Spring in Portland was nothing like Spring in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Shopping had been necessary, which gave me a perfect excuse for a girls’ day with Hadley. I didn’t need an excuse to spend time with her, of course, but it was good regardless. At the end of the day though, as I carried all my bags into Camden’s condo, it only made me think about how adding trips to Arizona with Rose would inevitably make it even harder to spend time with Hadley. I made a mental note to work harder at fitting her into my life. I didn’t want to be one of those friends who disappeared when life got hectic.
“Now boarding all first-class ticket holders for flight 329 with direct service to Phoenix, Arizona.”
When Rose started to move toward the jetway I couldn’t catch the words that came out of my mouth next.
“We’re in first class? I’ve never flown first class before.” It was stupid how unprofessional I sounded.
Rose kindly smiled at me. “With this carrier, there’s no difference between first and business class. Enjoy, Riley. You haven’t flown until you’ve done it in first class.”
Rose was right. Before we even taxied away from the jetway I had a complimentary glass of champagne and a warm washcloth. I wasn’t about to drink at nine in the morning on a business trip with my boss, but Rose had insisted and even clicked her own champagne glass against mine. Apparently, we were drinking to a successful trip with relaxing moments. I couldn’t argue with her.
The flight attendants were giving all the in-flight safety instructions when I noticed Rose start to breathe a little deeper, her fingers gripping the armrests tightly. When I looked over at her, I was surprised to find her eyes clamped closed.
“Are you all right?” I whispered as I leaned closer to her. She was taking deep breaths in through her nose and pushing them out through her puckered mouth.
“I hate flying,” she managed to quickly say between breaths.
The flight attendants finished their spiel and took their own seats, and before I knew it we began cruising down the runway, bumping along as we picked up speed. I hadn’t flown very many times in my life, but I’d also never developed a fear of flying, so I couldn’t relate to Rose’s fear. But she was obviously petrified. As the wheels lifted off the pavement and the plane tilted up, she yelped quietly and, even though I wouldn’t have thought it possible, gripped the armrests even tighter. She was trying to breathe but muttering something under her breath at the same time.
For the next five minutes as we climbed higher into the sky, she remained terrified. It wasn’t until the plane leveled out and the flight attendants started walking about that she seemed to calm down. Her fingers unwrapped from the armrests and she waved at our flight attendant, asking him for another champagne. She used her warm towel to wipe her brow and then gave me a sheepish smile.
“Sorry. I probably should have warned you.”
“No, it’s fine. Lots of people have a fear of flying.”
“It’s actually just a fear of taking off and landing. I don’t mind the time in between.”
“Huh, I wonder why that is,” I pondered aloud.
“It’s because sixty percent of crashes occur during takeoff or landing.”
“Oh,” I said sullenly.
“And I hate to break it to you, but the odds of crashing double at landing.”
“Well, that’s… depressing.”
“Sorry,” she said, giving me a sad smile. “I try not to fly often, and when I do I usually medicate myself. But I didn’t want to saddle you with a doped-up boss. Champagne will have to do,” she said as she lifted her new glass to her lips. She took a hearty sip and then closed her eyes, resting her head back against the seat. She looked as though she was going to try to rest, so I pulled my Kindle from my purse, smiling at the idea of reading one of my romance books while I was on the clock, but then Rose’s voice broke into my jubilation.
“Is your boyfriend going to have a guys-only poker night while you’re away? Do something manly? Watch a sporting event in his underwear?” She turned her head toward me and peeped open one eye, then smiled. I couldn’t remember a time since I started working for Rose when she’d asked me a personal question.
“Camden? He’s not really a sit-around-in-his-underwear kind of guy. But he might do something with his friend Justin.” I shrugged. “We hadn’t really discussed it.”
“I forgot momentarily that you were dating the mayor’s stepson. Of course he doesn’t sit around in his underwear.”
“I’m not dating him, actually. We’re engaged.” I got a little satisfaction out of the way her mouth fell open and her eyes went wide with surprise.
“He proposed?”
“Yep,” I said, holding up my left hand where my beautiful engagement ring sparkled.
“Nice work. You closed that deal quickly.”
I wanted to tell her that Camden wasn’t a deal and I didn’t close him, but I refrained. Instead I said, not unkindly, “When it’s right, it’s right.”
“Yes, well, congratulations. I had no idea.”
I admired Rose as a business woman, as someone who’d started and ran her own very successful business, but I couldn’t help but think she’d be a little more approachable if she came out of her glass office every once in a while and interacted informally with her employees. But my opinion about Rose didn’t matter one bit.
The rest of the flight was pretty typical. I let myself have one more glass of champagne and then spent the rest of the time reading. Rose fell asleep but awoke as soon as the captain announced we were making our descent, and then she was back to gripping armrests and breathing heavily. As soon as the wheels touched down and the plane slowed, she let out a large breath and gave me a smile.
“We lived,” she said sleepily.
“Lucky us,” I returned with a smile.
As first-class passengers, we were allowed to deplane first. After grabbing our bags, Rose led me through the airport where we eventually encountered a man holding up a piece of paper with Rose’s name on it.
