The freaking bathroom is a dream come true. The countertops are made of a granite and the floors are marble. There is a walk-in shower large enough to hang out in for hours and a claw-foot tub that’s enticing and definitely getting used tonight.
Dropping to the sofa, I spread my arms across the back, cross my leg over my knee and grin at the view of the city and river. “So this is what having money feels like?”
I’m not broke. My ends are met and I’m able to afford the extras I’d like. But spending the type of money for a hotel like this—there’s no way I could afford it. I’m going to soak up this place and enjoy my stay while I’m here.
* * *
Seven hours of training with only two fifteen-minute breaks and an hour for lunch means I’ve caught myself several times doodling out of boredom before I’m finally able to call this day done. They went over the system, showed us everything we’ll need to know, and gave us some examples on paper to help give us a visual. It’s easier than the one we use now and honestly, it’s the best one they’ve implemented in years. When they switched our old system out with the one we use now, it was horrendous. It crashed a lot, and it was finicky if you pushed the wrong buttons. The new system is laid back, so to speak. I feel good about this.
With the claw-foot tub in my plans, I stroll down the black marbled floor hallway with white decorative lines at the sides heading toward the lobby when from the right, three well-dressed men in suits exit a room. A tall man with a scruffy jaw catches my attention. He looks a lot like Nathan. I titter under my breath. I’m seeing shit. I’ve officially lost my mind.
As I approach, and am able to get a better look at the hottie, my feet stop. It is Nathan. I watch as he shakes hands with the two men and turns to walk away. Our eyes lock and there’s a slight skip in his step. He shoves his hands in his pockets, smiling as he continues toward me.
He looks calm and collected. As for me? My pulse has taken off like a rocket.
“What…are you doing here?” I stammer.
His smile hasn’t faltered. “I had a meeting. What are you doing here?”
“My, um…” My thoughts are running into each other. I clear my throat in a desperate attempt to get my shit together. “Work seminar. The pharmacy is switching to a new system and I was chosen as the lucky guinea pig.”
He’s beaming.
I’m freaking out.
We’re total contradictions.
How is he okay with this coincidence? How the hell is he keeping it together while I’m a frantic mess? How is this fair?
“This is…this is a beautiful place,” I say, trying to collect myself.
“It is.”
The way he’s looking at me sends goosebumps over my skin. A throb thrumming through my body. Jesus, this man has magic in his gaze.
“Do you have dinner plans?” he asks. “I know a damn good restaurant a few blocks away, but you have to love steak.”
Shaking off my nerves, I rock back on my heels. “Is this your attempt to move our date to tonight?”
That grants me a boyish smile with a glint in his eyes. “Possibly.”
“What if I decline?” I playfully tease.
“Then I’ll go to the restaurant and eat alone.”
I titter. “You’ve talked me into it.”
“Great. Meet me out front in thirty minutes. I need to change.” He winks as he walks in the opposite direction of the way I’m heading.
I rush to my room and change too. Nothing over the top, just a cute striped shirt with my holey jeans and white sneakers. I don’t want to scream, “I’m desperate for you to put your damn lips on me,” but I want to show, “I’m available if you want to put your damn lips on me.”
I touch up my makeup, brush my hair and head out the door. When I come out the entrance, Nathan is leaning against one of the four large pillars looking down at his phone. Like he can sense my presence, his eyes flick up to me. When they travel down my body, I can feel everywhere his gaze touches. The butterflies in my stomach take off in a hurry.
He tucks his phone away in the back pocket of his jeans. “We can walk, or we can ride. Your choice, but in the back of the car you’ll miss the city.”
I beam to him. “Then let’s walk.”
We walk together, side by side, as I take in the city. Tall buildings surround us as people stroll the sidewalks, but with him right beside me, it feels as if it’s just us.
“What was your meeting about?” I ask.
Gazing down to me, a small smile spreads. “Let’s save the work talk for later. Right now, I want to enjoy you.” The way his voice drops deeper instantly causes my nipples to harden.
“Okay,” I exhale. “Do you come to Grand Rapids a lot? You seem to know a lot about it.”
He nods. “A time or two, yes. But this time, I’m glad I came. Running into you here is the last thing I thought would ever happen. I’m glad I walked out of the room when I did.”
I bite my lip. “Me too.”
The outside of the restaurant fits in with the brick and slate buildings around it. As we step inside, I’m thankful there’s no wait and the hostess is able to seat us immediately. There’s a soft hum and clanks of silverware against plates from the people enjoying their dinner. The place is beautiful, with brick and wood walls, brown pillars guiding the walkway.
I order a vodka cranberry and Nathan orders a rum and coke.
Picking up the menu, I ask. “So, what do you recommend?”
“Depends on the type of steak you like, but the filet mignon is always a great choice. They also have the best roasted potatoes I’ve ever had, but I’m warning you, they’re so good, you won’t be able to stop.”
I close the menu. “Sold.”
The waitress brings our drinks and takes our orders before rushing off.
“What would you be doing if you weren’t here with me?” he asks over his drink.
“Honestly? There’s a tub in my room with my name all over it.” I sigh dreamily. “When I was younger, maybe seventeen, I saw a claw-foot tub on TV. They were doing a remodel to an older home or something. But since then I’ve wanted one. I could only imagine taking a bubble bath in such elegance.”
He listens intently, a glow of delight in his gaze. “You’d choose a soaker tub over a Jacuzzi?”
Closing my eyes, I moan. “Could I have both?”
His chuckle is throaty. “Why not? My room has a Jacuzzi.”
I sigh. “Can I borrow your bathroom?” I giggle. “My room is absolutely gorgeous. I could get lost in a book for a week in it.”
“You should see the presidential suites,” he says.
“They’re probably suited for a king.”
Our food comes out and is set in front of us. My eyes widen. Holy shit. This looks fabulous…
* * *
As we step out of the restaurant, I grip the railing, leaning back on it, and close my eyes. “You’ll have to go on without me,” I tease. “I’m way too full to continue my journey.”
He bursts with laughter. “It was the roasted potatoes, wasn’t it? I tried to tell you.”
I moan, dropping my head back and looking to the night sky. “God those were the best.”