Regrets (closed to Explorethenyght)

[fnchristie81]

Laura slumped in her seat. The overhead page had just warned all travellers that all flights were being delayed due to the blizzard sweeping through. She had been looking forward to getting home for a few weeks, her first after having taken an internship on the opposite coast. She scowled out the windows at the planes barely visible at the ends of the connecting docks, but realized she was just being petulant.

Standing and slinging her carry on bag over her shoulder, then looping her purse over her headso it wouldn't slide off her shoulder nor the strap of the carry on bag on the opposite shoulder, she moved towards one of the airport lounges, she prepared to wait.

Taking a seat at one of the tall chairs, she tucked her skirt securely beneath her and waited for one of the staff to take her order. Even though she was one of the first to arrive, the lounge was rapidly filling up. Within just a few minutes, people were already almost at standing room only.

 

[Explorethenyght]

As Dan stood waiting for the call to board his plane the announcement came that all fights had been canceled due to one of the worst blizzards the area had seen in several years. Glancing out the large windows he could see nothing but white falling and pulled out his phone. He needed to text his best friend from college to let him know that he was going to be late though how late was yet to be determined. Dan knew that his friend wouldn't be happy as he was getting married in three days and Dan was the best man.

"Hey man, just wanted to let you know I will be late all flights have been canceled due to this damn blizzard. Let you know when I know something."

Putting his phone away Dan looked around the airport trying to decide what he should do next as he watched tired and frustrated travelers filling the concourse looking for refuge. Making a snap decision he quickly made a few phone calls and managed to find a room at a decent hotel only a short distance away from the airport. He hoped it would not be needed but if this lasted, he really didn't relish the idea of spending the night here and knew rooms would fill fast.

After booking a room he decided to hang out in the airport lounge as his room would not be ready for check in for several more hours anyways. As he neared the entrance spots were filling up quickly and Dan searched the room for an open space.

There was an open spot at the bar and upon approaching it he saw an attractive woman close to his own age seated one chair over. He paused wondering if she was with anyone for thirty seconds or so before deciding to just ask her if it was open. Running his fingers through his dark curly hair and straightening his clothes Dan approached her with a smile.

"Excuse me Ms., I don't mean to intrude but is anyone sitting there I think it is the last seat in this place", Dan said as he gestured to the filled to capacity lounge.

 

[fnchristie81]

Laura's drink had just been placed in front of her when someone politely asked if he could sit next to her-unlike the obnoxious, overweight jerk who had suddenly crowded and tried to flirt with her while she waited for her drink.

Taking a chance that she wasn't trading one jerk for another, she squealed with feigned delight and threw her arms around the newcomer. She made a show of kissing his cheek and whispered in his ear.

"Sorry, I need saving from the jerk next to me." She leaned back and loudly exclaimed, "What are you doing here?! I thought you were in Hawaii or something!" Keeping an excited expression on her face, she studied her potential rescuer carefully. Attractive, with a surprised but trustworthy face, dressed neatly...her gut told her that she'd made a fortuitous gamble.

 

[Explorethenyght]

Much to Dan's amazement the woman made a loud, wait was that a squeal, yes definitely a squeal of delight. He then quickly found himself in her embrace like they were old friends or even something more. He didn't pull back but cautiously returned the unexpected response by her.

He felt her warm breath on his cheek near his ear and she whispered and made it clear that she needed a bit of assistance. Dan placed a hand on her mid back not hugging to tightly but enough to be perceived as a warm and welcoming hug. As he did, he glanced over her shoulder eyeing the rather rotund man at least ten years her senior wearing an ill fitted suit and jacket. The man appeared to almost be leering at them as Dan eyed the man with what he hoped was a "hey back off buddy" type look.

She leaned back from him, and he was able to take in her face for the first time and realized his first appraisal of her was inaccurate as she wasn't just attractive but beautiful. "Yeah, I left early and I'm on my way home and was starting to wish I had stayed until I saw you here at the bar. How are you doing it is too bad you were unable to join us in Maui."

