For a fleeting second, she wondered if this fantasy would evaporate at the stroke of midnight. Would Dominic Knight disappear in a puff of smoke and she’d discover that this was all just a dream?

A clock on the dresser suddenly chimed, reminding her that she actually was at the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. And, she noted, checking the time, she still had a half-hour to do some exploring of the club floor. A date with Dominic Knight was a memorable occasion; she wanted all the little details etched on her memory.

Five minutes later, her tour complete, she discovered that with the exception of the concierge and bartender, she was alone. Stopping before a beautiful young Asian woman behind the concierge’s desk, Kate smiled. ‘The view’s absolutely stunning up here. You must hear that a lot.’

‘I do. But it is stunning, I agree. We have the distinction of being the world’s highest hotel.’ She arched her perfect, black brows. ‘May I help you with anything?’

‘No, I was just looking around. Is it always so quiet this time of night?’

‘Not always. It depends on the guests in residence.’ The concierge smiled politely. ‘Would you like a drink? Po makes a lovely Earl Grey martini rimmed with sugar and salt and infused with orange. He says it’s a perfect way to regain focus. Come,’ she added, rising from her chair. ‘Let me introduce you to Po.’

A few minutes later, Kate was seated at the bar, sipping one of the most delicious martinis she’d ever tasted. Not that she was a connoisseur with her drinking. Her experience was primarily limited to college haunts and pitchers of beer, but she was definitely broadening her horizons in a really satisfying way.

Po, the young bartender, brought over a plate of exquisite hors d’oeuvres, an embroidered linen napkin and a finger bowl. She was impressed and told him so.

‘The Ritz-Carlton prides itself on its service,’ he smiled. ‘Enjoy.’

It turned out that he was a native of Hong Kong and when Kate began asking questions, he recounted some of the history of the city, described the major tourist sights, acquainted her with the best restaurants on the islands as well as pointing out some of the tamer night-time attractions. He also knew the more licentious establishments too, places Dominic patronized, but he purposefully kept his mouth shut about all that.

Every bartender in the city augmented their salary by selling information to the tabloids because gossip, along with money and food, fuelled Hong Kong. Naturally, Po was curious why a rich gweilo like Dominic Knight had chosen to stay at the Ritz-Carlton with this pretty young lady who wasn’t a working girl. The billionaire had a home on The Peak. Why hadn’t he taken her there?

‘Have you known Mr Knight long?’ Po casually inquired.

Kate shook her head. ‘I’m just working on a project for him. Was,’ she added with a smile. ‘I’ll be going home soon.’ To his polite query, she explained where home was, described northern Minnesota in broad strokes and finished her drink only to find another being slid toward her. ‘I shouldn’t. We’re going out to dinner.’

‘I made it weak.’

‘What time is it?’ A question looking for an excuse. Maybe it was the drink or the two glasses of champagne or the fact that the privileged set knew how to relax, but it was truly like sitting in the clouds up here – calm, peaceful, the lights of the city twinkling and sparkling across the harbour.

‘Seven fifty. Emmie will tell him you’re here. Have you seen The Peak yet?’ The bartender was curious whether this young lady knew about Dominic’s house. ‘It’s one of the most high-end real-estate areas on earth. In fact, the most expensive residential site in the world sold last week for $231 million.’

‘No, I haven’t. It sounds posh.’

She didn’t know. ‘There’s no restrictions on who buys here,’ Po explained. ‘Hong Kong is the freest market in the world. We have lots of foreigners like Mr Knight buying property here.’

She stared at him for a moment, unable to keep the surprise out of her voice. ‘He has a place here?’

The bartender shrugged.

‘And you’re wondering why he’s staying here?’ It was her turn to shrug. ‘Sorry, I don’t know. Or for that matter, care. Now why don’t you tell me something. Why is it so quiet up here? Where are the other guests?’

‘There aren’t any.’ And the ones that had been here had been herded out at Mr Knight’s request. ‘You didn’t hear it from me.’

She lifted one brow. ‘Or you won’t get a tip?’

‘I already got one.’ And he expected more since Mr Knight had reserved the floor for a week.

‘Wow. Do you see many people like him here?’

‘Some. This is the financial centre of Asia.’

‘There you are,’ a familiar voice said. ‘I’ll have one of those too.’ Dominic pointed at Kate’s glass as he slid onto the barstool next to her. ‘This view is on a lot of bucket lists,’ he remarked, running his hands over his wet hair and flicking it behind his ears.

‘I can see why,’ Kate replied, determined to come across as casual as he did. ‘It’s breathtaking.’

‘I could say the same about you,’ he said with a smile, his gaze raking her from head to toe. ‘And I like the dress too.’

‘You don’t look too bad yourself.’ A vast understatement for a man who could silence a room with his stark beauty. A man who apparently didn’t spend too much time worrying about his looks if that was the extent of his grooming: shower, shave, dress, run your hands over your wet hair.