Page 32 of Lost Without You
“Ask away,” she replied as she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning up for a kiss.
“Don’t distract me,” he chuckled, but didn’t let go. “When we head back to California, I’d like to keep seeing you. Only you.”
She didn’t answer right away, instead reaching up to kiss him again. “Yes, that’s definitely something I want.”
“Now about tomorrow…” he started but Rachel rolled her eyes.
“No. Not tonight.”
“I’m worried.”
“I know and I’m grateful for that. But here’s the thing. I’m a stubborn woman and I know my own mind. The truth is worth fighting for.” She paused as they rested their foreheads together.
Ethan looked deep into her eyes, and she felt his anxiety warring with his desire. She wanted to take away his fear and make him feel only pleasure.
“No more talk. Unless it’s dirty,” Rachel whispered.
Ethan chuckled and gave her one last kiss. “You got it. Come on, we might as well get our money’s worth out of this pricy hotel.”
Rachel was laughing as they opened the door to the suite, but something made her suddenly stop. Everything looked the same as they’d left it and yet, a coil of icy dread snaked up Rachel’s spine as she catalogued every detail of the room.
And then she noticed it.
“Ethan,” she murmured and grabbed his arm.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Maybe this is ridiculous, and it’s just my imagination working overtime, but I could’ve sworn that I closed that door before I left.” She pointed to the closet on the other side of the room, the door ajar.
“Housekeeping?” Ethan countered.
“No, I have the ‘do not disturb’ sign on my door.”
“Stay here,” Ethan said as he did a survey of the suite, including the bathroom. “Take a quick look and let me know if anything is missing.”
She did as he asked while he took photos and after a few minutes, he pointed to the hallway. Rachel quickly stepped out of the hotel room, Ethan following.
“I don’t notice anything missing, but housekeeping wasn’t here since the dirty towels are still lying on the bathroom floor. And I think some items in my suitcase were moved around. But I can’t be a hundred percent certain.”
Ethan’s grim expression was back. “You’re staying in my room tonight.”
“I can’t believe this is happening. Should we call the police?”
“The door was locked when we got here, and nothing is missing—they won’t take you seriously. Grab your necessities. Then I have calls to make. We’re going back to Dalton tomorrow, after your family visit. Maybe he can have the suite swept just in case.”
“Swept? You mean for listening devices? But we don’t know for sure anyone was in my room, it’s just a gut feeling. And one open closet.”
Ethan held onto her shoulders. “I’m listening to your gut reaction, Rachel, and you should, too. We’re not taking any chances.”
“This is getting real again.” She licked her lips nervously. “Do you really think someone broke into my room to go through my stuff? Is this Harrison?”
“I think we set off his alarm bell and now he’s starting to dig. Head back inside and grab what you need for the night, I’ll wait here.”
Rachel nodded and quickly gathered up what she needed, leaving the rest so it appeared she was still staying there. Then they took the elevator to Ethan’s room. He went through his room just as carefully, but didn’t see anything out of place. Then he got on the phone with Dalton and texted Lane while Rachel got ready for bed.
Rachel was just starting to nod off when Ethan slipped under the covers to join her. He pulled her in tight, spooning her body and she let out a big sigh.
“All right?” Ethan asked as he kissed her neck.