by Azure Boone
Okay, okay. I scanned the itinerary. Merkeny’s? Jeez, I needed to remember that name. Merkeny’s.
Merkeny’s. Merkeny’s.
“Oh!” I yelped at his sudden appearance in the small space, snapping my head left. What kind of culture did he come from? Waltzing in front of strangers, wearing only a towel!
“I’m going to shower. I believe we have reservations at Mr. K’s? Six p.m.?” My gosh, his English was impeccable. Wait, Mr. K’s? “I guess I should cancel dinner at Merkeny’s?”
Several seconds passed. “I’ve never heard of the place. Cancel it. I would like food from home.” Such a deep voice. “Of course, whatever you’d like.” Your Highness.
Silence again. Longer. I turned and yep, gone.
Good. Didn’t want you around anyway. Okay, cancel Merkeny’s . I got the number and located a phone on the presidential-looking desk.
“Mr. K’s New York, how may I help you?” a soft female voice greeted.
What? I referred back to the name next to the number again. Mrkny. Mr. K. New York? Shit. Stupid shorthand. “Yes, I was just calling to confirm our reservations? For Mr. Akira Tong?”
“Reservation is secured and highly anticipated.”
Didn’t even have to check. Humph. “Very good. Thank you.”
I hung up. Guess now’d be a good time to go check out my own digs. “I’ll be in the suite next door,” I called out loudly. “You have my number. Call if you need me. I’ll be back after I get settled in.” I listened for an answer, then left when there was none.
Chapter Two
I practically ran to the room next to his. Room 547. I pulled the handle. Pushed. Turn? I wiggled it and looked around. Locked? Hmm. Oh duh, I needed the key. I hurried to the elevator, got a quick ride to the lobby, greeted the receptionist with an eloquent smile, and promptly learned my room was taken.
“What? What do you mean? This was booked by the agency months ago!” I fought to keep the panic back. “What else do you have?”
The woman appeared distressed. “Let me check.” Her fingers clattered away on the keyboard. Her head barely shook. “My goodness, we are completely full.”
I rolled my eyes. “Where is your manager?”
“I’ll call him, ma’am.”
Fifteen minutes later, I was fuming. Nothing to do but take a room at a hotel two miles from here.
This would not do. I raised a pointer finger at the pair of morons. “Excuse me,” I muttered, then stormed to the far end of the lobby and dialed Anna. “You are not going to believe this.”
“Oh, no, what?” she said weakly.
“I hate to dump this news on you, but I’m a little stuck.” I paced. “They gave my room to somebody!” I couldn’t keep from squeaking the nightmare.
She moaned and groaned.
“The closest hotel is two miles from here!” I hiss-growled the words.
“That won’t do. Good Lord, not at this time of year.” She sighed. “Ask Mr. Tong if it would be okay for you to use the spare bedroom. Explain your situation. He’ll understand.” I gasped and choked and gasped again. “Are you for real?”
“Yes, I am. Please, Sarah.” She sounded panicked.
I shut my eyes, praying for courage.
“I’m so sorry. This was a very bad idea. Just…just never mind. To hell with this. I’ll lose my damn job. I don’t care.”
“Anna. Stop it, no. Look…” I glanced around. “Surely he’ll understand. You’re right. I’ll go make arrangements now. I’ll call you and let you know as soon as I’m settled in. Are you taking your vitamins?
Medicine? Do rest plenty. Gotta go. Bye.”
I hung up, not giving her a chance to argue. Or cry.
Five minutes later, I knocked on his door and waited.
He finally opened it and stood there, staring at me in only slacks again, his hair wet along his brutally handsome face. I licked my lips and smiled. “Mr. Tong—”
“Tong,” he corrected.
I closed my eyes. How could I do that again? “I am so sorry. Mr. Tong,” I amended. “There’s a problem.” I glanced around the hall, then back at him, smiling pleasantly despite his robotic stare. Clearly he wasn’t going to try to comfort me or inquire kindly of this problem and offer assistance. Right, out with it. Professional. “The suite that was assigned me was…accidently given to another customer. There are no other rooms available here, and so the closest hotel to this one is two miles from here.” I paused, offering him a chance to help.
