17. Woodley

SEVENTEEN

Woodley

Through the years, we all will be together / If the fates allow. Hang a shining star upon the highest bough / And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

9:36 am

The warmth of the sheets is like a comfortable cocoon. The last few hours have been full of surprises. I didn't expect this. I didn't expect any of it. Thorne and I have been through so many extremes together in just a few days—hate, frustration, irritation, rage, and now something that feels a lot like affection.

"I'm going to jump in the shower. Is that okay?" I ask him as I run my hands over his chiseled abs. I could get dressed and walk over to my place, but something about being here with him feels more appropriate. I just want to rinse off after all of our extracurricular activity, and then I can climb back in bed.

My body is humming from what we just shared. I've never connected in bed with someone like I do him. Thorne Chilton, of all people

"Sure. I'll jump in after you. There is a robe right there if you want it. I'm happy to go next door and grab you some clothes if you like."

"Who needs clothes?" I smile at him as I say it and trace the line of his stubbled chin. "Such a gentleman, though, thanks for the offer."

I slide out of bed, his body relaxed, his breathing steady. There's a peacefulness in the way he looks right now, like the layers he hides behind have finally fallen away, revealing the kind person underneath.

And, I have to admit, he's incredible in bed too. I realize I'd judged him too quickly—assuming he was just like my father before I even gave myself a chance to really know him. He's nothing like what I've thought all these weeks we've worked together getting ready for this pitch.

It's still true, he shouldn't have been able to walk into this job at the level he did and get to work on this campaign. But I also know I wasn't fair to him.

He didn't choose to be born into the family he was born into, just like I wasn't. But he is making the most of his place and working to have something on his own. I know now he cares about his job and how he comes across. He isn't nearly as flippant and smug as I thought.

I grab his robe from the chair and head into the bathroom, turning on the shower. The steam fills the room quickly, a welcome escape from the cold air in the room. The contrast is nice.

As I step under the stream of hot water, letting it cascade over me, for the first time in what feels like years, I feel light. Like I've let go of something I didn't realize I'd been holding onto but that has been weighing me down.

As the water pours down, I replay the last few hours in my mind: our conversation, our connection, the way we finally opened up to each other. And the intimacy that followed. It started out as purely physical, a release from the insanity that seemed to start the moment we I walked into the gate in Chattanooga and saw him smugly sitting there. But in a short time, which at moments along the way feels like infinitely longer, has transitioned into so much more.

I close my eyes, letting the water wash over my face. This feeling of warmth and comfort, this connection with someone who sees me for who I really am. I don't think I've ever felt anything like this, completely unguarded and with someone who accepts me just as I am. Unexpectedly, this is the best Christmas I've had in years, if ever.

The sound of the shower door opening makes me turn around. Thorne steps in, his eyes warm but still a little sleepy. He doesn't say anything, just joins me under the water, his movements slow and easy. There's no rush, no urgency, only closeness.

I smile at him, brushing my wet hair away from my face. "I thought you were going back to sleep."

He shrugs, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Figured I'd join you instead. You know, conserve water and all."

We stand there for a moment, letting the heat wash over us, the silence between us comfortable and sweet. There's no need for words right now. We've already said everything that needed to be said. Now, it's just about being here, together.

Thorne reaches for the soap, lathering his hands before gently running them down my arm. It's a simple gesture, but there's something incredibly tender about it. I watch him, feeling a soft ache in my chest that's both terrifying and wonderful at the same time.

I never thought I'd be here, not with someone like him, not in a place like this. But here we are. And for once, I'm not scared of what happens next, I don't feel the need to prove anything to anyone, or fight for my rightful place. It is so naturally, and it is so good.

As we stand under the water, I can't help but think about how far we've come. From that first day, when I could barely stand the sight of him, to now, when I can't imagine being anywhere else but here. With him.

10:12 am

I sit on the edge of the bed, my hair still damp from the shower, and glance at Thorne. He's leaning back against the pillows, looking more relaxed than I've ever seen him, but there's still that undercurrent of business lingering between us. We both know we can't avoid it much longer.

"So, should we reach out to Thom?" I ask, standing to grab my phone from the dresser and then sitting back down on the corner of the bed. I put my hand on his bare foot, savoring the warmth from the shower still emanating from his skin.

