Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 61160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
“Wait,” I whispered. “They didn’t ask us to pay for a special late-night guest pass.”
“In that case, let’s pretend the typical rules don’t apply tonight.”
I nodded. I was more than okay with that.
“How about you go up on the elevator first?” I said. “I don’t think we need to ride up there together, given your recent track record.”
“I’ll behave.” He laughed, keeping me at his side as we boarded.
As the cart rose, he gently rubbed his palm against the small of my back. I bit my lip to prevent myself from making a sound.
When the doors opened, a woman in an all-red suit stood before us.
“Welcome to—” She looked at William and her jaw dropped to the floor.
“Um, um…” She quickly recovered, blushing. “Welcome to Loupe Lounge. Allow me to escort you two to our best window table.”
Just like that? During the times I’d made reservations for Hazel, these people had asked for everything except a blood sample for access to a table. And they still made you wait for weeks.
We followed her through an empty dining room, stopping at a table at the center window, in perfect view of The Puget Sound.
“We have several five-course options tonight, but you’re free to order anything a la—” She stared at William as he pulled out my chair. “A la … a la carte. Chef Bryce will be with you shortly.”
She muttered something under her breath, something that sounded like, “That can’t be him…” before disappearing.
“Why didn’t you ask her if she wanted your picture?” I asked. “Seems like she’d actually appreciate it.”
“I’ll consider it when we leave.”
“Please tell me you’re joking.”
“I am, but only because I think she’d sell it.”
“You honestly think you’re that attractive?”
“I don’t know.” He smiled a cocky grin, confirming it. “You tell me.”
“You’re a notch above average,” I said, watching his smile widen even more. “I’ve seen far sexier men.”
“Where?”
I didn’t answer, and he laughed. Then he motioned for me to pick up the menu, but the selection gave me pause.
Eighteen dollars for a side of fries was outrageous, and I was tempted to suggest McDonald’s.
“I promised you I’d pay for everything.” He somehow read my mind. “I meant it.”
“Which five course collection will I have the pleasure of preparing for you tonight?” A chef appeared in front of us, serving two large glasses of wine.
“I’ll have whatever she’s having,” William said.
“And what will that be, Miss?”
“The Coastal Perfect option.”
“Excellent choice, Miss.” He looked at William. “It’s an ultimate pleasure to serve you, sir. Thank you.”
“No, thank you.”
He walked away, and William placed his hand on my exposed thigh. That mere touch set every nerve in my body on fire.
I picked up my glass and nearly drank all of it.
“What do you do for a living?” he asked, gently caressing my skin.
“I’m supposed to work on marketing projects for romance authors,” I said. “I spend more time doing my boss’s work and handling her errands, though. What about you?”
“I’m in between careers.”
“Is the new one more promising than the one before?”
“A million times more.”
“Is it here or in England?”
“Here.” He smiled. “What makes you think I’m from England?”
“Pretty sure it’s the accent. Then again…” I pointed to his cuff link. “The country’s flag is a dead giveaway, too.”
“A slight oversight,” he said. “Mixup aside, where were you really supposed to go for the clue in your scavenger hunt?”
“This upscale bar called Festival Suns. There was free tequila waiting for me.”
“I’m glad you never made it,” he said. “For what it’s worth, I was never planning to ask you to leave my suite.”
I blushed. I had no idea how to respond to that.
“How long are you in town?” I changed the subject.
“Just for tonight and a little bit of tomorrow,” he said. “Until I move here permanently in a few weeks, that is. If I could stay any longer, I would.”
“If I could escape my life here and go to another country for a night, I would jump at the chance, too.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I feel trapped here,” I admitted. “My job takes up most of my life, but I can’t quit it because it’s all I have and—It’s stupid and hard to explain. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He looked genuine. “I completely understand. Do you have any secondary getaway options?”
“Two,” I said. “The first one is always reading a novel to escape into someone else’s world for a bit.”
“I do the same.” He smiled. “What’s the second?”
“I’ll download Tinder and invite someone over to have sex with me.”
He raised his eyebrow. “You don’t strike me as the casual sex type, Chloe.”
“Well, you’re wrong, because I am. I have lots of sex, all the time.” I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to lie. “I’ve even heard that my skills are mind-blowing.”
He brought a wine glass to his lips with his free hand, taking a slow sip. “So, you have a lot of experience in the bedroom?”