably not, but still.” He shrugs, a crooked smile on his face.
My heart trips over itself as I stare into his eyes. We might be moving at a fast clip, but it doesn’t feel forced or wrong. It all feels so natural with Mitch. I could fall for this guy.
If I haven’t fallen already.
Nineteen
Mitch
That was a close one.
The guy who approached me in the lobby of the Wilder Hotel? A Raiders fan. He was dumbfounded to find me there, and right about the same time he started to have a minor freak out, Eleanor’s phone rang.
Thank God.
Once I calmed that dude down, I went outside to find the same kid who assisted me Friday night working the valet desk. I gave him five twenties, told him not to make a big deal about me whatsoever, and if he brought my truck to me in less than ten minutes, he could get a bonus tip.
Kid brought me the truck in less than six minutes. Impressive. I gave him an extra sixty bucks for his trouble. I thought he was going to shit a brick, he was so glad to make a $160 tip.
Eleanor was oblivious. When she asked about the fan in the lobby, I asked her about the call at the same time, and once she explained who it was, she forgot all about her question. I somehow managed to get us to hide behind a giant tropical plant for a few minutes so no one would notice me. It worked.
Now, we’re in my truck headed back to my apartment, Eleanor glancing around the interior with an impressed look on her face. “This is really nice,” she says as she runs her hand over the center console.
“Thanks.” I shrug, keeping my eyes on the road ahead of me. Traffic is fucking awful.
“It must’ve been really expensive.”
“Thank God for payments.” I’m lying. I paid cash for this thing.
“True that,” she agrees with a little sigh as she settles into her seat. I sort of hate it when she makes those sounds, only because they manage to always affect me.
Meaning, they always manage to affect my dick.
This woman has a stranglehold on my libido. I want her all. The. Damn. Time. It’s insane. Last night was like—mind blowing. This morning was again, mind