The wind was picking up as I made my way through the parking lot. It was getting dark and starting to spit out snow. All the weather reports of the terrible blizzard for Friday night and all day Saturday seemed to be coming true, only four hours earlier than they had forecast. I had already been in Indianapolis long enough and was not looking forward to spending a late February weekend here.
I was feeling worn out from a long day of travel for business and lugging around my suitcase, but I had to see if this hotel had any rooms. After my flight was cancelled, a few hours before, I tried every other hotel and motel in town. It was either here or I went back to the airport and slept on the floor until my rescheduled flight on Sunday afternoon. Given that I only had two days of clothes, counting what I was already wearing, it looked like the start of a miserable weekend.
Right as I arrived at the front door, I ran into her.
"Sorry, you go first," she said.
"No, ladies first," I said.
"Aren't you a gentleman? Thanks," she said as I opened the door and let her and her large suitcase into the lobby. I instantly noticed her beautiful green eyes and flowing red hair. She was a few years older than me but looked amazing.
We both got in line to see if there were any rooms. We were fifth and fourth respectively and the one front desk clerk was overwhelmed, so I figured I would kill time.
"Flight cancelled?" I asked.
She turned around and at that moment I noticed her full lips.
"Yes, you?"
"Same. I am Steve," I said as I extended my cold hand to shake.
"Maria," she said with a firm handshake that was also very soft and warm. Her pale skin became a little flush as we shook hands.
"OK. Nice to meet you, Maria. Where is home?"
"Pittsburgh and you?"
"Hartford."
"So, you know about snow," she said and gave me a little smirk.
"Yeah, this is nothing new for me. I just hope they have rooms. The hotels I checked out of earlier today were already booked up, so I've been scrambling since I left the airport. How about you."
"I was coming back from San Francisco and was supposed to change planes."
"How long were you there? Was it for work or fun Maria?"
"I was there all week, and it was a little of both."
"Cool."
"How about you? Were you here in Indianapolis for work or fun?"
"Normally it's my vacation destination but this time for work."
She laughed and patted my arm just below the shoulder.
"Oh, looks like we'll be up soon," she said.
She stepped up to the counter. I noticed the wiggle in her walk and smiled. I wished she'd take off that puffy coat so I could see if she was as sexy as I imagined. Then I looked out the window and saw it start to pick up with flurries in the darkness.
She turned and walked by with her large bag in one hand.
"You're up. I'm in room 519 Steve," she said with a smile and swagger as she went to take her luggage away.
"Ok," I said and stepped up to the front desk.
"Do you have a reservation?" the clerk asked.
"No, I just need a room," I said.
"Sorry, we don't have any rooms left. They are all reserved for the entire weekend."
"Shit, seriously?"
"Yes," he said.
"Fuck, is there a place I can at least charge my phone? It's almost out of battery."
"You can go to the hotel restaurant but when that closes at 10:00 pm you will have to leave."
I exhaled and slumped away. Why did I let her go ahead of me? Another time being a nice guy screws me over.
So, I went to the restaurant and found a seat at the bar.
"Whadall you have buddy," the bartender asked.
"I'll take a Guiness and can I plug this in somewhere?"
"Sure," the bartender said and plugged my phone and cord into an outlet behind the bar.
A few minutes later I started to drink my beer.
"So, you traveling through?" he asked.
Before I could answer the bartender was distracted by a phone call.
"Ok, ok. Yes we can get all that. You are lucky you called. We are our last order for the day. We are shutting down soon. Anything else I can get for you?" the bartender said to the caller.
I saw the snow begin to pick up. I was hoping I could even get an Uber back to the airport. I was completely lost in thought. The next 10 minutes seemed to drift by as I watched the TV weather report and felt like it was going to be a long two days. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Are you going to sit there all night?" Maria asked.
"What are you doing here?" I asked as I turned in surprise.
"I am settled in and wanted to stroll around while my order is being prepared. Why aren't you in your room? Why is your suitcase here? I figure you would've unpacked," she said.
As she spoke I turned to look at her. Maria was sexier than I had imagined. She was wearing a tight red sweater and jeans that showed off her figure, tight toned, and muscular body, and firm breasts. Her red lips looked delicious.
"They ran out of hotel rooms."
"Oh no. Did I get the last one? I am so sorry. I would never have taken it. You were so nice to let me in first. Such a gentleman," she said. "Let me make it up to you."
"How?"
"I could buy you a drink?"
I lifted my beer and wiggled it at her.
"I could buy you dinner."
"The kitchen is closing," I responded.
She leaned close to me and whispered, "Well..."
Her breath was so warm and sweet, with her lips and tongue so close to my ears. I was tingling.