Page 8 of The Hotel Room

James cleared his throat and gently—but firmly—pried her hand from his chest, stepping back just enough to break the contact.

“Kate,” he said, voice quiet, guarded. “The kids are home.”

She blinked, her face heating.

The kids?

They were downstairs. Eating breakfast. That had never stopped them before.

James turned back to the suitcase, zipping it shut with a sharp, final sound.

“I really need to focus on this trip,” he added, his voice softer now. “I’ll call you tonight, okay?”

Kate stood there, arms crossing over her stomach, her heart sinking in a way that felt heavier than embarrassment.

The kids weren’t the reason. She knew that.

James grabbed his wallet and keys from the dresser. She waited, hoping—waiting—for him to turn around, to give her something more than a strained goodbye.

But he was already halfway out the door when she said, voice gentle but hopeful, “Hey, I’ve been thinking…what if I came with you? To New York.”

That got his attention.

He paused, blinking at her like he hadn’t quite processed the words.

Kate offered a smile, stepping closer again, keeping her voice warm. “I mean, it’s been forever since we’ve had a night away together. No kids. Just us. I could meet you there after your meetings. We could have dinner, maybe stay an extra night?”

For a flicker of a second, something flashed in his expression—was that panic?

But it was gone so fast she couldn’t tell.

“Kate…” He turned in her arms, holding her waist now, gaze meeting hers with the softness she’d been missing all morning. “I wouldlovethat.”

She blinked, heart lifting.

“Really?”

His smile was small but genuine. “Of course I would. A night away? No kids, just us? That sounds amazing.”

Warmth spread through her chest. Maybe she’d been imagining the distance. Maybe it really was just stress.

“But…” he added gently.

Kate’s stomach dipped.

“I just—it’s too last minute, babe. You’d have to find someone to watch the kids. And Leah’s already helping next weekend. Plus, the meetings will run late. I’d hate for you to be stuck alone in the hotel half the trip while I’m swamped with work.”

Kate shook her head, the smile lingering on her lips. “That doesn’t bother me, James. I wouldn’t mind waiting. You’ve been working so hard, and I thought—”

“I know.” His thumb brushed her hip, voice soft but reasonable.Tooreasonable. “But it’s just…it’s a lot to ask of you. Lily’s got that choir thing this week. And Noah—”

“I can handle it,” she said quickly. “I don’t mind making it work. The kids will be fine for one night. They’re older now. It’s not like when they were little.”

James’s smile stayed, but there was something heavier behind it now, like he was gently closing the door on the idea. “I know you could, Kate. You always do. But you deserve a trip we actuallyplan, not something rushed and stressful like this. Okay? We’ll make time soon. I promise.”

She nodded, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “You’re right. It was just a thought. I’ll hold down the fort here.”

James smiled again, softer, leaning down to kiss her fully this time. Slow. Real.

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