My Cowboy Prince (*unedited)

Chapter 29

Luke's POV

"Hey, are ya set in there?" I call out as I hastily pull on a fresh tshirt over my head. The dampness from my hair caused the irregular dark splotches all over the gray fabric to now stick to me. There's no time to look for another, I'll just have to wear it 'till it dries. We are suppose to head Downtown and meet her cousins soon... but things got heated, and now here I am struggling to get back on track. The silence from inside the bathroom however makes me way more nervous.

"Yeah, I'm okay," a muffled reply comes from behind the door. It's a small comfort that manages to keep me a bit grounded in my chaotic and racing mind. I know she's washin' up, probably even still catchin' her breath after what just happened.

"Uh, good. Uh. D-Do you want me to order room service?" I offer, though I know that's not an option. We're supposed to be headin' out, but there's a part of me that wishes we could just stay in and away from the world.

"No. Thanks though. We can always grab something on the way." her voice, a bit more steady now, brings me back to reality. Right, we've got places to be.

"Okay," I say, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of how she looked hovering above me, how her body trembed as I brought her to the very edge and then over it. The taste of her, the way she writhed in pleasure--- it's all still fresh in my mind and it's making it hard to focus on anything. "If you need anythin', holler. I'll try to pack up quickly."

"Alright," I can hear the faint shuffle of her feet as she moves around in the bathroom.

I turn back to the bare bed, where piles of my clothes are scattered around. As I start searching through the mess again a sharp knock sounds at the door. I let out an annoyed sigh and immediately stride over. Not wanting to waste time guessing who might be on the other side, I quickly look through the peephole before opening up the door to my father.

I steel myself as he steps inside. He's still in his black suit from earlier and looking every bit the part of a relentless businessman, even long after the meeting had ended. His face is set in that familiar stern expression, the one that's usually reserved for when I've done something he doesn't approve of.

"Luke, where did you run off to? Huh? I had to entertain all those fuckers at the bar by myself," the man snaps clearly irritated. His voice is sharp and tinged with frustration, it's clear he wants to further berate me but somehow manages to keep a hold of his tongue.

"Well, you've survived, didn't ya?" I try to keep my tone light but the tension between us is very palpable. I just don't see the point in him comin' over here to lecture me now. What's the use?

His stern eyes sweep across the room then land on the bed cluttered with my clothes. "What was so important..." His words trail off as realization probably dawns on him.

"Luke, what are you doing? Where the fuck are you going now? It's not wise to leave the hotel premises, and remember that our flight leaves at six tomorrow."

I take a deep breath but before I can the bathroom door opens behind me. Amelia steps out looking as put-together as ever, it's like nothing had happened but there's a softness in her expression that wasn't there before. We've all got history, the kind that's still unfolding, and I can see her thoughts reflected in her eyes as she meets my father's surprised gaze.

"Father, I believe you've already met Amelia," The tension in the room thickens, and I can see a mix of emotions flicker across his wrinkled face--- confusion, recognition, and something else I can't quite place. He clears his throat, trying to regain his composure.

"Yes, of course," the man tone softens slightly. "It's a shame you left the department, Amelia. Your work was quite exceptional... also thanks for helping Luke out with the farm.."