Dan had never even been to Hawaii, but he knew Maui was popular destination so figured he couldn't go wrong there. He motioned for her to take a seat the empty one he was going to sit in and reached to slide her drink down while moving to sit beside the large man who was still watching them.

 

[fnchristie81]

Thankfully the newcomer played along with her, even switching seats deftly so that she wouldn't have to sit next to the annoying man any longer. Thinking rapidly, she decided that rather than risk a slip up, it was best to answer questions mostly truthfully-which would also cause the conversation to keep flowing and hopefully not lag awkwardly.

"Unfortunately, the never-ending rounds of internships hasn't left enough time for travel pleasure," she replied ruefully. "I'm barely able to get home between them right now. That and costs, which I'm sure you're even more aware of than I," she laughed. "So how's your family? Are they still living in the same place? I've always been jealous of their house!"

As she prattled, she prayed that the new stranger wouldn't take it the wrong way. Most of her sentences were accompanied by a touch on his wrist or shoulder in an attempt to obtrusively show familiarity with anyone who might try to weasel their way into her attentions, like her first companion had done.

 

[Explorethenyght]

Dan watched as she took the offered seat and sat down beside her but not before giving the man a hard stare and a veiled warning to back off that he was not welcome. As Dan took his seat, he turned his back on the would be companion of this lady as a form of a final dismissal.

To give credit where credit was due the woman played along beautifully keeping up the charade as she began asking him about his family. He also couldn't help but notice the light touches of familiarity and was surprised to find how it caused his heart to race just a bit.

Smiling at her with a genuine smile that was partially amusement but also displayed real interest in this woman he played along as he began to answer. "They are doing well, and I don't think anything could get them to move away from that house. But you know you have an open invitation from them as well as me to come visit anytime they would love to see you."

The bartender approached and Dan turned and ordered, "Can I get a coffee, black, and a refill for my friend here" as he noticed her own cup was nearly empty. Turning back to his newfound friend Dan continued, "As far as traveling is concerned, I'm supposed to be heading to Ryan's wedding as his best man taking place in three days. I'm sure you remember him you guys met once or twice I believe. I sent him a text, but I haven't heard any response so either he is freaking out or hasn't gotten it."

The bartender reappeared with newly filled drinks sitting them down as Dan nodded a thanks to the man. "So, tell me about your internships how are they going and don't get me started on the prices of traveling."

He wanted to keep the charade up for appearances sake, but he was genuinely interested in her and wanted so badly to ask her name. He kept hoping that the man would leave so they could talk more freely and looked around the room for any open spots at a booth or table finding none.

 

[fnchristie81]

Laura sensed that her new companion was also answering mostly truthfully to keep the other man from butting back in. Before she knew it, her drink was empty-as was the refill her new friend had requested for her. She was actually attracted to him, and wished that this might be destined for more than just a chance conversation at an airport.

Up until another page went out. All flights cancelled for the next 48 hours. Laura humphed quietly to herself, irritated despite having the chance to spend time with this engaging man. Her irritation wavered when she realized that he also was stuck, and needing to get home for the wedding of his friend. Her irritation turned to sympathy for him.

"That's going to make things  really hard for the wedding, isn't it," she commiserated. She was just going home for a visit-he had something he  needed to get home for.

Then another realization dawned on her. She muttered an apology and pulled out her phone to start looking for a hotel nearby where she might stay.

 

[Explorethenyght]

As the second page left no doubt that he was officially stranded one could also almost a collective groan from the bar's patrons as if they were one consciousness. Dan watched his newly found companion who had frantically pulled her phone out like a gunslinger from the old west movies. Saying nothing as he did not want to be nosey, he suddenly realized that she was most likely looking for a hotel room.

He studied her for a second before finally deciding to speak up, "if you're looking for a hotel room, I was able to get one at the Statesman a few blocks down."

The large man who had taken so much interest in the young woman finally got up and was waddling towards the exit in a hurry most likely off to try and claim a hotel room as well. In fact, many of the people around them were either engaged on the phone or staring blankly at the screens most likely trying to book a room.