Ha-ha on that.
I cleared my throat a little and forced myself to meet his frozen chocolate gaze. “I was wondering, sir, if it would be a problem if I were to stay in your spare bedroom? I would be happy to compensate you, and you would not hear me. I’m very quiet.”
He actually quirked a brow at that.
Then those eyes scanned my body. Oh good Lord. I held my hands clasped before me, hoping I appeared professional. “If you must.” He turned and disappeared inside the suite.
I nearly collapsed with relief. He was so not happy, but oh well. Neither was I.
I went in and searched for the guest bedroom. Once I found it, I hurried to the bathroom at the end of the spacious room, locked myself in, and dialed Anna.
“Anna!” I whispered into the phone. “He said yes.”
“Oh thank heaven. Was he kind?”
“Yes, such a gentleman. More than happy to help. We’re to have dinner at Mr. K’s at six.” I sucked in my breath. “Oh crap, I have no clue what I’m supposed to wear!”
“You’ll need a formal. Check the back of the itinerary. There’s a number to a boutique. Your formals and other ensembles have been ordered. They should be ready. Just call and ask for the delivery. Do it now and call me back.”
She hung up, and I did as she said. Fortunately something turned out right. I dialed her back. “They’re bringing it now.”
“Go shower while you wait. Then call me after.”
She hung up again.
Crap, I had nothing with me. It took two trips to the SUV to get my personal belongings in. There was a knock on the suite door. I glanced toward the hall leading to Mr. Tong’s room and went to answer it. A clean cut blond with a dazzling smile greeted me, his cart loaded with endless bags of hanging clothes.
“Delivery for Ms. Anna Shelby?”
“Yes, thank you. Can you follow me?”
I led him to the bedroom, and he unloaded the items into my closet despite my protests to do it myself. Finally he was gone.
I dialed Anna.
“You got it?”
“Yes, he just delivered it. I’ve never seen so many clothes and shoe boxes and bags and doohickeys!”
“That’s clothes for two weeks, no washing necessary. Everything should be tagged, what to wear to which place.”
“You freak. You wonderful freaky woman.” I read one of the tags. Formal. “For the first time, I love you for your insane planning!” I unzipped the bag halfway. “Ohhhh myyyy…look at this gown.” I giggled and danced a little.
She laughed softly. “I’m glad you like it. I was supposed to be wearing it.” Her voice croaked with sincere disappointment.
“Awww, Anna, I’m so sorry. I really am.”
“You don’t sound it.”
“I’m trying. It’s hard.” I opened one of the boxes and sucked in a breath. “But I hate your taste in shoes! I’m going to die. They’re so high and beautiful. I hate you. I love you. What about makeup and jewelry and…”
“All there, sweetie,” she murmured. “Each outfit should have a bag attached to it—the jewelry. I had them stock it yesterday.”
“Wow, so particular.”
“If this goes well, I’ll get promoted, and our company will expand, and life will be great.” Her every word wavered.
“Stop talking. Are you eating? Taking your medicine on time? What about my hair? Good grief, I have no clue.”
“Your hair is beautiful down. Just wash it and blow-dry it…
and put in that firming stuff. Don’t remember what it’s called. And curl the ends. Then you’re good to go.”
“Get some rest, Anna. I gotta go before he pops up naked again.”
“Naked!” That woke her up.
“Oh yeah, seems he doesn’t mind parading around without his shirt, and in only a towel,” I hissed.
“Holy hell, you lucky dog.”
“Lucky! Did I mention he’s like a cyborg? And what kind of name is that? Tong.”
“Oh, honey, I forgot to mention to be careful with his name.” She lowered her voice to barely a whisper. “It’s actually Chinese. I think there may have been a little Romeo-and-Juliet drama somewhere in the bloodline, so he may be sensitive about it.”
I quirked a lip. “I could care less about that, but it would’ve been nice if you’d told me how to pronounce it.”
She sucked in her breath. “What did you call him?”
“What the spelling of his name suggests I call him,” I whispered defensively.
“Oh, dear.” She giggled weakly. “But he’s so sexy, isn’t he? And that dress should help seal the deal, but be extra nice.”
