“I know where you are.” I press the button for the penthouse, type in the code and the doors start to close. His eyes don’t leave mine until the doors close completely and I breathe out audibly.
My stay at The Kingdom is turning out to be an interesting one.
Chapter 5
After hauling mymillionshopping bags through the suite and into the bedroom, I drop them just inside the doorway. I kick off my shoes and I’m sure I can hear my feet breathe a sigh of relief. No matter how used to wearing heels you are, a five hour successful shopping trip is going to be somewhat uncomfortable.
I sit on the edge of the luxurious king size bed, letting my shoulders drop, then rolling them in circles to try and ease the tension. I feel exhausted, so I let myself flop back, allowing every muscle in my body to relax. It feels like I’m being hugged by the deep, soft bedding and I shut my heavy eyes for just a minute, knowing that if I don’t move in the next ten seconds I’ll be asleep.
I don’t move.
And three hours later I wake up with a jump.
I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I never fall asleep during the day. Hell, I struggle to sleep at night, but since I’ve been here, I’ve spent half my time sleeping. I know it’s not the luxury andcomfort that does it; I had luxury and comfort at Aaron’s house. Maybe it’s because I feel safe, like I can breathe and let my guard down. Maybe it’s because I’m so close to home.
I stretch out my arms and rub the sleep from my eyes before hopping off the bed and padding to the bathroom to freshen up. I glance in the mirror—I look a mess. Yes, I’ve been through emotional hell over the last few days and I’ve just woken from a very deep sleep, but I look terrible. My hair resembles a bird’s nest and my dark roots are far too long. My face is still very bruised, and despite the extra sleep I’ve had there are dark circles under my eyes. There’s not much I can do right now about my hair, but I can certainly treat my body to a soak in the stunning bath in my suite. Even if it’s a temporary fix, it’ll make me feel better.
While the stunning porcelain bath is filling, I pour myself a glass of white wine and empty all of my new belongings on the bed. I survey my collection and smile. My mom always said I was a magpie, attracted to pretty and shiny things. The beginning of my new wardrobe is different to the simple, conservative clothes I’ve worn for the past year—sexy denim, sultry underwear and bright colored tops. It’s about time I started living my life and having some fun.
New me. New start.
When I submerge myself up to my neck in the deep bath, all of my muscles relax and I groan in appreciation. The jasmine scented bubble bath is a perfect mix of fresh and exotic and I close my eyes, letting a feeling of calm wash over me as I listen to the water gently lapping as I move
The blare of the loud phone ringing throughout the suite makes me jump. By the time I’ve decided to get out of the bath, the ringing stops.
“Oh for goodness’ sake,” I mutter to myself.
It rings again, making me jump for a second time. I hop out and wrap one of the huge fluffy white towels around me. It’s warm from being on the towel rail, just another nice touch that makes this place feel wonderful. I nearly slip over on the highly polished floor trying to run out of the bathroom, and I get to the phone just before it rings off.
“Hello?” I say, a little unsure and out of breath.
“Miss. Jamesson.” That baritone voice, smooth like caramel, makes my body shiver even though I’m clearly not cold. “I’m sorry if I interrupted you, you sound…out of breath.” I detect a stiffness in his voice and then I realize what he may be thinking.
“Oh no, I…I was in the bath and I missed the call the first time, and I wasn’t expecting the phone to ring again, and when it did I had to run to catch it in time.”What is it about him that makes me act like a nervous schoolgirl?
“You mean to tell me, you’re standing there dripping soapy bath water all over my carpet…”
“I’m not dripping water…oh, maybe I am, I’m sorry. I’ll have it—”
His laugh cuts me off.
“What’s so funny?”
“I’m joking, but the thought of you standing there wet and covered in bubbles is no laughing matter.” He sounds less humorous and I feel an edge that causes my skin to tingle.
“How did you know I had bubbles?”
“I didn’t, it was a guess. A good guess though, and an even better mental picture.”
I feel my cheeks flush. Coming from anyone else that would sound lame, but from him it sounds incredibly sexy. “Mr. King, were you calling for a reason?” I change the subject and tap my foot at him, even though he can’t see it.
“Yes…I wanted to offer you full use of the spa and salon tomorrow. You know, since it’s more yourthing.”
“Why would you want to do that for me?” My tone is stiffer than I meant it to be, but I can’t stop my instinct to be suspicious.
He sighs deeply. “Haven’t we had this conversation already? Can’t a man do something nice for a beautiful woman?”
His playful tone and the smile I detect in his voice softens me, and I actually believe that he wants to do something nice for me. That’s the thing that scares me the most; they all start out like that, but then it ends badly.
