Truly, Madly, Deeply

by L. S. Scott

  “Mr. Flynn,” I said with fake pleasantness and forced smile. “What can I do for you this morning?”

  He was hot and rich and I should be giddy about him showing up at my door, but the man mastered in catching me off guard and looking like a Jerry Springer guest and it was really starting to wear me thin.

  His grin turned into a smirk. “Did I wake you?” he asked smoothly.

  “No, I was just on the phone with my friend. Um, is there something wrong?” I was a little confused by his early morning visit. I hadn’t called for assistance or texted.

  “No, I, uh,” he stuttered uncharacteristically. “I texted you last night to remind you if the uniforms didn’t fit, to get them back to Alan so he could remedy it in time for your first day of work. But, you didn’t respond, so I just wanted to check on you.”

  I frowned and looked down at the phone in my hand. Sure enough, there were not one, not two but three texts from Connor Flynn waiting to be read.

  “Sorry,” I grimaced apologetically. “I fell asleep last night pretty early and slept all night. I guess all the excitement is finally getting to me. I didn’t wake up until just a little bit ago when Tiffany called.”

  “It’s okay,” he nodded, shrugging it off.

  “But, thank you. They fit perfectly. I’m heading out today to buy some appropriate tennis shoes. All mine are bright crazy colors and worn out from running.”

  “You run,” he asked curiously, completely changing the subject.

  Feeling self-conscious about my bra less ness, I turned to grab my robe and unintentionally invited him in. When I turned around he was softly closing the door behind him.

  “Uh, yeah, I run. Haven’t done any running since I’ve been here. I really only started running to relieve stress, and some anxiety in college. Haven’t really needed that kind of release since I’ve been here. I’m sure I will get back to it soon, when I get settled into a schedule.” I caught myself rambling.

  Connor nodded thoughtfully. “Well, there are a couple of full service fitness centers in the hotel, but you are welcome to use the one on the next floor up, it’s a private facility. There’s almost never anyone there.”

  “Oh, thanks. Is it for employees or something?”

  “Something like that,” he said vaguely, wrinkling his nose.

  I couldn’t help but crack a smile at the cuteness of his nose wrinkling gesture.

  “What,” he quizzed.

  “Nothing,” I smiled shaking my head, refusing to confess that I thought he was cute, which is info he already knew. His good looks, I was sure, was not something he ever doubted. We stood in a moment of awkward silence.

  “Um, would you like some coffee,” I offered just out of good manners, in an attempt to ease the weird tension, fully expecting him to say no and make an exit.

  “Sure, have you had breakfast,” he countered, catching me off guard.

  “No, just got up,” I said, pointing at myself, highlighting my just rolled out of bed look.

  “Right,” he said. “I can put on some coffee and order up room service while you go change, if you want.”

  I sucked in a quick breath, always catching me off guard, he was. “O-kay,” I said, dragging the two syllables out a little.

  “Okay,” he snipped back.

  I cocked my head and turned on one heel to dig some clothes out of my dresser while he strode comfortably over to the gourmet coffee station. With clothes in hand, I retreated to the bathroom and shut the door. I leaned against it and stared up at the ceiling for a second. Hurriedly, I brushed teeth and hair, threw up the pony tail, slapped on the small trace of make- up that I usually wear, pulled on some black leggings, a bra and a wide necked, short sleeved tee. I took a deep breath and opened the door to join Mr. Flynn.

  I hadn’t heard a knock, but I heard the low murmur of voices and saw his back standing in front of the cracked door.

  “Breakfast here already?” I asked strolling across the room.

  “No. You have a visitor,” he said coolly, opening the door wider to allow me to see.

  I gasped, wide eyed, unsure of why. “Nick, um, good morning,” I said, my voice going up an octave.

  He grinned, tight lipped, looking at me through his lashes. “Good morning Natalie. Sorry to just drop by. I didn’t mean to interrupt any business meetings,” he said with the slightest hint of sarcasm, taking a jab at Mr. Flynn. His eyes darted to Connor than back to me quickly.

  “You didn’t interrupt anything,” I reassured him.

