The Billionaire's Embrace: A Billionaire Romance (The Hampton Billionaires Book 2)

by Erika Rose

  She tucked her phone back in her pocket and pushed the guilt back for cancelling with Seth. By the time her peanut brittle finished she entered the hotel lobby, ready with the next lyrics for the song she was working on.

  CHAPTER 8

  Seth stepped out of the shower just before noon when his phone rang. Running a towel briefly over his head, he grabbed the phone and hit the answer button.

  “Dad?” Seth asked confused.

  “How did last night go, you seemed in an awful rush to leave us.” His father sounded genuinely interested, but Seth knew he wasn’t calling to find out why Seth had left them sitting in the dining room. Something was up.

  “Fine, thanks. What’s up, you and mom still in town?”

  “No. We left early this morning, which is why I’m calling you. The manager is ill and his assistant is on leave until tomorrow. Can I ask you to go by the hotel and just oversee some decisions this afternoon? It’s just a few F&B orders and some clashes with bookings.”

  Seth wanted to say no, but he couldn’t. It wasn’t like he had anything better to do. Running a hand through his wet hair he answered. “I’ll be there in thirty minutes.”

  “Thank you Seth.”

  Seth took a breath to say goodbye but his father had already disconnected.

  It was mayhem at the hotel. Seth juggled getting enough waiters for the afternoon service with a double booking made by reception which meant the overflow guests needed to be relocated to other hotels in the area, and according to Seth none were as good as their chain. Even though it wasn’t something he had a passion for, Seth had to admit he was good at it. Within an hour he had the waiting staff sorted for the afternoon and evening service and had half the overflow guests relocated.

  The food and beverage problem his father had hinted at wasn’t just a small glitch. Somehow the order had been screwed up and only half the amount of chicken was to be delivered to the hotel. Which meant they would be short in a couple of days since they only served fresh meat.

  “Reno I don’t care how you do it just do it. This hotel provides more than half your income with our poultry orders and I trust you understand how valuable our business could be to someone else.” Seth said into the phone as his cell phone buzzed in his pocket.

  “But Mr. Roth I delivered what was ordered. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

  Feeling agitated Seth stood up and walked over to the window in the manager’s office overlooking the beach. “Reno for three years you’ve delivered our poultry, and you’re telling me you couldn’t even pick up the phone and double check the order when you saw it wasn’t nearly what we always order?”

  Reno mumbled something incomprehensible before speaking up. “I did think it strange Mr. Roth. I’ll make a plan and deliver the poultry tomorrow morning.”

  “Thanks Reno, and I trust in future you’ll make a phone call if something like this happens again?”

  “Yes sir.”

  Seth glanced down at his phone and noticed a message from Fawn. He quickly scanned it before barking into the phone. “Goodbye.” Slamming down the phone before getting up, it was time he paid a certain guest a visit.

  “Room Service.” Seth called out to the closed door after knocking briefly. He knew Fawn was in there the receptionist confirmed she had just returned to the hotel an hour before.

  As the door opened he heard Fawn’s voice before he saw her face. “I didn’t order…” Her voice trailed off as she recognized Seth.

  “No you didn’t, but you sure as hell just cancelled on me.” Seth said pushing past her into the suite.

  “Seth. I can explain.” Fawn said softly. Her sky blue eyes were caught off guard. She was chewing on the end of a pencil nervously, her ink black hair hanging in a waterfall over her shoulders. When looking at her like this she seemed no older than a teenager.

  Seth’s blood heated at the memory of her body, she was definitely not a teenager.

  “Fine, explain.” He said a little more gruffly than he intended.

  “I came here to get away from everything, to spend time alone and to write.” She held up the moleskin in her hand. “I’ve started and it’s going better than I imagined.”

  “Great! So take a break and have dinner with me.” Seth urged and took her left hand with his right. “I’d like to take you to dinner.”