 

[fnchristie81]

Laura was startled by the sudden and unprovoked offer. Sure, he was cute...ok, hot-and the fake conversations they had held so far, he was quick witted and engaging. But spending the night in a hotel room with him? Or more? Was that a good idea?

She took note of the older guy leaving the lounge quickly and-from her brief perusal of available rooms (or more appropriately,  lack of available rooms), knew she needed to make a decision soon or be out of luck. Her new companion waited patiently, but she was stuck. She was taking a chance either way.

Laura made up her mind to go with her gut that her lounge savior was safe enough to be her sleep over savior as well. She did her best to accept graciously.

"Normally, I'd protest, but under the circumstances...thank you! But I'm paying my half, and buying breakfast," she replied confidently. "I don't want to seem ungrateful, but I also don't want to feel like I've put you out at all."

She chewed the straw to her drink for a moment, thinking. "Do you think it's best to wait until the crowd dies down, or better to try and get a ride now?" She questioned her companion before realizing belatedly that they didn't actually know each other. "I'm Laura, by the way," she offered sheepishly. "And thank you for playing along. That guy was creepy."

 

[Explorethenyght]

The momentary look of confusion and consideration on her face sort of caught Dan off guard at first not sure if it was her lodging issue or something else. Then she accepted his offer to share the room with a few caveats concerning the cost.

Dan's heart skipped a beat, and he could feel his cheeks start to blush and that was unusual for him especially around women. He was confident but mixed with a healthy dose of modesty, politeness and consideration, going out of his way to open doors and be a real gentleman while still giving recognition that women were not helpless creatures that always needed or wanted to be rescued.

He had actually only intended it to be a suggestion as a place she might call to find a room not an invitation to stay with him though the thought of sharing a room or evening with this attractive woman was very exciting even if it wasn't sexual. She wasn't just pretty or beautiful though she was, he thought, there was something else really special about her he just could not nail down yet.

He finally spoke trying to keep the embarrassment from coming through his voice, "Hi Laura, I'm Dan its very nice to meet you."

Dan paused for a second before continuing, "I need to apologize I wasn't meaning to assume you would want to stay with me in the same room or anything. I totally understand that I'm just some guy you randomly met and that might have come across as a bit aggressive. Though you are more than welcome I assure you of that and would be totally thrilled to get to know you better but will offer you another suggestion that might make you feel more comfortable. Why don't you take the room, and I will see if I can find some other place to stay and don't worry about paying for anything as they already have my credit card information just consider it a gift you can pay forward to someone else one day. Whatever you want to do is just fine with me but either way I would love to maybe go out to dinner with you or something."

Suddenly Dan wondered if she had a boyfriend, she wasn't wearing a wedding or engagement ring but that did not mean she was in a relationship.

Before she could answer he continued on, "I can call us an UBER or you one whatever you need and think perhaps the faster the check in process is done the better. I actually enjoyed that little game we just played you are very good and convincing I was trying to actually figure out how you knew me. Wondered how in the world I could have forgotten someone as memorable as yourself."

Dan knew he was laying it on a bit thick, but it wasn't a lie, but he was trying to make up for his earlier gaffe and get past this awkward stage.

 

[fnchristie81]

As Dan spoke, it was Laura's turn to flush crimson. She berated herself mentally for having read his words wrongly. Of course he wouldn't want to have some airhead impede on his trip any more than she already had, no matter how smooth he was in covering it up-even offering to try and find himself a different room and buy her dinner. Most likely he had a girl-or girls-at home. Or wherever he went; guys like him just didn't happen to be unattached. Not for long anyways.

Laura smiled at him, embarrassed, and thanked him softly before apologizing in the same meek undertone and turning away, hoping she didn't show just how much she was beating herself up over the mistake. Slowly she pulled out her phone to once again start looking for any possible rooms available.

 

[Explorethenyght]

Dan chided himself silently for even trying to explain what he really meant almost wishing you had just gone along but he just felt the urge to do right by this girl. He could see she was feeling pretty embarrassed and considered only for a second what he was about to say.

