Page 1 of Reluctant to Love

1

Eleanor

The moment I step into the hotel lobby, Roderick Payne’s face greets me. It’s larger than life on a giant vinyl banner and I grit my teeth as I pass by, resisting the urge to punch it.

He’s public enemy number one in my book and I used to be in love with him.

Even after a few years, he’s still a handsome devil. Shoulder length auburn hair, piercing green eyes and a perfect white smile. He shouldn’t look that good.

I lift my chin and take in a deep breath. That was the past; this is the present.

World of Books is a huge convention. My chances of running into him are slim to none. Thousands of people attend every year. Besides, I didn’t have enough money to pay for the fancy dinner where he is the keynote speaker.

My eyes slide over to the banner. Dammit! Why does he look so goddamn sexy with a beard?

I shake my head and focus on what I need to do. Check in. I’m arriving much later than anticipated because of a massive flight delay. All I want to do is get to my room and sleep.

When the front desk agent looks up, I approach the desk to tell her I’m checking in.

“What’s the name on the reservation?” The agent, Becca, asks.

“Eleanor Jessup.”

Her fingers fly across the keyboard in front of her and her brow crinkles slightly. “You’re checking in very late,” she says.

“Yes, I know. My flight was severely delayed. I tried calling but couldn’t get through.”

“Unfortunately, Ms. Jessup, your room is no longer available,” Becca informs me with a frown.

“How is that possible? I made the reservation six months ago. I paid a deposit.”

“Since we are hosting World of Books this year, there is a high demand for rooms. When you did not check-in, your room was released to other guests who were waiting for something to open up.”

“But that’s not fair! You charged my credit card two-hundred-and-fifty-dollars!”

Her lips form a tight line. “Since you didn’t cancel in time, you were still charged for a night’s stay whether you show up or not.”

“For a room I don’t even get to use?”

“That’s right.

“Well, are there any other rooms available?” My cheeks burn with anxiety and my heart pounds in my chest. This cannot be happening. In two days, I have a meeting with an agent; a meeting that took me a year of querying to get.

I close my eyes and cross my fingers. Please let something be available. I’ll take any room, even if it’s the penthouse. My credit cards are maxed out and my bank account is nearly zero, but I have to be at this convention.

I look up, hopeful Becca has good news, but she doesn’t. Her frown only deepens as her fingerstap-tap-tapalong the keyboard. She hums, tilts her head from side-to-side and then looks up at me. “I do apologize, Ms. Jessup, but we are completely booked.”

“What about other hotels in the area?”

“I can check for you,” she offers and I nod my head. After a few minutes, she glances my way. “The closest hotel with any availability is ten miles away.”

“Will I be refunded the two-hundred-fifty-dollars?” I can make staying so far away work if the money is returned because I’ll easily be spending that in cab fare.

“Unfortunately, no. All deposits are non-refundable.”

“But my flight was delayed.”

“Again, I apologize but it’s our company policy—”