His eyes meet mine instantly. "I still have your business card, Maya. Is the contact information on it current? Can I reach you at that number?"
My phone number is one of the few things in my life that hasn't changed since I first met him. I've transitioned frombeing a rental agent to an associate broker. I moved to a new neighborhood and I've dated some of the most interesting men in this city and a couple of duds too.
When I handed him that card in Falon's studio, I wasn't sure what I hoped would come from it. We had a very brief conversation before he offered her a job photographing the interior of The Bishop Hotel in Tribeca. He told me that he'd consider me if he were ever looking for a rental, but I never heard from him again. I assumed my card was tossed in the trash and I became a non-existent memory.
"You can reach me at the number on the card," I say politely knowing full well that even though I can hear Isadora engaging in small talk with Charlie, her gaze is glued to her boyfriend and me.
"I'll be in touch, Maya."
I blink at him as he moves around me to talk to Charlie and Isadora. I don’t bother trying to hear what he's saying to them.
I came to this event to arrange a face-to-face meeting with him.
This party is a celebration of his newest hotel, which contains a dozen luxury residential suites. I'm determined to secure a shot at selling those. When Julian reaches out to me, I'm going to convince the man that I'm exactly what he needs.
I'd jump at the chance to prove that I'm what he needs in bed, but his sheets are already being warmed by someone else.
He's committed to Isadora and I'm committed to my career.
I want in on his business, and I'll do whatever it takes to show him that I'm the woman for the job.
CHAPTER TWO
Julian
When I agreedto the launch party for our new hotel in Chelsea, I assumed it would be as dull as every other event Bishop Hotels has hosted for the past few years.
The routine is the same regardless of the location. I mingle, Isadora shows up late, and we take the stage together to make a surprise announcement about a secret project that our marketing department strategically leaked to travel industry bloggers and reporters weeks ago.
Last night was different.
It wasn't because my younger sister accepted the marriage proposal of her boyfriend during the party. Brynn delivered that news to me in person near the end of the night just as she was ready to leave with her now-fiancé, Smith Booth. I'm happy for them. Marriage is what they both want.
I was preoccupied during much of the event with the sight of Maya with her date. He held her hand as she balanced against him when she adjusted the strap on one of her shoes. He smiled down at her when she laughed.
She was a welcome surprise during an otherwise uneventful evening.
"What happened to you last night?" Isadora looks up from where she's sitting behind her desk. "You left the party early."
I left as soon as Maya did. I saw no reason to stay to chat up the guests we'd strategically invited because of the size of their bank accounts.
The hotel we launched last night is a new venture for us. In addition to an unforgettable experience for guests who choose to stay the night with us, we're offering a unique opportunity for a select few individuals.
The property has a dozen residential units. Each offers a stunning view of the city and comes with every amenity the hotel has to offer. It's a risky gamble in the current volatile market, but it's going to pay off.
With the right broker on board, the residential suites will sell themselves.
"I left as it was winding down." I step into her office to drop a contract on her desk. "Have someone look this over by the end of the day. It's urgent."
She fingers the corner of the papers. "I'll handle it myself."
Isadora was hired on as a junior attorney over three years ago. Now, she runs the legal department at Bishop Hotels.
Our professional lives are tangled around her employment contract and the shares I gifted her with a year-and-a-half ago when she first hinted that she wanted an engagement ring.
A diamond on her finger is still the thing she craves most in the world. I can't bring myself to walk within ten feet of a jewelry store.
I may have felt close to her at one time, but that's not the case anymore. She's someone I've come to rely heavily on for business advice.