  “We were just about to have coffee, would you like some,” I offered, unsure of the appropriate etiquette in the awkward situation.

  I half expected Mr. Flynn to excuse himself, since I had a visitor and he had delivered the message he was so hell bent on delivering. But, no. He stood there, hand on the door knob, shoulder against the door, just waiting for the moment he could swing it shut in Nick’s face.

  “No, thanks, I have a meeting to get to. I just stopped by to see if we could move dinner to 8:00 and to see if you would be interested in coming with me to an event tonight.”

  I stood right beside Connor and in front of Nick and I swallowed hard as they both looked at me waiting for an answer. I hadn’t planned on leaving the hotel with Nick. It was the security of The Flynn that made me comfortable to agree to dinner, but I didn’t want to shoot him down and embarrass him.

  “Sure eight is fine. What kind of event are you going to?”

  “It’s a UFC fight. I mean we don’t have to go. We can go to a movie or dancing or whatever you would like. But I’ve got front row seats; it will be pretty awesome, if you’re into it.” He shrugged.

  I noticed out of the corner of my eye that the stoic Mr. Flynn caught his bottom lip under his teeth as he looked on nosily at my interaction with Nick.

  “Uh, okay. I’ve watched a few pay per views with my brother over the last few years. Sounds cool.” I agreed.

  “Great,” Nick said, flashing a million dollar smile. “I’ll swing by here at eight.” He winked and headed to the elevator.

  Just as I thought, Connor swung the door shut as soon as Nick turned to go. I held my place and looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He breezed past me, totally ignoring the look.

  “Hmph, cage fighting, now that’s romantic,” he mocked.

  He poured two cups of coffee and doctored his with one sugar and one creamer. I crossed my arms over my chest and walked slowly toward the couch, silently staring at him in amusement.

  “How do you take yours?” he asked, either clueless to my dumb-founded reaction, or purposely ignoring it.

  “Three sugars, two hazelnut creamers,” I answered, still staring at him.

  He prepared my coffee and turned to cross the room with the cups in hand.

  “What?” he asked holding his arms to the side.

  Just as I opened my mouth to give him what for, for being so rude, the familiar knock sounded. ‘room service’ I gave him a playful scowl and went to answer the door. The waiter rolled the cart into the room. It was loaded with pastries and fruit, way more than two people could possibly eat. He nodded to Connor and turned, disappearing out the door.

  “Were you expecting more than us for breakfast,” I teased.

  He set the coffee on the table and smiled wide. “No, but I wasn’t sure what to get. I was going to just get a few pastries, but then I thought if you are a runner, and with your figure, you must be health conscious and might prefer fruit and yogurt, so I just got a little of both.”

  “What’s wrong with my figure,” I torpedoed that one tid bit of info in the whole big explanation of his.

  “Nothing,” he said wide eyed. “It’s, it’s perfect. I mean, I should’ve guessed you were a runner with those legs,” he waved his hand, pointing at my skin tight pants. “And the rest of you is, I mean it’s obvious you take good care of yourself, that’s all.” I couldn’t help but smile at his unease as he stammered through his clarification.

  “We
ll, I prefer pastries,” I smiled impishly.

  “Good,” he smiled, relieved. “They are all wonderful,” he waved his hand around the cart. He looked at his phone and wrapped a couple danishes in a cloth napkin. . “I have to get going,” he said, grabbing his coffee he headed for the door.

  “Seriously? You’re going to leave me here with all this fresh baked sin?”

  I turned just in time to catch his wink as the door closed on yet another bazaar encounter with my boss.

  I wasn’t one hundred percent sure what the appropriate attire was for dinner and cage fighting, but I sure as hell wasn’t wearing high heels and a dress. Instead, I went with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans that showed off my runner’s legs and squatter’s booty quite nicely, with a flowy off the shoulder lavender top and gray heeled booties.

  After a quick check in the mirror, hair down, eyelashes curled and mascaraed, lips glossed, I felt confident that I looked perfectly suitable for the night out that Nick had planned. I mixed myself a Crown and Sprite while I waited.

