Page 12 of Five Days of Christmas Spice

Hoping that distraction will keep my emotions from tumbling over, I unpack my bags.

The room is so perfect it’s hard to explain why I feel cheated by my expectation of the place being lacklustre.

I want a cup of tea, and after searching the closet and the cabinet by the television and not finding even a coffee maker, I grab the little phone by the bed, punching the button that says “desk.”

“How can I help you, Miss Burkholder?”

“You said my room has everything I need.”

“That’s correct. If you need something special, I can find it for you.”

My face is hot, a mix of anger and sadness bubbles through me, my emotions as unchecked as the sea.

“I want a cup of tea, and there isn’t a kettle.”

“If you look to the left, the door–”

“I did, and it’s not there!” Tears fall on my cheeks, and I know I am being unreasonable. I set the phone down. I’ve acted badly enough and don’t want to slap it down. I set the phone down.

It’s my own fault. I was stupid to spend that much time with Phil, but I kept hoping solid and steady were enough for me.

It wasn’t.

Grabbing a fluffy white pillow, I hug it to my chest.

A knock sounds on my door, and I toss the pillow away.

“What?” I yank the door open.

“You’re giving me plenty of reasons to spank you, but I haven’t even had dinner with you yet.” Noel brushes past me into the room.

“Why are you here?” I cross my arms in front of my chest as he levels a stare at me with a cocked eyebrow.

“I heard you yell through the phone at Rosa.”

“Do you check in with all your guests?”

“Only the most perplexing ones,” Noel’s mouth quirks to one side.

Great, now the super hot guy is going to think I’m an emotional wreck. Isn’t that what I fight against every day? I can’t show emotion in the office, or they’ll think I can’t do my job.

“I’m sorry, I–”

Noel takes two steps, and he’s swallowed up all my space.

He presses a finger against my mouth, his touch firm. It sends a tremble through my body, like a pin releasing the pressure in a balloon, and I stare at his shiny black shoes.

“Everyone can have one bad moment, and it’s Christmas. You’re forgiven. You’re not the first guest to yell at Rosa. She can handle it.”

His warm palm slides against my cheek, caressing me softly.

“I’m usually better behaved.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Noel takes his hand away, and I stop myself from keeping it pressed against my cheek.

He brushes by me, pausing beside the bathroom.

“Here.”

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