Page 12 of Torrid Passion
CHAPTER 4
Kyla
Nerves threaten to break me as the chauffeured car pulls up to the hotel. A valet greets me immediately, forcing my trepidation away as I get out and wrap my shaky fingers around my bejeweled clutch.
I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.
I repeat the mantra in my head as I make my way to the door.
I was bursting with confidence when I left my cousins’ house, but the drive here fanned my doubts. Just like I have in the past, I considered cancelling on Grant, but talked myself out of it. Excitement mixed with determination took over my anxiety.
A few hours from now I’ll be a changed woman.
I stop long enough to assess my outfit in my reflection in the window.
Chic and sexy.
That’s me!
I swear to God, I must’ve tried twenty-five more Red Carpet Ready dresses after the two trashy ones. They were all very pretty and much more appropriate, but none of them felt right. Even Stella and Hayden had to agree. In the end, I went straight to my wardrobe.
A doorman opens the door for me and invites me in.
“Good evening, madam.”
“Good evening,” I nod my gratitude before stepping inside.
Seraphina Moreland suggested I meet Grant at the Quintus Hotel. This is her meeting spot with him. Ditto for her sister Leah. Grant usually pays for half of the room. I don’t have a problem going Dutch. Seraphina said I should be in control of the location. I trust her implicitly. She’s been down this road a few times and speaks highly of this hotel. I’ve been away from LA for five years, so what do I know? And it’s not like I’m going to ask my parents for recommendations.
As I make my way through the hotel, I can’t help but be impressed.
Wow!
I’ve seen some impressive hotels in Paris, Hong Kong, London and New York, but this takes understated opulence to a whole other level. The Quintus Hotel doesn’t disappoint. From the modern and upscale décor, to the grandiose floral arrangements, to the guests impeccably dressed in the height of fashion, this place screams Hollywood elite.
I scan my surroundings until my eyes land on an elegant sign.Flûte Champagne Bar.
Perfect!
My phone vibrates in my hand.
Grant.
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Hey, sweet lady.
Grant really needs to work on his terms of endearment. Sweet lady sounds inherently weird and corny.
Hey. I just arrived. Are you close?
About tonight…
Oh, no.
It’s not you, sweet lady. It’s me.
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