My pulse stuttered. “Who are you talking to? And who’s Frank?”
The doorman ignored me, instead focusing on whatever the voice in his ear said, until he flicked another glance at me. “She says her name is Ellie Darling and that she has an urgent appointment inside.”
I scanned the area for any sign of cameras under the awning. Was someone spying on us?
After a pause, Hughes frowned. “You’re sure?”
His displeasure gave me a glimmer of hope, especially when he grumbled under his breath and said, “I’ll let her know.”
Hughes dropped his arm, sniffing delicately before addressing me. “In light of the scene you’re causing, I’ve been instructed to direct you to the front desk to resolve this matter more discreetly.”
I didn’t think I was causing ascene, but I was too grateful to care. “Really? I get to go inside?”
Some of the light drained from his eyes. “Please don’t make me repeat myself.”
“Of course, of course. Thank you so much, Hughes!” I beamed at him. “My friend is a baker, and she’s got a Christmas cookie box with your name on it!”
I paused as soon as the words left my mouth. “…That’s not bribery, is it?”
He only shook his head, opening the door with practiced grace, and I hurried inside before he could change his mind.
Two steps inside the lobby, my jaw promptly dropped.Opulentwas the only word to describe the place. Grand marble floors, a three-story ceiling, and a giant gleaming chandelier I could swear I’d seen in more than one heist movie.
A subtle floral scent tickled my nose—pleasant instead of overpowering—and a glance around the room showed dozens of fancy vases housingrealbouquets.
Just how big was this place’s flower budget?
“Miss?” A guy around my age, midtwenties, waved from behind an impressive marble reception desk that stretched along one wall. He smiled that same pleasant smile Hughes had mastered and beckoned me over. “I can assist you over here.”
I straightened my dress and patted down my windblown hair before marching over to the desk with determination in every step.
“Hi there.” I gave the worker my best smile and glanced at his shiny gold name tag. “Preston, I’ll be honest with you. It’s been a bit of a rough day. I’m running late for a very important meeting, so if you could please summon one of those fancy elevators for me, I would be eternally grateful.”
He pulled a small dark tablet from underneath the desk. “And who is your very important meeting with?”
My smile faltered. “Well, my client is confidential, but I’m supposed to meet them on Level P.”
Preston’s finger froze on the screen, and his gaze snapped up to me. “Your client is Cade Westbrook?”
I froze, wide-eyed.How did he…?
Determined to play it cool and protect my client’s privacy, I cleared my throat. “What makes you say that?”
“He’s the only one who lives on the penthouse floor.” Preston cocked an all too condescending eyebrow. “Level P.”
Oh.
Well, so much for discretion.
“Penthouse?” I echoed softly, my eyebrows creeping up. This Westbrook guy must be a big deal.
“Unfortunately, you aren’t on his approved list of visitors, and I’m unable to confirm any changes with him at this time.”Preston tapped a few times at his tablet. “Mr. Westbrook doesn’t like to be bothered.”
I tried again. “It wouldn’t be a bother, though. It was a last-minute booking—literally just hours ago—but he’s expecting me.”
That well-practiced, pleasant smile made a return. “I’m sure he is. However, I must ask you to leave and come back once we can confirm your appointment.”
Yeah, this was not ideal at all.
