Page 16 of 'Tis the season of Wicked Deeds

There’s a waiting area to my right with two L-shaped couches and a low-top table. On my left, I see a sliding glass door, leading to the cottages surrounded by lush greenery.

As per my research online, this is a family-owned chain of resorts around Switzerland. They were rated the highest and I feel like I made the right decision in choosing them. They’ve been prompt and helpful in responding to all my queries.

I approach the front desk, recognizing the voice of the receptionist I talked to earlier on the phone. I stand behind the couple, unable to understand a single word since they’re talking in French. I guess it because I learned a bit in college. Meanwhile, I text Tina and her mom to let them know I’ve safely reached the hotel.

They both ping back immediately, making me smile at their caring nature.

I tuck my phone in my pocket and shift closer when the couple walks away.

“Hello, I’m Twinkle.”

“We’re so pleased to have you,” greets the receptionist named Hilda. “Was the cab ride here up to your delight?”

“Yes.”

With her eyes glued to the computer screen, she informs me, “Please give me a moment to check your booking.”

“Of course.”

Her fingers tap rapidly, eyes squinted as she reads. “Can I please see your passport as well as the booking confirmation?”

Resting my purse on the desk, I unzip it and pull out both and pass it to her. I watch her make a copy of my passport before returning it.

“I see you’ve booked our two-bedroom private lodge till January first.”

“Two bedrooms?” I frown. “That must be a mistake. I’m traveling alone. Can you please double-check?”

She clicks a few times before informing me, “No, Miss Twinkle, there doesn’t seem to be a mistake. Sorry, wait.” She pauses and reads the screen again. “Actually, these are two separate lodges but with a common balcony. Earlier, we used to reserve it for large families but recently, we’ve also made it available to single guests. Is that okay with you?”

“Yes, that’s fine. As long as I have my privacy, I don’t mind.”

“Perfect. If you could please sit in the waiting area, I’ll arrange for someone to take you to your lodge.”

Nodding, I stroll toward the now empty couch, which is looking tempting enough to sleep on. Instead of sitting, I walk around it and stare through the glass wall in the garden.

I’m so caught up in peering at the sky that it takes me a while to notice the reflection of a tall figure striding to the front desk.

My heart jackhammers, my mouth falling open as I recognize the tall frame. At first, I think I’m hallucinating. Then I blink and realize he’s still there.

Julian.

He’s here. In flesh and bones.

A mere foot from me.

I whirl around and almost stumble at the sight of those strong arms—belonging to an Adonis—that have been starring in my fantasies for the past six months.

Déjà vu hits as he leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk. I’m held captive in a trance by his sculpted body, encased in a brown leather jacket and worn denim jeans. His hair is mussed and his profile is just as gorgeous as I remember.

But what in the ever-loving fuck is he doing here? Of all the places in the world, did he really have to collide with me here? In the same country? The same freaking resort?

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry that the very thing I was low-key running from is now in the same room as me.

Glued to the spot, I watch him chitchat with the receptionist. I don’t eye any bags with him but it doesn’t ease my crippling anxiety. Because if he sees me, so many things could go wrong. The most disastrous will be discovering my real identity.

What if he decides to come after Tina and me for catfishing him? Or worse, sue the agency through which we met?

Man, I didn’t think it through when I said yes to Tina.

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