by Nikki Chase
Emily Webb: There’s nothing between Cole and me
Emily Webb: I swear
Emily Webb: Have you heard anything about Steffi?
Lily Saunders: They say she found a foreign boyfriend and she’s moving abroad
Emily Webb: So are they saying that she was cheating on Cole then?
Emily Webb: Lol
The rumors circulating in the office are crazy. I doubt there was ever really anything between Cole and Steffi. Nobody can hide a long-term, ongoing relationship so well that the only time they were ever seen together was one drunken night many years ago.
I glance at the conveyor belt, which is already moving. Our bags should come out any time now. Beside me, Cole stands by a trolley, still deep in conversation with his new friend, the little old lady. I turn my attention back to my phone.
Lily Saunders: That’s exactly what they’re saying!
Lily Saunders: Is it true?
Lily Saunders: Is that why you know?
Lily Saunders: OMG
Lily Saunders: OMG WAS STEFFI CHEATING ON COLE WHILE HE WAS CHEATING ON HER WITH YOU???
Emily Webb: What
Emily Webb: NO. NONE OF THAT IS TRUE.
Lily Saunders: Awww
Lily Saunders: Are you sure?
Emily Webb: YES
Emily Webb: Is it really that weird for me to fly First Class?
Lily Saunders: It’s pretty weird
Lily Saunders: He usually takes the private jet if he’s traveling with Mr. Foster
Lily Saunders: If he flies commercial he likes to sit alone in First Class
Lily Saunders: You know Steffi’s seat was supposed to be in coach
Emily Webb: Hey my bag is here
Emily Webb: Gtg :D
I slip my phone back into my shoulder bag. Just as I start to grab my suitcase off the conveyor belt, Cole appears beside me and picks it up effortlessly.
“I thought you were busy,” I say, grinning at him.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he says, loading my suitcase onto the trolley, right on top of his own suitcase. “You’re not jealous of Linda as well, are you?” To my surprise, he wraps his arm around the little old lady and pulls her close.
“You have yourself a nice young man here,” Linda says, smiling at me. “You look adorable together.”
“Oh, we’re not actually together,” I say, looking at Cole for help in clarifying the situation.
“I was just joking, Linda,” Cole says, laughing. “Emily here is my colleague and we’re here for a conference.” He gestures at the two of us and says, “Emily, this is Linda. Linda, this is Emily.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say to the friendly old lady.
“Nice to meet you too,” she says. “But that is bullshit. The two of you look like you belong together. Listen to me, you’ll make a great couple and you’ll make beautiful kids together. Trust me. I’ve seen a lot of things in my life. When you get to my age, there are some things that you just know.”
I laugh, not expecting the frail-looking lady to curse and tell our love fortunes.
“See? I tried to tell her,” Cole says, shrugging in defeat.
“It’s very nice to meet the two of you,” Linda says. “My grandson is waiting for me so I should go. Thank you, Cole, for helping me with my bags.”
“You’re very welcome,” Cole says, rubbing her arm and smiling at her.
“Enjoy your trip.” Winking, Linda says, “You’re both young and healthy. Do something naughty.”
Cole gasps in mock horror, covering his mouth with his hands. He makes a big display out of looking around suspiciously and exclaims, “Linda! Watch what you’re saying in public!”
I laugh. I didn’t expect to see Cole act like such a goof. I have to say I kind of like this side of him.
“She thinks you’re funny,” Linda says to Cole, “which means you have a chance. And I see the way she looks at you. She likes you. But don’t lose my number. If she says no, you can always come to me.”
“I won’t lose your number, Linda. Promise,” Cole says with a wide grin on his face.
Linda cackles as she walks away, the pink and purple flowers on her white dress swaying as she slowly and carefully navigates the busy terminal.
“Wow. Two numbers in one morning,” I say while dodging other travelers as we follow the signs to the taxi loading area.
