The Wife Win

I slowly shake my head. “No, I didn’t make the reservation myself and I don’t remember receiving one. But that’s okay. I can just give you my credit card now for a room.”

She laughs ruefully. “Under normal circumstances that would be fine, but due to the weekend’s events, we are completely booked up. I’m so sorry, Miss Conrad. I just don’t have anything available to offer you.”

I must make a loud regretful sound because the next thing I know, Marek is at my side, his elbow placed casually over the counter.

“Is there a problem, Harper?” He looks to me and then to Leddy, searching each of our faces for an answer.

I chew on my lip bottom lip, trying to think of another alternative for this conundrum. “Unfortunately, the hotel doesn’t have a reservation under my name, and I was never provided a confirmation number. I’m sure it was simply an oversight. I’m happy to book my own, but it appears they don’t have any availability.”

“Not to worry. I’ll get this sorted out.”

Marek holds up a finger to Leddy, who doesn’t seem worried either way, but waits expectantly as Marek places the phone to his ear.

“Vivian, we have a small problem with the hotel. Can you patch me through to Leslie in the travel department? Thanks.”

There’s a pause and then he’s back on the line with presumably Leslie.

“Yes, hi Leslie, this is Marek. I believe you or someone on your team booked all our reservations for the trip to Chicago…Yes, our flight was good, but we’re now at the hotel and there seems to be a reservation snafu…Mmm-hmm…Yes, I do realize it was a last minute add-on. The reservation is for Harper Conrad.”

His dark eyes flick to me, holding mine for a long moment as I swim in a pool of hazel.

Marek nods and hums. “I see…yes, okay. I understand. Mistakes do happen…”

My stomach bottoms out with disappointment. Shit, that doesn’t sound good. I’ll have to start searching for somewhere else to stay this weekend and I know nothing about the Chicago area.

As if sensing my worry, Marek’s hand darts out to wrap around my wrist, holding me steady as his eyes remain on me. I’m caught in a place between panic and peaceful serenity because I trust Marek to do right by me. I know he won’t leave me stranded and will take it upon himself to ensure I have a place to stay. No man or woman left behind.

He smiles tightly, staring at me while he continues listening to Leslie chatter on the other end of the phone.

“It’s fine, Leslie. We’ll work something out for tonight and, in the meantime, if you can arrange for new accommodations for Miss Conrad, that would be great. Please email me as soon as you can. Okay, thank you. Goodbye.”

He ends the call and looks first to Leddy and then to me.

“I’m sorry we took up your time unnecessarily, Leddy, but apparently Harper doesn’t have a reservation here tonight. Thanks for your help.”

He tugs at my arm and pulls me aside, ducking his head as I tip my chin up to look at him with wary eyes.

“I’m so sorry about that, Harper. It was a mistake made by an intern. I guess she got your cameraman booked and thought she booked you too, but there was only the one reservation. But I have an option if it’s amenable to you. There’s plenty of available rooms where I’m staying tonight.”

I remember him mentioning earlier during the flight that he would be staying at his friend Demarcus Fields’ house in Forest Glen.

I nod my head in confirmation. “Sure, you said you’d be crashing with your old friend and teammate at his house.”

At this, Marek clears his throat, looking a bit chagrinned. “Technically, yes, it’s at his house. But DeMarcus and his wife aren’t in town this weekend. I was planning to stay there alone.”

When I don’t say anything and my eyes pop wide, his expression turns slightly panicky, his hands raised in innocent defense.

“I swear, you’ll have your own room. Your own wing, even. You probably won’t even see me there it’s such a big house.”

Perhaps if it were any other man in his position, I would have said no way, no how.

But Marek is not that type of guy. I feel it deep in my soul.

He’s honest and decent and would never do anything to take advantage of me.

It’s not any fault of his this happened. He’s simply trying to rectify a clerical error made by one of his staff members.

There’s no reason in the world I should refuse his offer.

I pick up my bag that’s sitting at my feet and gesture toward the front doors. “I’m good with it if it’s not an imposition.”

“None whatsoever.” He takes my bag from my grip, his fingers brushing over mine. I glance down at the connection and let go.

“Okay. Let me just check in with Doug to let him know my plans and then you can lead the way.”