by Azure Boone
AKIRA TONG FOR CHRISTMAS
Azure Boone
www.loose-id.com
Akira Tong for Christmas
Copyright © December 2012 by Azure Boone
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eISBN 9781623001070
Editor: S. N. Graves
Cover Artist: April Martinez
Printed in the United States of America
Published by
Loose Id LLC
PO Box 809
San Francisco CA 94104-0809
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This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Warning
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* * * *
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Dedication
For my husband and family.
Acknowledgements
Always a thanks to the hard work of my wonderful editor and the patience of my family.
Chapter One
“This will never work. You can’t do it.” My sister blew her nose, then threw the wad of tissue in with the other hundred in her lap.
I stood there, hands on my hips, having a hard time mustering indignation with her being sicker than a dog—down with the flu. “You underestimate me, Anna, really.” My voice came out motherly instead of stern. “I’m not that green and naive. I mean, I watch a lot of TV.” Anna rolled her eyes and groaned. “Sarah, please, I Love Lucy hardly qualifies you to be a tour guide in New York City!”
Miffed, I asked, “What does that woman not try?” I eased down next to Anna on the bed. “I can accomplish anything with her sort of determined spirit.”
Anna whimpered. “Please stop. Lucy is the worst role model ever. Everything that woman touches she screws up.” She gave another head-lolling moan.
I unplastered her sweaty hair from her forehead. She was so sick. What if she had a relapse of pneumonia? The memory of her lifeless, slab-of-meat body brought sudden terror. I took her hand.
“Look,” I soothed, “I realize I’m not the best person for this. But…I really would like to try. Not just for you, but for me. I’ve been hiding away, avoiding living, and I’d like to change that. I think this is my big chance. You’d really be helping me more than I’d be helping you. I’d be seeing the world. Like you always wanted. And saving your job.”
She gave a light snort. “I’ll likely get fired.”
“You’ll get fired if I don’t do this. Big important client, remember? There’s nobody else to fill your shoes.”
She flopped her head back and leveled glossy green eyes at me for several seconds. “How on earth will you pull this off?”
I waved a hand. “I’m very well-read, sister. I’ll wing it. I’m only teaching him about the Western culture. It’s not like it’s rocket science. I think I can manage. And it’s only one week, and you have a detailed schedule planned out. You said so yourself.”
I was getting a little annoyed with Anna’s long groans. “He’s not your average Japanese, Sarah. He graduated at the top of their prestigious Hitotsubashi University. He’s no doubt well-read in things you can’t even pronounce. Plus…he has a reputation.”
A trickle of fear skittered through me. “What…sort of reputation?” Anna managed a mischievous grin. “He’s very popular with the women.” My stomach flipped. “I’m not the least bit intimidated by that.”
“Bring my laptop.” She blew her nose and groaned.
“That isn’t necessary. It doesn’t matter.” I paused, seeing the you’re-killing-me-please-don’t-argue furrow of her brows. I went to her desk next to the bedroom window and held the buttercup-yellow curtains aside. “Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day. Would you like me to open the window? And then I can get you some soup. I made a delicious—”
“Laptop,” she croaked. “And then soup.”
I hardened my jaw and grabbed the damned thing, then turned with a smile. “Got it.” She eyed me as I presented it to her.
Despite my annoyance with the rapid influx of digital gadgets that I couldn’t keep up with, I watched in fascination as Anna’s fingers flew over the keyboard. I could learn computers just as well. And would.
Eventually. She turned the screen. “Take a look at your assignment, sister. The son of one of Japan’s richest men.”
Of course she’d show me the half-naked picture first. No one knew my secret weakness for Asian men. Anna wasn’t stupid, and by the grin on her face, maybe she was one exception. But without a direct confession from me, I could pretend. “Glad to see he has a torso.” She clicked through several more pics of him half-naked. “So he has a healthy body. What’s your point?”
“Healthy? This man is gorgeous, and you know it.”
“And how is this a problem? I’ve seen gorgeous men before.”
She choked on shock and leaned away. “What gorgeous men have you seen? Jerry the potbelly pig at the gas station?”
It was my turn to lean away. “Jason happens to be quite…fit.” She balked. “Pock-faced, bucktoothed Jason?”
“Doesn’t change the fact he has a nice body. We’re talking bodies. But I’m sure Mr.”—I glanced at the name on the screen—“Akira Tong isn’t going to be the least interested in me. I mean, I may be your twin, but looks aren’t everything. Besides, this is a job, Anna, not a date. Why are you giving me so much grief, acting like I’m going to end up in bed with my legs spread wide? Surely men like him have standards.”
She choked again. “What are you saying about yourself?”
I flustered. “It’s what I’m saying about him. Give the man some credit, for crying out loud. Just because he’s a hunk doesn’t make him—” I pointed at the screen. “What are his talents?” That would show his level of integrity and prove my point.
She got back to the keyboard, grinning. “You said hunk.”
“Anna Lynn, don’t start acting like I’m a virgin.”
Anna did another double take. “You got laid?”