"Laura please stop, hear me out really fast first. I would be more than thrilled if you would share my room don't worry, I promise I know how to be a gentleman. So, if you're comfortable with me we can perhaps be roommates for the evening and share dinner. I would like that very much no sense in you trying to find a room unless you just want to do so or have some alternative plans. I would honestly enjoy getting to know more about you as you have intrigued me. So why not go get checked in and figure out where we would like to dine tonight."

He offered her a big friendly smile and his hair hung down over one eye just slightly in a way that most women found to be cute and attractive.

 

[fnchristie81]

Laura didn't know whether to be relieved or frustrated at Dan's persistence. As he did though, his hair hung boyishly over his eye, and the smile he gave her drew her like a magnet. Still she hesitated, not sure of the proper etiquette-especially after such a faux pas.

"Thank you," she replied. "I'll still try and find a room while we wait, but dinner and company for the evening does sound far more attractive than staying alone. And if we end up rooming together, I'll do my best not to be more annoying than I'm sure I've been already."

With that, she allowed Dan to guide her through the airport where he was able to secure a ride. She was pleasantly surprised when his hand grasped the door handle right before hers. While the contact previously had sent a tingle through her, that had been for show and she had refused to allow it to affect her. This time though, Dan was just trying to be a sweetheart, and she allowed herself to enjoy the unexpected touch of their hands. She allowed him to open the door for her, and she slid in and slid across the seat in case he wanted to sit with her rather than the front. She placed her bag at her feet, then smoothed her skirt beneath her as Dan took his seat.

 

[Explorethenyght]

Hearing Laura agree to accept his invitation to dinner wasn't just a relief but really made Dan happy and he allowed himself a little celebratory mental fist pump.

"Sounds great to me and just so you know I'm not easily annoyed", Dan exclaimed as he was not hoping that she would be unable to find a room. It wasn't the fact that he might get lucky. Sure, he would love for this sexy and alluring woman to end up in his bed with him he would be an idiot to not want that. But even more he wanted to just get to know her, to talk to her and hear her story or whatever part of it she wanted to share with him.

Thankfully the airport crowd had thinned just a bit as people had wandered off seeking refuge or those that hadn't found a hotel for the evening were already inhabiting the best airport real estate for what would be a long night. Dan made sure to stay close to Laura but not so close to make her feel uncomfortable his feeling to protect coming to the forefront. Trying to reach the door before her to open it first he had misjudged her speed and as they opened once more, they touched even though it was brief. Just doing so caused a grin to form on his face and a little surge of adrenaline hit him.

The UBER was ready and waiting for them and Dan made sure he was going to open this door for her as his gut told him she was a woman that appreciated a man being a gentleman when the time called for it. He noticed how she slide over in the backseat allowing space for him and he didn't even hesitate.

The hotel was only a two-minute drive normally but in this weather, it would take closer to five six minutes to get there. Dan then wondered if any restaurants would be open outside of your typical greasy spoons every city seemed to share as if it was mandatory or something.

The driver was a male in his mid to late thirties and Dan greeted him before asking, "Any idea where we might get something to eat in this wonderful weather we are having?"

The driver let out a little laugh, "Most are closed though there are a cafe or two close that is open but honestly your best choice might be room service or the hotel restaurant. Many of the streets are already closed and likely to become impassable soon and you are my last fare of the night before I head home. So, you might consider the fact you could get stuck without a ride as well."

Dan hadn't considered this issue as he looked over at Laura, "Sounds like we might be dining on whatever we find at the hotel is that ok with you?"

 

[fnchristie81]

The news just got worse and worse..."or better and better," Laura thought to herself with a sideways glance at the handsome man sitting next to her. She was beginning to have thoughts of offering him something in particular to munch on at the hotel, but didn't dare give any indication.
"I'm not about to be picky at this point," she said with a laugh to help cover her thoughts. Which was true, as her stomach reminded her she hadn't eaten anything besides a few snacks since breakfast.

She smoothed her hair before tossing it over one shoulder. "As long as it's not over the top expensive, and not all rabbit food, I'm willing. This girl needs some protien!" She tried to will away the blush at something else that was rumored to be protien that she was willing to try. Something that was covered by Dan's hands in his lap as her gaze inadvertently dropped.

