“I don’t know if she’ll believe that. I mean, usually she would, but tonight I had a—” I halt awkwardly, then say, “I had plans with someone, and… um…” I stop again, realizing I can’t really say anything more. “I don’t know, she might—I’ll just have to call her.”
Cal’s eyebrows rise a little every time I stumble, so by the time I finish stammering, they’re quite high on his forehead, but he doesn’t remark on my awkwardness.
“Excuse me,” I say, taking my phone out into the hall for some privacy.
I really, really want to stay the night with Cal at this romantic inn, so before I call my mom, I go over what I’ll say and things she could potentially say back to prepare myself. I feel like I’m studying for the most important pop quiz of my life, but when I finally make the call, I’m shaky and afraid she’ll shoot me down.
Mom answers on the second ring. “Hey, babe. How’s the date going?”
I frown, momentarily thrown. “What?”
“Sorry I didn’t make it home to see you off. I ended up having to stay at the office a little late, and since you said you wouldn’t be home long enough to even eat with me, I just sent Adeline home and ordered take-out. Are you guys still at the theater? It’s really starting to come down out there; he’d better be careful driving you home.”
“That’s actually what I’m calling about. I didn’t make it home for my date. I ended up having to cancel.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
“Well, remember I told you how Miss Styles and I had the appointment to take the toy drive collection to the fire department today? After that we had to drive to Marymount to pick up another donation, but we must have driven over something on the road—however it happened, when we went to leave the bookstore, we realized we had a flat. So, we had to take the car to this local auto shop to try to get it patched or replaced or whatever so we could drive home, but now… we’re kinda snowed in. The auto shop closed early because of the roads, they said we can get the car back in the morning. The inn here in town has two rooms left, and… well, it doesn’t look like we’ll be able to get home safely tonight. I figured it would be fine with you, obviously you would rather me be safe a couple towns over than out on these roads, but before my teacher pays for the rooms, I just wanted to call and make sure.”
“You said you’re in Marymount?” she asks, sounding a little distracted. “Let me see.”
I wait anxiously for her to say more.
Sighing, she says, “That’s not too far. I guess I could leave now and try to come get you before it gets worse.”
“I know, but Mom, the roads. I don’t want to risk you getting in an accident wh
en I’m perfectly safe where I am.”
“I know, but I feel weird about you having a slumber party with your teacher.”
“It’s not like that. We’ll have separate rooms. I’ll probably end up doing homework, maybe doing a little reading. I just don’t think it’s a good idea for anyone to be on these roads tonight. I know you could technically come get me, but that makes me really nervous. Can I just stay the night? It’s not a big deal, tomorrow is Saturday anyway, and by the time we get the car, the plows should have had a chance to clear the snow and salt the roads.”
“I suppose that’s true,” Mom says. “I feel weird making your teacher pay for your room, though. Why don’t you use your emergency credit card?”
“I’ll ask. It’s okay if I stay, though?”
“Yeah. I mean, it doesn’t seem like there’s a safe alternative. Do you have your phone charger with you?”
Oh, shit. “No, my spare is in my car at the school. I can see if there’s a store open in walking distance, maybe I can buy one. If not and my phone dies, just don’t worry. We’re at the inn now so we’re totally safe. We’re going to get something to eat and warm up, then we’ll head to our rooms. It’s been a long day; I’m actually tired already, so I’ll probably fall asleep early tonight.”
“All right. Well, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. If your phone dies, ask someone who works there to use the phone.”
I sigh. “I know, Mom.”
We talk for a few more minutes, but she doesn’t seem suspicious of my story. I feel bad about lying to her, but the feeling dissipates as I walk back into the room I’ll be sharing with Cal tonight. In its place, butterflies, as I imagine sharing a bed with the man I can’t resist.
“What’d she say?” he asks.
A nervous smile playing around my lips, I tell him, “We can spend the night together.”
Chapter Fourteen
Noelle
Cal’s gaze moves over my body as I stand just inside the room, my clothing askew from him pawing at me in the sleigh, my cheeks flushed in the wake of the announcement that I’m able to stay the night with him.
“All right,” he says evenly, his gaze lifting to mine. “Well, I’m not gallant enough to sleep on the couch, so…”