Page 14 of Boss On Notice
Still entranced by the opulence of my suite, I slowly walk through a short corridor, gazing up in wonder at the hand-painted scenes of half-naked Madonnas and babies on the arched ceiling.
Arriving at the end of the hallway, I stop to regain my breath as I admire the gorgeous golden silk-upholstered furniture and luxurious jacquard curtains opened against tall windows make the suite feel like it’s worth a million bucks. Once again, I feel lucky and grateful to have been invited. But then, I’ve earned every penny of my five-star hotel stay by putting up with Orion’s crap for far too long.
The supple mosaic-patterned carpet compels me to take off my shoes before happily proceeding. Feet bare, I pad past a gorgeous long dining room table and a black granite-topped island that has a fully stocked wet bar behind it. I step down into the airy living room space. The ceilings are so high, windows so tall, I feel like a miniature-sized action figure. Arms folded, I stand before one of the colossal windows to drink in the breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip and a mountainous horizon. All of it makes me feel like I’m light-years away from my issues with Orion. I kind of like him right now. We’ve never talked as much as we had during our flight. It’s as if he’s finally trying to get to know me on more than a surface level.
“Hmm…” I sigh as I turn to figure out what to do about all these good feelings I’m having toward a man who has historically irked the hell out of me. But then I gasp excitedly when I spot a remote control labeled Blackout Shades.
* * *
I fall backagainst the firm mattress. “This room is sick, Xena. Look…” I use the remote to engage the blackout shades that are not only in the living room but in my private master bedroom too.
Five minutes ago, before calling my cousin, I answered the doorbell to my room—an actual doorbell to my hotel room. A bellhop dropped off my suitcase and a note from Orion. I attempted to tip him, but he advised me that guests of the wedding are not to come out of pocket for anything, including tips.
I read Orion’s message:Something came up. Meet me at the restaurant.
My snort was full of accusation, knowing undoubtedly that the “something” that came up has two breasts and a vagina. I’m surprised he asked me to be his “companion” for the weekend. He’s never short of options when it comes to women. I still haven’t figured out why they keep coming back for more of his crappy treatment. It can’t only be his looks. Good-looking men are a dime a dozen. Plus, my species isn’t as shallow as his species. So, no, it can’t be just his looks. Oh right, it’s the money.
“Look at what, Lilly?” Xena says brusquely.
“Blackout shades!”
“I can’t see your blackout shades from here, Lilly. Gosh, I really need you to stay focused. I mean, it sounds like you’re devouring the poisonous apple.”
“The poisonous apple?”
“The apple, Lilly,” she shouts. “Don’t forget how he thinks. He’s trying to woo you. He wants to keep you enslaved and doing his shitty job. Because if you're not doing his work, then it won't get done. And aren’t we tired of doing his work, Lilly, aren't we?”
Okay…that was four Lilly’s in a row, which means Xena is about to blow her top. I heave a sigh as the dark panels finish completing their downward journey.She’s right.“You’re right.”
“I know I’m right, and please don’t forget it.”
Ouch.I insert a finger in my ear, the one she just yelled in and flip the Up switch on the remote control, raising the curtains again. “I won’t.”
“Great…good…never forget it. And I think you’re right,” she says.
I sit up, frowning confused. “Right about what?”
“What you said before the blackout blinds distracted you, remember?”
I screw my face thoughtfully until… “Oh, yes. I remember.”
“He knows. Of course, he knows you’re quitting. So be careful. He’s a sneaky bastard and a charming one too. Don’t let him make you forget. Promise?”
My shoulders curl forward when I sigh. I hate when she makes me promise. Xena knows I’m a woman of my word. If I promise, then I’ll put myself under insurmountable pressure to follow through. But in this situation, I’m pretty sure my vow will be an easy one to keep.
“Promise,” I say.
* * *
FOUR HOURS LATER
Okay, so I had taken another itty-bitty-teensy bite of the poisonous apple. Before readying myself to meet Orion, I luxuriated in a warm bath. The tub in my bathroom is huge, jetted, and it’s still calling my name. The bubbles smelled like blueberry pie—umm delicious. I plan to bathe again after dinner. I’ll make an excuse to leave early.
Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. The closer I got to that time, the more flips my stomach turned. I have finally arrived at the restaurant and I’m still nervous. A lot of rich and famous people are expected to be here. I’ve seen the guest list, Jenn, Achilles’s second assistant, showed it to me. She and I have become really good friends. We were bonded by Orion’s obsession with her boss and Treasure Grove. She could hardly believe he tasked me with stalking them. Jenn and I both agreed that Orion was crazy and worked together to control the situation the best way we could. However, the guest list is why I chose the outfit I’m wearing.
It takes a moment for me to realize that I’ve stopped to watch Orion, who’s flanked by two gorgeous women in chic dresses. Gosh, he works fast. I drop my head to take another look at my outfit, just to make sure I’m fitting in. My dress is shimmering gold and hangs at midthigh length. It has spaghetti straps and dips low at the back. Bottom line, my dress is sexy and so are my slip-on high-heeled sandals. The band around my toes is made of clear and durable plastic and the heels of my sandals are sparkling gold. My outfit looks expensive but it’s not. My head to toe look costs ninety-three dollars, all bought off the Home Shopping Emporium Channel. Thanks to Aunt Jolene, Jo for short, Xena’s mom, who’s the top-rated hostess at the network. Also, thanks to her, I received a twenty-five percent family discount on my outfit.
Completing my self-examination, I conclude that my outfit is just as stylish as the ones the women who are competing for Orion’s attention are wearing. Basically, I’m doing a stellar job of fitting in with the rich and famous. When I look up, Orion is already watching me. For some odd reason, fluttering sensations go off in my chest as we don’t break eye contact when he says something to the two women. I should look away from him to rid myself of these odd feelings that are occurring in my body, but I can’t. Orion strolls smoothly and confidently in my direction, and he’s smirking too. Gosh, he’s so arrogant.
