Chapter 43

Adam

Our only stops are to fill up on gas and use the facilities. It would be a boring evening drive if not for my all-consuming thoughts.

Evie falling back into my embrace as we navigated the boat back to the pier. Her shuddering beneath my touch. It makes my entire body tingle, even now.

The Captain was waiting for us when we disembarked. I told him about the wine, giving him a generous tip.

"Have a happy life, you two," he said.

If only.

I'm already dreading when Evie will go back home.

The hours in Tahoe have been wonderful. But duty calls.

I pull up to the hotel's grand driveway and turn off the smooth jazz, playing on the radio. "Welcome to Salt Lake City, Ronna," I say, aiming for upbeat.

"Shower and bed," Evie mumbles.

I know better than to engage with her. We're both exhausted. And I can tell her back is aching from the long drive. As we took the exit, she downed a couple of pills, turning quiet. After a good night's rest, we'll both be energized, ready to finish the drive to Colorado.

The valet takes the car keys, practically grimacing at the Honda like it's an eyesore sullying the luxury building's fa?ade. I suspect the vehicle will be parked far from public view.

Evie and I follow a bellhop, pulling a cart with our bags to the reception counter. Evie looks like she's sleepwalking, her eyes at half-mast.

Gleaming marble floors and an abundance of shiny wood adorn the lobby. I give my name to the clerk.

"Nice place," Evie whispers, one eye closed.

I put an arm around her shoulders, mostly an attempt at keeping her vertical. "Only the best for my fiancée."

The clerk hands me a key card. "You are in room eight-oh-four. Enjoy your stay."

I look at the solo key. "Is the other room nearby?"

The clerk frowns. "What other room?"

"I booked two rooms."

The man's gaze passes from me to Evie, then taps furiously on his keyboard. "I'm so sorry, sir. There must have been some misunderstanding. We have only one room booked for you."

"No problem, I'll sign for another one now."

"You don't understand, sir. We are fully booked."

Evie yawns so big I can see her tonsils.

"I need sleep," she mumbles. Clearly, she isn't tuned into what's happening.

There's no point in finding another hotel with two rooms. Evie is ready to collapse. To the clerk, I say, "We'll manage."

We take the elevator to the eighth floor. The bellhop unlocks the room door, handing the key to me. I hand him a tip in return, then watch as the door closes shut behind him.

The room is luxurious and minimalist. One closet, one nightstand. One bed.

"Call me in the morning," Evie says, flopping onto the bed, her eyes closed.

"But—"

Before I can explain, Evie is sound asleep.

I stand at the foot of the bed, panic setting in as I try to figure out a plan of action.

Looking around the sparse room, it's clear there are no viable options. I make a decision I hope I won't regret.