Amelia’s thoughts raced as she processed what the receptionist had said. Who could the lady he checked in with be? Her lips parted to ask, but before she could, Cadell spoke quickly, cutting her off.
“Yes, she’s still there. Excuse us,” he said to the receptionist, his tone polite but firm. The woman nodded and walked away, leaving the two of them alone.
“Hm, let me guess,” Amelia began, raising an eyebrow, “your one-night stand is a secret woman…?”
“No,” Cadell responded immediately, letting out a natural laugh that eased the tension between them. “You’re wrong. The lady she asked about is my cousin, Hilda.”
“Your cousin?” Amelia echoed, her suspicion giving way to surprise.
Cadell nodded smoothly, his lie slipping from his lips effortlessly. “Yeah, I met her drunk at a club last nig
