She hoped her key worked because she didn’t want to have to go back down and talk to the desk attendant again. She just hoped the rest of the hotel staff was nicer, otherwise, she may as well skip housekeeping. Who knew what she would find if she allowed them into her room?
She pushed open the door and looked around her home for the next few days. It was a standard room, and thankfully, it looked clean enough. Sky pulled her suitcase inside and let the door shut behind her. She dropped on the bed and dug in her purse to pull out her phone.
She sent a quick text to Gerri. In the hotel, the assistant dropped me and left. Word is out I’m here, but they seem to be upset. Not sure what’s going on. Will update later. Dinner now.
Sky dropped her phone into her bag again and decided to eat and get it over with. At least that way she could hide in her room for the rest of the night. She dragged herself off the bed and remembered to grab the room key she’d dropped next to her.
Back at the elevator, she looked around to see how many other rooms appeared occupied. None had food service trays outside or do not disturb signs. It was a small town, though, so she couldn’t imagine there would be much need for the hotel.
She rode the elevator down to the lobby, encountering no one. When she stepped out of the elevator, she glanced around and headed into the empty restaurant. She waited a moment to see if anyone would greet her, or tell her to sit, but no one acknowledged her. Sky gave up and walked up to the bar and pulled out a seat.
“Excuse me, could I get a menu and a draft beer please.” The woman behind the bar glanced at her and then tossed a menu down before turning her back.
“Uh, thanks?”
Sky really wanted to know what the hell the problem with this town was. She was going to make sure she asked Damien first thing in the morning when she saw him. She was glancing over the menu when a mug was dropped onto the bar in front of her.
“Are you ready to order?”
Sky looked up to see the woman who had tossed the menu at her. “What do you recommend?” Sky smiled, hoping it would help the woman’s attitude.
“Can’t go wrong with a burger and fries in my opinion.” The woman didn’t smile back, but at least she answered her question.
Sky nodded. “Thanks, that sounds good.” She watched as the women walked away, and Sky turned to glance around the hotel lobby. She could see the front desk, and the rude man from earlier was on his phone and staring at her. She rolled her eyes, he was probably bitching to someone about her attitude, whatever.
Sky spun back around and picked up her glass of beer and took a sip.
“Excuse me, ma’am. Mr. Grimes left a message for you. Said to be at his office at nine a.m. and not to be late.” The man turned to walk away, and Sky gaped at him.
“Hey, wait. Did he say what time my escort would be showing up.”
The man didn’t turn around, just tossed out a “nope” and kept walking. Sky rolled her eyes and turned back to the bar just as her food was set in front of her. “Why am I hated here?”
The bartender smirked. “Damien doesn’t need you here causing more trouble. Just go to the meeting, and then leave town. It will be safer for you all around. I have nothing against you personally, so take it as a friendly warning.”
The bartender walked away, and Sky glanced down at her food, suddenly losing her appetite. “Can I get a box for this? I'll take it to my room and finish there.”
The next morning, Sky rolled out of bed, the smell of a half-eaten greasy burger and french fries turning her stomach. She quickly threw them into the garbage, tying the bag up to hopefully contain the smell.
She had tossed and turned most of the night worried about how today’s meeting would go. Now it was time to get her ass in the shower and dressed so she could be on time for her meeting. Not knowing if he was sending a car, or someone to pick her up, she wanted to be downstairs with time to spare to be safe.
Fifteen minutes later, she was showered and working on her makeup when her phone chimed. She picked it up and saw a text from Gerri.
He’s a pussycat in a suit, just be yourself and breathe. You’ve got this.
Sky smiled and typed out a quick message back.
Thanks, will text you afterward.
With the encouragement from Gerri ringing in her ears, she quickly finished her makeup and gathered her things to head downstairs. She hoped to get a cup of coffee and keep an eye out for her ride… well, she hoped a ride would show up.
Five after nine, and she was still waiting on someone to pick her up. She had tried getting an Uber, Lyft, or even a taxi, but the town was apparently too small for it. Sky had debated walking to his office, but she didn’t know where it was, and her GPS wouldn’t come up on her phone. She waited another ten minutes and then went inside the hotel.
The man at the desk looked up and smirked. He was obviously happy she had missed her meeting. She went to the lobby restroom to calm down before deciding what to do.
She washed her hands, glaring at herself in the mirror. Sky should have thought about the asshole not picking her up after he rudely left yesterday. She should have rented a car like she wanted.
She stomped out of the bathroom and heard her name mentioned, then took a few steps back to peek around the corner to see who was talking about her. Sky froze when she saw a tall, delicious man standing at the lobby check-in desk. His back was to her so she got an eye full of his ass. She had no idea who he was, but she wanted to take a bite out of that.
Reality fell on her when she heard the desk jockey. “I’m sorry, Mr. Grimes, she just went upstairs. Should I ring her for you?”
Sky turned and rushed to the elevator. There was no way she was attracted to that man. No. He’d totally sent the world’s biggest jerk to pick her up. Didn’t bother to send her a ride. And she couldn’t forget all the horrible articles about him. He was pure evil!
She pushed the elevator button several times, shifting from foot to foot and glancing over her shoulder. The doors opened, and she rushed in. She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding when the doors started closing. Until a hand wedged between them and held them open.
“Excuse me, mind if I join you?”
Sky gaped and nodded. Fuck. Her anger simmered, but along with it was the shock that the man she was there to see stood in front of her. Damien Grimes had just gotten on the elevator with her. And he was so sexy, he made her eyes hurt. How the hell was her luck that bad?
Chapter Eight
Damien paced his office and glared at the clock. He hated tardiness and the fact that this woman felt it was okay to be late when he hadn’t even wanted her to come… Well, he was pissed, and his panther was pacing and roaring to get out and run.
He stalked to his desk and grabbed his jacket and car keys. With a yank of the door, he walked out of his office and slammed the door behind him. “Helena, hold my calls. I’ll be back later.”
Helena muffled a laugh, and Damien glared at her. “Yes, sir. Be careful driving in your current mood.”
Damien rolled his eyes and walked down the hall to the elevator. He got no respect from his employees, and dammit, if he didn’t love it. The outside world could see him however they wanted, but those who worked close with him should be comfortable.