The Barista

Truth Is

I've been in Cabo for a week! God knows how long they've been here with me! Watching me!

"Hey, beautiful!" Abby's tone of voice is overly excited. "For what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call?"

"Cut the shit, Abigaile!" I snap while looking around the hotel lobby and exterior like I'm the freaking FBI. "Where are you? Who's with you? And why didn't you just come find me whenever you arrived?"

"Oh." Her tone changed drastically. "You know I'm here?"

"Your location, dumbass. And yes, I am pissed. You lied to me and then stalked me Cabo? Who's watching the coffee shop?"

"Ron is. It's only a six-hour trip. And I booked a nonstop flight. I have the next two days off and I arrived last night. I found you and slowly started stalking you."

"And Liam?" I question.

She exhales a 'shit' type of tone. "He's currently in the lobby. That man is persistent and when he wants something he gets it. Did you know that he can get access to your room because of the hotel YOU chose?"

"Yeah?" I say with an unsurprised tone. "Tell him to meet me in my room then if he can just waltz on in. I'd love to have a chat with him."

I hear her hand slide over the phone and then some mumbling. I wait, knowing he's going to rush to my room.

"How does he have access, exactly?" I question, hoping she can hear me.

"The Easton family owns several hotels throughout the U.S. and Mexico. And I don't know what led you to this specific hotel, but this is one of them."

I inhale a heavy breath through my nose, growing angry. "And let me guess. My brain is theorizing that he simply walked up to the front desk, whipped out his 'power card' and they gave him full access. And the fact that I chose this hotel. It's like it was supposed to happen."

"Exactly." She admits with ease. "And this is why you can't be surprised. Your brain is so freaking weird. You have the answers before you even know the questions. How badly are you going to hurt him?"

"I don't know yet. Where is he? I'm looking all around as I get closer to the hallway that leads to my room."

"Oh, Elle. He booked it when I told him to meet you in your room. It wouldn't surprise me if he's in there already."

My heart begins to pound as I get closer to my room. My stomach twists, but in a way that feels oddly satisfying. I know what I will do as soon as I get to my room. I don't know how he's going to handle it.

I exhale a heavy and needed breath. "I will see you in a bit," I say softly. "I'm going to deal with Liam and then when I am done, you and I will be having a discussion. And Abby. I love you."

"Oh, thank God!" She squeaks with excitement. "I love you too."

I finally reach my door, my head feeling fuzzy and my heart skipping every other beat as it feels like it wants to jump out of me.

I slide my keycard, grip the handle, and enter my room. Our eyes immediately connect, sending a wave of every emotion possible through me. I'd swear my legs are shaking and my heart feels like it's going to give out.

I know why I am feeling like this!

His eyes wave with uncertainty yet excitement as he sees me. "Elle. Please. Before you yell at me..." He pauses as he watches me rush toward him. "Elle. I am sorry. If you feel the need to slap me or hate me or whatever it is..."