Stop jerking like that before you get whiplash. “You know what I mean. In heart and mind, I’m experienced. My virginity has no bearing on that whatsoever. If anything, I’m more experienced, since I’m not tainted.”
Anna’s brows rose.
“Meaning my body isn’t confusing my mind, clouding my judgment as it does some people I know well.” I stared at her, heat creeping up my neck. “Stop your damn grinning. I mean it.” She laughed, then whimpered in misery.
“Uh-huh, serves you right for being a little shit.”
“You cussed!” Like I’d graduated life. How utterly ridicu
lous.
“Yes, and I can do a lot more of those kinds of things. If I should need to. I am not a child. I’m an intelligent woman, and I’ll pull off this heist, no problem. You watch me.”
“Stop it. You’re killing me. Heist?”
“Robbery. Theft. Raid. Swoop. Attack.” I hurried to get her off the subject of that man’s gorgeous body and heart-stopping sweet smile. I’d deal with him later. In my own way.
Anna rolled her eyes and croaked, “Thought you said you’d quit reading the thesaurus.” Her tone sounded hopeless.
“Of course I did. That’s merely memory. What I’m doing is quite similar in terms of operation.”
“Oh Lord, help us. She’s memorized the thesaurus.” The murmur came with a slow head thrash. “I’m tired.”
The frailness of her voice alarmed me. “Then shhhh. I tell you what. I’ll print out all the information on him, study it like I do— did—the thesaurus, and it’ll all be fine. The rest is in the Lord’s hands. You’ll be in my prayer corner until I get back? It’s only a week.” I pressed the cool rag to her burning forehead.
“Christmas week. You’ll miss it.”
“Like you do nearly every year?”
“But I’m used to it. You’ve never missed Christmas with Momma.”
“Time for that to change. For the both of us. I’ll get your medicine,” I whispered. “I’m all packed and ready to go. We’ll be fine. You’ll see. You’ll be in good hands with Aunt Sarah.” I stood and smiled.
“’Sides that, I’ve always wanted to see New York at Christmastime.” Anna sighed and eyed me. “Only you could dream of seeing Japan, and all of a sudden, Mr. Japan is coming to see you.”
* * * *
I chewed on my lip, glancing at my watch. Good Lord, this was ridiculous. How did Anna wear these abominable clothes? The black slacks and black, short blazer made me feel like a rogue nun. Thank God for the feminine pink silk blouse and matching pumps, but no thanks to God for the toothpick heels on the damned things.
I clamped the matching pink purse under my arm tightly, reminding myself that the map to success was in it, and the only thing I needed to think about was the first thing we had to do. Well, first three things. I felt more comfortable knowing the plan that far ahead. Pick him up, drive him to the Mandarin Oriental, and show him to his fancy Taipan Suite. With the two separate bedrooms and two and a half baths and amazing view. Okay, I had to admit, I was giddy with excitement over that part of the deal. I’d be right next door to him in my very own suite. Hahaaaa. Ready at his beck and call whenever he needed.
I was to be his slave—that was how I’d interpreted the instructions. But getting to stay at that place, at this time of year, eating like a queen, and going to the spa? I couldn’t deny it. This felt a lot like Cinderella headed to the palace. In New York!
Oh crap, there he was. Being followed by two men? I held the stupid sign up a little—the one with my party's name on it— reminding myself he knew how to read English and I didn’t need to jump up and down. Or wave it. Reserved, like Anna. Confident. Poised. Graceful. I shoulda gotten that drink at the airport bar; my gut instinct had told me I’d need it. Oh great, the sign was shaking. I held it with both hands tightly before my chest, smile shaking as well. I needed to stretch the anxiety out of my mouth. Holy shit, too late. His gaze locked on mine.
I walked toward him, hand extended. “Mr. Tong.” Panic struck as I realized I hadn’t checked with Anna on his name pronunciation. How could you mispronounce Tong?
He nodded—no, he bowed.
I bowed back.
He bowed again.
Okay, was there a bowing protocol?
Thank God he didn’t bow a third time. “I hope you had a nice flight. If—”
“Your car is ready,” a man out of nowhere said. A chauffeur?
I stooped to pick up the sign that had slipped from my hands, trying to remember how to bend like a lady on stilts. “Oh, I…I secured traveling…” I watched the group leave without another word and scrambled to follow. Why wasn’t I told he’d have a driver?
And if things don’t go according to plans, the customer is always right.
Okay, I could handle that. Simple rule.
I practically broke my neck three times trying to keep up with the group. What was the damned rush?
I finally made it out the airport doors just in time to see the limo drive off. Crrrraaaap, really? Really?
I dug through my purse with trembling hands and pulled out the cell phone, then dialed Anna.
“Hello?”
She sounded awful—worried. “Anna? Anna, I’m fine. Everything is fine. I was just wondering. What do I do if I come to the airport to pick him up and find he’s got a limo prepared?”
“Go with him.”
“Uh, that would be hard, since he’s already left.” I tried for cool and nonchalant.
