Chapter 92
Nathaniel gave a brief nod before guiding Harrison toward the room.
Harrison's brow creased slightly, curiosity dancing in her gaze. "What exactly did she mean by extra charges?"
He glanced at her innocent expression, those wide eyes brimming with questions. Without answering, he turned away.
They stepped into Room 503. The space was immaculate, but only one bed dominated the center.
Harrison's stomach twisted. How would they manage this sleeping arrangement tonight?
"Harrison."
Nathaniel's voice came from behind her.
This marked the second time he'd spoken her name.
She turned to face him. "Yes?"
Suddenly, she remembered their interrupted conversation. "Earlier in the car - you wanted to ask me something. What was it?"
"Did you-"
His phone chimed sharply, slicing through the moment.
Isabella's message flashed on screen, accompanied by a photo attachment.
Nathaniel opened the image to reveal Isabella's childhood picture.
As he studied it, realization struck - the young Isabella bore an uncanny resemblance to Harrison.
His body went rigid. Staring at the photo, he read Isabella's message: [Found this in old albums today. Remember how I looked back then, Big Brother?]
The truth hit him like a physical blow. Isabella had been the girl from his memories all along.
Not Harrison.
Harrison's childhood photo had merely triggered a mistaken association.
A bitter chuckle escaped him. How could he have ever confused the two?
No, Harrison wasn't the one.
"Mr. Falcon," Harrison's soft voice broke through his thoughts.
He met her gaze. "Never mind. I'm going to shower."
"Alright."
The bathroom door clicked shut behind him, water soon cascading against tiles.
Harrison stared at the closed door, puzzling over his aborted question. Since he'd chosen not to ask, she let it go.
Powering on her previously silenced phone, she winced at dozens of missed calls from Gabrielle.
Warmth flooded her chest as she quickly typed a response.
Gabrielle replied instantly: [Harrison! Do you know how worried I've been?]
[I'm fine. Just stranded at this inn with Nathaniel because of the storm.]
Harrison's gaze drifted to the bedside table items with their conspicuous price tags.
Her face burned crimson. Was that...a condom display?
Various types - ultra-thin, ribbed, flavored...
Good lord.
Now she understood the innkeeper's meaning. She'd asked so naively about the extra-charge items.
He'd known exactly what she meant but said nothing. Probably thought she was teasing him.
Shifting uncomfortably, Harrison noticed another item - black mesh fabric she didn't recognize.
Gabrielle responded immediately to the photo: [Harrison, you innocent thing! Those are fishnets!]
Fishnet stockings?
Gabrielle's next message arrived with a teasing emoji: [Does Nathaniel have a thing for fishnets?]
Harrison's mouth went dry. How should she know?
Ding!
Gabrielle's voice message arrived. Harrison hesitated before playing it.
"Harrison! You should totally wear those fishnets tonight and surprise Mr. Falcon!" Gabrielle's excited voice filled the room.
As the message played, Harrison suddenly noticed the bathroom door had opened silently. She looked up to find Nathaniel's piercing gaze locked onto hers.