Unforeseen desires : an unexpected encount

Shocked

I told Noah everything about Louis' behavior during our date. He wanted to go and confront Louis, in his own words, but I stopped him. He also tried to convince me to talk about my relationship with Louis to Darren, but I deliberately refused. He already knows more than I would like.

Noah finally convinced me to give Darren a chance and accept his offer. He spent most of last night and this morning trying to persuade me. He even said, "This could maybe turn into a real relationship." I think he's been watching too many romantic movies lately, but I didn't have the heart to argue. In any case, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain, starting with wild nights with Darren. I can't remain stuck in the past, and I've made some progress since I met him.

That's why I'm on my way to the hotel. I sent a message to Darren in the evening to let him know, but I received no response. Following Noah's advice, I dressed in a navy blue wrap dress and a nice lingerie set. I'll need to buy a new set; I can't go to see Darren with plain cotton underwear.

I thank the driver for the ride and quickly enter the hotel. The night is cool, and I forgot to bring a jacket. I confidently stride towards the reception, even though I'm terrified and stressed to the max. I don't show it. I stand tall and flash a big smile. It's not a woman at the reception this time, unlike last time, but a man. I'll have to use my supposed charm.

"Good evening," I say.

I lean my elbows on the counter and lean in slightly to enhance my cleavage, even though there's not much to see. His eyes briefly divert there before returning to my face.

"Good evening, miss."

"I booked a suite with my partner, and I left my work laptop inside. I've been searching for it all day with no success. Could you help me retrieve it? My partner is traveling, and I really need it."

I flutter my eyelashes and play with a strand of my hair, hoping I'm not overdoing it. He weighs the pros and cons in his mind before finally nodding and looking up something on his computer.

"What was the name, miss?"

"Smith. You access it through the private elevator over there," I say, pointing to the corner where the elevator is.

The receptionist types on his computer and then asks me to wait a few moments before returning with a magnetic card. He guides me to the elevator and activates it with the card.

"Thank you... Dax," I read from his badge, giving him a smile.

I enter and wait for the doors to close. That's one thing done. This Dax doesn't seem very suspicious. Who goes to pick up a work computer this late at a hotel? I assume he must have found me at least a little appealing to grant my request.

Stress builds up as fast as the elevator climbs the floors. My palms are sweaty, and a thousand questions race through my mind. What if he doesn't want to see me? Maybe that's why he didn't respond to my text. He might not want this kind of relationship anymore.

The doors open, silencing my thoughts. I take a deep breath and step into the room. No one's there.

"Darren?" I call.

No response. The double doors leading to the bedroom are closed. I move cautiously, but the room behind those doors is also empty, as is the bathroom. I sit down on one of the couches and wait. He should be arriving, shouldn't he? Unless he's at home, and I'll look like a fool.

I even check my phone to make sure I sent the message and that it didn't stay in drafts. It was indeed sent. Minutes pass, and I'm still alone with my questions. I finally get up to pour myself a drink to relax a bit. I don't think Darren would mind.

After a while, I hear the distinctive sound of the elevator. I finish my drink, tidy up the cushions, and glance at my reflection in the mirror behind the bottles. I sit up straight on the couch, legs crossed, and patiently wait for the remaining few seconds.

The doors open, and Darren's back is turned as he takes a step inside, which is quite unusual. He's wearing a custom-tailored navy blue suit that perfectly accentuates his figure. That's when I notice a feminine hand, perfectly manicured with bright red nail polish, slip around his back and the top of a blonde head buried in his neck.

Of course, what was I thinking? Just because we've slept together several times and he suggested we meet again doesn't mean he's not seeing other girls. How could I be so foolish? I hastily grab my handbag from the coffee table and stand up.

The moans and giggles from his companion make me feel nauseous. Weeks ago, I was in her place. Darren freezes a few steps from the elevator and doesn't take his eyes off me. I don't have the strength to look away from him.

"Is that Carter?" the girl asks, her voice full of surprise and embarrassment.

Now I really feel like vomiting. Darren stands there, a few steps from the elevator, and doesn't take his eyes off me. I muster the strength to tear my gaze away and examine the blonde accompanying him. She's roughly my height, fair-skinned, with light-colored eyes. She's wearing a black dress that accentuates her generous bust and voluptuous hips.

How could I ever believe he'd want me when he can have her and a ton of other girls like her?

"I was leaving, don't worry," I say.

She gives me a disdainful look and grimaces as she examines me. I make my way around them, but the blonde wraps her arms around Darren and slides her hands down his chest and toward his crotch. Darren doesn't take his eyes off me, I can feel it, but I check by looking up at him, a mistake because now I won't be able to look away.

What a show she's putting on! As if I didn't understand why she was there. Does she really need to touch him like that, as if he's a piece of meat? What is she trying to prove? That he belongs to her? Don't get carried away, honey, you'll be easily replaced.

"Go home," Darren's deep voice commands.