Page 38 of Rogue’s Path (Sweet Chaos #1)

Dylan

Rogue pulls into a retro motel. Neon lights point to the front desk.

Old-time lounge chairs surround a small, bright blue pool with steam rising up off of it.

The parking lot looks clean, and the paint is bright and unmarked.

“The way you talked about this place, I thought it was going to be a dump.”

“We’d sleep in the truck rather than a dump.”

Oh. “That would work for me.”

“The back seat is comfy if you want to change your mind.”

“Let’s see how the inside looks.” A bed and a television sound more relaxing. And I’d be less likely to end up kissing Rogue. Though it’s kinda getting to the point where it seems silly to make him keep that promise.

The stalker can’t find me here, and their clubhouse has enough security to scare him off. This thing might go on for a while. When we get back to Silent Valley, I’m calling quits on this deal and renegotiating.

“You ready?” Rogue asks from my now open door, waiting to help me down. We both know I could get down on my own, but his way is more fun.

“I am.” I set my arms on his shoulders and let him ease me down slowly. Only I don’t step away. Instead, I lean in and hug him. Compared to the brisk evening air, he’s a furnace.

But we can’t stay here forever. I need to get settled in, and he promised me a sunset walk. “Just to warn you—” I step away from him and grab my purse. “—I plan on paying here too.”

“Peaches.”

“I need the points.”

“You don’t need anything.”

He’s right. Not that I’m going to let a little detail like that matter. “But I want them, and a deal’s a deal.”

“The next deal we make—” He leaves the threat hanging.

I love that man! “Who says I’m going to make a deal with you?”

“You will.”

“Well, for now, I’m going to enjoy the one we have.” I strut off.

Rogue opens the clear glass door to the front office for me.

The blue formica counter matches the vibe of the place. Over in the corner, they have a fish tank set inside one of those old wooden cabinet televisions.

“How can I help you?” the clerk says.

“We’re checking in. Two adjoining rooms under Chaos Custom Rides.” Rogue steps up next to me at the counter.

“Told the kid making the reservation, we can’t guarantee connecting rooms. I got two rooms for you, but one is up front and the other is back by the mini golf course.”

A hundred-dollar bill appears on the counter in front of us.

Rogue is smooth.

“That won’t help none. There was a big accident on the other side of town. A semi knocked out all the power lines and a gas line. People were forced to move out of their houses for the night. I’m having to turn people away. Those are the only two rooms, take them or leave them.”

“We’ll take the one room up front.”

I guess that means we’re sharing a room. Before Rogue can get tricky, I hand the clerk my card. “We’ll pay for the other room too. Give it to someone who needs it.”

“That’s kind of you, ma’am,” even as he says the nice words, the clerk gives Rogue a pitying look.

Say something. “We’re planning a trip to Africa soon. My card gives these bonus miles towards travel there. Have you ever been to Africa?”

The clerk takes my card with a smile towards Rogue. “No, ma’am. I can’t say I have.”

“It’s a beautiful country. You should go someday.”

After the man hands us our key cards and shows us where our room is, we step out of the building.

Rogue hooks an arm around my waist. “Have I ever told you that I love your quick mind and stubborn spirit?” He starts to lean down and kiss my hair.

Does that count as a real kiss? It certainly wouldn’t feel like one.

He stops and stands upright. “Let’s go get the cases and unpack.”

By get the cases, Rogue means he gets all the bags, and I stand and watch him. Occasionally, I can nab one before him, but that just earns me a grumpy look and him stealing it back.

This evening, I just watch the road and wait.

Traffic is heavy this evening, and everyone seems to be moving slowly, not quite at a standstill but not much more than a crawl.

It must be that accident. I really wasn’t paying attention as we were driving.

It turns out that writing while a passenger princess agrees with me.

Is that—No, it can’t be. The guy is driving a red SUV this time. But he looks like the guy from the gas station. Why does my mind keep playing tricks like this? Am I going to see that guy in every car?

None of the other men look like him. But most of the cars hold families. A stalker wouldn’t be riding around with his family. Though that would make a great twist to a book.

Don’t stress out. Rogue is less than two feet away.

Everything is fine.

You’re safe.

No one is following you.

“Ready?” Rogue asks from behind me.

I paste a smile on my face so he doesn’t worry about me. “Sure am. How are we going to work this shared-room thing?”

“Most rooms in motels have two beds. It won’t be an issue.”

True. “We’ll be like college roommates. Only you won’t steal my makeup and turn off my alarm clock when you want to sleep in.”

“I might turn off your alarm clock if we’ve had a late night.”

He’s cute. Too cute for my peace of mind. It’s a good thing he loves me. That’s still a hard thing to wrap my head around.

“Did you hear the clerk mention anything about their honeymoon suite?” Rogue asks as he opens the door.

Uh oh.

***

That was the longest walk, and the slowest meal that we’ve ever enjoyed on this trip. Both of us seem to be trying to avoid going back to the room. But we’ve run out of excuses.

It’s time for bed.

The huge heart bed in the middle of the room mocks us as we step in. What motel springs for a custom-made bed? A cheesy one at that.

“You can have the bed. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

Always the gentleman. But I’m not letting him ruin his night. “That’s not necessary. The bed is big enough for us to share.”

“Peaches, I’m not going to be able to stop myself from hugging you if we share.”

“You didn’t make any promises not to hug me.” And I certainly didn’t make any promises not to hug you.

“Peaches.”

