Page 43 of Meet Me at the Grand

But she couldn’t allow that to cloud her judgment. “I’m fine.” Dani’s chest loosened as the older couple in front of them finally moved on from the desk, and the receptionist waved her and Liam forward. “Oh, look. It’s our turn to check in.”

Liam greeted the receptionist with a warm smile. “Hi”—he glanced at her name tag—“Stacy. I’m Liam Stone and this is Dani Sullivan, checking in for the night. I’ve got a meeting with Mr. Kutcher this afternoon if you could tell him I’ve arrived.”

Stacy, a twenty-something with her blonde hair pulled back into a flawless, tight ponytail, seemed to straighten in her chair. “Hello, Mr. Stone. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Even the collar of Stacy’s white uniform blouse sat starched and crisp at Liam’s attention. “Mr. Kutcher got called into a meeting and wanted me to let you know he won’t be available until three. But I’ve got your rooms all ready for you, and of course, there is the pool, the spa, and the restaurant open for your relaxation and enjoyment.”

Her eyes flitted first to Dani then down the length of her and back up. At least from here, she shouldn’t be able to see Dani’s Converse sneakers. Oh, why hadn’t she thought to wear something business casual at least? It’s not like she didn’t have the outfits—she just didn’t have much occasion to wear slacks and nice blouses on the island.

“Thank you for your help, Stacy. We are so appreciative.”

“Of course.” Stacy moved her gaze back to Liam, who waited patiently for their room keys. She scanned them through the system and handed them over. “There. I got you both moved to the best suites available, Mr. Stone. Yours is on the ninth floor, and Ms. Sullivan’s is on the sixth. And you’ll each find a bottle of complimentary wine in your room to say thank you for visiting.”

“That’s very kind of you,” Dani said.

Stacy pulled a map of the hotel onto the counter and circled a room with her pen. “Here’s your room, Ms. Sullivan. Just take the main elevator to the sixth floor and follow the signs. It’ll be at the end of the hall. And Mr. Stone?—”

“I know the way, Stacy.” He slipped a twenty-dollar bill across the counter. “Thanks again for your assistance. Who do I talk to about making a dinner reservation?”

Stacy beamed. “Normally the concierge, but I’m more than happy to do that for you. What time?”

Liam glanced at Dani, who shrugged. This was his show. And, much as she hated to be impressed, he was quite good at it.

“Let’s say six.”

“Sounds great,” Stacy said.

“Thanks again, Stacy.” Liam grabbed the handle of his suitcase. “Ready to go?”

“Sure.”

They wheeled their suitcases toward the elevator, which allowed a view of the lobby as they ascended to the sixth floor. When they stepped out, even the hallway smelled luxurious, like eucalyptus and lavender, and the plush carpet must have been twice as thick as that of her apartment. Dani was halfway tempted to kick off her sneakers and walk barefoot, but managed to hold off as they approached Room 628.

“You didn’t have to walk me to my room, you know.”

“I didn’t mind. Do you want to drop our stuff and grab some lunch?” Liam leaned against the wall. “I have some time before my meeting, though I do need to go over my notes and check in with the office.”

A yawn popped out before she could stop it. They’d gotten up quite early and taken two different flights to get here.

“On second thought”—he smiled—“why don’t you take a nap? Order room service. You work so hard. Take the time to relax a bit.”

“Room service is expensive. And some of us can’t afford fancy food.” She ran her hand down the length of her body. “Or, clearly, fancy clothes.”

“Fancy clothes are overrated. If I could just wear joggers and T-shirts all the time, I totally would.”

“I call false on that one. I’ve never seen you in anything but a suit.”

“You’re right. I even sleep in them.”

“Ha ha, funny man.” She rolled her eyes.

“And as for ‘fancy food’”—he used air quotes—“the hotel will comp any food we eat while here, so live it up. I want you to get the full picture of the good life.”

Ah, now she understood. Dani crossed her arms. “The Grand had room service too, you know.” Sure, it was only available on the weekends and during limited hours, but it had been there all the same.

“Good for them.” Liam eased himself off the wall. “Seriously, Dani. This isn’t about convincing you of anything. I really just want you to enjoy your time here. You deserve a break just like anyone else. And a nap.”

His words were sweet, but could she trust them? “I’m here to work, same as you.”

He frowned, then nodded. “Rest up for our meeting, then. We’ll do dinner and then I’ll give you the grand tour. There’s so much I want to show you.” He glanced at his watch. “Since dinner’s at six, how about I swing by here around five forty-five?”

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