When he reached for the bag, the woman evaded his grasp and dodged around him to enter the room. “Oh, it’s no problem. We don’t mind.”
The bellhop followed dutifully behind with a nod of greeting even though he looked very much likeheminded. “Your car’s here too.” At this the guy’s eyes brightened slightly. “Happy to bring that around for ya when you’re ready.”
“What’s your name?” Jack asked.
The guy dropped his load of shopping bags near the white sofa in the center of the sitting area. “Manny.”
Jack retrieved a money clip from his pocket and selected a bill, slipping it to Manny. “Well, Manny, I’d like the car out front in an hour. If you’re on time, I’ll have another hundred for you.”
Manny’s brows lifted as he took the C-note and quickly pocketed it. “You got it.” He gave Jack a nod and a hint of a grin before leaving.
The blonde eyed him rather pointedly. “And is there anythingIcan do for you, Mr. Smith?”
He offered her one of his practiced smiles. “As a matter of fact, Meghan, Idohave need of you.”
Her cheeks flushed very prettily as she gave him a coy look from under lowered lashes. “And what is it you’d like me to do, Mr. Smith?”
At another time in his life he might’ve eagerly indulged in what the woman was offering. But those days had ended during a moonlit walk on the beach several years before. “Nothing that would compromise your self-respect, I assure you, Meghan,” he told her gently. “But Iamin need of a favor of another sort . . .”
