Page 16 of Hooked on Lane (Hooked #1)

Chapter Sixteen

Jennifer

M aybe, I was overthinking this whole trip. This doesn’t mean anything. He was just being kind. Plus, the pictures of the town were gorgeous. And honestly, I hadn’t been out of the city since moving here. Small towns always had a different vibe. Slower pace. And I loved it.

“I really hope this doesn’t turn out to be a massive mistake. It’s all your fault.”

Laura turned toward me. “You can't get mad at me.”

I packed my warmest clothes. I had never been to a place like this before and wasn't sure what to expect. Laura seemed to think we were going to come back married, but we weren't going to Vegas.

“You and Lane are meant to be together.” She pressed her lips tight. “This could be the trip you need to figure it out, away from all the stress and chaos of work.” Her eyebrows wiggled.

I folded the last shirt and packed it. No matter what happened on this trip, it was going to be an experience that would stay with me for a lifetime. I heaved it off the bed and carried it across the room to the door.

“Seriously, stop all the anxiety. You're single, and you get to spend the next week with a handsome man for Christmas. Stop acting like you're headed off to prison.”

I rolled my eyes and took one last look around the apartment, making sure I hadn't missed anything. "Alright. Chill. It's all your expectations that are giving me jitters. Just let me have a good time… Can’t that be it?”

“Yeah, whatever.”

My phone vibrated, signaling that the cab I ordered was waiting out front. Laura, who had to board her flight an hour after mine, grabbed her suitcase and followed me out the door. “Let’s go have the best Christmas ever.”

The taxi driver put our suitcases in the trunk and we didn’t say a word the whole drive. Something about being in the car with a complete stranger made me anxious. Always had. But finally, we arrived at the airport, grabbed our bags and went inside.

“Alright, I’m going to check my bag. Too bad we didn’t book with the same airline. Anywho, text me all the deets.”

Gathering my courage, I followed suit until I saw him. He came right up to me. “I already checked us in, so let's drop our bags off with TSA and go through security.”

My gaze lingered on him as I took in his new look—tight black jeans, a leather jacket, and scuffed combat boots.

He was usually all buttoned-up at the office.

He had a rebellious edge that I hadn't noticed before.

I wondered if this was how he usually looked outside of the office, a far cry from the pressed slacks and crisp white shirts.

Maybe there was more to him… It was the right week to find out.