Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy Page A

yesterday.”
    “ Yeah, it was fun. But that doesn’t mean I want to hang out every night.”
    “ Okay, what happened? Is it him?” Levi asked pointing at Alex.
    “ No!”
    Levi visibly relaxed. “Then what is it?”
    “ Why does there have to be a reason? Is it that impossible to believe that I’m not interested?”
    “ You are interested. Don’t bother to deny it. You weren’t faking it on the beach.”
    “ Could you lower your voice?” I hissed, wishing that Levi could be more discreet.
    “ Wait, this isn’t about this morning is it?”
    “ Well...”
    “ Oh, I can explain that. I told you I work for my dad, those men I was with are his advisors. I figured you didn’t need to meet them.”
    “ Oh…” I felt lame for caring so much but I wasn’t really ready to accept such a flimsy excuse. Still, I certainly wasn’t going to let him know that it bothered me.
    “ But wow, I’m flattered that it got to you.”
    “ Don’t push it,” I warned.
    “ So… tonight?”
    I crossed my arms, trying to disguise my hurt with anger. “No thanks.”
    “ Wait, I thought we cleared everything up?”
    “ It doesn’t really matter. I still don’t feel like going out.”
    “ Then we can stay in... I can bring over some DVDs, or we could order something.”
    “ You want to stay in and watch a movie?”
    “ Sure, why not? Besides, it’s a good excuse to get into your room.” He grinned slyly.
    “ As tempting as it sounds, I’m going to pass.”
    He sighed in frustration. “Okay, then what are you doing tomorrow morning?”
    “ I’m working…”
    “ Could you get out of it?”
    “ Depends on what for.” Despite myself, I was intrigued.
    “ It’s another surprise, but this time wear jeans and tennis shoes.”
    “ Where would we go that I would need those?”
    “ You’ll see.” Kissing me on the cheek, he left without waiting for my answer. I wondered what I had gotten myself into.
    ***
    I might have agreed to spend the next day with Levi, but my curiosity wasn’t satisfied. I now knew that he wasn’t quite human, but he still hadn’t mentioned anything about the hotel. Between the lack of information and the way he blew me off, I needed answers. So far, everything about the Pterons seemed amazing, but a part of me feared he was still hiding something.
    Getting into the elevator to head up to my room, I pushed the button for the basement, but like Billy had explained it did nothing. I didn’t know much about elevators, but there was definitely a slot for a key card. Maybe you needed a card to gain access. I figured Dad could get me that access if I wanted. I gave him a call when I reached my room.
    “ Why would you need to get down there?” Dad asked. I could barely hear him over the loud voices in the background. Then I heard a door slam and it got quiet.
    “ Oh, I’m just trying to learn the lay of the building. You know, get a better grasp of the property.”
    “ Oh, that’s terrific honey. It’s so nice to hear you interested in what I do.”
    I rolled my eyes, glad he couldn’t see. Like this was something he actually did.
    “ So, can you get me access or what?”
    “ Sure. I’ll call the head of security and get you cleared for a master card. Just give it a few minutes and go to the desk and make a new card, okay?”
    “ Thanks Dad. You can get back to whatever it was you were doing.”
    “ I’m at a function, sweetie. Take care of yourself and I’ll get back to New Orleans as soon as I can.”
    I waited a half-hour for good measure before heading down to the front desk. Adie was working and I noticed her eyeing me as I made the card.
    “ Is there a problem with your room key?” she asked suspiciously.
    “ Eh, no. I just need to be able to check something out for my dad,” I muttered as I finished up. “Have a nice night,” I called and waved as I walked away towards the elevator. Fortunately, the elevator was empty when it opened.
    I inserted the key card, and