Page 16 of Playing Dirty

Oh, shit.

“Yes, sir. However, we oversold our double rooms this week and mentioned to your father when he checked in that we’d upgraded you to a king room with a mountain view.”

Double shit.

Theo’s shoulders go rigid, and a quick scan reveals the same tension lining his neck and pulling his jaw taut.

But even in his irritated state, I’d have to be completely stupid to not notice he’s extremely good looking, standing at maybe an inch shorter than my six-foot-two, with a sharp nose and defined cheekbones that make him look more like a marble statue than a human.

“That would’ve been nice information for him to share with us,” Theo grumbles, oblivious to my staring. “Are we able to get another king room, then?”

“I’m sorry, sir. It’s one of our busiest times of year. We’re completely booked for the next month.” Jeremy musters up a pleasant smile, offering, “You’re welcome to check back in the morning if we happen to have any cancellations, but for the evening, this is all we have available.”

Theo looks like he might blow a gasket as he glares at the receptionist, and I have to take pity on the guy. After all, he’s just doing his job, which is the only reason I find myself trying to ease the tension.

“Look, it’s fine,” I tell them both, resting my hand on Theo’s forearm tostop him from arguing. “I’ll just sleep on the pull-out, okay? I don’t mind.”

However, I realize what Theoisn’tfine with—probably more than this ridiculous situation we’ve found ourselves in—is me touching him. In fact, he’s gone stiff as a board, his gaze boring into me like a laser, and I immediately pull my hand back to right the mistake. But even after I drop it back at my side, his attention remains locked on my face, eyes flaring with…heat?

Then again, it’s likely I’m confusing heat for barely contained rage.

The receptionist’s smile tightens as he glances between me and Theo. “Actually, sir, our king rooms don’t have any pull-out sofas. Just the bed and an armchair.”

My stomach sinks at this bit of information, and I hear Theo curse, “Well, isn’t that just fucking wonderful,” under his breath.

Honestly, my thoughts are running along similar lines, but what else are we gonna do? Draw straws for which of us will risk hypothermia or death by sleeping in the car? Sure, it’d be an escape from this tenth circle of hell I’ve landed in, but I’d still prefer to make it out alive.

Jeremy, the poor guy, looks like he’d rather be anywhere but here when he slowly slides Theo’s credit card, ID, and a pair of room keys across the counter toward us.

“Your suite is located on the sixth floor, room six-twelve. You’ll want to head down this hallway on the left until you hit the second set of elevators.” He pauses briefly before adding, “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No,” I immediately reply, glancing over at Theo. “Thank you for your help, Jeremy.”

The silence is deafening between us as Theo and I wait for the elevator, then ride up to our floor. I can almost feel his irritation coating me like asecond skin; one I’d love nothing more than to shed like a snake, yet can’t.

He doesn’t say anything when we enter our suite either, just shoves the door open and heads to the far side of the room without a word. It’s a spacious room, plenty big enough for a sofa sleeper, which grates on my nerves a bit too, but I’m determined not to focus on the things I can’t control. If we’re going to survive this, I have to worry about the things Ican.

“We can check tomorrow afternoon if there are any cancellations,” I tell him, stopping short of the bed. “But until then, I can sleep on the floor or whatever.”

“It’s fine. You don’t need to sleep on the floor.” He glances up from where he’s going through his bag, meeting my gaze. “I might be annoyed about this whole situation, but I’m not a complete asshole.”

I could write a dissertation on why I don’t believe him, but if we’re gonna get through this week without killing each other, it’s better I keep my opinion to myself. However, I do offer him another opportunity to take the out I’m providing.

“I don’t mind. I just…don’t want you to be uncomfortable sharing a bed with me.”

Sleeping on the floor doesn’t sound like the best thing, but I’d rather do that than have him pissed that I slept beside him without outing myself as—

“I don’t care that you’re gay.”

His nonchalant tone takes me off guard, especially paired with his statement. Not because I don’t want him to know about my sexuality. I’ve been out since freshman year of high school, and it’s far from a secret. It’s more him knowing this bit of information that’s surprising.

“Uh. Okay. Good to know.”

I know he’s roommates with a few queer athletes at Leighton, but I’m fully aware that sharing a house and common spaces is a lot different thansharing a single bed.

Apparently not to Theo, though, because a sharp bark of laughter fills the room, and he shakes his head. “I’m more uncomfortable with being forced to act like we’re some great, happy family all week.”

“You just didn’t seem too thrilled down at the desk.”