I frowned at the sluttery she seemed to be suggesting. “Okay, yes, he’s very sexy. Heaven yes, but vaginafying this job will not further our cause. ’Sides that, I don’t kiss ass, not in that way.” Anna only chuckled. No doubt pitying me. Poor pitiful Farmer Jane. Farmer Jane come to town—
come to New York—to stay in the same suite as an Asian god tycoon for two weeks!
“I have to admit, this is more exciting than I’d ever imagined. This place is beautiful. The Christmas decorations are amazing. Oh crap, it’s late. Talk to you later. Bye.”
“Please, Sarah, don’t forget. You’ve done this a hundred times.”
“Right, right, got it. Raised in opulence. I can do that. I’ll just think of you and pretend I’m you.
Works like a charm. I’m actually pretty good at it, you know.”
“Don’t get comfy, li’l sis.”
I snorted, bouncing my butt on the bed. “Little. I chased you out of the womb so I could take my time coming out.”
“Good night,” she whispered.
“Good night. Rest.”
Click.
I sat on the bed. Wow, so soft. I bounced on it a little harder, smiling, then checked my watch. Four thirty. Better move. I hurried and peeked out the bedroom door, then shut it.
Later I stood and gawked at myself in the bathroom’s mirrored wall. “You gorgeous woman, you.” I turned left and examined my sleek profile in the fitted black dress with long lace sleeves. I straightened my spine, jutting my breasts out. Well, as out as they could go. I exhaled sharply until I slumped. The B-cup made me look sixteen instead of twenty-four. Twenty-four-year-old virgin. It wasn’t that bad. Not like the forty-year-old virgin. I examined my backside and smiled. My hips and butt were my prized possessions. Anna had the brains and boobs. I had the butt and the hips and…a whole bunch of other good things. Too many to list.
I examined my makeup one last time, then picked up my watch on the counter. My heart dropped.
Five o’clock. You’re fine. You have plenty of time.
I clicked my way over the bathroom tile and headed out. I’d clean up my mess later. My heart thundered as I opened the bedroom door. “Mr. Tong?” I crept forward. “Mr. Tong, are you here? Are you ready?”
No answer. I went to check all the rooms. Except his bathroom and bedroom. I sat at the lavish desk next to the living room and pulled the cell phone out of my tiny black clutch. I paused, seeing a note.
Meet me at Mr. K’s—Tong.
Really! Wow, how rude. My gaze narrowed at the note. What beautiful handwriting. Better than mine.
I was supposed to drive myself, fine. Tacky, but fine.
What was I expecting? A limo escort? Gliding into the restaurant on his arm? Stop being stupid. Not like this Cinderella dream was ever about a prince.
Chapter Three
I walked into the restaurant, and an Asian woman dressed in an elegant black gown escorted me to Mr. Tong’s table. I was very conscious of the air hitting my legs. Lotta skin showing in this thing.
First thing I noticed about Prince Charming? He was already eating. Was there no end to his rudeness? The usher pulled out my chair, and I sat. “Thank you very much,” I cooed in my rich-and-famous tone.
“What would you like for a drink, madam?” the young Asian waiter asked.
“Um…” Anna, I’m Anna. “I’ll have red wine, thank you.” He listed several to choose from, none of which I had a clue about. “How about you choose for me?
Thank you.” Final, firm.
“Yes, madam.”
I glanced around and cleared my throat before planting my gaze on him. “Enjoying your meal, I hope?”
He didn’t stop or bother to look up. “Yes. I am.” He checked his watch before finally leveling his gaze on me. The decadent lighting in the restaurant made his dark eyes feel like warm mocha. Yes, feel. I could feel his eyes. Maybe ’cause he probed me with them. No, the stare he gave me was more than just probing. He seemed…kind of disgusted. Surely disgruntled.
Hold his gaze, hold his gaze. Hold your smile.
“So I was thinking…” I kept my voice light. “After dinner I could show you around town? There’s the—”
“Surely you don’t expect to drag me around the city. It was a long flight. We’ll begin your endless tours tomorrow.” That annoyed gaze dropped lazily to my gown, and butterflies rammed my stomach. His eyes made the same bored return to my wide ones. Then he just stared into me. Contemplating. For a rude eternity.
