"Wow.Okay.Thank you."she said.
Claire pulled her purse strap up on her shoulder and followed the attendant to the elevators.Everything about the famous hotel said class.She marveled at the art deco styling and the extensive detail as the young man escorted her to her suite.Once inside, Claire drank in the opulence.Twelve-foot ceilings with heavy moldings.Tiffany-blue silk wall coverings.Gorgeous French antiques, fine Persian rugs, and an impressive view of Fifth Avenue completed the lavish space.She'd stayed in some beautiful hotels in her life but none that created such a fairytale-like feeling.All I’m missing is my Prince Charming.
After ditching her shoes and travel clothes, Claire finally let herself relax.Inside her suitcase, she found it—Jay’s robe.She smiled, wondering if he realized she’d taken it.They had talked and texted dozens of times since he’d left London, but he’d never mentioned it.It still carried his signature cologne.She pulled it around her and exhaled, the fabric warm and familiar against her skin.Just like him, it felt steady and comforting.
She returned to the living area, needing a drink and a moment to catch her breath.Once she landed, a driver had taken her straight from the airport to the Avi offices.Though she had only been there a short time, the pace had been relentless.A brief meet-and-greet led into an intense meeting with at least a dozen top players.Claire scribbled page after page into a small leather notebook, struggling to keep up with the fast-moving New York set.Afterward, she met with her division for a few minutes to map out the schedule for the week—one that would keep her on the clock from dawn to dusk.She found herself with a new appreciation for Isaac and what now felt like a comparatively laid-back management style.
Though the weather outside called for jackets and boots, she craved her favorite summertime cocktail and reached for two old favorites—Bombay Sapphire and Schweppes.She mixed the drink in a frosted Collins glass and settled onto one of three sofas.Still taking in the suite, she tried to estimate the square footage, knowing her tiny living space would fit inside it several times over.She reached for the current issue ofTown & Countryon the coffee table just as her cell rang again.She froze for only a moment this time.Relief followed when she saw Jay’s name on the display.
“Good evening, Mr.Ferrante," she answered.
"Good evening, Ms.McKay.Just checking in to see if your accommodations are satisfactory,” Jay said, his tone light and happy.
"Satisfactory?I’m ready to live here full time.Forward my mail.
Jay laughed.“My favorite hotel in all of New York.”
“It's gorgeous, but I don't need all this.I can't even imagine what this is costing?—"
He quickly halted her."I want you to enjoy yourself all week.And I've left word that you're privy to all hotel services.Order whatever you want, whenever you want.Room service, spa treatments, massage."
"I wish you were here with me," Claire said.“That’s all I really want.”
"Me too.Have you met Mr.Twigg?"he asked.
"You know Mr.Twigg?"
"I requested him.He's the best.He should be arriving any moment."
"What are you talking about?"she asked, just as a knock sounded at the door.
"I think you have a delivery," Jay said.
"Don't tell me the poor man is standing in the hall with a tray of dim sum and a copy ofMurder on the Orient Express."
She reached the door, still half-laughing—and then froze the moment she opened it.Jay stood in the hallway.Her breath caught.
“Oh my God… Jay.”
She stepped forward and threw her arms around him, the shock melting instantly into relief and joy.He closed the door with his foot and drew her into a deep, unhesitating kiss.When they finally broke apart, she looked up at him, still stunned.
“But how did you do this?You had all those important meetings.Or is this just another case of corporate hooky?”
“I couldn’t stand being away from you another night.”He tugged the belt of his robe.“And I needed this back.”
“I can’t believe you’re here.”She beamed.
"I wrapped up everything early.I do have a couple of meetings here this week.One is a business dinner.Of course, I'll need you there with me.You're my secret weapon.My silent partner."
Claire made a face."Me?I don't know anything about your business.”
"Of course you do.You wear the Silver Screen brand, right?"he asked.
"Exclusively."
"That's all you need to know.You're an expert already.”
When another knock sounded behind them, Jay said, "That’ll be my luggage."
