He turns to face me with a sincere look in his eyes. “Now, I would really like it if you were to stay here, but if you would like to go back to 144, I will understand.” I open my mouth to speak, but he hushes me by holding a finger up. “I’m not trying to hit on you, win you over, get in your panties or make you feel inferior in any way. I’m just trying to do something nice for you because, well, because I can.” He works the buttons open on the jacket I’ve been wrapped in but leaves it draped over my shoulders.
“Finished?” I say with a smile.
He grins. “For now.”
“Thank you for being kind, not hitting on me, not trying to win me over or…get in my panties.” Even as a joke that was hard for me to say. I breathe and continue, “I would really like to stay in this room, but I cannot afford it, and I feel uncomfortable with your offer.”
He shakes his head and rubs at his temples. “Fine, how about we make a deal? You pay the same price for this room as you did for the other. Then I’m not giving it away and you don’t feel uncomfortable. What do you say?”
I shake my head at him. He’s an insistent man and he makes it very difficult to say no. It’s a good job I’m only here for a few days. I smile at him, and now that I can, I hold my hand out to him to shake on it. “Deal.”
Our hands lock and electricity travels up my arm, setting the hairs on end. His hand encases mine with confidence and gentleness as his thumb moves slightly to rub the back of mine,sending tingles across my skin. I pull back and rub my hands together nervously, realizing that our handshake lingered just a fraction too long.
“Right, I had better get unpacked. It’s been a long day.”
“Of course.” He reaches into his back pocket and hands me a card. “This is my personal number. If you need anything, just call. The concierge is at your disposal and the facilities are free for you to use whenever you wish.”
“That’s very kind, thank you, but I’m sure it won’t be necessary.” I take his card, giving him a smile, and he steps past me to leave.
“Wait.” I spin around to catch him. “Your jacket…” I slip it off my shoulders, handing it to him. “Thank you, you are very chivalrous.”
I’m awarded by a flash of those beautiful, straight white teeth and a nod before he turns on his heel. I watch his long fluid strides, and as he moves through the apartment I can’t help but let my eyes drift to his ass.
I almost let out an audible groan but stifle it just in time for him to turn and give me a knowing look before he leaves, closing the door behind him. I let out the deep breath I was holding and smile to myself.
For a day that started with so much uncertainty, it hasn’t ended so badly.
Chapter 4
Waking up in a different place for the third time in as many days is unsettling. I haven’t ever been truly settled, never staying in the same place for more than a few years at a time and not really having any place that makes me feel like I belong anywhere in particular, but that hasn’t stopped me from wishing for it one day. Confusion prickles my senses as I wake enough to recall where I am and when I glance at my watch, I notice it’s nearly nine in the morning.
The extravagance of this suite makes for a lighter feeling than the motel I slept at last night though, and I am truly grateful when I set my feet on the carpet and they sink into the plush fibers rather than sticking to threadbare backing. I pull on a bright-white robe, and relish in the soft feel of it, blanketing me in luxurious comfort.
I make my way through to the living area and jump when I hear a knock at my door. I cautiously walk over to peek through the spy hole, and my body relaxes when I see that it’s justroom service with a breakfast trolley. I stand there for a minute, confused as to why he is there. I didn’t order anything.
I open the door just a crack, and I’m greeted by a plump little man with a friendly face. “Mr. King requested breakfast for you, Miss Jamesson, where would you like it?”
He what?
It’s such a thoughtful thing to do but not for the first time, I question his generosity. I feel uncomfortable for doing so, but experience has told me that you don’t get something for nothing and I don’t want to owe him. I don’t want to oweanyone.
“Um, I don’t really know.” My voice is unsure as I pull the door open to allow him in.
“How about I set it on the dining table for you, miss?”
“Okay, that would be fine, thank you.”
He nods and wheels the trolley inside with skill, then sets everything down on the table with practiced precision. When he has finished laying the lavish meal out, he turns to me and asks, “Will there be anything else for you, Miss. Jamesson?”
“Goodness, no, this is more than enough, thank you.” I shake my head to emphasize that I don’t think I could possibly want for anything else.
“Very well. Please call room service if you require anything from the menu.” He leaves with a friendly smile and a small nod.
The polished table seats six, but is set for one, and the cutlery is so well buffed you can see your reflection in it. The breakfast is fit for a king—pastries, fresh fruit, coffee, orange juice and a dish that is concealed with a silver cover. I lift it and I’m greeted with a plate of hot pancakes and bacon. Placed next to the feast is a gold embossed menu, listed with everything you could possibly imagine ordering for breakfast.
How much do they think one person can eat?
I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I started to eat and now I’m not sure I can stop, but after devouring the pancakesand bacon, I grab apain au chocolatand a mug of black coffee, and head for the balcony. I’m pleased when I find a sun lounger to relax on, so I sit and take in the most amazing view over the Strip, watching the rest of the world go by. The view reaches for miles as I watch the people going about their everyday life without a care in the world. Is this really the way it is? Or are they all running or hiding from something? I’m not naive enough to think that life is going to be a bunch of roses, but there must be an end to the constant stream of upheaval I seem to have dealt with all of my life. Surely it has to hit a plateau and run smoothly, even for just a little while?