  Fawn’s eyes flicked towards the couch. “I can’t Seth. You’re too….you overwhelm me. It’s like when you’re in the room, there’s nothing else.” Her eyes found Seth’s as she continued. “I’m not saying no, I’m just saying not tonight. I need some room to breathe, to write and to be sure I can handle another night with you.” A sexy smile tugged at the corner of her mouth on the last words.

  Seth hesitantly smiled back. “Fine, I’ll give you a reprieve. But only tonight.”

  Fawn softly bit her bottom lip as she smiled at him. “Thanks.”

  Knowing he needed to leave before he did something stupid like kiss her, Seth returned her smile before he let himself out.

  He had just stepped into the office when the Restaurant Manager, Keith, knocked on the door.

  “Seth we have another problem.” He was reaching forty and had spent more time over the last few years sampling the menu rather than exercising. He had a slight paunch around his waist and the cracks around his eyes were deepening with age.

  “Really? What now?” Seth asked irritably.

  “The pianist didn’t arrive. I have guests sitting down and no live music.” He said embellishing as he threw his arms in the air.

  “I’m sure you have other sources of music?”

  “It’s your father’s policy that for an hour during lunch and an hour during dinner there is live music in the restaurant. That’s his rules, not mine.”

  Seth sighed deeply, recognizing his father’s iron will. He fisted his fingers before relaxing himself and looking at Keith. “I can help you out now, but you’re on your own tonight. Either you find your other pianist or you’re going to play a few tracks from good old faithful.”

  “How can you help?” Keith frowned. “You know someone that plays?”

  Seth smiled confidently. “I used to.” He said as he made his way to the restaurant.

  He sat down in front of the Grand Piano and allowed his fingers to glide over the keys familiarizing themselves.

  There was a time he lived for the chance to let his fingers dance with the keys and bring a sound to life that Seth understood.

  As he started playing the first symphony he remembered, the conversation dimmed and he felt heads turn to watch him.

  Even if he hadn’t played in years, and was sure he had forgotten all the songs he had learned, he soon realized his fingers hadn’t forgotten.

  After the first few songs he played from memory, Seth used the song book for guidance. He easily read the notes as he played them.

  Seth barely looked up when Keith tapped him on the shoulder. “The hour is over.”

  “What?” Seth asked as he finished the last notes of the song he was playing. “Are you sure?”

  Keith smiled. “Yes Seth I’m sure. It’s been over for about fifteen minutes already.”

  A soft applause rang in the dining room as Seth stood to leave. Feeling obliged he bowed slightly before smiling at Keith. “Thanks. I didn’t even realize how much I missed it, need me for tonight?” Seth asked already looking forward to playing more music even though his hands were aching and tired.

  “No we’re fine. The pianist had car trouble but will be on time tonight.”

  “Right.”

  “Thanks Seth, although I must say I had no idea you could play.”

  Seth smiled and turned to leave saying over his shoulder. “My father never was one to boast with anything if it didn’t concern his hotels.”

  “You hit someone or something?” Cayden asked as he placed a cold beer in front of Seth. He was standing behind the counter of Rosetta’s Ravioli that s
erved both as a bar and where the waitresses gave and accepted their orders from the kitchen.

  “No. Why?” Seth asked, taking a deep drink.

  “You keep rubbing your hands. Dead giveaway.” Cayden said easily as he handed a waitress a pizza.

  Seth had planned on bringing Fawn to Rosetta’s Ravioli tonight, even though she wasn’t coming didn’t mean he had to pass up on good Italian Food. Cayden had taken the restaurant, more affectionately known by locals as Rosi’s, over from his parents and had succeeded to turn it into a successful multi-chain franchise. Sometimes Seth envied Cayden his success and his passion for what he did, but he was too fond of Cayden to begrudge him. He worked hard for everything he had achieved and deserved it.

  “Nope, I played piano.” Seth said easily watching his friend for a reaction. All of his friends knew he could play, but knew he hardly ever did.

  “What? Where?” Cayden asked taking order slips from a waitress. Even if it was the middle of dinner service Cayden always had time for some conversation. That was exactly why Seth had headed here by the time he was finished at the hotel.