“It’s a slow day,” Cole says, laughing. I can’t tell if he’s serious. After all, a guy like him must get female attention all the time.
“She’s a nice lady,” I say.
“Yeah. She reminds me of my grandmother, who died two years ago.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” I hope I didn’t just say the wrong thing and make things awkward.
“Thanks,” he says quietly.
“You’re different,” I blurt out. “I mean, I’d never imagine the usual you that I see in the office flirting with a foul-mouthed geriatric.”
“Hey, don’t you dare call her names. Linda is a wonderful, beautiful lady of a mature age,” Cole says, laughing. He shrugs. “The office is for working. Outside of the office is…for everything else.”
Cole
By the time we roll our suitcases into Trident Hotel, where the conference is held, all notion of me staying away from Emily has disappeared.
I’m having too much fun getting to know her and telling her some of my own stories — nothing too hardcore, though, as she probably doesn’t even realize a whole other dangerous world exists alongside hers in San Francisco.
The point is, it’s impossible to walk away when I feel so much connection with her and I can tell she’s having a good time too.
I know this is going to hurt like a bitch when we fly home and I go back to just seeing her at the office. But it’s only three days. Today, tomorrow, and the day after that. We fly home that same night on Wednesday. What’s the worst that can happen?
Besides, I don’t know when I’m ever going to get another opportunity like this, to spend time with her without worrying about people watching us.
Here in Seattle, nobody knows me. That feels liberating, in a way.
Unfortunately, that also means the guy manning the hotel front desk also doesn’t know me, which means we have to wait in line to check in.
“Seems really busy today,” Emily says. She pulls on her cardigan for warmth, obviously not used to the weather, which is a little more humid and chilly here.
“The front desk is always busy on conference days. Most attendees probably checked in yesterday, so it’s likely quieter now compared to yesterday,” I say.
“We’re not going to miss the start, are we?” Emily looks worried. Cute, considering nothing interesting ever happens in the beginning anyway. She’ll learn that on her own soon enough.
“Don’t worry, we still have a lot of time.” I watch Emily as she scans the place, her gaze lingering on the crystal chandeliers and the intricate artwork hanging on the walls. “Hey, why don’t you take a look around? There’s no point in both of us waiting in line.”
“Really?” Her eyes widen. “Do you want to take turns?”
“No, I’ve been here lots of times.” I have to smile at the offer. “Just leave your suitcase and let me take care of everything.”
“Thank you so much! You're the best boss ever. I’ll just be around here,” she says before she walks away to admire the interiors.
While I wait for the line to slowly move forward, I pull out my phone and check my emails. Between meeting Linda and talking with Emily, I haven't had much time left to work. By the time I get to the end of the line, I’ve finished replying to all the urgent emails. With those taken care of, I should be able to enjoy just being here with Emily for the rest of the day.
It turns out the line moves more quickly than I expect, thanks to their integrated check-in system. I should have a quick chat about the reservation software with Craig, the CEO of Trident Hotel, at the conference. Maybe there are some thi
ngs I can learn from him.
As I walk away from the front desk, I wish I could just do the same thing I did at the San Francisco airport this morning: have Emily moved to a spot beside me for the night, on my bed in my room.
We can even keep our clothes on and just talk all night, and that would be more than enough to make me happy. But I know that's the worst thing I can do, considering the circumstances.
I look around, but I can't find Emily anywhere in the big sitting area by the lobby. With her room key card in my hand, I check the hotel common areas. I'm sure she's nearby because she told me she would be.
And that's when I see them, hugging each other by the swimming pool. Who the hell is that guy?
The thought of some oily fucker's dirty paws on Emily's skin burns a hole in my chest.
I need to put a stop to this, I think to myself as I step onto the wooden planks of the pool deck and walk past neat rows of wicker lounge chairs.
Ugh, they're showing each other their phones now, probably exchanging numbers. Son of a bitch.
