Faking It With a Billionaire || MaAn

Chapter 28 | Anupama

My Uggs are waterlogged as we saunter into this teeny inn. I'm feeling like a drowned rat, clothes sticking to my body. We head toward the person at the front desk, an old woman who glances up from her book with a smirk. She shoves her hot pink readers aside.

"Oh dear," she says, concern etching her face as she eyes our bedraggled state. "Stuck in the storm?"

We exchange a glance, the heat from our recent argument still sizzling. Anuj's lips tighten as he replies, "You could say that," his voice low and gruff.

"It's a lot of snow for November," the woman muses, undeterred by Anuj's grumble. He taps his fingers on the counter, shooting a brief look my way. I resist the urge to make a snarky remark about the warnings I gave him regarding the snowstorm. I'd cautioned him that the roads and overpasses might close if it got too bad. Not my fault we're in this mess.

"Need a room for the night?" She adjusts her glasses, warmth in her eyes despite Anuj's persisting grumpiness.

"We'll need two rooms. The two most expensive ones you've got." The woman clicks her tongue. "I'm sorry, sir. Due to the snow, we only have one room..." She glances between us, a hint of unease creeping into her expression.

"Fine," he snaps. I want to scold him for his tone with her; it's not her fault he fancied himself a weather expert. 

Stubborn fool. 

He shoots me a dirty look. For a moment, I wonder if he can read my thoughts. He looks away, directing his angry gaze at the kind woman. "As long as it has two beds, we'll take whatever you've got."

She turns around, grabbing a set of keys from a hook behind her. "We have our honeymoon suite left. The guys who booked it for their honeymoon had their flight canceled." She jingles the keys in front of her. "Lucky for you," she adds, her tone cheerfully chipper.

Dread sinks in, and Anuj seems to be catching on. The honeymoon suite probably doesn't boast two beds. He clears his throat, snatching the keys. "Two beds in the honeymoon suite?"

The woman shakes her head. "Nope, honey, just one. It's roomy, though. If you're playing the waiting game or, you know,"—she side-eyes us,—"need some distance from your special lady."

I cough, half embarrassment, half amusement. 

 Oh my fucking god, is Anuj Kapadia blushing?

"Any other inns around with a pair of rooms? Not that this spot isn't fabulous, but my assistant and I require double beds."

"I'm afraid not. There's a couple in the heart of Meadowvale, but no rides in this weather."

I rest my hand on his bicep, feeling the icy fabric. "No worries. We'll improvise."

His nostrils flare, gaze locked on mine. He was furious earlier, and now? A whole new mystery. Keys in pocket, wallet out, he sighs, "Guess we're taking it."

I hold back from telling him not to sound so bummed about sharing a bed. He's made it crystal clear he wants me. If snuggling up means shedding these freezing clothes, I'm all in.

Leaning over the counter, I flash a smile. "Any chance there's a gift shop where I can snag something dry and toasty?"

She finishes up, runs Anuj's card, and hands it back. "Of course, sweetie. Follow me. My hubby and I run the joint, and he's out battling snow to save us from a blackout."