Justin fell silent. He then rose from his chair and dragged it beside Ava. He swung her chair around to face her. “We’ve only known each other for a short time, but I’ve been told I’m a great listener. Whatever you tell me, stays right here.”
She kept her gaze downward, avoiding all eye contact. There’s a reason she felt comfortable with him from the start. She loved how their conversation would seamlessly flow into personal topics such as her business aspirations of wanting her own firm of commercial loan brokers. Ava found his head for business phenomenal and each time they saw each other she would pick his brain further. Yet, she always halted the conversation once it turned to relationships or other topics, she deemed personal.
Ava backed her chair away and stood. She moved across the room with her arms crossed firmly against her chest. She let out a heavy breath before turning towards him. “Two years ago, when I worked for another organization, I had a client who had applied for a multi-million-dollar loan. The bank denied his application, and he blamed me. As a result, he began a campaign to tarnish my reputation.”
Justin moved from his chair to her side. “How? What did he do?”
“He trolled me on social media. He would place derogatory comments on my page, discourage others from doing business with me. He walked a fine line by avoiding any hint of slander.”
“Did you notify the police?”
“Not at that point. I thought if I ignored him, he would eventually go away.” She grimaced as frustration from the memory grew. “Boy was I wrong because that’s when he began stalking me, and I had to leave my job. But the night he came to my home was the most terrified I’ve ever felt.”
Justin stepped closer and stroked the side of her face. “Did he hurt you?” he asked, with concern in his eyes.
Ava shook her head. “I filed a restraining order, and my boyfriend at the time moved me in with him.”
“At least you had someone to protect you.”
“It didn’t hurt that he was a cop either.”
“That’s even better. So, where is this guy now?”
“After I moved in with my ex, Brandon, I filed an order of protection and he backed off. It worked, but I believe it was more than a court order that kept him away.”
“What do you mean?”
“Brandon never said anything, but I suspect he had a word with him.”
“And you never heard from this stalker again?”
“Nope. Not a peep.”
“I understand now why you keep your guard up.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “I’m nothing like that person.”
“I know,” she said, in almost a whisper. “I can’t help but be cautious. That experience is still with me.”
“I can’t relate to what you’ve gone through or judge how you should move forward after a traumatic experience. I only hope you’re not allowing that bastard to continue to control your life.”
“I don’t believe I am.”
“Think about this. We’ve spent a considerable amount of time together, but you have limited our interactions.”
“In what way?”
“You’re uncomfortable riding in a car with me, you don’t want me to know where you live, and until recently, I only had your work number.”
“Well, when you put it that way…”
He reached for her hand. “Listen, my intention is not to pressure you. We can dial it back and stick to simple coffee dates if you like. I’m willing to proceed as slow as you want.”
“Thank you.” She gave him a warm smile. “You’re good.”
He returned her smile. “What do you mean?”
“Even on my crummiest day, one conversation with you and my mood is significantly better.”
“I told you I’m a good listener.”
“It’s more than that. Talking this out with you reminded me I can’t live in fear. After I finish up here, I would love to see the surprise you have for me, and we can ride together.”
Chapter Nine
Ava surprisingly felt at ease as Justin drove her to the surprise he had in store. She tried to get him to reveal a hint, but he refused. She peered out of the window for a clue but came up empty. Once they had driven an hour outside the city limits, she had given up.
“Once again, where are you taking me?” she asked as the breeze of the cool fall night seeped through the cracked window.
“In less than two minutes your question will be answered,” he said, turning off the highway.
Ava continued to stare out the window and didn’t utter another word as Justin turned into the entrance of the Heritage Lodge Hotel. It’s a majestic five-star hotel with a gray stone facade. In the center of the driveway stood a stack stone waterfall. She wondered silently to herself why he would bring her there. Not wanting to jump to any conclusions, she’ll wait to hear what he had planned.
Justin entered the hotel’s parking garage and parked in the VIP section. He explained it’s for guests that have opted to pay extra to have guaranteed first-floor parking. Before turning the car off he turned towards her. “I know you’re wondering why we’re at a hotel an hour outside of town,” he said like he had read her mind.
“The thought had occurred to me.”
“As you know, I’m building a resort in this area. The Heritage is the only five-star hotel near the lake who would be direct competition. I booked a room to experience their accommodations.”
“So, you can ultimately offer whatever they’re lacking?”
“Exactly.”
“It seems my surprise is more of a fact-finding mission.”
“Think of it as a combination of business and pleasure. I booked the presidential suite and made an in-room massage appointment.”
Ava furrowed her brow. “How do I fit in?”
“It’s for a couple.”
“Couple?”
“I didn’t mean to be presumptuous. I can cancel if it makes you uncomfortable. I thought we could compare notes afterward over dinner in my suite. How does that sound?”
“Intriguing. But I can’t stay over.”
“I never expected you would.”
Justin checked in and the hotel’s bellhop escorted them to his room. They entered the presidential suite and Ava’s jaw dropped. After he tipped the bellhop, Justin led her through the suite. She followed him as he entered the living room, which had a luxurious rustic feel. The room had high ceilings with exposed wooden beams. In the center sat a stone fireplace that acted as a divider between the living and sitting area.
