“Law enforcement is encouraging people to stay indoors until the storm passes.”

I whipped my head in the direction of the television mounted on the wall and listened as a local meteorologist continued his warning against driving.

“We need to emphasize the danger of being on the road for the next twelve to eighteen hours,” he said, pointing at the moving weather map marked almost entirely in green.

“Let me know when you’re out of your room,” Lorraine said before turning to another guest.

I nodded absently. What was I going to do? My stomach hardened.

“Adi.” Finn appeared by my side like a friendly apparition.

I hugged myself to keep from shaking.

“Are you all right?” His brows furrowed with concern.

“Not even a little bit.” I shared my predicament with my new friend. “Is there anywhere else to stay in Pleasant Hollow?” Based on the research I’d done back home, the next closest lodging was in a different town. “You think Lorraine would let me camp out here?” I pointed at the assortment of chairs. “I don’t need much.” It would be good practice for when Mom and I were out of a home.

“Why don’t you stay with me tonight?”

I shook my head. “No. I…I couldn’t.”

“Why not? You spent the last four nights with me anyway.”

“That was different.” My initial comfort with a hookup had changed to optimism—some might say delusion—that it could grow into something more. Now I was stuck in this in-between place where casual sex with Finn felt dangerous. Stupid feelings. I was positive he’d respect my choices, but it would be awkward and uncomfortable.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” he asked teasingly.

“It’s not a good idea,” I said, shifting my feet.

He frowned. “I’m not sure you have a choice. There are no other rooms available, and the roads are too bad to leave town. You can book your own room tomorrow after the weather clears and most of these people check out.”

I pressed my fingers to my temples. This was a trip planned by Satan himself.

“It’s not a quid pro quo offer. If that’s what you’re worried about.”

I searched his face, finding nothing but genuine kindness. I kind of hated him for it. But he was right. I had no choice. My shoulders relaxed in defeat. “Okay. Anything to escape this shit show.”

As if I needed further incentive, the woman to my right shook her head zealously and her wet ponytail slapped me in the face. “But I will absolutely pay you back,” I said, wiping my damp cheek. With what or whose money, I hadn’t a clue.

“The hotel bill gets passed along to my boss. Andrew has no idea how many people are actually staying with me.”