Home is where the heart is at ~ Zachary Merrick (book 2)

~4~

~Alyssa~
When we got to the hotel, Zack was in awe. I was also in awe. Having been here so many times, noticed that my uncle renovated the lobby.

In the events area, there were a lot of people.

My family.

They spotted me and waved for us over, being pulled into hugs. "Alyssa, you look so grown up!" Zack stood quietly behind me.

"Thank you, Aunt Molly. Everyone, this is Zack. My boyfriend." The commotion only got worse. Everyone got so excited and started introducing themselves all at once and asking questions.

I stopped everyone and it got quiet. "We just had a long drive. You can ask questions later." I grabbed Zack's hand and we went up to the desk, where my uncle Derek was.

"Alyssa!" He gave me a quick hug and went behind the counter. "So here are your room keys. I figured you and your boyfriend would want a room to yourself."

I took the keys and thanked him. Zack and I went up to the room and I let out a deep breath in the elevator. "I didn't realize you had such a big family."

I nodded. "Well, it's both my mom and my dad's side." He was surprised. "Oh, I didn't realize they were all coming."

We got to our room and I collapsed on the bed, tossing my bag on the floor. "It's a nice room." There was only one bed which was nice so we didn't have to share the room.

"Oh, did you remember to pack a swimsuit?" Zack sheepishly smiled. "Well, I didn't pack anything. This is my bag from tour. I haven't unpacked it."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm guessing it all smells, too?" He smiled again. I stood up and motioned for him to follow.

"There's a laundry room off of the lobby. Let's wash your clothes." Sometimes, I feel like I'm more of the adult than the actual adult.

We avoided all of the family and went in, setting his bag on top of the dryer and shoving clothes into the washer.

Zack hugged me and rested his head on my shoulder. "Tired?" He nodded. I turned around to kiss him and took a whiff of his shirt.

"Yeah, throw that in, too." He sighed and pulled it off. I honestly never get tired looking at him. He waved his hand in front of my face.

"Earth to Lyss, are you there?" I was brought back to reality. "Yes, sorry." I went to the cabinet by the door and grabbed some laundry detergent.

Uncle Derek liked to keep any softner, detergent, bleach, anything for laundry handy in case people didn't bring any.

Zack started the washer and set his bag on the floor. I took off his hoodie I had over my shirt and handed it to him.

"Why?" I pointed at him. "So people don't think it's weird you're standing here shirtless." He put it on and I hugged him again.

It was like hugging a teddy bear.

One of my cousins spotted us and came into the room. "Come chat with everyone!" Zack and I shared a glance and we followed her.

By this time, my parents and Malachi had arrived. Malachi ran straight to Zack and squealed loudly. "Malachi!" Zack picked him up and I smiled.

Dad let go of something and all of a sudden, Cookie was running to me. I crouched down and hugged my dog.

Cookie was trained and behaved enough to come to at least this hotel. My uncle didn't allow dogs at first but soon grew open to it and other pets as long as they were well behaved.

"We figured he shouldn't be left home alone." I acknowledged that and took Cookie's leash. Zack and I sat down and he was able to get to know my family.