“I do, but I didn’t ever think…”
“That’s the surprise,” he says with a friendly smile. “And Mr. Magnusson had someone speak with your boss and he also wanted me to tell you that everything you need will be provided once you reach Montreal.”
“He did? How did he do that?”
“Hockey tickets usually work pretty well,” he says and I can’t help but smile. “And his personal tailor also has a women’s wear division so I’m guessing that took care of your dress.”
“My dress?”
“I’ve already said too much. If you could please join me in the shuttle,” he says extending his arm out and moving it sideways as I very clearly see there’s most certainly a team shuttle parked on my street.
“How do I know that this is real?” I ask.
“One second please,” he says as he pulls a phone from his pocket, hits a key and hands it to me.
“Hey beautiful,” Henrik says. “Sorry about not calling your earlier. I’m guessing James told you the circumstances.”
“I was worried.”
“You don’t ever need to worry about me. All you need to worry about is which dress you’re going to wear tonight.”
“Dress? Tonight? To where?”
“I can’t talk right now but you can trust James. He’ll take you to the airport and I’ll see you in Montreal soon, okay?”
“Are you kidding? Yeah, that’s okay!”
“Until then my beautiful,” he says.
“Until then,” I say and I hear the dial tone.
“What are we waiting for?” I say loudly and James laughs.
“Would you like a drink on the way?”
“Is that legal?” I ask as he slides the shuttle van door open for me.
“We’re technically licensed as a shuttle, or more accurately a party bus for our VIP guests. It’s very much legal…just please don’t pass anything forward my way,” he jokes.
“Sure! Why not then?”
“You’ll find a bottle of Dom in the back. And what kind of music would you prefer?”
Music? My brother wouldn’t even let me touch the knob in his car back in high school, not to mention my lack of car ownership…ever.
“Something upbeat, maybe? From the Eighties if you’ve got it?”
“Perfect choice,” he says as I get seated and…what the heck…pour myself a flute of champagne at seven thirty in the morning.
It’s noon somewhere, right?
And as much as I’m looking forward to Montreal and seeing these dresses I’m thinking I’m going to be nude somewhere tonight.
And by somewhere I mean in his arms as he officially makes me his for the first time.
CHAPTER 15
Hazel
I quickly clear immigration and just on the other side I see a man holding a placard with my name on it.
But my name isn’t scribbled on it like the others around him, it’s written in some lovely font that I think might be the French one called Didot.
I guess that would make sense since I’m in French Canada.
“Mademoiselle Brown,” he says as if he’s been shown a picture of me.
“Yes.”
“Right this way please. Monsieur Magnusson is eagerly anticipating your arrival.”
“Thank you,” I say as we exit the airport and he holds the door open to a limousine as I mentally cross off another first in my life.
I’m just going to add this to the list, first time going to a hockey game in Canada, flying on an airplane and not to mention first time on an airplane as the only passenger, and all the other firsts I’ve experienced because of him.
And tonight will be our ultimate first.
If it doesn’t come sooner.
But when I get inside the limousine I’m the only one again.
“I thought Mr. Magnusson was here?”
“He is here, but in the city.”
“Can I ask where?”
“The Hôtel Le St-James.”
“Wow, even the name sounds fancy.”
“It’s the best we have in the city.”
“Does the team stay there?”
“No, they’re at another one. It’s a nice one, but it’s no Hôtel Le St-James.”
So he’s got a room at a separate hotel. And the game with the Montreal Mongoose isn’t until tomorrow night.
Which means we have all of today and tonight and maybe part of the morning to ourselves.
Maybe.
But this Hôtel Le St-James, and the way the driver says it with his French accent, is just blowing my mind.
I pull out my phone and Google it. I click on the link for the review from Fodor’s.
Civility reigns at this undisputed queen of the Grande Dame hotels. Stately and calm, the Saint James is where world leaders, moguls, and family dynasties meet to relax in dignified luxury.
YOU SHOULD KNOW This is one of the most expensive hotels in town, geared toward the 1%. Either high or low season, it makes little difference.
Room
Elegance is the order of the day, with no trendy bling to date the rooms. Polished wood furniture grounds the design, which is softened by gas fireplaces, original artwork, goose down comforters, and Frette linens. Kids can get a stuffed lion to cuddle.
TIP Treat yourself to a specialty suite for maximum exposure to original flooring, marble columns, silk wall coverings, and tasteful antiques.