“Hello, I’m Rose Finch,” she said, holding her hand out to the man dressed in a black suit with white shirt and skinny black tie.
He shook her hand and gave her a tight smile, almost painful, then motioned toward the sliding doors. “The car is right outside.” He took our bags and then led the way to a shiny black town car. He opened the door for us and loaded our bags into the trunk before getting behind the wheel. “You’re headed to Paradise Oasis, correct?” he asked before pulling away from the curb.
“Yes,” Rose responded, all business.
Paradise Oasis? That was one of the most expensive resorts in the area. My senior prom had been held there. I hadn’t attended, but still, I knew it was fancy. I didn’t want to ask Rose if that was where we were staying, but I was undeniably curious.
I couldn’t keep my eyes from the windows. Everything was familiar. I wouldn’t ever consider Arizona my home, but it was strange to feel connected emotionally to a place you despised. I had hated it there, but for some reason the familiarity was comforting. I watched landmarks pass us by and memories came flooding back. We took the same exit off the freeway I’d taken a thousand times, passed the shopping center I’d spent many weekends wandering around in, even passed the road that led to my high school.
My eyes were glued to our surroundings as we approached the resort. The main building was classic Arizona stucco with red clay tiles. Tall palm trees lined the circular drive and high red cliffs stood behind the large resort. It was a breathtaking view.
Our driver opened the door for us and then placed our bags on the cart an employee of the resort had brought out.
“Welcome to Paradise Oasis,” the man said as he pushed our cart into the building.
“Thank you,” Rose replied with a friendly tone.
“Is this your first visit to our resort?”
“Not for me. I’ve stayed here a few times. What about you, Riley?”
I shook my head. “No, I’ve never
been here.”
“Well, you’re in for a treat, then.”
I stood in the foyer while Rose checked us in, gawking at the opulence. Everything was white and shiny, marble and granite with silver accents.
“Riley.” Rose was waiting for me. I hurried to where she was standing with the man pushing our cart of luggage.
“This way, ladies,” he said, leading us to a bank of elevators. He took us up to the fourth floor, which was the top, and walked us all the way down one end of the building. He stopped outside a door with a plaque that read “The Palm Suite,” put a card in the reader, and pushed open the door. “Ms. Finch, this is your suite.” He handed the card to her, then grabbed her bags and followed her inside, propping the door open with a little doorstop. I heard him talking to her but wasn’t paying much attention, too involved in looking at the artwork lining the walls. Beautiful paintings of the Arizona desert. My attention was drawn back to Rose, however, when she appeared in her doorway.
“We have a dinner meeting downstairs at seven. You’re free until then. Tomorrow we start after breakfast. Sound good?”
I nodded. “Sounds great.”
She smiled at me, turned to the man waiting to push my luggage and said, “Thank you for your assistance,” then held out a twenty-dollar bill.
“Thank you very much, ma’am,” he said while discreetly taking the money from her and slipping it into his pocket. “Enjoy your stay, and please do not hesitate to call the concierge desk if you should need anything.”
I silently thanked Rose for tipping him in front of me because I wouldn’t have even thought about it. I gave her a small wave as I followed the man down the hall to the next door with a plaque that read “The Valley Suite.” He opened it for me, handed me the key, and then motioned for me to enter first.
The room was beautiful. The first thing I noticed was the view of gorgeous painted hills which I had never appreciated fully when I lived there. I walked through the living room and looked out the big picture window at the pool surrounded by more palm trees below.
“May I show you the amenities?” the bellhop asked.
“Sure.”
He led me through the room, pointing out all the astounding features of the suite. He showed me how to use a tablet to open the blinds, turn on the television, and even order room service, plus how to control the temperature of the water in the shower and work the jetted tub. He finished the tour with the minibar and informed me that my stay was all-inclusive and not to worry about the cost as it was built into the price of the room.
I tried not to let my mouth gape open the whole time, but it was difficult. I had never stayed somewhere so fancy and it was a little overwhelming.
“Of course, if you have problems with the room or need anything at all, do not hesitate to let us know. We have staff on hand all hours to cater to our guests.”
“Thank you so much, uh, what was your name?”
He laughed and said, “My name is Jason.”
“Thank you, Jason. You’ve been very helpful.” I pulled a twenty out of my wallet and held it out to him. He took it with the practiced discretion I’d witnessed with Rose.
“It is my pleasure, ma’am. Enjoy your stay.” He gave me a polite nod and then left, closing the door behind him.
As soon as I was alone, I went back to the bedroom and collapsed on the bed, trying to wrap my mind around how nice the suite was. I’d never been in such a nice hotel. Camden’s condo was nice, but not that nice. As I lay on the bed, I felt myself getting drowsy, but napping wasn’t on the agenda. This was the closest I’d come to any sort of vacation in years, so I was going to get the most out of it.
I dragged my luggage into the bedroom and opened my suitcase, looking for my bathing suit. I knew there was a lounge chair sitting by the pool calling my name.
