Page 29 of Counterfeit Connection

She looks over at me and smiles. “Me too. I was the student who studied until my eyes crossed so I could keep my grades up. Not because my father demanded it or anything, but because I held myself to a high standard.”

“That sounds exhausting.”

“To say the least.”

We sit here for a few more minutes in silence before the click of a keycard sounds from the hotel room door and soon, light from the hallway fills the front room of the suite.

“I think they are asleep,” I hear Tobias whisper.

I shake my head and gently sit up, taking Kaitlyn with me. “No,” I call out. “Not asleep.”

Kaitlyn is on her feet and the robe she’d been using as a blanket is tossed onto the cushions next to me. She is running her hands through her hair and straightening her clothes. Even though we didn’t do anything sexual in the least, she does appear rather… ruffled. I’m not blind enough to be immune to how attractive it is on her.

Katarina holds out her hand as Tobias pulls twenty American out of his pocket and slides it into her palm. “What is that all about?” I ask.

“We had a bet whether or not we’d find you…well, in certain circumstances if we barged in. Let’s just say your friend here had to pay up big time.” Katarina smiles before she’s wrapped up in my friend’s arms, as they have no shame about snogging right in front of us.

“Hello? Can you save the show for the privacy of your own room?” I ask.

Kaitlyn gives me a little slug against the stomach. She leans up and whispers in my ear. “A little hypocritical, don’t you think?”

I sneak in a little wink before I continue, “Would you like us to drive you home or at least hire a driver at the concierge?”

“A driver would be nice,” Kat muses.

“Consider it done.” I waltz over and pick up the small desk phone and ask for a driver to meet our guests down in the lobby in five minutes. “Would you like us to walk you down?”

“Nope,” Katarina says, popping her “p” like bubble gum. “I have a lot to talk about with my dear friend here, and we need to start the moment we walk out the door, right, Kait?” She slips her arm through Kaitlyn’s.

“She’s right. I have to have my ears ready to hear all about Tobias and his escapades. Sorry.” She shrugs. “There are no secrets between girlfriends.”

“I figured as much,” Tobias says as he gives Katarina another kiss on the lips. “That’s why I gave my best work.”

I don’t think I could hide my eye roll, even if I tried. Kaitlyn wraps her hand around my forearm as she balances back into those lovely heels of hers. Leaning into her ear, I whisper, “Will you be warm enough?”

She turns back with a smile. “I should be.”

“Katarina. It was a pleasure. Hopefully I will get the opportunity to know you better the night before instead of the morning after.”

She laughs. “We shall see. However, I make no promises. Thank you for an amazing night and for lending me your mate.”

“Well, you did lend me yours, so I should be thanking you.” I turn my attention back to Kaitlyn. “I’ll ring you this evening?”

“I’ll be home.”

In what feels to be a perfect conclusion to this chapter, I place a soft kiss on her temple. “Maybe I’ll stop over instead.”

I linger back in the middle of the room as Tobias escorts them to the door. A feeling of unexpected listlessness lingers around me now that she’s leaving. The minute the door latches with the girls on the other side, Tobias whirls around with a look of shock mixed with confusion on his face. “What the fuck was that, mate?”

“I could ask you the same question, but first…” I brush past him and into the small kitchenette area of the suite and add water to an electric tea kettle before turning it on.

“Thank fuck this place has a kettle and doesn’t expect us to use the microwave like the Americans,” Tobias says, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed. “And don’t think I’m giving up just because you’re wooing me with fresh tea.”

“I know you, remember? You never give up or shut up. I know what I’m up against. I just need this first because this is going to be a very long conversation.”

“I am a gentleman, but you’ll need a splash of something stronger and a cigar if I gave you every detail.”

“Remember the shut up part? Fuck sake. My only hope is you’re both on the same page and it won’t affect Kaitlyn.”

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