When I did, Noah placed his hand on mine and looked over at me. “Cora, I like you. I am prepared to wait as long as it takes; I just wanted you to know.”
When his hand touched mine, I felt an overwhelming intensity and I looked up into his chocolate eyes. I searched them, but he was nothing but genuine. “I like you too, I just need that time right now,” I told him with a crooked smile.
This seemed to satisfy him and he returned his attention to driving. I was thrilled but was trying not to let it show. There was major chemistry there and I couldn’t wait to discover it more. Just the feel of his hand on mine sent tiny jolts to my already fluttering heart.
I looked down at my hands and distressed over the state of my nails. A few of them were ragged and broken off. I picked at my cuticles and bit at my nails. I knew it was un-ladylike, but I just couldn’t help it. Clearly Noah had noticed my nervousness and he smiled brightly at me. I felt as if I was a naughty kid, caught doing something bad. My cheeks brightened and he laughed softly.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
“No, my nails just look like hell. It is a nervous habit I guess.”
“I am just teasing you,” Noah said good-naturedly.
“We should probably stop in Denver for the night. It will be nightfall when we reach it,” I told him, effectively changing the subject.
“I agree, but since only you and Nessa are on the run, I say we get adjoining rooms in a posh five star hotel. It could be the last night for us to enjoy ourselves. We might as well make it memorable.”
“That could be fun. We could get some alcohol and play truth or dare like kids. I miss having fun. Ever since this started it has been nothing but a nightmare and it would be good to let loose even if just for a night.”
Noah gave a wide smile that reached his eyes and I melted. “I will take that any day, so I am in. Let’s make sure it is okay with everyone else though,” he said.
I turned to Nessa, already knowing she had heard and her answer was definitely going to be yes.
“I am in; this vacation has been kind of sucky living from one cheap motel to another. A night of fun might be just what we need.”
“That sounds like a blast. I am definitely in,” Shane added once we filled him in on our idea.
“Just one thing, how are we going to pay?” I asked Noah.
“My credit card of course, I doubt it will be much use for long anyways.”
“So it’s settled, the Ritz it is,” I gushed with excitement.
“Are we there yet?” Shane asked in a teasing tone.
“We are only a few hours away now. This van has definitely been much nicer to ride in than the mustang,” I said.
“So what is everyone’s alcohol of choice?” Noah asked conversationally.
Nessa and I spout out “vodka” together in unison and laughed.
“I am more of a Jack and coke fan myself. How about you Shane, what is your drink of choice?” he asked.
“I am a beer guy personally, but I will drink whatever usually. I am not terribly picky. I am against bourbon and that’s about it.”
“We will have to get stocked up at the next gas station then. I plan on stopping shortly in Colby for some gas,” Noah said.
After that conversation, I looked out the window in anticipation. I wondered what the night will bring and reveled at the thought of having some fun for once since this started. I felt safe with this group for some reason and excitement bubbled over inside me. Forty-five minutes later we had made it to Colby and pulled in to the largest gas station we could find off the highway.
Noah pumped the gas and sent Nessa, Shane and Mia in for supplies. I knew Nessa would get what I liked and I sat back and relaxed. I felt Noah’s eyes on me and I flushed. It was so tempting to reach out and kiss him even though I was still grieving for Tom. I never imagined I could care for another after Tom. I thought he was it for me, but I guess the fates had other plans.
Nessa, Shane and Mia returned carrying two grocery bags of stuff and my eyes widened in excitement. “Did you buy the store out?”
“Just about, we got everyone’s favorites. Tonight is going to be an absolute blast,” Mia gushed. “I can’t wait to reach Denver!”
I turned around to observe their purchases and saw bottles of vodka, Jack Daniels, beer and tequila. They bought lemonade; tonic and fruit punch to mix with our alcohol. My heart skipped a beat as I realized that we were really going to do this. In the bags I also found plastic cups and a pack of cigarettes, no doubt they are for Mia. Up until now, no one has even mentioned smoking.
I turned around, cigarettes in hand and shot a questioning look to Mia. She blushed before responding. “I am only a smoker when I drink,” she explained.
“I guess we need to make sure we get a smoking room then,” I told Noah.
“That is doable. I am sure we can make that happen,” he said to Mia.
She visibly un-tensed at our solution and gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks, guys.”
I placed the box of cigarettes back in the bag and sat the bags between the seats before we headed back on the road. “We are about two and a half hours from the heart of Denver. That leaves us plenty of time to kick back and relax tonight,” I said.
“I am so stoked,” Nessa added.
Turning to Mia once more, I wondered if she was still watching for breaking news. “Mia, have you found anything else on TV?”
“I was sleeping, but I will tune in now and have a look,” she replied.
“Cool, just let us know,” Shane said.
I could still see the tension between Shane, Nessa and Mia, but Nessa got to me before I could think any more about it. “Just let it go, Cora,” she said all business.