Ava’s eyes swept across the beautiful travertine floor. “How many bedrooms?”
“Two, each on opposite sides of the suite and the third room is a study.” Justin grabbed her hand. “Come here and check out the view.” They stood beside the floor to ceiling windows that occupied the back wall. It offered a panoramic view of the lake. Ava’s eyes marveled over how the glow of the moon danced off the water.
“The view is mesmerizing.” She turned towards him and met his eyes. She swallowed hard not wanting to interrupt their gaze.
“It’s no competition to you,” he muttered, before leaning forward towards her lips. She parted her mouth, ready to give into the kiss she imagined from the moment she laid eyes on him. Before their lips could meet, the ringing of the phone interrupted them. “It’s probably the spa calling about the appointment,” he said.
“Confirm the couples massage. I’m totally comfortable with it.”
Twenty minutes later there was a knock on the door. Ava waited in the living room while Justin proceeded down the hall. Moments later three spa employees emerged from the foyer. One pushed a serving cart with a bowl of chilled strawberries, a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, and two crystal flutes. The other two employees carried portable massage tables. “Where would you like for us to set up, Mr. Harrington?” asked the female pushing the cart.
“The second bedroom to the left is fine.”
“Great!” she s
aid. “Give us about fifteen minutes to prepare. If you and your wife could please change into these robes…” She retrieved two white plush robes from one of the young ladies and draped them across the sofa. “I’ll leave the strawberries and bubbly here for you to enjoy while you wait.” She placed the bowl and the champagne bucket on the table. “We’ll notify you when we’re ready.”
Once they disappeared down the hall to the other bedroom, Ava shot Justin a look. “Wife?”
“I never said I was married. Are you offended she assumed we were?”
She narrowed her eyes and smiled. “No.”
“I didn’t think so.” He took her hand in his. “Let’s get ready for an hour of pampering.” He led her into the main bedroom. It was as breathtaking as the rest of the suite. It had a king-sized bed with a black upholstery headboard, black and gray geometrical rug at the foot of the bed that matched the blackout curtains on the windows. A separate sitting area made up the rest of the room with a flat-screen television on the wall.
“Justin this place is the epitome of luxury.”
“It’s a nice,” he said, eying the room. “But I can do ten times better.”
“Confident much?” She moved to the edge of the bed.
“Um, just a little,” he laughed.
Ava glanced around the room once more before she fell silent. “I guess we have to change now.” She traced the pattern of the comforter with her finger, avoiding his eyes.
“Let’s have a drink first.” His eyes shifted around the room. “I forgot to grab it from the table. I’ll be right back.”
When he returned, he popped the cork and filled both glasses and offered one to Ava as he sat beside her. She hoped the one glass was enough for her to relax. The progression of their relationship had unnerved her. One week ago, she bravely asked him out on a date and the very next week she was on the verge of undressing in front of him for a massage. She finished the beverage in two swallows.
“Nervous?” he asked.
“No, not all.” She stared towards the triangle shapes on the rug, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear.
“The session is only sixty-minutes.” He leaned in closer to her ear. “I selected the deep tissue for myself and the Swedish for you.”
“That sounds heavenly.” Ava refilled her glass and finished it in one gulp. She stood and placed the empty flute on the table in the sitting area. She then awkwardly stared at Justin waiting for a cue. She didn’t want to remove her clothes in front of him. Yet, she didn’t want to be rude and ask him to leave the room.
Ava has always been self-conscious about what she considered her not-so-perfect body. She’s been told she’s a perfect size six, but it’s not what she sees when she looks into the mirror. She believes her legs are too thin, her B-cup breasts are too small, and her behind could benefit from daily squats.
“I think it’s time for us to undress,” she finally said.
“I’ll get our robes.” Justin retrieved their robes from the other room and handed one to her when he returned. “I’ll wait while you change in the bathroom. Unless…”
“Unless what?”
“Unless you’re comfortable changing together.”
Ava looked away and fiddle with the hem of her shirt. “I’m not comfortable undressing in front of other people.”
“People?”
“You know what I mean.”
He shook his head and scoffed. “You’re a beautiful woman, Ava. You have no reason to feel insecure.”
She draped the robe over her arm and made a beeline for the bathroom. “I’ll be right out.” She hurriedly undressed and returned to the bedroom. “Bathroom is free.”
Justin didn’t say a word. He instead stood with a grin on his face and began unbuttoning his shirt.
“What are you doing?” she asked, eyes wide.
“Undressing,” he shrugged.
Ava kept her eyes on him as she moved towards the bed. He continued to unbutton his shirt with a slow reveal of his rock-hard chest and sculpted abs. They’re either God’s gift or from a twice a day workout. Next, he unzipped his pants which caused her skin to flush and breathing to become slightly more pronounce. She bit down on her lower lip, unable to look away. Damn, he’s hot! He wore a pair of tight boxer briefs that accentuated his muscular ass and other manly parts. He stepped towards her and whispered. “Not fair that you can see mine, but I can’t see yours.”
