“I have a reservation,” he said quietly. “Under Ethan Vance.”
Patricia’s fingers moved over the keyboard.
She did not ask him to spell it.
She did not ask for ID.
She typed for four seconds, glanced at the screen, and sighed.
“Nothing here.”
“It was booked through the corporate office,” Ethan said. “Could you check the executive block?”
Karla gave a small laugh through her nose.
“¿El bloque ejecutivo?”
Ethan la miró.
She smiled without warmth.
“People think if they say corporate, we’re supposed to panic.”
Patricia tilted her head toward the doors. “We’re fully booked tonight. There are several budget options near the highway. They may be more suited to your… situation.”
Ethan’s jaw tightened.
Only slightly.
Lily stirred against him.
“Daddy?” she whispered.
“I’m here, sweetheart.”
“Are we seeing Mommy’s flowers tomorrow?”
“Yes,” he said. “We are.”
Her eyes closed again.
Patricia looked at the roses.