I waited—trapped, pinned. Just say it. Say what’s on your mind, you…stupid man.
He raised his wineglass to his lips, not breaking that connection. Took a sip. Set it down. Licked his lips. Heat pooled inside my stomach, setting those butterflies on fire. He chuckled and lowered his gaze.
“You behave like a virgin.”
I couldn’t stop the intake of shocked breath. Then the stupid gaspy laugh. “How utterly ridiculous.” Okay, why would I even say that?
He brought his glass to his lips and met my gaze. I lowered my eyes, barely escaping that lethal snare again. “What is?”
Calm. Down. Anna. You’re Anna.
I thanked the server for the glass of wine he appeared with. Then took several ladylike sips, wishing I could guzzle. “You are ridiculous, Mr. Tong.”
His light laugh seemed genuinely…pleased? Strange man. “Because I know a virgin when I see one?”
Oh hell, was he really saying this? I took a huge swig of wine and shook my head, then set the glass down a little too hard. “Because you think you know a virgin when you see one.”
“So you’re not a virgin?”
Anger tingled along my spine, and I leveled a bold gaze on him. “That is none of your business.” A smile tugged at his full lips. Dammit, he was distracting.
I casually scoped out the restaurant, fighting for something to turn the tables.
“You look beautiful, by the way.”
Composure ka-poof. Heat crawled over my neck and face. “Thank you.” Meet his gaze. You’re Anna. I did and immediately got lost in that liquid cocoa stare. “You look… You look, um…” He chuckled again, more loudly. “See?”
The spell broke. “See what?”
“You’re a virgin.” Fact established.
“As if you could tell something like that from such a…a silly conversation. And so what if I was?
Am? There’s no law that says I can’t be one, is there?” Anger stiffened my backbone.
He reclined in his chair and drew his lower lip briefly between his teeth, then smiled. A one-sided
—God help me—dimpled smile. “Not at all.” He raised his glass and saluted me.
What was that supposed to mean? “Then again, maybe I’ve been around the block more times than you?”
More sincere laughter. At my expense. “How do y
ou know…that I’m not a virgin too?” Too? Anger growled through me. Didn’t matter that he was right; that wasn’t the point. “You? A virgin? Now that’s a funny one.” An unladylike snicker escaped.
“Are you ready to order, madam?”
I turned to the waiter. “Actually, no. I’m just going to have more wine. Ate earlier.”
“Very well, madam.” He took the wine bottle from the table and filled my glass.
I met Mr. Tong’s dancing gaze again, irked by the smile teasing at his lips. “So is that your business?
Sex?”
He shrugged one shoulder. “Of course not.”
“Of course not,” I mumbled and nodded, taking a few more gulps of wine. What a piece of work, this guy. I barked a laugh. And another. “You are something else, aren’t you?”
“Am I?”
This was funny to him? “Oh, yes.” I nodded with a grin, then took a few more gulps of wine, fighting the tremble in my hand. The bite of the wine was awful. Oh, but the effect. Yes, that would do. My stomach loosened. My spine warmed. Then hardened. “You don’t seem the typical rich, spoiled-man type.” I stared at the full-blown smile he wore, pissed at how damned handsome it made him. So amused with the little virgin, was he? Well, I didn’t see how that fit in with my job description. I downed the rest of my wine and stood up. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll be retiring, Mr. Tong.”
“Tong,” he corrected with a grin.
I grabbed my clutch. “Tung, Tong—whatever.” I turned and ran right into the waiter. Goddamned heel snagged in the carpet. Before I could hit the floor, strong arms wrapped my upper body and righted me.
I found myself staring into Tong’s chocolate eyes. What else was there? What else had there ever been?
“I’ll drive you.”
He’ll drive me? “I drove myself,” I said drily, remembering he was an asshole.
“I’ll drive you.” His arm hooked inside mine, and he smoothly led me out.
“You are a pushy prick, do you know that?” I smiled at the hostess who bowed toward us both.