Chapter Thirty - New York.

McKenna

We arrived in New York a couple of hours ago. The guys were in their rooms, and I am in mine. I wanted to shower and relax in the fancy hotel room by myself for a little while. I am nervous for the event tomorrow. It is going to be huge, and I am not sure I have prepared myself for it. I am so glad I don’t need to go in front of the cameras or walk the red carpet. Yes, the press will be inside, too, but I am sure they will be more professional inside than outside, hopefully. I keep telling myself it will be fine because I am with the two guys who have protected me most of my life. As long as no rumours start when people see me with Paxton.

I enjoyed a half-hour shower and am now lying on the big, comfy king-size bed with a dressing gown on. The three of us were going to have dinner and a few drinks together later tonight. Paxton had gotten his manager to book somewhere private for us where Paxton wouldn’t get bothered. I wanted to explore a little today before dinner. I won’t go too far, or I will end up getting lost. I just need to motivate myself to move because this bed is like a big, fluffy cloud, and I don’t want to leave. I wish I could hide in here until tomorrow night is over, but I know better; Paxton and Carter would not leave me in peace.

I am tempted to take a nap. I can take a nap, but only a short one. I don’t want to waste my day sleeping, no matter how good it will be in this bed. I snuggle under the covers and get comfortable. I close my eyes, and as I do, there is a knock at the room door. I groan, hating the idea of needing to move now. I huff, toss the quilt aside, and unhappily head to answer it. Whoever it is better have a good excuse to disturb me.

I open the door to find Paxton and Carter standing there.

“Yes? I was about to take a nap.” I pout.

“We come with coffee, bagels and snacks. I knew you wouldn’t order room service if you were hungry.” Paxton chuckles.

He has a point. If I do order, then his company will pick up the tab, and I don’t like the idea. They have already paid for the flights, hotels, and tickets for the event. I would rather them not spend any more money.

“And you would be right.” I laugh.

“You are so damn stubborn.” Paxton laughs and shakes his head.

The two of them walk right into my room. I roll my eyes as I close the door. I love my brother and enjoy my time with Paxton, but a girl needs some alone time. They make themselves comfortable on the sofa, setting the things down on the table.

I sit on the chair across from them, reaching straight for the coffee.

“We are going out after lunch. You are coming with us.” Carter says.

“I thought you wanted to hide while here, Paxton?”

“Yes, but I would rather the three of us go out. I know it is your first time here. We want to show you around. I will make sure I am in disguise.” He answers.

“I did plan on going out anyway.” I smile.

They look at one another and then at me, “Alone?” they ask in sync.

“Yes. It is during the day, and I am a grown-ass woman. I don’t need two bodyguards to protect me.” I say with an eye roll.

“You still need to be careful,” Carter exclaims.

I shake my head and don’t respond. I focus on eating and ignore them. I feel them stare at me for a few moments before finally giving up. I shouldn’t be surprised. It will always be the same with those two. You would think I would be used to it by now. Yes, they annoy me sometimes, but I know it is coming from the best place.

We finished our food, and I went to the bathroom to change. I put a little make-up on and tie my hair up. I keep my outfit simple: jeans, a hoodie and sneakers. I don’t know how much walking we will do, so I want comfy shoes that won’t hurt my feet.

The guys were impatiently waiting for me when I returned.

“Finally,” Carter says.

“Stop being dramatic. I was away for ten minutes.”

I grab my bag and head for the door, “Hurry up. I don’t have all day.” I tease, waiting for them.

They complained under their breaths before coming over, and the three of us left the hotel. Paxton in his hat and shades once again. I need to stop from laughing any time I see him like that because he looks a little ridiculous, but I understand why he needs to. I am just not sure if it will work as well here in a big city than it did back home in our town.

“Where too first?” Paxton asks, looking over at me.

“Times Square,” I say brightly.

I wanted to see Times Square and Central Park today. I plan to visit other places on Sunday, with or without my two bodyguards. If they drink too much tomorrow night, they won’t leave their rooms on Sunday. I will sneak out if I need to. I don’t plan on drinking much; maybe one or two, that will be enough for me. I don’t want to end up drunk and make an idiot of myself. I am already nervous enough.

“Does anyone want a coffee, iced tea or smoothie before we go?” Carter asks.

“I could go for another coffee,” Paxton answers.

“I am fine for now.”

I have already had three coffees today and a smoothie. I don’t want to spend my day peeing. We find a coffee shop without issue. Carter went in to get the order while I stayed outside with Paxton.

He steps closer to me but still makes sure there is a distance, “I think you should come to my room for a sleepover tonight. You won’t need to leave in the early hours of the morning because Carter won’t be able to come in since he won’t have a key.”

“Or you could come to mine because I have become very attached to my hotel bed. It is like a fluffy cloud.” I snicker.

“I have the same bed,” he chuckles, “But I can come to you.”

He quickly glances around before he reaches for my hand and squeezes it. He quickly pulls back.

“Sounds like a plan.” I grin.

It would be nice not to have to leave the room at six in the morning before my brother gets up. Both of us are on edge when we know he could come in at any time or catch us in each other’s bed in the morning. At least at the hotel, we can get a peaceful night’s sleep.

Carter returns ten minutes later, and they lead the way to Times Square. I am excited to see it and the rest of the city.