Although jittery, she rose and faced him. “The rooms will fill,ifyou add the kink backin.”
The electricity swirled as the stare-downcontinued.
“I’ll introduce you to your team,” he said. “They’ll bring you up to speed on event bookings. Donotdiscuss your recommendation withthem.”
After a confirming nod, she shouldered her handbag. As they walked down the hallway, she snuck in a quick glance. The lingering frustration cast a shadow across his face. His normally bright eyes were dark, his lips slashed in a thin line. Though jittery, she felt empowered that she hadn’t backeddown.
Jagger introduced Taylor to her staff and left, taking the chill with him. Turning her attention on David Augustine and Adele Shapiro, she wondered how she’d manage through the next several days with a man she wanted to both throttle and throw herself on. He was inciting her last nerve while making her insides hum withdesire.
The events team spent the afternoon creating “fun” activities that included a Newlywed game and “chess on the beach” using guests as live pieces. As G-rated events were added to their activities roster, she vowed to change Jagger’smind.
At the end of the workday, Robby zoomed in with a laptop as David and Adele provided Taylor with their cell phone numbers. “Hello, hello!” Like usual, the smiley assistant was bursting withenergy.
“Do you want me to use my computer?” Taylorasked.
“No can do,” Robby replied. “This has proprietary software you’ll need to access for event-planningpurposes.”
Once Robby had set up her laptop, he ushered her out. “I’m dying to show you what I bought. I’ve missed my true calling. Personalshopper.”
As they rode the elevator to the top floor, Robby explained that the laborers would continue working right up until opening. “The only suites they can’t access are on this floor. So, for obvious reasons, you’ll be staying upstairs with Jagger and me.” He shot her a grin. “Wait until you see the evening gowns I found for you. You are going to look like aprincess.”
The doors slid open and he escorted her toward one of two Presidential suites. After using the keycard, he opened the door. “Welcome.” He handed her the plasticcard.
She entered and gasped. The magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean lay beyond the open French doors, and she paused to admire the giant orange fireball sinking into the darkwaters.
A beautiful mural of Mayan gods engaging in intercourse had been painted on the living room wall. But the standout piece of hardware was a shiny gold stripper pole in the center of the room. For the first time since she’d arrived, her headache subsided.He might not publicly endorse the erotic, but he’s still promoting kinky fun behind closeddoors.
Robby escorted her through the living area, stopping in front of a closed door on the far side of the suite. “This is your bedroom. You’ll need to use your keycard.” She held it against the electronic pad, the light turned green, and Robby shoved open thedoor.
In addition to her carry-on, the king bed was covered with boutique shopping bags. Three garment bags hung over the bathroom door. “This isn’t all for me, isit?”
He waved his hand. “All of it. Like I said, I missed my true calling. Do you think Ioverbought?”
She laughed. “Uh,yeah.”
“I didn’t hear from the airline. Didyou?”
Taylor shook herhead.
“Then, no worries if your luggage never shows. You’ve got plenty now. If you don’t like something or it doesn’t fit, let meknow.”
“I’m sure I’ll love everything. You’re a total lifesaver. Really, Robby, thank you again for doingthis.”
He beamed. “You’re a sweetheart. I was happy to do it.Hungry?”
“I guess. Jet lag is catchingup.”
“Food and sleep, in that order. The chef is testing some of his menu items and we’re his guinea pigs. You’ll love his food. Charles isamazing.” Robby headedout.
Dropping her handbag on the bed, she followed, shutting the door behind her. “Will Jagger be joiningus?”
“Doubtful. He eats in his office. The man is a machine without an ‘off’switch.”
Disappointment curled around her heart. On the way through the living room, Taylor spotted a closed door on the opposite side of the spacious suite. “Where does thatlead?”
“Jagger’sbedroom.”
“What?” And then she laughed. “You have a great sense ofhumor.”
