Chapter 151

EMILIA

By the time Lacey and Julie drop us off at the hotel, I’m running on fumes. My feet ache, my legs are screaming, and even pressing the elevator button feels like a full-body workout.

Somewhere between the lobby and the elevator, Tessa vanishes—probably off charming the front desk clerk—and texts me to “go warm up the room.” Which is her code for “make sure no serial killer is hiding in the closet.”

Ever since we watched that one true crime documentary back in college, she’s refused to stay in a hotel room alone. We ended up booking a suite big enough for the both of us.

Not that I mind. Sharing means she pays half—and I get someone to scream at the creepy hallway noises with.

When I step into the elevator, Liam’s name flashing across my screen lights me up like a kid on Christmas morning.

“Hey, love,” he says the moment I answer, and I can hear the smile in his voice. Mine matches it instantly.

“Hi. Are you at the hotel already?”