  Eight on the dot, there was a knock on the door. I answered to a smiling, awe struck Nick. His eyes twinkled a hundred different shades of gold.

  “Do I look okay,” I asked, grabbing my small gray handbag, only big enough for a compact a lip gloss a little money, credit cards and id.

  “You,” he paused, “look amazing. You’re absolutely gorgeous.” He shook his head.

  I smiled graciously, pulling the door closed behind me. Nick held out his arm. I wrapped my hand around his hard bicep and let him lead me to the elevator. And so began my first date in eight years.

  The Night was amazing. By the end of dinner, any reservations I had about leaving the hotel with Nick were gone. We talked and laughed like old friends. It was like hanging out with my best high school bud, Richard.

  Front row seats at a UFC event were awesome. I could actually hear the blood splatter. I cringed and hid my eyes from time to time, but all in all, the brutality didn’t really bother me.

  Nick was well known and well-connected. After the fights, we attended an after party at a club downtown. I felt a little like a fish out of water, but several mixed drinks kept me from being too uptight. And Nick was the perfect date, constantly at my side, introducing me to fighters, promoters, ring girls, it was awesome. I knew Jake was going to be so jealous.

  By 3:30 a.m., I was dragging. I circulated the crowd with Nick, shaking hands and saying goodbye, several people begging us to stay. Nick smiled and slipped away each time. It was after four when we emerged from the club.

  “You really didn’t have to leave,” I said, smiling up at him as we walked to his car. “I could’ve got a taxi back to The Flynn.”

  “Nonsense! What kind of man sends a beautiful woman home alone after an amazing date?”

  “Amazing huh,” I grinned and nudged him playfully.

  “Yes, did you have a good time tonight Natalie?” his tone softened.

  “Yes, Nick, I had a very good time. I can’t imagine anything could’ve been better.”

  “But wait, there’s more.” He teased.

  “What? What more could there possibly be. The sun will be up before too long.”

  “Exactly. I have a surprise,” he smiled roguishly.

  “Oh, Nick, call me a light weight, but I’m pretty beat. I don’t think I can handle anymore.” I hated to be ungrateful, but I was exhausted, my feet hurt and it was way past my bed time.

  “Trust me, you’ll like this.”

  I eyed him doubtfully, but went along without a fight. Before too long we were pulling up in front of The Flynn. I looked at Nick totally confused. He just smiled and hopped out to open my door, tossing the keys to the valet.

  “Did I fall asleep and miss it,” I joked.

  “No,” he took my hand and wrapped it around his arm and we strolled through the lobby talking and giggling.

  I leaned into him while we waited for the elevator. Reflexively he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and tucked me under it. In my state of exhaustion, I melted into his comfortable side, almost sleeping standing up. The ding of the opening elevator doors, snapped me to attention. We boarded and Nick pressed the thirty-one button.

  “Nick, I’m on twenty-nine,” I corrected drowsily.

  “I know, so am I. But I still have a surprise, remember?”

  In all honesty, I had almost forgotten. I was too busy concentrating on keeping my eyelids open. The elevator began to move and my knees went weak at the movement. Nick held me tighter.

  “Close your eyes,” he whispered when the numbers got closer to our floor.

  “What, why,” I asked suspiciously.

  “Please,” he pled sweetly.

  I rolled them then shut them, hoping I would be able to pry them open when it was time. The elevator stopped. The door dinged and a rush of fresh air hit me in the face. Nick led me out of the elevator into the breezy morning air. The smell of chlorine mingled with a hint of something else familiar. I lifted my nose in the air and sniffed as the aroma got stronger. It was coffee.

  “Nick?”

  “Okay, open them.”

  I opened my eyes to find a pool side table set with fresh brewed coffee and bagels. I looked around at my surroundings. We were at pool side, but it was a rooftop pool. Our table set in the corner of the deck, overlooking the strip below, with the same east facing view as my suite. I blinked drowsily and smiled at my sweet date.

  “This is so nice Nick,” I said, almost whispering.