"Stupid girl," she chewed herself out mentally. "Just because he's being nice doesn't mean he's interested." Still, the spark that had jumped between them during the touch at the door handle had her hoping that Dan  was interested.

Even as she was hoping, their ride pulled up in front of a hotel. Laura allowed Dan to get out, then slid back across the seat to allow him to help her out before following him inside to the front desk to check in. Suddenly she was awkward, having never checked into a hotel with a man not her father before, and she was worried what the desk clerks might think of her.

That worry, along with her attraction to him, had her standing a little too close to Dan. She couldn't help but notice the height diffence, nor how good he smelled. She made a note to freshen up once she had the opportunity, as well as refresh her own perfume.

 

[Explorethenyght]

Searching her face for any signs of disappointment concerning the dining dilemma he was rather happy to see that she was fine with dining at the hotel whether room service or dining room. It was also refreshing that she didn't want just rabbit food but hearing her reference to protein made him grin ever so slightly. It was also noticeable that she was attempting to hide her reddening cheeks. But that just made her even more damn irresistible, but he did not want to make it obvious he had noticed. The fact she had that she had just tossed her hair back Dan had found to be good indication that a woman was feeling playful or was subtlety flirting or perhaps open for flirting. But their situation was not the normal by any means, so he wasn't ready to show his full hand just yet but was willing to exchange just a bit of playful banter and innuendo.

Dan turned his attention back to the front seeing the sign just barely through the heavily falling snow before turning back to face her and speaking. "I think something warm, and hearty is appropriate for a snowy winter's evening something to keep us warm and energized."

Pausing once more as he absently mindedly stroked his chin Dan continued, "I also think that a protein choice is one of the most important if not the most important part of a meal as well. I actually can cook a pretty fine piece of meat myself as most have always found it to be quite enjoyable."

As they exited the car Dan helped her out as no doorman was present but who could blame him in this cold. Dan grabbed his things and then quickly grabbed hers as the UBER driver opened trunk.

As soon as they entered the lobby a young man dressed as a bell hop appeared and relieved him of their few pieces of luggage. The lobby had a few people milling about but the front desk was empty of guests and Dan approached the man behind it.

After showing him his ID and confirming credit card information they were given two key cards and just before Dan could inquire, he was told that the restaurant had been closed but the kitchen was open 24 hours for room service as was the bar/lounge, gym, indoor pool and entertainment room.

During the exchanged he couldn't help but notice that Laura seemed a bit nervous shifting weight from one foot to the other once or twice. But who could blame her she was checking into one room with a guy she had only met an hour or so ago.

The bell hop then lead the way to a bank of elevators pressing one button and they only had to wait a few seconds before the doors to one slide open. The bell hop held the door and Dan waved one arm indicating Laura should enter first as he lightly and gently guided her by pressing his hand to the small of her back. He did this out of habit almost muscle memory before he realized that perhaps he was pushing the envelope here as he did not want her to feel in the least uncomfortable. He was horrified to even consider that she might get the idea he was assuming they would have sex though one could hope.

 

[fnchristie81]

Laura had been too preoccupied with her thoughts to take note of how fancy this hotel was until a bellhop picked up her bags to lead Dan and her to their room. She was glad she at least had a skirt on, although she still felt conspicuously under dressed.

As the doors to the elevator opened, Dan's hamd on the small of her back was reassuring. Once inside, she unconsciously tucked her body against his. As the doors dinged open on their floor, the ding also went on inside her mind about how Dan might take the contact she'd initiated. She was torn about showing her interest while also not wanting to seem "easy".

Dan again guided her out of the elevator, and the two of them followed the bellhop to their room. They waited side by side until their door was ooened for them. Laura covered her uncertainty by immediately finding the room service menu and giving it a quick glance. Unfortunately, that reinforced to her that Dan was in another league than that to which she was accustomed. Fortunately, the cheapest meal on the menu was also her favorite-and quickly spotted.

