Lib Novel Page 2
Maddie:
Thank you. Means so much that you are here. Like we talked about the other day, we’ll meet everyone in the lobby for drinks before the rehearsal. See you at 5:00!
Me:
Can’t wait! I’m gonna hop in the shower and get ready. See you soon!
I’m about to put my phone on the bathroom counter when it dings again. I take one look and moan.
Mom:
Have you made it to the hotel yet dear?
Me:
Hi mom. Yes, all checked in. No worries.
Mom:
Great! I know you’ll have such a good time. Weddings are always a great place to meet people. Maybe you’ll find Mr. Right in Montana!
Me:
Mom, I’m not looking to meet anyone. I just want to relax and have a good time.
Mom:
Well excuse me for wanting my daughter to be happy.
Me:
I am happy. Really.
Mom:
Just be sure not to overindulge. You don’t want to have to worry about your weight. And men like a woman who eats like a bird.
Me:
Eye roll emoji
Mom:
Charleigh Laurel White! Did you just roll your eyes at me?
Me:
My thumb must have slipped, meant to send a heart. Gotta go take a shower. Bye!
Steam spirals toward the ceiling as I step out of the shower. I stood under the hot stream for forever, letting Mom’s words roll off my back and down the drain. Stretching my neck as I move my head from side to side, I resolve not to let her words get in the way of me enjoying myself this week.
After drying off, I bend over and wrap my hair up in the fluffy towel before flipping it back as I stand. Relaxed, I release a deep sigh and open the door to the bedroom, intent on finding the perfect dress for tonight. My gaze snags on a sight that has me freezing mid-step.
There, looking out the window of MY hotel room, is a figure that makes my heart stop. He’s tall, muscles rippling as he pulls a white T-shirt over his head, exposing a chiseled chest and back that makes heat rush to my core. He tosses it onto the bed next to a dark button-down shirt. His head is bobbing slightly, and I realize he has air pods in. I wonder what he’s listening to.
Yep, that’s the thought that crosses my mind. Forget wondering if he’s here to rob me, or if he’s an assassin sent from our rival interior design firm or worse. Nope. My sense of self-preservation does not kick in. I stand there mesmerized as I take in his profile.
His features are chiseled with the kind of rugged handsomeness that screams Montana born and bred. He runs a hand through his dark hair and starts to turn my way, which is exactly the moment when the fact that I’m standing here completely NUDE finally registers with me. With a screech I turn and rush into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me.