Room One

Suddenly, I’m so sick of being inside my head and listening to my own excuses. Every year I do the same thing. Work, home, work again. And when the big C day rolls around I jet off to an island, hold up in a hotel room, watch Christmas reruns and end up eating every meal in front of my computer.

And the days after Christmas. Those are the coldest and loneliest. I spend every single winter night since moving to New York City six years ago solo. The more I think about it the more I see Justice has a point. “You say it’s safe?”

“Yes. Everyone is vetted before they are allowed in.”

I can’t believe I’m asking this. “When is it again?”

Justice looks absolutely stunning wearing a Cheshire smile like a trophy. “T-minus thirteen hours.”

I sit in silence and Justice takes that as acceptance of my fate.

“I’ve already informed the driver you’ll be going home early today. I have a dress fitting scheduled at your apartment for noon and a late lunch for three. My favorite deli will deliver. After that I advise you to get some sleep. You’ll have a long night ahead of you.” Justice is across the room answering her desk phone while I choke on all the details she’s fed me.

“As a partner you get a few perks that come with the job like taking an extra day off and making it a long weekend for burying the past.” She looks pointedly at my necklace, and she doesn’t have to say it. We’re both thinking of the three big elephants in my life.

I guess I’m doing this.

“Ms. Thorne, the driver is ready. Says he’s fueled the car and ready when you are.” Justice’s new assistant’s voice carries over the intercom.

I stand and grab my shoulder bag. Justice sees me to the door and before I leave, I turn to give her a quick kiss. “If I get killed it’s your fault. Don’t let my house plants suffer the same fate.”

Electric green eyes kiss the ceiling. “Drama queen.” Justice pushes my reservation card into my hands. “Can’t have you forgetting that.”

I throw her a wink and turn running into a blue cotton-covered chest.

“Oh damn. I’m sorry.”

Joshua the tech guy throws a hand out and catches my elbow, but I drop my bag and the letter. He picks them up and hands them to me offering an awkward smile.

“Date night?”

“Something like that.”

A pang of adrenaline spikes my blood, and my heartbeat quickens. I step around him and offer a quick apology before rushing for the elevators.

Please, God, don’t let him follow. I look up to find him entering right behind me.

“First floor?”

I nod.

His shoulder brushes mine. “How’s the computer?” he asks. There’s ample space since we’re the only two people on the elevator, but he picks my personal zone to stand in. I count the floors as they go by way too slowly and fight the urge to squirm.

“It’s just fine,” I flat out lie and push down spikes of dread climbing up my spine. “Thanks for fixing the blue screen of death. I almost lost all my work.”

“New phone?” His hand is on the middle of my back, and I take a step forward.

“Phone? Oh, yeah, sure.” I peer down at my hand and realize I’m clutching the thing like it’s my only lifeline.

“We’re here!” The doors slide open, and I rush through the throng of people trying to get on. “Nice chatting.”

“Wait up. I’ll walk you out.”

I wave off Joshua, but he doesn’t seem to mind or pay attention and easily glides up next to me. Talk about not getting a clue. We step through the revolving doors.

The driver is right where he promised to be, and I breathe a sigh of relief. “There’s my car. Thanks for the company.” But Joshua is not getting the message and crosses the last few yards to where the SUV is parked against the curb.

“This man bothering you?”

My driver opens the back door, ushering me inside and steps between Joshua and me, blocking his approach.

“Just helping.”

“The lady doesn’t need your help.” I can hear the ice in my driver’s voice and there’s a hint of danger there too. Whoa. How much is Justice paying this guy?

The younger man snorts and says something I can’t hear. I turn to look out the back window only to see Joshua walking off, a look of hurt and disappointment on his face when he looks back at me. Damn. The last thing I need is to make enemies.

My phone pings, and it’s Justice.

Forgot to tell you, take a pen. You’ll need to sign a contract when you get there. Have fun,

- Love J

What the hell have I gotten myself into?