Thorne sighs, running a hand through his wet hair. "I think we should reach out. We are here, things seem to be improving, let's give it a try. I don't think he can fault us for being eager to work."

I nod, knowing he's right. "Are you okay with me calling, or did you want to do it?" Normally I would just tell him I would call, but I see Thorne differently, more as a partner. I know he cares about this as much as I do, and now I know he is capable.

"You do it. You have a sexier voice." He laughs as he says it. I look at him with a sideways glance. "I'm serious. I think we stand a better chance of getting the meeting if you do it. It's scientifically proven, men respond more favorably to women. Just saying."

I roll my eyes and then look down at my phone, scrolling through my contacts. When I find Thom's number I hover over it. "I'll call him instead of texting. Feels more direct. Plus, I'd hate for him to miss out on this sexy voice."

Thorne gives me a small nod of approval, and I hit the call button and simultaneously turn on the speaker. It takes a few rings before Thom picks up.

"Woodley!" he answers, his voice upbeat despite the situation. "I'm really sorry about yesterday. The internet going out threw everything off, but it looks like the birds are out, so I'm thinking we are through the worst of it."

"It's alright," I reply, trying to keep my voice professional. "We were all dealing with the same storm. I'm just checking in to see if you think there's any way we can meet today. It's stopped snowing here, but I don't know what the roads are like out there."

There's a pause on the other end before Thom speaks again. "The weather does seem to be letting up, and the good news is my internet is fully restored. I'll need to check with the team, though. A few of them were hit harder by the storm and might still be without power."

"Totally understandable," I say, glancing at Thorne, who's watching me intently. "We haven't rescheduled our flights yet. And honestly, I'm not sure we'll be able to get out today even if we wanted to. So, we're still here and ready if you can make it happen."

"Got it. Let me check with the team and get back to you within the hour," Thom promises.

"Thanks, Thom. We'll be waiting to hear from you," I say, ending the call and setting my phone down on the bed.

Thorne raises an eyebrow, sitting up a little straighter. "Well, that went well, don't you think?"

"It's promising, for sure," I respond, exhaling softly. "I think it will depend on where the others are with power. I couldn't gauge if he is going to try to do it via video call or if they will come in. Obviously, I hope the latter, but I think we should take what we can get."

Thorne nods, not saying anything for a moment. I can tell he's thinking, probably running through the same scenarios I am. But the difference today is the pressure doesn't feel as suffocating.

"Perhaps we should celebrate?" he asks with a mischievous grin. With that, he jumps up and grabs me, pulling me down into the bed with him.

10:37 am

We make our way downstairs, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon drawing us into the breakfast area. It's quiet, so I'm guessing most of the guests are still in their rooms, savoring the warmth after the storm.

The dining room is cozy, with Christmas music playing softly in the background. There's a fire crackling in the hearth, and the festive decorations around the hotel are starting to feel less like a reminder of the chaos and more like a welcome embrace.

Thorne grabs a couple of plates, and I follow, both of us apparently starving. We load up with scrambled eggs, sausages, and waffles. After the last few days, it feels like we haven't had a proper meal in forever.

We sit down, and for the first time in days, everything feels easy. The silence isn't heavy anymore—it's comfortable, soothing, even. Thorne leans back in his chair, taking a bite of his food and grinning at me like we've been doing this forever.

"You're not going to eat your bacon?" he asks, eyeing my plate.

I raise an eyebrow, pretending to guard it. "You have your own."

"Yeah, but yours looks better," he says with a playful grin. I can't help but laugh.

"I'll think about it," I reply, cutting into my waffle.

We eat in a comfortable rhythm, talking about the storm and the chaos of the last few days. Thorne brings up the bombing, both of us still shaken by how close we were to it.

Riding the elevator down earlier, I scanned through an update on my phone. The investigation into the bombing had progressed. It wasn't Faber-Ward, my father's company, who planted the bomb. Instead, it was retaliation against them.

It appears it was a group trying to send a message, taking aim at the airline because of its ties to Faber-Ward. Apparently, the bomb had been intended to disrupt services, not cause casualties. But no matter the intention, the recklessness of it all makes my blood boil.