  “Hotel. The pianist didn’t pitch and they needed someone on short notice.” Seth said easily.

  “So you played? At the restaurant?” Cayden leaned over on his elbows surprised.

  “Yeah.” Seth said as he grabbed a piece of pizza from the plate Cayden had set in front of him shortly after he sat down. As he bit in he couldn’t help the groan of satisfaction. The relation between pepperoni and cheese was just right. The amount of tang complimenting the cheese.

  “Wow! Sometimes you shock me Roth.”

  “Gotta say the same for you man. I swear this Pepperoni melt gets better every time I try it.”

  “Family recipe. Secret’s in the…”

  “Please don’t say sauce or you’ll just sound like every other Italian restaurant.”

  Cayden laughed and cocked his brow before leaning forward and whispering. “I was going to say dough.”

  “Ha!” Seth said as he bit into his second piece.

  “Anyway, playing piano? Where did that come from?” Cayden asked as he pulled cloth from his back pocket and started wiping the counter.

  “I used to play back in school, enjoyed it some as well. Let’s just say when my dad started to push the hotel business on me he pushed piano out.”

  “You enjoyed it today?” Cayden asked carefully. Of all his friends Cayden and Garret were the only one who knew that Seth was getting bored with lying around and doing nothing.

  “I did. And it got me thinking. Maybe I should think about doing something with music. I’ve always liked it and today just made me realize how much I missed it.”

  “Got any ideas?” Cayden asked as he looked towards the front of the restaurant.

  “I’m working on it.” Seth answered following Cayden’s gaze.

  “How the hell did Danny land that hot chick? She must be from out of town or she’d know he’s as shallow as a puddle of rain on a bumpy road.”

  Seth’s heart started beating rapidly. He didn’t even hear the last words Cayden had said. The only thing that was going through his mind was that Fawn had cancelled her date because she needed space and time to write, and here she was smiling at Danny while his hand was inching towards her ass.

  He wanted to get up and punch the stupid smile from Danny’s face, but he didn’t want to give Fawn the satisfaction of seeing him jealous. Instead he hunched his shoulders and turned back to Cayden. “Don’t worry, our Danny is way out of his depth.”

  “Seth?” Cayden asked with a what-have-you-done tone of voice. “What did you do?”

  Seth smiled wickedly. “Let’s just say Danny won’t be out of his depth for long.”

  “All right, what are you going to do? What the hell is going on?” Cayden whispered furiously as he passed a linguine to the waitress.

  “Remember the golf game on Friday?” Seth asked knowing Cayden would’ve heard about it from either Garret or Stefan by now.

  “Yes, you ended up spending the night…shit! Danny’s on a date with your ….”

  “Exactly.” Seth said he cocked a brow at Cayden. Fawn wasn’t going to get out of this easily.

  CHAPTER 9

  Fawn felt Danny’s hand inch below to the small of her back, grazing the top of her bum as they walked into Rosetta’s Ravioli, she wondered for the first time if she had made a mistake cancelling with Seth.

  At least with Seth she didn’t wonder about his intentions, she knew from the start he desired her.

  With Danny she had experienced a mere flicker of attraction and easy conversation the previous times they had met, yet tonight he was different.

  Ever since he had picked her up from the hotel, charm had been slathered on generously. Compliments spewed from his mouth as easily as his hands had roamed to her back and drifted lower.

  Fawn brushed it off and smiled at Danny as the waiter showed them to their seats. The restaurant was alive with patrons and music. Fawn could immediately distinguish the locals from the tourists. The locals sat in groups and leaned between tables, greeting each other and sharing stories. The tourists merely sat at their own tables minding their own business. The scents of garlic, cheese and Italian sausages hung in the air and Fawn could feel her stomach flip excitedly at the thought.

  Fawn had barely placed her clutch on the table when Danny spoke.

  “You look beautiful tonight.” His eyes slowly traveled from her face to her chest.