I mumbled an apology and nodded in understanding, my eyes meeting hers. Everyone looked puzzled, but no one asked. The clarity in Nessa’s tone was enough for everyone to just leave it alone.
I was about to settle back into my seat, when Mia jumped up. “Guys, something’s up. I found the breaking news we didn’t want to hear.”
“Well, don’t keep us in such suspense Mia, spit it out.” Noah said.
“Montana is gone now as well. They have announced it as three populated states decimated and we are now under a national red alert. No planes or foreigners in or out of the country until further notice. We are on lockdown.”
“Shit, the bastards are moving systematically from one state to the next. He is just playing with us. If he wanted to decimate the world population, he could with that stupid innocent looking device,” Noah grumbled.
“They are not going to stop, are they?” Mia asked with a slight tremble in her voice.
“It doesn’t appear so, I am sorry,” Shane said softly.
After that, everyone turned silent, deep in thought. Even I was having trouble swallowing that little nugget of truth. If it kept up, we would be all that was left of this world. I thought about our lives and how precious they were as I peered out at the golden sunflowers. They were disappearing as we entered Denver and the city lights became visible.
We silently drove into the city as I guided Noah to the main part of town so the GPS could find that hotel we were promised. It was actually surprising when we found it with little difficulty.
Chapter 18:
We pulled up to the hotel and excitement buzzed through us. The valet took our key and the concierge pulled out our luggage. Noah tipped them both and he headed to the front desk to make a reservation. The crisp looking red haired woman at the front desk looked up and smiled as we approached.
We gave our request and wait as she clacked away on her key board. We were in luck; they had a set of adjoining smoking rooms available for a steep price. Noah didn’t even bat an eye as he handed the lady at the front desk his platinum card.
They handed his card back and he slipped it back into his wallet. “How many cards will you need?” she asked politely.
“Just two per room will be just fine,” he replied coo
lly.
“Here you are, I hope you enjoy your stay with us,” the woman said.
“Thank you,” Noah said with a respectful nod of his head.
Heading up to our room, we entered the elevator in excitement. Staying in crappy hotel rooms had taken a toll on us and I was thrilled to be staying in a place with actual amenities. We were staying in a spacious suite with down pillows and fluffy comforters and I dreamt we would be in heaven. The elevator came to a stop on the ninth floor and we made our way to rooms 946 and 948.
When we reached the rooms, Noah handed me a set of key cards and nodded to the adjoining room. The guys were staying in 946 and the girls were staying in 948. I did the honors and opened the door. I heard gasps as Mia and Nessa took in our new digs.
The room was lined with creamy striped wallpaper and the floors were all hardwood oak. The sitting room displayed sophisticated furniture and a fruit basket on the table. The one wall was lined with tall windows overlooking the majestic city of Denver and the ceilings were filled with gorgeous crown molding. I looked at the plush four poster bed and sighed.
“Check out this room! This is traveling in style. It rocks that Noah got us this awesome suite,” Mia exclaimed as she twirled around the room like a girl in the movies.
“I don’t think I have ever stayed in a five star hotel before,” Nessa added.
“Me neither, I love being pampered though. I will definitely have to find a way to make it up to Noah,” I blurted out before I had the chance to stop myself.
My cheeks turned a twinge of rosy and I sighed. Nessa met my eyes and smiled. It was clear she was pleased that I had said it aloud. Mia just looked interested.
I shook my head and changed the subject. “Let’s get showered and changed so we can start our night with the guys.”
“You get to go first, Cora. Then Mia can go and I will go last,” Nessa said.
“Sure, let me just get some clothes. I think I will wear my new magenta top and a pair of jeans,” I replied.
“That will look super sexy on you Cora!” Mia said with enthusiasm.
“I think I will wear my faded jeans and teal top tonight. How about you Nessa, what are you going to wear?” she implored.
“Hmm, I guess jeans and whatever shirt is clean. I hadn’t thought much about it,” Nessa admitted.
I left the conversation in favor of a hot shower. I gingerly shut the door and began to undress. I found the tiny elegantly wrapped soap, opened it and placed the soap in the shower. Then I grabbed the miniature bottles of shampoo and conditioner. I loved hotel toiletries. It always seemed like they smelled magnificent and made me feel like a beautiful afterwards.
The water was hot and consistent, unlike my previous couple of showers. I almost forgot there were two more people waiting for the shower I was so relaxed. Reluctantly, I shut off the shower and dried off with a fluffy white towel before getting dressed. I used the hotel hair dryer to blow my hair straight and silky smooth for the first time in what seemed like forever.
I exited the bathroom feeling like that rock star. I was dressed in my new top and could actually run my hands through my silky auburn hair. Nessa smiled and complimented my choice of clothing. “You were right, that shirt looks awesome on you!” she said twirling me around. “Are you wearing one of your sexy new ensembles underneath?”