She passed the menu to Dan, then moved to the windows to throw open the window shades.

"Wow, it's really coming down out there!" she said despite having just been out in it. She couldn't even see the building across the street.

 

[Explorethenyght]

As they entered the room, and the bellhop unloaded their bags in the one bedroom which held a large king size bed with a nice view of the city through glass French doors that led out onto a balcony. He did take noticed of the large couch which looked quite comfy if he needed to find himself sleeping on it though he hoped that wouldn't be the case.

He watched Laura take in their surroundings and saw she opened the curtains that had blocked another fabulous view of the city below had it not been for the snow that had brought them together in the first place. She grabbed a room service menu and began to peruse it when he noticed the bellhop sort of pause.

Reaching for his wallet Dan removed two one-hundred-dollar bills and stepped close to the bellhop, "This is also for future service if I might require it." The bellhop smiled appreciatively and said, "Yes sir anything I can do please just call the desk and ask for Mark and I will be at your service for the rest of the evening." Just before he left Dan asked, "Does the hotel stock a good wine selection or should I look elsewhere?" The bellhop thought for a second it's not bad, but I know where I should be able to acquire a special bottle if you like would you prefer red or white?" "Both" came Dans reply, and the bellhop said, "very well I will have it charged to your tab and it will be on call for you whenever you are ready for it."

The young man left and closed the door gently behind him the lock clicking into place automatically as Dan turned his attention to Laura. "So did you see anything that strikes your fancy" he inquired.

 

[fnchristie81]

Laura tried to watch discretely in the reflection of the window as she eavesdropped. Dinner  and wine-even though she knew nothing about wine at all. Then the bellhop was leaving, and Dan spoke to her.

Her face flamed at the double entendre-she  did see something, and was now trying  not to look at him. She tried to cover.

"The chicken and asparagus meal sounds great tonight. How about you?" She didn't dare ask the same question, nor even turn around sure that her nipples were tenting even through the robust padding of her bra. One room, one bed, and nothing to change into to sleep. For her at least.

She decided to broach the subject right away, and tried to do so cheekily. "Looks like you're going to get dinner and a show," she said to him. "All my clothes are in my luggage at the airport."

As soon as she said it out loud, she knew it was a mistake. Her body reacted to the idea of being nearly nude in front of this handsome man.

 

[Explorethenyght]

"Well, chicken and asparagus you shall have and for me a steak sounds wonderful", Dan called back to her as he made his way over to the land line phone located in the room.

He dialed "0" for the hotel operator than asked for room service, "Yes, this is Mr. Thompson in room 1404 I would like to place an order", there was a slight pause, "Two orders first the chicken asparagus and a New York Strip with steamed vegetables and a baked potato and steak cooked rare." Dan paused once more listening to someone on the other end, "Yes that will be fine, and could you please have it delivered in an hour please there also should be two bottles of wine for me at the desk can you please make sure they are delivered with the meal." Another pause, "Alright thank you" and hung up the phone.

As he turned back to face Laura her next comment floored him, "Looks like you're going to get dinner and a show,".

The thought of seeing this beautiful woman naked and spending the night in bed with him was absolutely worth every hour he would be late to his friend's wedding in fact was worth being late for anything period. If only his sense of right and wrong his upbringing to always treat a lady with respect didn't get in his way.

Dan was sure he was blushing but made no effort to conceal it as he wanted her to see how her statement had affected him. "Yes, I suppose we do have a bit of an issue in that regard and while I cannot imagine a more wonderful way to spend the evening, I was raised to be a gentleman."

Dan paused one more his hand caressing the underside of his chin as he considered the options, "I will be more than glad to take the couch if you would prefer and there should be at least two oversized hotel bath robes available as well or I have a large jersey that should fit you like a short dress. If it wasn't coming a damn blizzard, I would send for a change of clothes for us both. But I'm quite sure the stores will be closed in that regard."

Dan paused for a moment thinking, "This woman wasn't just a pretty face attached to a beautiful body but also had some spunk. She was playful as well as feisty two qualities he found irresistible in women especially gorgeous ones."

