Part 422
With only a minimal amount of confusion, they all managed to get Sarah and Howie’s room on the same floor as the rest of the group. It had taken Billy and Raoul painting a vivid picture of the potential security nightmare before hotel management had seen the light and moved the retired couple that were staying in the one remaining room in the center of the fourteenth floor. All of the couples began to pair up and search out their rooms, except for one.
Kevin and Lynne watched the others walk hand in hand to their rooms, and there was no doubt in either of their minds what would be going on behind closed doors in no time at all. Kevin waited till all of the doors were closed before saying anything to Lynne.
"I’m glad you came," he whispered with a smile.
"Really?" she asked softly.
"Really," he reassured her. "About the rooms-"
"Kevin-"
"Look, I shouldn’t have assumed that you’d be staying with me. I guess I got a little carried away in my planning. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you."
"You didn’t! It’s just … well, I hardly know you. I feel like I do, but the last time I saw you I was just another email friend of Becca’s."
"Lynne, you’re much more than just another friend of Becca’s, I hope you know that."
Lynne let out the breath she’d been unconsciously holding. Ducking her head she whispered, "I’d hoped …"
Kevin tilted her face up so that he could see her eyes. "I’m sorry we don’t have more time together this week, but I want to make the most of it, get to know you better."
"I’d like that," she said shyly.
"Then that’s settled. Tomorrow night you’re staying with me."
Lynne opened her mouth to say something, anything, not even sure if she was about to protest or agree, but Kevin stopped her.
"Nothing has to happen, Lynne, all right? I just wanted you to know. But know this: I do want you, very…" he kissed her forehead gently, "very …" and then her cheek, "much."
And as he lowered his mouth toward her lips, which were parted in anticipation, Sarah and Howie’s door flew open.
"Richardson, what the hell are you doing out here?" Sarah yelled, before realizing what she was interrupting. "I need-"
The couple broke apart guiltily, like two teenagers caught necking on the front step, and Kevin sighed loudly. "Sarah, it’s a good thing I love you."
"Oops," Sarah mumbled, biting back a grin. "’Nite Lynne!" She closed the door behind her, leaning against it and collapsing in a fit of giggles.
"What?" Howie asked.
"Kevin’s gonna kill me!" she giggled.
"Do I even want to know?"
"Nope, I’m sure you’re about to hear all about it."
Back in the hallway, Kevin and Lynne were actually laughing, the sexual tension broken for the time being. "It’s gonna be a long week, are you up for it?" he asked, tucking her hair back behind her ear.
"I am," she replied. "The question is, are you?"
Kevin stood with his mouth open, wondering if she knew exactly what she’d asked him.
"’Nite Kevin," she said with a wink, beating a hasty retreat to Nick and Becca’s room.