Thirty minutes later, I was sitting poolside, my Kindle on my lap, a drink in one hand and my phone in the other. I had my new sunglasses on, the ones I’d been wanting to buy for months but couldn’t bring myself to do it. Portland has a good amount of sunny days, but when a ten-dollar pair did the same job as a hundred-dollar pair, it was hard to justify the cost. But I’d totally let myself splurge.
I held the drink up, placing the straw in my mouth just barely, pouted my lips just a little so they’d look plump, tilted my head to just the right angle, and snapped a photo. I took a sip of my fruity drink and then placed it back on the table next to me, inspecting the photo. I had gotten pretty good at taking selfies since I’d been with Camden, and that was a particularly good one. I quickly typed a flirty caption and hit Send.
**Hope you’re enjoying your day at work. Try not to miss my mouth too much.**
It didn’t even take two minutes before he was calling me.
“Hello, there,” I said sweetly as a greeting.
“Well hello. I just received a picture from this number, but I didn’t recognize the woman in it. This is my fiancée’s number, but it seems a bikini-wearing, bronzed, happy sun bunny has stolen her phone and is sending me sexy photos.”
“What can I say? I like Arizona better this time around.”
“You’re doing okay, then?” he asked, suddenly serious. I knew he was concerned about me going there alone, but to hear it so prevalent in his voice made my heart lurch a little.
“I am. I miss you though.”
“I miss you too, babe. Thanks for the sexy selfie though. That’ll come in handy later when I’m missing you even more.”
“Oh God,” I said with a groan, but secretly I loved the idea of him touching himself while looking at a photo of me. I loved it so much, I considered sending him a better one later, one more suited for what he was planning on using them for. “Hey,” I said suddenly, a thought occurring to me. “You aren’t going to have some bachelor night while I’m away, are you? Like, no strippers or prostitutes, right?”
“What? No. Why would you even ask that?” he replied, laughing through the entire response.
“Rose asked me if you were going to have a guys’ night. She made it sound as if that was typical when girlfriends go away.”
“Well, one, you’re not my girlfriend. And two, I’m not typical.”
“That’s pretty much what I told her.”
“Good,” he said softly, and I could tell by the tone of his voice he was smiling. “Have you called your mom yet?”
My smile fell. “No. I’ve only been here an hour.”
“All right. So, what else do you have planned today? Doesn’t look like you’re getting much work done.”
“Dinner meeting, but that’s it. Tomorrow is a busier day. Just thought I’d take the opportunity to soak in some vitamin D before I come back home.”
“Hmmm, tan lines.”
“Oh Lord.”
“Well, as much as I’d love to talk to you all day, I’ve got to get back to work. Will you call me when you’re done with your dinner?”
“Of course.”
“Be good, babe. And enjoy yourself. You deserve a little rest and relaxation.”
“Thanks, Cam. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
He hung up and I let out a breath. I did miss him, but I was a tiny bit glad in that moment that he hadn’t come with me. But only because I knew he’d be hounding me to call my mother. I was planning on calling her, but not right away. Besides, if her job was the same as before, she would be busy during the day anyway. At least, that’s what I told myself as I pulled my shades down over my eyes again, sipped my drink, and turned my Kindle on.
Chapter Five
Riley
At ten to seven, my phone chimed with a text.
**Ready? I’m on my way to your room.**
I couldn’t remember a time when Rose had sent me a text message, so it surprised me to see one from her. It also surprised me how informal it was. Sure enough, a minute later there was a knock on my door. I stepped out, giving Rose a smile.
“You look as though you enjoyed the pool
this afternoon,” Rose mentioned. “A little sun looks good on you.”
“Thanks. I did enjoy the pool. And the sun. Luckily I didn’t get burned.”
“You lived here before, right? So you’re used to the sun.”
“Well, I mean, one never really forgets the Arizona heat, but this is nothing. Try hanging out here in August,” I replied with a laugh. We continued idle conversation until we walked into the restaurant where Rose gave the maître d’ her name.
“Right this way, Ms. Finch,” the tall man in a very dapper black suit said, just before leading us to a table toward the back of the restaurant. I was following them, taking in the scenery and lavish décor of the upscale restaurant, but put a smile on my face as we approached the table.
“Here you are, ma’am,” he said, stepping to the side and motioning to the table.
“Rose, oh my gosh! It’s been so long!” I watched as a blonde woman stood from the table and wrapped her arms around my boss. They hugged and swayed, both laughing. I let them have their reunion, waiting quietly until they parted.
Rose stepped to the side and held a hand out toward me. “This is my associate, Riley Smith. Riley, this is Lily Jameson, my very best friend from college.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” I said with a smile, reaching out and shaking her hand. She returned my smile, but hers was so warm and inviting, I instantly felt at ease around her. “Congratulations on the wedding,” I added as we all took our seats.
“Yes, where is Adam?” Rose asked Lily.
“He got sent on a last-minute trip overseas for work,” she said on a sigh, placing her linen napkin on her lap. “He sends his love, obviously.” She gave Rose another warm smile. “How was the flight here?” Lily’s eyes shot to me. “Did you have to wheel her off the plane?”
Riled Up (With A Kiss #2) Page 3
