Chapter 8

Later that Afternoon

Lee awoke, feeling refreshed. He stretched and looked around. He was genuinely impressed with the suite. He didn't want Amanda to know that he was happy with the room reservations mix-up. He would be able to spend more time with Amanda and maybe get the nerve up to discuss other personal issues with her. That is if he could get the words to come out correctly. He knew that they would have to talk about the sleeping arrangements sooner than later but wasn't looking forward to it. He wanted to try and talk Amanda into sharing the bed because he knew his back would not last three weeks sleeping on the couch. He wasn't quite sure how he would be able to sleep being so close to Amanda either, but at least he wouldn't have any sore muscles.

He looked to the left and noticed Amanda asleep on the other end of the couch. He didn't want to wake her, so he decided to check out the kitchen she mentioned earlier. When he walked in, he was pleasantly surprised at the size. There was a sink, stove, refrigerator, and even a small dishwasher. He looked in the cupboards, and there were six place settings along with three different types of glasses. He also found several snacks along with some crackers. Seeing the crackers, it made him go to the refrigerator to look for cheese. He smiled as he opened the door and saw a small selection of cheeses, along with single-serving bottles of various wines. He made a mental note that he needed to stop at a local store and grab a few things to get them through their time in Paris.

"Lee! Lee!" He heard coming from the living room.

"In the kitchen, Amanda. I'll be right out," Lee answered.

As he walked back into the living room, he saw Amanda stretching and running her fingers through her hair. "Did you have a nice nap?" Lee asked.

"Yes, I did. I guess I didn't realize how much the trip wore me out. Plus, we did lose 6 hours. It will be kind of difficult to get to bed at a decent time tonight," Amanda explained.

"It doesn't take as much time as you think to get adjusted. One good night's sleep and you should be back on track." Lee hesitated. "Um, Amanda, speaking of sleep, um, we should probably discuss the sleeping arrangements." Amanda nodded in agreement. "I have to say; I was kind of surprised with your reaction when you found out that we had to share a room," Lee finished.

"Well, I didn't think it was worth the trouble of arguing about it and making a scene in the lobby," Amanda stated bluntly. "There was nothing we could do about it, no matter how much yelling was done."

"Well, I was angry. I tend to yell when I'm angry." Seeing the look on Amanda's face, he knew he had to get control, or this would not end well. "Okay, there was nothing we could do about it, but I was tired. It was a very long flight. That was not what I expected when we checked in." Lee took a deep breath and knew now was the time. "Amanda, I wanted to ask you if you thought it would be okay if I shared the bed with you? I looked at both the couches we have, and they are both too short for me. Now, I remember how you reacted a short time ago when we were at The Cumberland. You didn't even want to consider sharing the bed, but I was hoping you would reconsider that."

Amanda took a deep breath before she answered. "Lee, you know how I feel about that."

"Yes, Amanda, you made that perfectly clear." Lee could feel his anger grow. "I just don't understand what the big deal is. Agents share beds all the time."

"I understand that Lee, but as you continually remind me, I am not an agent."

"Really! You're going to throw that back in my face?"

"Why not? You keep throwing it in mine."

"Oh, come on, Amanda. I really don't want to sleep on the couch for three weeks. Or would you prefer I slept in a broom closet?"

"It wasn't a broom closet," Amanda responded quietly.

"What?" Lee couldn't believe what he just heard. "What do you mean?"

"It wasn't a broom closet. You said you stayed in a closet. That's not a broom closet. I mean, broom closets have brooms in them. You didn't mention anything about brooms a few weeks ago. Only a close-"

"A-MAN-DA!" Lee yelled to stop her rambling. "I can't believe we are fighting about a closet. Why can't you just get over your stupid beliefs that if you sleep in the same bed with a man, that you will be going to hell or something?"

"Oh, so you think my beliefs are stupid, do you?"

"No, not all of them. Just that one. It. Is. Stupid!"

"So I guess that would make me stupid, then wouldn't it?"

Lee couldn't stop himself. "Yes, I guess it would. I think you're stupid!"

Amanda stood staring at Lee; her anger grew before she exclaimed. "Go to hell, Scarecrow!" She turned around and headed out the door, slamming it behind her.

Lee froze, not believing what he just said. What just happened? Why did I say that? I didn't mean any of it. Oh, my God. I need to go after her. Lee bolted for the door and down the hall, hollering. "Amanda! Amanda! Please stop. I didn't mean it. Please!" Lee made it just in time to see the look in her eyes as the elevator doors closed.