Haven had just finished applying her lipstick when she looked at herself in the full-length mirror. Skylar had said to dress casually, so she hoped her slacks and blouse were appropriate. She turned away from the mirror and smiled when she saw the vase of flowers — a dozen of the most beautiful red roses she had ever seen — that had arrived that morning. The card that accompanied the bouquet had said,
Haven,
Think of me whenever you look at these.
Skylar.
She had news for Skylar Kingston. Although she was surprised when the roses had been delivered, she didn’t need any reason to think of him. She had dreamed about him last night, and images of him and the kisses they’d shared had filled her mind most of today. In fact, she’d had to force herself to concentrate on the workshops, and that wasn’t good.
She was glad Skylar had told her about his connection to the Kingston Corporation and this hotel earlier. Several people had approached her wanting to know how long she and Skylar had known each other. As if it were any of their business. More than one had tried to get her to pass their businesscard along to him. That had annoyed her. Even Addie had called. Someone had slipped and let her know that Haven had been seen with Skylar at last night’s function. Her boss had had the gall to ask if it was a serious relationship. Because if it were, it could benefit Miramar Pharmaceuticals if the Kingston Corporation could be persuaded to invest funds in medical research. That conversation left her thoroughly irritated, and she figured her boss was surprised by the strength of her pushback.
Giving herself one final look in the mirror, she grabbed her cross-body purse and headed for the door. Skylar had told her that Dante, his general manager, would arrange a car for her. The moment she stepped out of the elevator on the first floor, a tall, handsome man who looked to be in his late thirties, approached her. The first thing she noticed was that his thick black hair was just as long as Skylar’s, if not a tad longer. He had a distinguished look, and like Skylar, he wore a custom-made suit.
“Miss McGuire?”
“Yes?”
“I’m Dante,” he said, extending his hand.
She smiled. “Hello, Dante,” she said, accepting his handshake.
“I was told by Sky to make sure I got you to him safely.”
Since he had referred to Skylar as “Sky,” she figured their relationship was more than just employer and employee. “I appreciate that.”
He presented his arm to her then led her toward the revolving doors. “I hope you’re enjoying your stay here.”
“I am. This is a beautiful hotel and the service is excellent,” she said.
He smiled. “We try. I understand you’re here with the medical research group.”
“That’s right.”
They reached the private car where a uniformed chauffeur stood. Dante introduced them. “This is Ricco, your driver for the evening.”
She smiled at the older man who appeared to be in his mid-sixties. “Hello, Ricco. It’s nice meeting you.”
He smiled back. “Hello, Miss McGuire. It’s my pleasure to serve you.”
“Well, if there’s ever anything you need while you’re here and don’t get it fast enough, please contact me,” Dante said, handing her his business card.
She took it. “Thanks, Dante.”
He stepped back when Ricco opened the door for her. She waved goodbye to him as Ricco pulled off.
Skylar clicked on his phone. “Yes, Dante?”
“Just letting you know that Miss McGuire is on her way.” Dante paused and then added, “She’s different.”
Skylar raised a brow. “What do you mean ‘she’s different’?”
“She’s like a breath of fresh air. And she has personality.”
Skylar threw his head back and laughed. “Are you saying the other women I dated didn’t have personality?”
“Hell. I would even go so far as to say that some lacked common decency and manners.”
“Ouch.”