“Yup, I picked the plaid ones. I know, and I don’t want to hear a word Nessa.”
Mia slipped in the bathroom next and Nessa and I were temporarily alone. I relaxed a little and came over to sit next to her on the couch. The chandelier sparkled above us and I smiled returning my eyes to hers.
“This whole thing is so crazy but I am glad to have you with me in it. I don’t know what I would do if you weren’t here,” I told her.
“Luckily, you don’t have to find out,” she said grinning and touching shoulders.
“Are you going to make a move on Shane or not?” I asked bluntly.
“Not unless you make a move on Noah,” she teased.
“You never know what the vodka will bring,” I laughed.
“Oh, like the time you caught my hair on fire at the candlelight party in Mel’s basement! That was the craziest thing that I ever had happen to me. If you hadn’t switched to water, I would have been bald!”
I chuckled at the mention of it and bump shoulders once more. “I am so looking forward to tonight. I feel like we have been through hell, and deserve to let loose just a little.”
Just then, Mia stepped out dressed and ready. Her hair was wet and auburn curls were already beginning to form. “Well, well don’t you look nice,” I said with a smile.
“I will hurry, I promise,” Nessa said as she shut the bathroom door behind her with bag in hand.
Once Nessa exited, I was left alone with Mia. After a few beats of awkward silence, my curiosity got the better of me. “Mia, how are you doing with all this?”
“Well, I mainly just feel bad. My cousin got mixed up in something tragic and has dragged us all into it. I am sad for the loss of my family, but I can’t do much about that now.”
I felt sorry for Mia. Perhaps that is why I confided in her now.
“When this all started for me, I woke up and found my worst nightmare. My fiancé had been murdered while I lie in bed all the while, completely aloof. I always thought that if something bad were to happen to Tom, I would know it. Come to find out, that wasn’t true. I woke up to find him in a pool of his own blood, eyes frozen in shock. That is when I dissolved the first time,” I explained.
I could tell the story got to her, because I could see the tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. Feeling bad, I shook off the sorrow and gave her a slow smile.
“Thanks for listening. I just really needed to get that out. That is why we are on the run so to speak. I called 911 then dissolved and found myself at Nessa’s. She has been great.”
Just then, Nessa popped out of the bathroom dressed in jeans and the gothic top I had discarded. It looked surprisingly sexy on her. I had opted for the soft sandals and Nessa chose to be barefoot. She looked so rejuvenated. Her short honey blonde hair was pulled back into a small pony tail, just barely making it into one. Her eyes were bright and she was smiling.
“That was a great shower. I feel better than I have in days. This was an amazing idea!”
“Okay ladies, sounds like it may be time for dinner and drinks,” I said, nodding towards the joint door.
Mia jumped up ahead of us and knocked on the door. Shane opened the door with a smile as he assessed us. He was wearing a green polo and a pair of plaid shorts. He stepped aside, swinging the door wider. We stepped through and moved into their almost identical room.
“These rooms are kick ass! Noah, you are the bomb,” I said.
He looks humbled as he said, “glad to be of help. We deserve it anyways.”
Before I knew it, I was wrapping my arms around him in a hug. “Thanks!”
The sparks that shot through me threw me for a loop. I felt tingling all over as his body touched mine and I could feel his breath on my neck. I quickly pulled away, startled. I was impulsive and I hadn’t expected that. He just gave me a sheepish smile and stepped back.
I was quick to make myself comfortable on their couch and Nessa joined me.
“All right guys, lets order room service and chow. Then I say we get our party on,” Nessa said excitement clear in her voice.
Noah called up our room service and Shane tended bar while we waited for our food. The guys had gone through the trouble to ice down our mixers and the vodka lemonade drinks were fantastic at first taste. He mixed Noah a Jack and Coke before making Mia a tequila sunrise. Then he snapped off the cap to his beer and settled into the wingback arm chair sitting adjacent to the couch.
Holding up his beer, he gave a toast. “To us, may we survive this terrible nightmare and always have each other.”
Then Noah added to the toast, “May we have health and safety on this journey.”
&nb
sp; I added, “To good company.”
Laughing, we all took a drink before a knock on the door interrupted us. It was the room service and we watched as Noah stepped to the door and signed for the bill, leaving a tip for the blonde gentleman. He returned to us, making a seat in the other wingback chair while Mia sat on the chaise lounge looking like a movie star.
The sprawling buffet of food looked delicious. An array of fruits filled one tray and another was filled with vegetables. The next one was full of little cold cuts and fancy cheeses. I wasted no time trying out a strawberry and taking a piece of soft white cheese. I looked up to find Noah’s eyes on me with an intensity that made me blush. I felt the heat in my cheeks and tried to act nonchalant about it. I flashed him a crooked smile and he lit up.
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