She responded with a smile.
“I’ll save you from having to look away by not removing my undies.” He wrapped his body with the robe. “Let’s see if they’re ready for us.”
The couple emerged from the bedroom and met with the three spa employees. The one they had spoken with earlier informed them she was the lead massage therapist and gave them a brief consultation. She discussed what to expect during the session and asked if they had questions. She then led them to the bedroom she’d transformed into a spa-like retreat. Justin allowed Ava to enter the dimmed room first. The lavender-scented candles invaded her senses as she disrobed and laid underneath the white sheet. While she shifted into a comfortable position, Justin entered the room and slid onto the table beside her.
“Thank you for this. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to unwind. It’s exactly what I needed,” she said.
Knock! Knock! The two female masseuses entered the room. Ava closed her eyes as her assigned masseuse rubbed her oiled hands up and down her back. Her touch was gentle and soothing. Unlike the one other massage she had years ago as part of a coupon special. The attendant was rough and had excess oil on his hands that ended up in her hair.
She and Justin remained quiet during their respective massages allowing her to relax fully under the therapist soothing hands. The masseuse kneaded the tension in her neck and shoulders away. Before Ava knew it, she had drifted into a tranquilizing slumber. When she reopened her eyes, the hands on her back felt different. Definitely not feminine. These hands were gentle, yet strong. The strokes were deep and firm. She lifted her head and craned her neck over her shoulder. “Justin?”
“Hey, sleeping beauty. You should have warned me about your snore.”
“Was I snoring?” She asked wide-eyed with her hand over her mouth.
“It was more of a purr.”
“How embarrassing.” She felt the warmth radiate from her cheeks.
“Don’t be.” He stepped away from the table. “Did you enjoy it?”
“It was marvelous. The perfect ending to a long workday.”
“Remember you agreed to stay for dinner, or did you change your mind?”
“Not at all.”
He bent down and picked up her robe that had fallen on the floor. That’s when she saw the tattoo in black Chinese letters on his right bicep.
“Interesting tattoo,” she said, pointing to his arm. “What does it mean?”
“It’s the name of my younger brother,” he said, lowering the tone of his voice with a sudden sadness.
“What’s his name?”
“Jack. He died in a car accident. It’s my way of remembering him.” He cleared his throat like someone does when they’re uncomfortable. “I’ll step out to give you privacy. When you’re done, they’ll come in to clean up.” She knew when not to push and would allow him to tell her more in his own time.
Ava hopped off the table and grabbed her robe. She smiled to herself as she silently patted herself on the back for taking a leap of faith. If she had never mustered the courage to ask Justin out, she wouldn’t have experienced this spectacular night he had planned.
After the spa employees left, he ordered room service while she showered. She wished she’d stopped by her place for a change of clothes. All she had was a navy skirt and cream silk blouse she had worn to work. With nothing to wear, she grabbed the additional robe off the hanger and wrapped it around her nude body. When she stepped out of the bedroom, Justin had placed their dinner on the dining table and had poured them each a glass of Merlot. “How wa
s the shower?” he asked.
“Like part two of the spa treatment. What do you think about my dinner attire?” She twirled around and laughed. “I had nothing to change into.”
“You can make anything look good.”
“Thank you,” she beamed. “The food smells delicious. Can’t wait to dig in.”
Justin held out a chair across from his. She sat, and he removed the dome cover. A plate of filet mignon with mushroom wine sauce, wedge red potatoes, and green beans greeted her. Justin retreated across the table. “What do you think of the hotel so far?” she asked.
“The service is perfect. What’s missing is the intimacy a boutique hotel offers.”
“Intimacy?” She sipped her red wine.
“What makes my hotels unique is we individualize service to each guest, beginning the moment they enter the property and during their entire stay.”
“I never thought of staying at one but going forward I’ll consider it.”
“Or we could stay overnight at one of my hotels,” he said, placing a thin slice of steak into his mouth.
She smiled but resisted responding to the statement. She instead changed the subject. “Is this where you plan to stay while you’re in town?”
“Yes, until the end of the week then I’ll move into a rental on Monday.”
“You’re renting? I thought you are only here for another month.”
“As of now, I’m looking at a minimum of six months. I’ve been flying back and forth between here and the San Diego office living out of a suitcase.”
“That’s no fun. Where’s the home you’re renting?”
“The north side of town. I believe the agent said it’s in Lawrenceville. Are you familiar with the area?”
“Yes. My best friend Tess lives over there. It’s about an hour’s drive for me in traffic, so we meet at the halfway point.”
“So, you don’t like to give out your address, undress in front of others, or drive far to visit your friend. Anything else I need to add to the list?”
“Are you making fun of me?” She chewed the last trace of potato she had put in her mouth.
“No, I would never.” He finished his last bite of food before pushing his plate forward on the table. “It looks like you’re done too. Let’s unwind on the couch. I’ll bring over the bottle of wine.”
Betrayed by You Page 5