"But I think that the best course of action here might be to just see where the evening might lead and just be spontaneous go with whatever feel right", Dan said with a slight grin as he raised one eye brow at her. I thought you might want to freshen up perhaps and have a bath as this room is fully equipped with a large shower and Jacuzzi tub and there should be complementary shampoo's, body lotions and such






``````

 

[Explorethenyght]

"Well, chicken and asparagus you shall have and for me a steak sounds wonderful", Dan called back to her as he made his way over to the land line phone located in the room.

He dialed "0" for the hotel operator than asked for room service, "Yes, this is Mr. Thompson in room 1404 I would like to place an order", there was a slight pause, "Two orders first the chicken asparagus and a New York Strip with steamed vegetables and a baked potato and steak cooked rare." Dan paused once more listening to someone on the other end, "Yes that will be fine, and could you please have it delivered in an hour please there also should be two bottles of wine for me at the desk can you please make sure they are delivered with the meal." Another pause, "Alright thank you" and hung up the phone.

As he turned back to face Laura her next comment floored him, "Looks like you're going to get dinner and a show,".

The thought of seeing this beautiful woman naked and spending the night in bed with him was absolutely worth every hour he would be late to his friend's wedding in fact was worth being late for anything period. If only his sense of right and wrong his upbringing to always treat a lady with respect didn't get in his way.

Dan was sure he was blushing but made no effort to conceal it as he wanted her to see how her statement had affected him. "Yes, I suppose we do have a bit of an issue in that regard and while I cannot imagine a more wonderful way to spend the evening, I was raised to be a gentleman."

Dan paused one more his hand caressing the underside of his chin as he considered the options, "I will be more than glad to take the couch if you would prefer and there should be at least two oversized hotel bath robes available as well or I have a large jersey that should fit you like a short dress. If it wasn't coming a damn blizzard, I would send for a change of clothes for us both. But I'm quite sure the stores will be closed in that regard."

Dan paused for a moment thinking, "This woman wasn't just a pretty face attached to a beautiful body but also had some spunk. She was playful as well as feisty two qualities he found irresistible in women especially gorgeous ones."

"But I think that the best course of action here might be to just see where the evening might lead and just be spontaneous go with whatever feels right", Dan said with a slight grin as he raised one eyebrow at her. I thought you might want to freshen up perhaps and have a bath as this room is fully equipped with a large shower and Jacuzzi tub and there should be complementary shampoo's, body lotions and such as I asked the food to be delivered in an hour but otherwise this is as much or more your room than mine so, please make yourself comfortable."

 

[fnchristie81]

The thought of actually having something to wear to bed was wonderful, but Laura was under no false thoughts of having any modesty; the jersey would cover her top half, but her bottom would almost certainly be exposed at several points throughout the night.

"There's no way I'm letting you take the couch, when you already had your plans disturbed by me!" she protested. "If anything, I'll take the couch and leave you the bed. I will take first advantage of the ladies room though!"

So saying, she moved towards the bathroom door. Inside, she quickly stripped down after turning on the shower, then threw her hair into a large messy bun. She washed up quickly and took the time to see to her shaving needs, dried, then used her towel to wipe off the mirror so she could see.

Cursing herself for not having anything more suitable to wear, she re-dressed herself and put her hair in a mix of a french braid and inverted pony tail. That would keep the few hairs that had gotten damp from becoming flyaways, as well as was slightly more suitable for her lodging than just wearing it down. Quickly, she perfumed her neck, cleavage, and lower abdomen lightly and re-did her make-up before emerging.

"Sorry I took so long," she said. "A shower after a day's travel sounded too good to pass up."

 

[Explorethenyght]

Dan didn't argue with her cause honestly, he knew it was a debate he would not win, and he had to admit he didn't want to win it even if possible.

"Fine we can do it the old-fashioned way I suppose one foot on the floor as I'm not about to concede to you taking the couch either." Dan made sure she understood he was joking about the foot on the floor though he had no intentions of her sleeping on the couch either.

