Page 23 of The Husband Contract
“I love it. It’s great.”
“I’m surprised that you have time to work here. What with working at the Magnolia Club and dating…” He says the last word as if it’s a question, and I wonder if he’s asking if I have a boyfriend or not. My mind goes to Clark Kent for a second, but he’s not my boyfriend. In fact, if I never see him again, I wouldn’t care.
“Oh, I’m just grinding, trying to make money.” I laugh. For a few moments, his lips thin, and I wonder if I shouldn’t have mentioned money. He’s obviously loaded. But then he chuckles.
“I see. It’s always about the money, isn’t it?”
“Isn’t life about money?” I say, with a shrug. “Talking about money, I can get you into the Diamond Suite. It would be $399 for the night. If you stay three nights, there’s a discount.”
“Sure,” he says. “Put me in for three nights.” He pullsout a Black American Express card and hands it to me. It’s solid and weighty, and I know it’s the exclusive card that not many people get.
“So… are you dating?” he asks, and my eyes widen as I look at him.
“I—what—I mean—you—what? Sorry.” I’m not sure why I’m mumbling over my words, but I’m shocked by the blatant question.
“I was just curious if you’re dating.”
“I mean, I’m dating, but I don’t have a boyfriend, if that’s what you’re asking.” I am attracted to him, but I don’t want to play too easy to get.
“Good,” he says with a small smile. “I’m glad to hear that you are single.”
I hand him back his card. “Well, let me get you your room key and a map of the hotel. We do have a pool out back, and I don’t know if you’ve been to Whispering Haven before, but there are some really nice restaurants, and there’s a cool museum.”
“I didn’t come for that,” he says with a smile. “I don’t think I’ll be leaving the hotel while I…” He pauses. “Work.”
“Oh. Okay.” Is he going to address his flirtation with me? Should I say something?
“Do you have room service?” he asks.
I nod slowly. “Yeah, we do. And if you have any questions, feel free to call down to the front desk.”
“Oh, I’ll be calling.” He grins. “If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” I step back from the computer and head over to the printer to pick up his reservation paperwork and to make a key for him. My heart is racing, and I’m not sure what to think. He is coming on strong—really strong—but I don’t hate it. In fact, I kind of like it. I’ve always wanted to be with a man who lets me know exactly what he wants andthat he wants me. And Sebastian is making it very clear that he is interested.
I turn back to the front with the paperwork, and I see that he’s staring at me intently.
Like he wants to eat me. Like I’m the sexiest thing he’s ever seen in his life. And it makes me feel good. I’m shocked by it, but I am not hating it. I find that I like being an object of desire.
“So, Willow,” he says, looking me up and down. “Do you believe that we were meant to meet again and that this wasn’t just a coincidence?”
“I guess, maybe,” I say, my breathing hollow. Why do I sound so uneducated?
“Good,” he says, “because I don’t think there are coincidences in life. When I saw you at the Magnolia Club, I definitely noticed something about you. But now, seeing you in the light of day, you’re beautiful. And I’m very happy that I’m here with you now. I can’t wait to see where this is going to go.” He holds his key up in the air. “I think this is going to be the beginning of an exciting and fruitful journey for both of us.”
“I don’t know what to say. I, uh, am flattered, but I do still remember how you spoke to me at the club,” I say, almost stuttering. I think he’s hot, but I don’t want him to think that just because he’s hot and rich, he can get whatever he wants. And in this case, it seems like he wants me.
“Understood.” His eyes are thoughtful for a moment, then he offers me a slight nod and walks away with his head high, like he owns the building. The man has self-esteem like no one else I’ve ever met.
Though the sentimental part of me, the one who avidly reads the astrology readings inCosmoeach month, can’t help but think that this is something special. Maybe I don’thave the worst luck in the world after all. Maybe the stars have aligned, and this Scorpio is going to be the one.
My phone beeps then, and I look down at my phone. I groan when I see Clark's name on the screen. He’s sent another text. I open it because even Clark can’t ruin my good mood right now.
Wanna grab a burger tonight? You can come over to my place. I’ll man the grill while you iron?
“Get a clue, wannabe Superman.” I roll my eyes as I delete the text. It’s like the universe wants to ensure that I appreciate what a sweet guy Sebastian is by reinforcing how horrible my other options are. Maybe he really did have a bad night when we first met. I am not going to judge him by that first impression, especially not when the second impression was so great.
Chapter Six