“Then follow him to the first destination. He apparently isn’t a schedule follower. Not ours anyway.
That’s why I told you to be prepared to change plans. Remember the motto—”
“Customer’s always right. I know. I know. I’m on my way, following him now.” I screeched when my ankle gave way. “Good Lord, how do you wear these horrid shoes?” She chuckled weakly. “Thank you. For doing this. I hope it doesn’t go too badly.” Too badly? “It’s fine. I’m having a blast already.” I stopped and took the shoes off and hurried toward the rental SUV.
“So how did he look?” Her tone was tired but teasing.
“Like a Japanese man on a mission, that’s how. What’s his rush, anyway?”
“They’re business people, honey. And rich. They’re not squanderers, especially not with their time.
It’s how they became great—sheer drive and determination.”
“I see that.” I dropped the shoes on the ground and unlocked the Jeep door, then threw my purse and myself in. “I need to go, sweetie—gotta drive.” And that took two hands, careful calculations, and fervent prayer. The only place I’d driven before this was back and forth to town where we lived. How much driving practice did one need to know how to drive? That’d been my thought all this time. Until I hit New York. Or till New York hit me.
“Be careful in that city driving, especially at this time of year. Lordy, I can’t believe you’re driving at all. Call me when you know what’s going on next?” Anna mumbled like she was half-asleep.
“I will. Please get well? I miss you.”
“Okay.”
I hung up and threw the phone on the seat. I’d studied the map and how to get to the hotel, as well as memorized all the roads and distances between each turn. I could do this. Simple math.
I found a spot in the parking garage twenty minutes later. Fifty-fourth floor. And that was only a quarter of the way up. Insanity, this hotel. Wonderful insanity.
Room 549. Room 549. Shoot, I’d just get my stuff out of the SUV later. I needed to go make sure he’d made it okay. Maybe I’d beat him here. That’d be nice. I glanced at my watch and hurried into the building. It was 3:35 in the afternoon. Not bad. The next plan was dinner at…that restaurant with the funny name. Needed to memorize that next. If I just focused on next. Get through this and then think about next.
The customer is always right.
“Fifty-fourth floor, please.” I beamed and nodded at the cute, uniformed, old gentleman working the elevator doors.
“Yes, madam.”
I raised my brows at the fancy address, biting my lip. This was too cool. “Thank you, sir. How’s your day goin’?” Going—ing. You’re not countrified. Oh, but I was when I was nervous.
“Very fine, madam. And yours?”
“So far, so good. I’m a tourist guide, by the way, so no need for special treatment. Makes me feel strange anyway.” I gave a gaspy laugh.
“Very well. You will be with us awhile, then?” He kept his dutiful position at the door, not turning.
“For two weeks.” I barely kept the squeal out of my
voice. Couldn’t believe how excited I was. It got worse the closer I got to the reality of what I was doing. I was actually doing this.
“I should be seeing you regularly, then? What would you like me to call you?”
“Ssaa—Anna. Anna’s fine. My middle name. Anna.”
“Anna. Very lovely name.”
“Thank you. Kinda simple, really. And you, sir? What should I call you?”
“Sir is perfectly fine, Anna.”
“Ah, come on. That’s so formal.”
He chuckled and tossed a brief profile. “Sam. Sam is fine.”
“Sam it is.”
The elevator dinged, and the butterflies roared to life in my stomach again. “Here we go.”
“Nervous, Anna?”
I laughed lightly. “Just a bit. Can’t say I’ve been to such a fancy place as this. Special client. Special treatment.” I stepped out of the elevator, awed. “The Christmas decorations are so lovely!” He nodded once. “Good day, Anna.”
“Yes, Sam, good day to you too.” I turned to him. “Which way would room 549 be?” He pointed his finger left with a smile and raised white brows.
“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again soon.” I nodded and hurried off, feet screaming to be free of those damned torture-device heels.
The giant corridor was a winter wonderland, decorated with greenery wrapped in frosted white lights, and red poinsettias next to the door of each room. Beautiful!
Once at the door, I knocked softly and counted to ten. I raised my fist for a louder knock, and then he opened the door. No, his torso did. His naked torso. Tanned, naked, and very ripped torso. And slacks.
You. Are. Staring!
I spun around. “Very sorry, Mr. Tong.”
“Tong,” he corrected, his tone sounding bored and annoyed.
Tung? But it was an o. “Tong,” I corrected in horror. “Please forgive me. Sir.” There was no answer. I turned and found the doorway empty. But open.
Okay, Mr. Tong. Hello to you too.
Customer’s always right, customer’s always right.
The sight of the suite stole my irritation as I made my way in and shut the door. What did he want me to do? “I’ll have a seat in the…the study here. Maybe we can go over your plans?” I headed to the bulging black leather chair just past the foyer. “Take your time, though, no hurry,” I called out, sitting and digging out the itinerary sheet to locate that crazy-named restaurant. I peeked all around. The suite was exactly how the pictures portrayed it. Opulent? Yes. Totally.