Bathroom
Large marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, with exceptional water pressure. The body products are from Acca Katta, a prestigious Italian line founded in 1869.
Lobby
Gilded frames, leather-bound books, Persian rugs, dark wood, portrait busts—think “old money” and Ivy League library.
YOU SHOULD KNOW You won’t actually get hushed by the concierge, but this is no place to squeal at the sight of your best friend or yell into your phone--because if you do, chances are you'll be hushed by someone.
Dining
Located in the building’s original banking hall, XO is a dramatic dining room with a menu that matches. There’s Wagyu Japanese beef, along with low-gluten timilia pasta and poached lobster.
TIP Despite the hotel’s adult vibe, the lounge menu has kid-friendly grilled cheese sandwiches with caramelized onions and fries (but that's about it).
Getting Around
Don’t rent a car—just don’t. There’s very little parking in Old Montreal, where the streets are narrow and confusing. However, taxis and Ubers know the area well. Also, the Square Victoria Metro is a 7-minute walk from the hotel. You can walk everywhere in Old Montreal with ease.
Restaurants
You can satisfy every craving at the on-site restaurant, but there are walkable options nearby. For a globally-lauded gastronomical treat, there’s Toqué! (10-minute walk), with their famous foie gras. Or, try the pirogues and borscht at Stash Cafe (10-minute walk). If you want a staple from the UK, try Brit and Chip (7-minute walk).
Bars
Sample the live jazz, seven nights a week, at Modavie (10-minute walk) or savor some bubbly at La Champagnerie (10-minute walk). You can indulge by the glass or the bottle and the selection changes monthly.
WHY WE LIKE IT
If you want to feel like a shipping heiress with piles of old money, this is where to stay. It's dripping with dignity--above trends and decor fads--yet modern enough to attract A-list celebrities and those who demand their creature comforts. The location is convenient and the staff is discrete. Plus, there's always a chance of an encounter with rock royalty in the lobby.
FODOR’S AWARDS
#1 5 Old Montreal Hotels With So Much Charm, You'll Swear You're in Europe
#3 Step Right Up to These 5 Hotels Near Montreal's Cirque Du Soleil
Oh my god, Joanne Latimer, author of this review, I don’t know who you are but you have me so excited I can hardly wait!
And the best part of it all is the man who’s going to be waiting for me at this
amazing location.
The most amazing man ever.
Him.
I scroll through the images and my jaw drops at the quaint opulence, if it’s possible for those two words to go together.
I scroll through picture after picture and then read on another website that Madonna once rented out the entire top floor and that Billy Joel and Elton John have stayed here before. Apparently it’s well known for hosting rock stars.
Well Henrik is a freaking rock star for sure! My rock star. My everything.
And he’s been staring in my dreams for years, and tonight I’m going to reach up and grab that star and make my fantasy become reality.
CHAPTER 16
Henrik
It’s only been a of couple days since I’ve last seen her but I miss her more than I could ever imagine.
I know she basically got intercepted on her way to work and wasn’t prepared for or expecting this at all, but she still looks like a million bucks.
Make that a billion. Or three. As in the only woman in three and half billion women on this planet I want to be with.
There’s only one of her and she’s mine.
“You look incredible,” I say as she runs from the limo straight into my arms.
“I missed you. Did you miss me?” she says.
“So much that I had to have you here with me,” I say as I lean in and kiss her.
I just stare into her aptly colored hazel eyes and then finally catch myself.
“You probably want to change after the shuttle, the plane, and the limo.”
“Yes!” she says and I wonder if she caught wind of the dresses already.
But today there will be a different kind of dress required. And I’ve got a few of those picked out for her choosing as well.
I’ve been to Montreal on plenty of occasions for games, and I’ve even experienced the city a little bit with my teammates.
But I’ve never seen the city with her…experienced it through her eyes.
And that’s exactly what I have planned today.
To put a smile on her face which will in turn put one on mine, not that it ever wasn’t there.
It’s been permanently affixed since the moment she came into my life and that’s where it, and she, will remain.
As permanent fixtures in my journey through this crazy little thing called life.
CHAPTER 17
Hazel
When I arrived earlier today there were a number of summer dresses waiting on me in the closet in our room. And he had matching jackets to perfectly pair with them, which have been more than handy as this autumn afternoon has flown by. We’ve still got another hour or so of sunset left, and I’m already wondering how he’s going to top our Notre-Dame Basilica visit and our incredible lunch.
