Page 81 of Home to Me

“Absolutely,” he said smoothly, taking the card and beginning to type into his computer. “What can I provide you with?”

“First of all, do you know when the bachelor auction begins?”

“In forty-five minutes,” he replied without even having to consult a schedule.

“All right, then. We really don't have much time. I'm going to need a room, first of all...”

“The penthouse?” James interjected, sounding confident.

“Absolutely,” Karina replied equally as confident. “We will need a selection of gowns brought up, as well as a makeup artist and a hair stylist. Actually, time is short. Probably two of each to be safe—and I need that within fifteen minutes. Additionally, I'm going to need four tickets to the bachelor auction.”

His forehead wrinkled. “I believe the minimum commitment is a table.”

“That's not a problem,” Karina assured him. “Just make it happen, James. I'm counting on you.”

James smiled. “Excellent, Miss Black.” He typed furiously for a few moments and then handed her a leather portfolio. “In here, you will find your room keys and a guide to various complimentary services provided for our top-tier guests. Your makeup artists and hair stylists are on their way, as is the selection of gowns. I have arranged for champagne, chocolates, and a selection of seasonal fruit to be waiting for you and your guests to enjoy in the room while you wait.

“I will personally now see to your tickets to the bachelor auction, and please don't worry about the tight time frame. I will make it my business to ensure that the auction does not begin until your party has arrived. The tickets and your card will both be delivered to your room as soon as the arrangements have been made.

“Is there any other way that the Fairmont can be of service to you, Ms. Black?”

“James, you're fantastic!” Karina said warmly.

James was clearly basking in the praise from this famous, beautiful woman, but he merely replied, “The Fairmont thanks you for your business, Ms. Black. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if there's absolutely anything else I can do for you.”

The girls gathered their things and made their way to the penthouse, stepping into the breathtaking three-bedroom suite and halting, stunned. Even Karina, who was used to this sort of luxury, was duly impressed with the grandeur surrounding them.

“Oh my, Karina!” Lauren exclaimed, almost choking on the words. “This must’ve cost—”

“Best not to think about it,” Karina assured her. “Now let's find that champagne, shall we?”

“But...we didn't need the penthouse, for God's sake!” Lauren sputtered, growing ever more nervous and uncomfortable.

“Yeah, we did, actually,” Karina said matter-of-factly. “That's the tradeoff for all of the perks, you know? If you want them to give you the star treatment, you have to spend like a star. It's only fair. Now stop thinking about the moolah and start focusing on your mission, woman. Let's uncork this bubbly and plan what you're going to say to Ben.”

Lauren agreed, and they sat down, munching on the delicious goodies and sipping the fine champagne until backup arrived in the form of wardrobe, hair, and makeup.

If not for Lauren's recent foray into the world of being primped and dressed by others as part of her TV hosting gig, she would’ve been much more uncomfortable during the hurried dressing and styling session that followed, but she was amused at herself to find that she actually considered it old hat, familiar.

When a porter arrived with the envelope containing their tickets and paddles for the bachelor auction, Lauren actually started to feel somewhat confident again. This plan was really falling into place.

As they were walking out the door of their suite to make their way back down to the lobby, Karina stopped Lauren.

“Open your purse,” she said decisively.

Lauren's forehead crinkled. “Do you think I stole something and put it inside of this tiny little clutch they gave me?”

Karina smirked. “Stop trying to out-smartass me. It’ll never happen. Now, open your purse.”

Lauren complied, and Karina dropped the keys to the penthouse suite into the small bag.

“There,” she said with satisfaction. “Now if things work out with you and Ben, you guys can just come straight back here without having to find me and get the key.”

Lauren's eyes widened. “You're giving us the penthouse suite for the night?”

Karina grinned. “Awfully cool of me, right?”

Lauren shook her head, not understanding. “Where will you guys go?”

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