He watched her go with a grin before busying himself with sending his friend a few texts that he was stuck in a hotel overnight and according to the weather reports might be two nights but wasn't sure. He didn't tell him about Laura however but did say he might be unreachable for the night as his phone needed to be charged which was bullshit but he did not want to be bothered.

After that he placed his phone in the docking station that would allow him to stream music through the speakers located in the room. He wasn't sure what she liked but figured he didn't want to put on something obviously meant for couples at least not yet. So, while he typically favored rock music especially the 70s and 80s which he had picked up from his father he figured he could not go wrong with some nice upbeat classical something relaxing.

Dan then walked over to the natural gas fueled fireplace and lit it and the gas logs began to emit a nice warming glow to also set the mood though he left most of the lights on rather than darkening the room like he was trying really hard to make this romantic. He also laid out the jersey which was in his carryon bag for some reason though he wasn't sure why it was there along with a pair of sweats which were a bit tight and with the drawstring she could probably make them work.

He was sitting quietly on the couch listening to the music when he heard her come out apologizing for taking so long. "No problem still almost twenty minutes before food arrives so I think I will have just enough time to have a quick shower as well. I laid out the jersey and found a pair of clean sweatpants which are tight on me and will be baggy on you still, but they have a draw string so might work though you will also have to roll or push up the legs on them."

Turning to face her fresh out the shower she looked radiant, and his mouth dropped open for just a second before he realized it and closed it. "You look nice and refreshed". Dan sort of stumbled over his words as he wanted to say beautiful but once more was still trying to be a gentleman and make her feel comfortable with this situation.

Dan made his way into the shower catching the scent of her perfume which he inhaled deeply, turning back to her he said, "you smell very wonderful", as he grabbed his own shaving kit and entered the still steaming bath.

Once inside he looked at himself in the mirror before showering real fast using his scented body soap which had an alpine scent to it. He then exited and decided he just enough time for a quick shave and combed his still damp hair into place before finishing off with his cologne which was a refreshing outdoors woodland scent. One last look and slight adjustment to his hair and he stepped out of the bath to see what else the night had in store for him.

 

[fnchristie81]

Dan laying out his clothes for her to sleep in was sweet, and Laura thanked him before he disappeared into the bathroom himself. She took the time to text her family about the weather delay, then relaxed back in one of the chairs to enjoy the ambiance that Dan had created. Like most, she enjoyed classical that flowed through the background-especially when she wasn't needing to concentrate as it had a tendency to put her to sleep.

It was tempting though, not to find an excuse to do something in the restroom while Dan was still in there. She knew it would be far too forward of her to do such a thing, but she indulged the fantasy until she heard the water turn off. Just before he emerged, there was a knock at the door. She arose to open it just as Dan was coming out of the restroom, and greeted the room service and their accompanying delicious odors.

 

[Explorethenyght]

The rapping on the door drew his attention as Laura moved to answer it and let room service enter wheeling a cart with their meals. The young man moved to the table and laid everything out for them before reaching beneath it and pulling two bottles of wine out. "Sir, should I open the wine", the young man inquired. "No, I will do it if you can just leave the corkscrew and the bucket of ice for the white wine." The young man did as he asked and soon the table was set and ready for them complete with silver top covers for each plate two wine glasses for each and large cloth napkins.

"I'm leaving a dessert menu just in case", he said on his way towards the door. Dan followed him and once more pulled out his wallet handing the room server several folded bills. "Thank you, sir and Madame, my name is Ken feel free to call on me if you would require anything else from the kitchen, I hope you enjoy your dinner."

Despite the professionalism of the room server Dan could not help but notice a few glances toward Laura as she was a beautiful woman what red blooded guy wouldn't notice her. It wasn't rude or leering but more of an appreciation for her beauty and here Dan was about to have a meal with her.

"You ready to eat it smells quite wonderful, I wasn't sure if you drank or if you liked wine or what type, so I had a bottle of red and white brought up." Dan had no idea how much they had actually cost as they had been charged to his credit card, but he didn't care at the moment. "I also took the liberty of putting a bit of music in the background feel free to change it to whatever suits your taste."