“What?” I give him those innocent eyes they talk about in movies and books. At least I hope mine looks like that. The laughter I’m trying to hold back might be hampering that a little.

“You plan on tormenting me, don’t you?”

“Maybe. I’ll take the bathroom first.” This way, I can settle into bed for the perfect view to check for that tattoo of his. Who gets someone tattooed on them before they even start dating?

Rogue knew he wanted me. That determination and confidence make my decision even easier.

He’s right, we’re going to be together for a very long time.

After getting ready in the spacious red bathroom, I fluff the pillows and keep a sharp eye out for him while pretending to watch the television.

“What do you think you’re wearing?” I screech when he steps out.

“Pajamas.”

“I know that.” How do I fix this? It can’t be fixed.

I should have turned the thermostat way up while he was changing.

“Are you hot? I’m hot. You don’t need to wear a shirt if you’re hot.

It won’t offend me.” Offend? Really, are you a twit?

Because that was the most asinine thing you’ve ever said.

You can clearly see a well-defined chest under that form-fitting shirt.

“Nice try. You don’t get to see the tattoo unless I get a kiss.”

Fine. Whatever. I didn’t want to see your silly romantic tattoo, anyway. “We should go to sleep.” I can’t even say I’m tired, because I’m not. Though I should be with all that exercise we did, I’m going to pass out in no time.

“Are you sure you want this? I can sleep on the floor.”

“Ewww. Hotel floors are gross.”

“They’re no worse than sleeping in a cow pasture. Avoiding patties is the name of the game there.”

Don’t wanna know. I don’t want to know why he was sleeping with cows. “It’s fine. I’ll take full responsibility if you slip up and kiss me.”

“I won’t kiss you.” Rogue slides in next to me.

Because I’m going to end up there anyway, and I already know what a great pillow he is, I move over and lay my head on his shoulder.

He wraps his arm around me. “It’s a good thing I love you.”

“I know. Good night, Rogue.”

“Night, Peaches.”

***

My phone’s ringtone wakes me up. Who’s calling in the middle of the night? I grab it off the table and answer before looking. “Hello.”

“Why did you change your number?”

Taylor. “It’s a long story.”

Rogue sits up and turns the bedside light on, lifting my body with his.

I guess we’re sitting up.

“No, it’s not. Women only change their number for two reasons, and both of those reasons require you to call me. So I’ll ask again. Why did you change your number?”

“Did you use that box you were talking about to find it?”

“No, Dylan, I didn’t. We have common friends. I made a few calls until I got your number.”

“We do?” I turn to Rogue and give him an apologetic look.

“You’re avoiding the question.”

Of course, I am. “It’s nothing. Where are you? Still on the other side of the world.”

“No, I’m on the way back early. That’s why I was trying to call you.”

“Everyone okay? You didn’t plan on getting back until the end of the week.” I lean back on Rogue’s shoulder while I keep talking to Taylor. It’s definitely better than any pillows.

“No problems. The client’s daughter wanted to see her aunt.”

“Aww. That’s sweet.”

“And you’re still ignoring my question.”

I laugh. Whether it’s from nerves or lack of sleep, I don’t know.

“Fine, we can talk when I get there. Where are you? I’ll have the jet ready to go when I land.”

“Don’t,” I whisper. I’m so not good at these things. The very first day I should have said, let’s just be friends, even though he kind of said it himself.

“Why not?”

“Because friends don’t hop on a plane in the middle of the night for a visit.” Well, I would, but that’s another issue entirely.

“Friends?”

“You told me yourself that you weren’t ready for anything else the time we met up for lunch.”

There’s a long pause. He’s probably trying to remember what he said. “I did, didn’t I?”

“Yeah.”

“I didn’t mean to lead you on.”

“You didn’t. I understood from the beginning that we’d be great friends and nothing else.” Rogue shrugs his body away from mine.

“Friends can still come out and help.” There’s not a shred of sadness or loss in Taylor’s voice.

“I’ve got it covered.”

“You do?” Taylor doesn’t believe me.

“I hired the Chaos Motorcycle Club to take care of it.”

“Which one? Which one of them is there with you?”

“Rogue.”

“Good choice. He’s level-headed and responsible. He’ll take good care of you, but if he needs help, tell him to call me.”

“Will do.” I know he’s about to hang up. “Taylor.”

“Yes?”

“Friends keep in touch.”

“That they do. I’ll talk to you soon.” He clicks off.

I’m afraid to look up at Rogue. That could have been handled so much better on my part. In a way that didn’t involve a call at two in the morning. “I'm sorry he woke you up.”

“Woke me up. You’re sorry your other boyfriend woke me up.”

Oh no, he didn’t. Rogue heard the whole conversation.

He knows we weren’t dating. “That’s not fair, and you know it.

Taylor and I were never dating. I met him before I met you.

” Just barely, but it’s the truth. “We agreed to have lunch together. He offered me a job, and we became friends. That’s it. We talked.”

“People that just talked don’t call at two in the morning.”

“He was worried about me. Before, he always called in the middle of the day. I was going to have the same conversation the day I saw Rhys on the back of your motorcycle, but I didn’t.”

“I don’t want to hear your excuses, Dylan. Go back to sleep.”

Dylan? He hasn’t called me Dylan since he said he wasn’t going to tattoo that name on his chest.

Rogue nabs a blanket out of the closet and settles down on the floor with his back to me.

I will not cry.

I will not cry.