Page 95 of Love Among the Ruins
When they reached the hotel, she got out slowly, trying not to wince too much as she put her foot on the ground. The first move always hurt after she’d been stationary for a while.
“Thank you,” she said, when he came over to her with her laptop and bag. “I’ll come up with you.”
“There’s no need.”
“You’re going to climb three flights of stairs with a laptop in your hand?” he retorted.
“Why are you doing this?” She didn’t understand him at all. He could have sent Sven to do what he was now doing.
“As if you have other alternatives.”
They entered the hotel and immediately the contrast dawned on her. The three-star rickety little hotel, with its cheap linoleum flooring, and dark interior was such a contrast to Dominic’s home. It seemed a timely reminder of the differences between them.
“I can carry you up the stairs,” he threatened. She couldn’t tell if he was joking or not, first the aloofness, and now he was being friendly. She’d rather fall back down the stairs than that.
“You don’t have to. I can manage.” She flashed a smile that was only possible because she knew she’d take two painkillers as soon as she got to her room. “I’m feeling a lot better. The doctor said walking is good.” She started the slow climb up, holding onto the handrail and hoisting herself up step by step. It helped that Dominic carried her belongings. He climbed with her, slowly, silently, until she got to the top and then made it into her room.
He ran his gaze around the room, before examining the small desk by the window and setting her laptop down. “Call me if you need anything.”
He left abruptly, closing the door behind him.
After spending so much time with this man, she was still none the wiser as to who he was.
