**Lily**
I sat down on the small red sofa. It seemed like the rain was going to last longer because it was getting heavier, accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and lightning. I began to feel cold. I grabbed my denim jacket and my phone from my pocket. I called Violet to let her know that I might be late getting home due to the heavy rain. When I spoke to her, she understood my situation.
An elderly woman approached me. She was one of the guests who had checked in. I stood up in case she needed anything. This is how I treat the guests here—I ensure to entertain them properly because I value my job. It’s hard to find work here in Alabama.
“Ma’am, is there anything I can help you with?” I asked politely.
“None. It just seems like the rain will last for a while,” she replied with a smile.
“It seems so,” I answered briefly, returning her smile.
She just peeked outside and then went back to her room. This hotel isn’t very big. I checked the time on my watch and my eyes widened—it was already eleven in the evening, and I hadn’t realized it. I started feeling hungry, my stomach grumbling. I rubbed my belly because I hadn’t had dinner yet. Then I remembered I had one sandwich left. I got up from my seat and went to the front desk to retrieve my tuna sandwich from the drawer.
I took small bites of my sandwich, but as I ate, my eyes caught sight of the man who had checked in earlier. He approached me with a smile. Quickly, I wiped my mouth, embarrassed that there might still be food on my face. Especially with someone as handsome as him coming toward me! I stood up straight and smiled as he walked closer. It was as if a Hollywood star was strutting down the blue carpet. I gulped as he stopped in front of the desk.
“Miss, do you have an extra charger? Can I borrow it?” he asked.
I couldn’t respond immediately. My mouth hung open. He looked at me and then suddenly pinched my nose. That snapped me back to my senses. I felt a jolt of electricity from his touch, as though his pinch carried a spark.
“Yes, I have one,” I replied, feeling shy.
Why do I always freeze when he’s near me? I’m not like this with other men. But there’s just something different about him.
“Thank you,” he said in a husky voice.
I fidgeted as I handed him the charger. He smiled at me—he really looked like a celebrity. His long eyelashes suited his eye color perfectly, and his sharp nose was like something out of a painting.
I felt like I was turning to stone in front of him. Our eyes locked for a moment. He cleared his throat, breaking the gaze, and I quickly looked down, feeling embarrassed. But he was calm, oozing with confidence and appeal. Maybe he noticed that I was scrutinizing his face. His gaze was mesmerizing, and I felt like he could hear the loud beating of my heart.