I get why they did it, why they hate my father's company. I'm right there with them. But violence? It's never the answer, no matter how righteous the cause.

I look away, as we continue to talk about it. "People could've died." This is the part that really gets to me. I could have died because of what he is doing. "How does one wrong right another?"

Thorne nods, his expression hardening. "It could have been so much worse. I can't imagine how it must be affecting you, knowing it is tied to your father's dealings."

My stomach twists at the thought of all of it.

"It just reminds me of why I want nothing to do with them," I add quietly. "What's scary and maddening is that even though I'm completely cut off from them, his dealings still have the ability to impact me, to seep into my life and possibly harm me."

Thorne squeezes my hand, pulling me back from my thoughts. "You're nothing like them."

I exhale, trying to shake off the unease. I'm ready to change the subject. If I never have to think about that again it will be too soon.

"I wonder how the little girl from yesterday is doing?"

Thorne nods, his fork pausing midair. "Yeah, I've been thinking about them too. That whole situation was so scary. I'm so glad she was found safe. Hopefully it was a lesson for all of them and they can put it behind them to enjoy the holiday."

There's a sense of relief in knowing the worst of the storm has passed, but the conversation continues to remind me of all of the tough things we have been through in these few days. It feels good to talk, even about the hard things.

Oddly enough, being stuck here doesn't seem like a burden anymore. There's no rush, no pressure to be anywhere but here.

Thorne stretches back in his chair after a while, looking more relaxed than I've ever seen him. "This isn't the worst place to be snowed in. And, the company's not so bad, either."

I smile, nodding. "No, it's not. Especially now that things look like they are working out. Now, we just need to get Thom into the office today and then catch a flight out."

He raises his coffee mug in a mock toast. "To rescheduled pitches and happily-ever-afters."

I clink my glass of orange juice against his coffee cup, chuckling. "Amen to that."

Just then, the little girl from yesterday walks by holding her mother's hand, her bright eyes locking onto Thorne. She smiles widely and waves enthusiastically, her tiny hand flapping in the air. It looks like they are heading toward the exit, maybe it is finally safe for them to head home.

Thorne gives her a warm wave back, a small grin tugging at his lips. Her mother smiles gratefully at him, mouthing a quiet "thank you" as they pass. My heart softens at the sight, and I glance over at him.

"You jumped into action so quickly yesterday," I say, my voice soft. "You are the superhero, you know?"

He shrugs, a modest smile playing on his face. "She was scared. Anyone would have done the same."

But the thing is, not everyone would have. It was freezing out there, the wind was howling, the snow was coming down in sheets and he took charge. When he learned she walked out in that weather, there was zero hesitation.He knew he had to go out there to find her.

My hunch has been growing, but that's when I realized there's more to Thorne Chilton than the gruff, arrogant exterior he wears. Underneath it, he's someone who cares deeply about others.

Before I can say anything more, my phone buzzes on the table. I pick it up, seeing a text from Thom. My heart skips a beat as I unlock the screen and read the message.

At least three of us, including myself, can make it into the office by 4 today. The roads should be clear by then. Can you two make it work? Apologies for the late time, but safety first. Let me know.

I glance up at Thorne, excitement bubbling in my chest. "Looks like we've got a meeting today!"

His eyebrows shoot up. "Today?"

"Yeah, four o'clock. Thom and at least three others can make it in. Hot damn! Let's go close this shit!"

Thorne sits up a little straighter, a grin spreading across his face. "That's amazing."

"Yeah," I say, feeling the rush of adrenaline. "It means we'll be here at least another night, though."

Thorne shrugs, his expression still relaxed. "I'm not exactly sad about that. Plus, I'd say there is close to a zero percent chance we would get out of here today, anyway. This way we can go ahead and try to get a flight lined up for tomorrow. Nothing like coming in hot on Christmas Eve-Eve."

"I'm not too sad about it, either," I admit, surprised at how true that feels. The idea of staying here a little longer with him doesn't sound bad at all. Especially if it means we can get this done and hopefully land the account.

We exchange a look, both of us knowing that whatever happens next—whether we secure the deal or not—we've already crossed some invisible line. And somehow, we're both okay with it.