Highways & Hostages by Jax Abbey Page B

the lobby doors and dropped onto the couch with a hand over her eyes. Her exasperation with Derek was irrational, and Finn’s know-it-all looks just exacerbated her feelings. Maybe her irritation was a delayed response to the circumstances surrounding this road trip escapade. She heard footsteps approach on the stone floor and opened her fingers for a peek.
    “Uh…are you okay?” Finn asked, holding a bag in each hand.
    He almost looks concerned , Stella thought. She sighed heavily and rose. “I’m fine.”
    “When women say they’re fine, they’re usually lying.”
    Stella brought her hands over her face again. I’m going to kill someone .
    “Mr. and Mrs. Gilroy? Your room is ready!” Rachel called across the lobby.
    “Thank God!” Stella exclaimed at the same time that Finn muttered, “Hallelujah.” They looked at each other and frowned.
    Rachel’s brow furrowed as she looked back and forth between the two of them. “Is everything okay? Is there anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable?”
    “We’re just tired and hungry,” Finn explained.
    Rachel brightened. “Oh! Well, Michael will show you to your room.”
    “That’s really not necessary—” Finn began.
    “I insist!” Rachel said firmly. “What time would you like to make your dinner reservation for? You probably want to freshen up.”
    Finn glanced at Stella, who shrugged. “Uh, in an hour?” he suggested.
    “An hour it is! Enjoy your room! Call me if you need anything .”
    “Will do.”
    Michael, the bellboy, took the bags from Finn and led them to an elevator. They all waited in tense silence. Stella wondered what Michael thought of newlyweds who were already arguing on their honeymoon. The bell chimed and the elevator doors opened. Michael held the door while Finn and Stella entered, then joined them and hit the button for the third floor.
    The elevator was extremely slow, and the silence grew louder. Michael cleared his throat.
    “So how did you two meet?”
    Finn opened his mouth, but Stella was quicker. “I was Finn’s nurse when he came in for surgery.” Finn squinted at her in confusion.
    “That’s sweet. Like in a movie.”
    Stella leaned closer to Michael and whispered loudly enough for Finn to hear, “ Awful hemorrhoids.”
    Finn’s jaw dropped and Michael’s face turned red. Stella smiled serenely. Silence descended on the elevator car again.
    The doors chimed open, and Michael moved so quickly down the hall that Finn and Stella had to trot to keep up with him. Clearly Stella wasn’t the only one ready for some space.
    Michael opened a door with a placard reading “Honeymoon Suite” and deposited their bags just inside the room. Finn handed him a couple bills, and he bowed. “Enjoy,” he said, making a hasty exit.
    “Well played,” Finn said, entering the suite first.
    “I thought so,” Stella chirped, following behind him. The suite’s living area was spacious, and echoed the lobby’s decor with its warm tones and rich furniture. Stella walked into the center of the room and spun in a slow circle with her arms outstretched. “Luxury at its—oh dear God!”
    She jerked to a stop, facing the bedroom. She approached the room, dread churning in her belly. Rose petals covered a canopied California king bed piled high with pillows. Electric candles sat atop every available surface, including the hot tub, which was conveniently located not more than five feet from the massive bed. The tub was filled to the brim with bubbles and rose petals littered its surface. Champagne rested in a bucket of ice next to two fluted glasses.
    Stella turned back to Finn. “I’m going to need a drink, STAT.”

FINN, 8:37 P.M.
    Side by side, Finn and Stella entered the hotel restaurant. Finn called to check in with Billy while Stella showered, but there was no answer. He was slightly on edge. On a positive note, Stella seemed to be in a better mood after her shower.
    “Mr. and Mrs. Gilroy!” Rachel waited at the