“Emily,” I say, tapping her on the shoulder. “I’ve been trying to find you.”
“Hey, Cole,” Emily says as she turns toward me. “Sorry. I was just checking out the lobby and then I saw Marco by the swimming pool and I had to come and say hi. Where are the suitcases?”
“Someone’s already taking them up to our rooms,” I say.
“Awesome,” she says. “Thank you for taking care of that. I was just going to tell Marco that you’re here too.”
“Hi, I’m Marco,” the guy smiles and extends his right hand to me.
I quickly appraise him. About five-eleven, athletic build, Hispanic. He’s wearing black dress pants and a black fitted shirt. Judging by the excited flash of recognition in his brown eyes, he obviously knows who I am, which means he’s probably here for the conference.
“Hi.” I grab his hand and give him a firm handshake. “Cole Foster.”
“I know who you are,” Marco says. “I’ve read a lot about how you built Foster Hotels from nothing to a successful boutique chain in only three years. I’m really glad to meet you in person.”
“Thank you,” I say. Maybe the guy is not so bad, although I still don’t like the overly familiar atmosphere between him and Emily. It’s making me feel like I’m the third wheel.
“Wait a minute,” Emily says. “You guys don’t know each other?”
I take another look at Marco. I’m so bad with names I always have Lily remind me who I’m about to speak with before every appointment. But I’m quite good with faces, and I don’t remember Marco’s olive skin and angular features.
“I’m pretty sure I’d remember meeting Cole Foster, Em,” Marco says as he chuckles.
“That’s weird,” Emily says.
“Why is it weird?” Marco frowns, but his lips and eyes are still smiling in amusement. “I’m probably not the big shot you seem to think I am.”
“Um, it’s not about that.” Emily laughs a little, but she still looks confused. “I swear Alice told me you’re the one who recommended me for my job.”
“Really?” Marco pauses to think. “Maybe she’s mistaken. Maybe it’s one of her restaurant friends.”
As both Emily and Marco turn to look at me, I feel like everything’s happening in slow motion.
I think I know what’s happening here.
I need to shut this down or it can end up unraveling everything.
For now, it’s probably best to play the fool. I’ll think about my next step when we reach that bridge.
“Don’t look at me.” I shrug. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“But…” Emily starts to protest, yet she lets her voice trail off, unsure of how to continue her line of questioning now that she’s hit a dead end.
I take the opportunity to very noticeably check my watch and look toward the lobby, where more people in business suits have filed in.
“Looks like the conference is about to start soon,” I say, prompting them both to turn toward the main building of the hotel. “We should probably get ready.”
“I have a booth to babysit, so I should get going before everybody gets pissed at me,” Marco says. He looks at Emily and smiles. “It's really good to see you, Em. You look really good.”
“Thanks. It's really good to see you too. It's been a while,” Emily says, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. Ugh.
“Yeah. Come visit me at my booth, okay? It’s called InstaRoomies. Don't be a stranger.” Marco waves as he rushes inside, leaving me alone with Emily.
Finally. If he had stayed any longer or made Emily blush any more I’d have to shove him right into the swimming pool. Something tells me Emily wouldn’t look too kindly on that.
“Should we go too?” I look at Emily and gesture toward the hotel lobby. “After you.”
“Thanks,” she says. She gives me a polite smile, then silently walks in front of me.
Women think men let them go first for their benefit, when in reality we just love watching them from behind. It’s a great view, and they rarely look back to catch us checking them out.
“So, it looks like we’re on different floors,” I say as we stop at the elevator waiting area. I press the button to go up.
Emily turns the little cardboard pouch that holds her room key card in her hand. “One-one-zero-three. Looks like I’m on the eleventh floor.”
“I’m on the twentieth.” We walk into the elevator and I push the two buttons for our respective floors.
I wish I can tell her to just stay with me. We have so little time here and I want to spend every minute with her. Instead, as she steps out of the elevator, I simply say, “Meet me at the entrance to the conference room when you’re ready.”