  Fawn had spent the afternoon lost in lyrics and had only caught sight of the time shortly before Danny was to arrive. She had hastily grabbed a black cocktail dress from the closet and spent less than ten minutes on her face and hair before reception had rung her advising her of Danny's arrival. Yet now she wished she had worn something else, or to be more specific, something more than the little black dress that dipped deep in the valley of her breasts. “Thank you.”

  “What would you like to drink?” He asked as he beckoned the waiter for their order.

  “Just sparkling water for me thanks.” Fawn answered as she looked through the menu.

  “Are you sure? I’m ordering a bottle of red wine; it goes great with the Italian food.” Danny’s green eyes sparkled with confidence as he gave their order to the waiter.

  Once the waiter had left Fawn smiled at him. “Maybe I’ll have a glass of wine with my dinner. I don’t like to drink on an empty stomach.”

  “I don’t have a problem with that.” Danny laughed at his own joke.

  He noticed Fawn’s surprised look at his words and quickly recovered. “I was just kidding.”

  The waiter placed the menus in front of them and left to collect their beverage orders.

  Opening the menu, Fawn scanned all the items listed. Everything looked delicious. From the spaghetti and meatballs to the Carbonara, and of course Fawn couldn’t help but look over the variety pizzas. “Wow. They have quite a varied menu of dishes on here.” She said almost to herself.

  “Yeah. Rosi’s is great! Ever since Cayden took over from his parents he redid the menu and actually even opened a few franchises.”

  “That’s quite impressive. What would you suggest I try?” Fawn asked debating between Carbonara and a Mediterranean Pizza.

  “If you don’t mind the garlic the pizzas are great. But then again the pasta is just as good.” Danny smiled at her as he reached for her hand. “Otherwise we can order one of each and share.” His voice lowered an octave. “I wouldn’t mind sharing with you.” The suggestion was clear in his voice. Instead of feeling aroused by his words, Fawn felt uncomfortable.

  She had a strange feeling tonight wasn’t going to be as easy and comfortable as she had hoped. “Don’t worry; I think I’ll go with the Carbonara.”

  Danny leaned back as the waiter arrived. He poured Fawn’s water into a glass setting it in front of her. He expertly opened the bottle of wine and poured a little in the glass waitin
g for Danny to taste.

  Danny nosed and breathed the wine before taking a large sip. “Perfect, thank you.” He nodded at the waiter. “The lady will have the Carbonara and I’ll have the Seafood Pizza, extra garlic, and extra cheese.” Danny reached across the table for Fawn’s menu and handed both menus to the waiter before dismissing him with a curt nod.

  “So…” Danny said watching Fawn over the rim of his glass as he swirled the wine inside. “What’s it like to be FAWN?”

  Fawn was so caught off guard by the question she nearly spilled the water from her glass. “What do you mean?”

  “Tell me about it. The shows, the fans,” he leaned forward slightly before continuing. “The money?” As he sat back waiting for her answer he drained the wine from his glass and refilled it himself.

  Fawn felt an urge to stand up and leave, but knew anyone would be curious what it was like to be her. So she decided to give him the unvarnished version she never gave the press or her fans. “Well it’s hard. I’ve been on a diet for about three years; I exercise every day of my life. I’m in the studio rehearsing most days and as for the fans they’re relentless. I’ve got absolutely no privacy, and if I’m seen with any man the next day the press speculates if I’m engaged.”

  “But the money makes it worth it I’m sure?” Danny asked softly.

  Fawn tilted her head watching him. She wasn’t sure if he wanted her bank balance or a ticket to fame. She leaned forward on the table before answering him. “The money isn’t everything. If you have no privacy, no time for yourself and no choice about what you sing, the money is hardly worth it.”

  Danny looked momentarily shocked by her blunt honesty. “Then why do you do it?”

  “Because I love music.” The words were as simple as the truth. Fawn couldn’t imagine doing anything else with her life.

  “So are you here planning another show?” Danny asked as he caught sight of Dom at a corner table. “I know you’ve got a bodyguard with you.”