Finally, the desk clerk gave me the key and directions to where I was headed. Trying to forget what had happened ten minutes earlier, I turned toward Max, but he was already right behind me. I retreated a couple of steps from his close proximity.

“Ready?” He smiled.

“Yes.” I gave him a quick smile back and turned away.

“I’ll lead the way.” Even after he pivoted to his right, he waited for me to walk side by side with him.

“Are we headed the same direction?”

“Mrs. Ward tries her best to book our rooms close together.”

“Oh.” I gulped, but I didn’t know why I was panicking.

As I paced toward the elevator, all I could do was gaze around the beautiful, elegant setting of the hotel. With the finest furniture and trimmings, it was surreal to stay in such a luxurious hotel that I could never afford. It was definitely an added bonus to working at one of the hottest fashion magazine companies around.

Standing in front of the elevator, I reached over to push the button at the same time Max did, but his hand was on top of mine. Feeling the warmth of his skin, I pulled back, but Max did too. In the process, his hand caught mine and stayed there longer than it needed to before he let go.

“Sorry,” he smiled, and gestured for me to enter first as the elevator door slid open.

Stepping inside, I went straight to the right corner while Max pressed the thirty eighth-floor button. When he turned to me, he arched his brows in bewilderment.

“I don’t like elevators,” I explained.

“I could make the ride a whole lot better.” He twitched his brows playfully and practically cornered me. Luckily the bell saved me, and he stood at my side when an elderly couple entered. We had stopped on the twentieth floor.

“It’s going up,” the old lady said with a frustrated tone. “See, I told you we got on the wrong elevator. We need to go down.”

“What did you say?” the old man asked.

“Never mind. You always pretend not to hear me when I’m right.”

“It’s no wonder I can’t hear at all. You think you’re right all the time.”

Max and I caught each other’s eyes with a huge smile. I could tell he wanted to laugh just as much as I did, but he held it in—barely.

Then silence filled the air as I felt the weight of his stare. When the elevator opened to our floor, Max held the door as he waited for me to exit first. Unexpectedly, he looked over his shoulder to the elderly man. “Sometimes you just have to let it go. It’s not worth the fight.” Then he let the door close.

“This way.” He turned left, and again he slowed his pace to match mine. Such a gentleman, melting my heart with his simple gestures. But how did he know my room number? Perhaps he figured it was close to his.

Strolling down the quiet hallway, I wondered where his room was, but we didn’t have to walk that far after my thought.

“I believe this is your room.”

Looking at the key card I held in my hand, he was right. Sliding it in, it made a clicking sound, and Max opened the door for me.

“Thank you,” I said.

“Your suitcase will be delivered to your room, and I cancelled our meeting tonight. You look pretty tired, and we have a long day tomorrow. You must be starving…I’ll order room service. Let me know what you would like to eat, and I’ll have it sent to your room.”

“Sure, but what is your room number?”

“I’m right next door.”

I didn’t know why I felt nervous all of a sudden. It wasn’t likely that our rooms were joined. After I thanked him again, I entered to set my eyes on the humongous, too big for one person, breathtaking room.

Chapter 14

I woke up to the phone buzzing. “Hello,” I answered, rubbing my eyes. Oh! The phone alarm I had set last night. Lying there, I didn’t want to get up. The bed, the sheets, the pillows all felt so soft and comfortable. Everything about this room was grand. From the plasma television, to the bathroom that was designed for a queen, to my bedroom that connected to the huge living room…did everyone get a room like this?

Stretching and yawning and enjoying the peace, I plunked my feet to the plush beige carpet and slipped them into the white slippers that were provided. Admiring the room, I headed to the restroom and stopped when I saw a white envelope that was obviously slipped under the front door.

After I picked it up, I opened it to find that it was from Max.

Dearest Lunch Buddy,

Sorry I can’t be with you during breakfast or lunch. I have a long meeting. I’ll meet you at the fashion show. Inside is your ticket to enter.

Eagerly waiting to see you later,

Your favorite, one and only lunch buddy.

I didn’t know what to make of the letter. It wasn’t professional, and I knew he was being friendly, but regardless, it put a huge smile on my face. Before I forgot, I took a picture of my room and sent it to my friends. I thought about telling them Max was there too, but I decided to wait and tell them when I saw them. Giggling like a schoolgirl, though I shouldn’t, I hit the shower.

**

Catching my breath, the cold, swift breeze disheveled my hair upward, making it look like a mop. Brushing it in place the best I could, I practically ran to the bellman, hugging my coat around me. “Taxi, please.”

Waving his hand, a taxi drove up to the curb. He opened the door for me and I stepped in. “Thank you,” I said before he closed the door with a smile.