Business-like. Professional. Because we’re just two people who happen to work together.
The elevator takes me to my floor. I walk through the dimly lit hallway with the plush carpeting underfoot. This hotel is nice enough, but after staying in hundreds of upscale places they’re all starting to look the same.
I feed my key card into the slot and wait for the beep before I open the door.
Just as I expect. Another soulless-yet-impeccable room with white linens on the bed.
I sit on the bed and lean back until I’m looking up at the ceiling, my legs hanging down over the edge of the mattress.
There are too many thoughts swirling inside my head for me to come up with any elaborate plan. Everything looks fine and normal from the outside, but the way I feel about the events that have transpired today is anything but fine or normal.
All I know is I only have three days to spend with Emily so I need to make the most of it.
I need to keep dodging her questions about the interview. That shouldn’t be too difficult.
And I have to keep her away from Marco and any other man who dares to touch her. My blood boils with possession. I know I’m no good for her, but all I want is to stake my claim on her and make it clear to everyone that she’s mine. It’s a primal urge that comes from a place deep within me. I can’t explain or defend it.
Fuck. My thoughts are all fucked up.
I wish she were here on this bed with me.
Emily
Sitting on the edge of Cole’s bed, I take a sip of champagne and repeat my lines.
“We’ve seen the data, we’ve seen the research. Luxury travelers are voting with their dollars and, as industry professionals, we should listen.”
I look up from my notes at Cole, who’s sitting at the desk by the bed with his laptop, which is displaying the PowerPoint slides for tomorrow’s presentation.
“That’s pretty good,” he says, raising his eyebrows. “I think you’ve nailed it.”
“Awesome,” I say. “I do feel like I’ve nailed it, but then I think I’m also drunk so that may not be my best judgment.” I raise my champagne glass and laugh. I still don’t see how it’s different from a regular wine glass.
“Yes,
you may have had too much to drink,” Cole says. He looks so good. Such a gorgeous specimen of a man, alone in a hotel room with me. I wonder if it’s just the lighting from the desk lamp that makes him look so good. So damn good.
“Maybe.” I shrug, completely forgetting about the champagne glass in my hand. I shriek as I almost spill the bubbly drink onto the plush beige carpet.
“It’s alright,” Cole says. “You already know your stuff. If you didn’t I wouldn’t have let you drink.”
“Cool,” I say, raising my glass. “You’re a cool boss, Cole. But, I mean, you’re hot too. Cool and hot. Have I told you that?”
“No, you haven’t. And I appreciate you telling me that.” He chuckles, causing dimples to appear in his cheeks and lines to show up around his eyes.
“Well, you are. You’re awesome. Appreciation is so important,” I say. “Appreciation is the key. You have to appreciate what you have now, or you’ll regret it when it’s gone.”
The smile disappears from Cole’s face. “Okay, fun time is over.” He sighs.
He gets up from his chair and I look up to see him rise to his full height. He looks so tall. I mean, he is tall. I know that from seeing him at the office every day.
But he looks different today, with those khaki slacks that show off his long legs and that blue fitted shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He looks taller, more masculine.
I feel the mattress sink as Cole sits beside me.
Hell, everything’s different today.
Of course I’ve always noticed how hot Cole is, but I’ve never seriously entertained the thought of being romantically involved with him. And then today happens.
I was excited to travel because I don’t get many opportunities to do it, and I was excited to attend the conference because it’s good for my career. I never expected my boss to become the reason I enjoy the trip, but he has. I’m actually having more fun than I’ve had in a long time.
First, there was the First Class seat and the funny little encounter with Linda. And then, there were the many big names Cole introduced me to as he kept me by his side the whole time we were at the conference. After that, we had a nice quiet dinner at the hotel restaurant, and now I’m even having fun as we revise the presentation material in his hotel room.