  “Here, let’s get some coffee in you so you don’t fall asleep before the sun rises.”

  I smiled from ear to ear. “You remembered me saying that I loved the sunrise?”

  Nick nodded, grinning.

  “When did you do all this, or should I say, who did all this?”

  “I know a guy,” he joked vaguely winking.

  Too tired and ready for coffee and bagels, I let it go. Really, I didn’t care. We poured our coffee and picked out a bagel. I kicked my shoes off and moved to lean against the chest high wall and watch just as the first glimmer of sunlight started shimmering out from behind the mountain ridge.

  The soft, refreshing breeze blew my hair across my face. I looked down at my wrist but realized I didn’t have a pony tail holder. I was so entranced by the gorgeous sunrise; I didn’t notice Nick’s eyes on me until he reached over and tucked my wayward hair behind my ear. His hand trailed down my neck and shoulder, pushing the hair all the way over.

  I glanced over sheepishly and saw it coming. He cupped my cheek with his hand and turned my face toward his. In one of the sweetest, most romantic moments I had ever experienced, after an amazing date, one of the most gorgeous men I had ever met kissed me. Timidly, softly, he touched his lips to mine. Encountering no resistance, he increased the pressure and parted my lips with his slightly. As his tongue swept lightly across my lips, we exchanged the flavor of coffee for a quick second; before he closed our lips ended the perfectly appropriate good night kiss.

  And….nothing. Not a spark, not a flutter, just nothing. I didn’t know if he felt the same or if it was just me that was totally unaffected. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and turned to face the beautiful view with me, sipping his coffee. I nudged him playfully and we both laughed in complete understanding that it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, but nothing else.

  We both leaned against the back of the elevator facing one another, smiling about nothing in particular. Just as he reached to tuck a strand of my wind-blown hair behind my ear, the elevator dinged at floor thirty and the door slid open. I turned to see piercing sky blue eyes peering up at me through thick lashes.

  I snapped to attention. My body becoming erect I faced forward as if Connor Flynn were my drill sergeant. I stood there with my shoes in my hand, trying not to meet the stare I could feel on me in the shiny door, any other time he would have been staring down at his damn phone.

  He glanced down at my shoes in my hand. “Late night?” Hi
s voice was a low murmur.

  “Yeah,” I murmured back.

  The door stopped at twenty-nine and Nick stepped off first. I stopped half way through the door and dared to look back and make eye contact.

  “Have a good day, Mr. Flynn,” I said and stepped out into the hall.

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Shower, quick blow dry of my hair and brush of my teeth, and I fell into bed at around 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. After my first ever all-nighter, I was too tired to even throw on a t-shirt. I wrapped the cool soft sheets around me and passed out. The sun was setting low and casting long shadows across the street below when I finally rolled out of my comfy cocoon.

  It was my first Saturday night in Las Vegas and I had no plans. After the previous night, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to have plans. I was definitely use to a much slower pace and would have to work myself up to the round the clock party life. Instead, all I could think about doing was going up to the roof top pool for an evening swim.

  The pool was uncrowded. Just a few loungers who looked as if they were about to head out, a couple of love birds who were making out and a couple of business types having a cocktail at the table where Nick had served me breakfast just a few hours before.

  None of them paid me any mind when I approached the pool side and laid my towel across a lounger. I slid my cover up off and quickly slipped into the water and swam lap after lap. It was a great work out and stress reliever and reminded me of why I started running to begin with and I decided that swimming might be my new outlet.

  I jumped in the shower to wash away the chlorine. Jamming to Parachute’s, I Can’t Help Myself, I toweled off, brushed my wet mop and smeared coco butter from head to toe. I cinched up my white silk robe and bee-bopped out of the bathroom just as the door to my suite opened.

  “What are you doing,” I snipped, throwing my hands up in disbelief.

  Connor Flynn took a deep breath and closed the door behind him.

  “You can’t just come into my suite at will, I don’t care who you are.”

  “You haven’t answered your phone all day Miss Mills and I knocked but you didn’t answer that either. After this morning, I was a little concerned.” His tone was tight and professional, teetering on icy.