Of course, this is from the first draft, so any and all mistakes are my own.
Robin’s eyes drifted away from Belle
and met mine. I cleared my throat and grinned. “Well, now. That’s unexpected.”
Robin had the grace to blush, but
quickly schooled his face into the normal smooth arrogance I was used to. “You
know I can’t resist a pretty face,” he said, but I noticed his eyes following
Belle as she dragged her suitcase down the lobby and towards the elevators.
“She’s more than just a pretty face.”
I bumped his shoulder. “And I’m pretty sure you already know that.”
He watched Belle until the doors
closed behind her.
“Robin?”
He startled. “Aye, Snow. I’m aware.
If you mention this to anyone, I’ll shave the rest of that pretty black hair
off while you’re sleeping”
“You wouldn’t dare,” I said goodnaturedly.
He gave me a wicked grin. “Wouldn’t
I?”
I mimed a zipper against my lips. “It
won’t come from me. Just make sure no one else sees you giving her the Basset
hound eyes, okay?”
“You’ve always been too perceptive
for your own good, lass.” He stood and held an outstretched hand to me. “Let me
help you up to your room.”
I grinned and looked at my suitcase. “I’m
sure I don’t need the help.” I knew exactly the reason he was being so
solicitous and it had to do with a certain computer programmer who couldn’t
remember to brush her hair about 80 percent of the time.
Mossy green eyes met mine. “Hand over
the suitcase, woman,” he growled. “Before I beat you with it.”
I handed it over without a word and
motioned for him to follow me to the elevators. “Lead on, Lover Boy.”
Robin swung my suitcase around and
cursed under his breath. “Say one word, Snow, and my arrow will ring true.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. I think you
and Belle are a match made in Heaven. Or Hell. Both of you are ridiculous.”
Robin said nothing, and we made our
way up to our room without further teasing or incident. I slid the keycard in
and opened the door yelling out, “Everyone decent?”
Cindi poked her head around from the
living area. “Depends. Who’s here?” Her face lit up when she saw Robin. She
flung herself into his arms and hugged him fiercely. “It’s been years!” She
grabbed his face and stepped back to study him. “My my, you’re still a handsome
devil, aren’t you?” She turned and bent back towards the living room. “Belle!
Come say hello to Robin!”
At Robin’s stricken look, I choked on
a laugh. He probably just wanted to get a glimpse of a pillow fight or
something.
“I’m busy!” There was no mistaken the
crabbiness in her tone. Belle wanted nothing to do with Robin of Locksley.
Curious indeed.
Cyndi looked taken aback. “Dang,” she
mumbled. “Must be her lady time.”
The blush crept up Robin’s neck, and
I bit my lip to keep from laughing out loud. “And on that note,” he said, “I
must depart.” He turned to me and bowed slightly. “Your luggage, madam.”
I rolled my eyes as I stood on my
tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “She’ll come around,” I whispered.
His mouth tightened. “I’m not so sure
of that,” he said. With a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, he left Cyndi and
me staring at him as he left the room.