And when I see the sign telling me we’ve arrived at Mount Royal Park as we step out of the car and enter the park I know exactly what he has in mind.
One of the things that I love most about New York is Central Park. And Mount Royal Park was designed by the same gentleman who designed Central Park. A man by the name of Frederick Law Olmsted.
And a man that skilled truly thinks of everything, including the right trees to plant along Beaver Lake at the west side of the entrance where we find ourselves.
And on this fine October day that’s still warm, yet with a crispness to the air, the trees are turning all shades of orange, red, and green in a breathtaking display of beauty.
“How do you like the view,” he asks as my eyes scan the park.
“It’s so perfect. So beautiful,” I say.
“My view is too,” he says.
I continue rubbernecking as I take in all the sights before I feel a light tap on my shoulder and turn to see he’s looking down at me.
“Yep, the perfect view,” he says as he points to his lips before leaning in for a kiss.
“Could this day get any better?” I ask.
“It’s about to,” he says as he motions with his head towards the lake and I see a small gondola making its way to the edge.
A few minutes later we’re both securely inside as the gondolier guides us, or should I say glides us, across the lake.
Glide is the right word because it feels like I’m skating on clouds I’m so happy.
It’s just starting to get chilly out, but I’m not cold at all. The jacket helps for sure, but when he pulls me into his big arms as he spoons me from behind in our sitting position he keeps the wind off my body and warms my skin with his big chest and thick arms as birds chirp in the distance.
“I’m glad the hockey season starts early in the year,” I say.
“So am I,” he says.
“It allows us an early start to fall and to be able to see us,” I say.
“And it allowed me the perfect opportunity to fall in love, and for us to get an early start on our family,” he says.
I turn my neck back and we kiss before I face forward again and push my back a little tighter into him.
The rest of the ride there are no words spoken. The only sound is the wooden oar peacefully moving throughout the water and the sound of the water moving around it.
And of course those birds that seem to be serenading what we have.
And what we have is love.
And when the ride ends and we’re dropped back off at the side of the lake we make our way to the car I know exactly what’s going to happen next.
We’re going to make love for the first time.
CHAPTER 18
Hazel
While Henrik is taking a shower I browse the hotel’s website learning about some of its history, before I wind up on the description for our room…or should I say suite.
The Penthouse
From the moment you step into the property's grand 3,500-square-foot Terrace Apartment, you will be captivated by the panoramic view of Montréal's cityscape from the 1,500-square-foot wrap-around terrace. This two-bedroom Penthouse, which is reached via a private elevator, features a living room with Italian parquet flooring, gas fireplace, screening room area with 47-inch LCD TV and complete entertainment system as well as a separate 10-seat dining room. The fully equipped gourmet kitchen and separate laundry room boast Miele appliances. Expansive and saturated in opulence, the master bedroom features a King-size bed, spacious walk-in closet and faux foyer. The master bathroom exudes elegance with green Chinese marble, a glass rain and multi-jet shower, deep soaking tub and bidet by Philippe Starck. The second room offers a Queen-size bed and marble bathroom with walk-in shower. You will find a luxurious Green Sleep mattress.
I read it a second time amazed at the attention to detail in the word choice.
And when I run my finger over the surface of the fireplace, furniture, and even the appliances and parquet flooring I find the details are definitely accurate.
The penthouse is incredible.
“Find everything to your liking?” Henrik says as he steps out of the bathroom with nothing more than a crisp, white towel tied around his waist.
“I always find you…much more to my liking,” I say as I let my eyes wander up and down his body.
And then again for good measure.
“I’ll be in the second room so you have all the privacy and time you need. And the new dresses were put in the closet while we were away” he says.
“The new dresses?”
“The ones for tonight. And there is a selection of shoes to go with each one.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll take your time…but that you won’t keep me waiting long.”
“You know I won’t,” I say as I move towards him and give him a hug, half hoping that by pressing my body against his his towel will “accidentally” fall from his midsection and expose his beautiful manliness, but in reality I don’t wish that.
As nice as that would be, and what that could lead to, I need to be strong for just another couple of hours.
To unwind in that green Chinese marble bat
hroom and then get dressed up all fancy for dinner…before our hunger for each other takes over to the point that it can no longer be controlled.
Hockey Obsession: An Older Man Younger Woman Romance (A Man Who Knows What He Wants Book 76) Page 7
