Page 31 of Tangled in Temptation

“I appreciate it, Bennet. It’s just... surprising. He never mentioned the gala after he brought it up that one time. I guess I just assumed he was joking.”

He grinned, steering through the traffic. “Timothy can be a bit mysterious. Maybe he’s trying to surprise you.”

A smile tugged at my lips. The idea of Timothy planning a surprise for me warmed my heart. But beneath that warmth, a nagging doubt lingered. Was it safe to let myself hope for something more with him? Was falling for him setting myself up for heartbreak again? I kept telling myself it was never going to happen and then he turned around and did something like this. It kept me guessing.

Bennet and I chatted as the miles went by. The thought of a fancy gala, a luxurious hotel, and quality time with Timothy filled me with a mix of anticipation and concern. I couldn’t deny the growing connection between us. There was a powerful magnetic pull that seemed to draw us closer. The more I pulled away, the stronger the pull.

Chapter Fourteen

Catherine

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THE TRAFFIC WAS NUTS. I didn’t know how Bennet wasn’t pulling his hair out. It was making me crazy and I wasn’t the one behind the wheel. This was why I didn’t live in the city. I could never handle it. For me, it was exciting to see it as a spectator, but no way in hell would I ever want to be one of the people rushing along, packed in like sardines.

Bennet was very calm, cool, and collected as he drove through the city streets. He ignored the honking and rather rude taxicabs that competed for lane space. The bicyclists were like speeding little missiles darting in and out and scaring the life out of me. I would definitely not be driving while I was here. I would join the many people on the sidewalks.

It was strange to see such an eclectic group of people. There were women dressed in high fashion and heels and walking like they were on the runway. Men wearing expensive suits and talking on the phone. Women in power suits and then the women in workout clothes. It was fascinating—from afar.

“Here we are,” Timothy said as he pulled the car to a slow stop.

“The Plaza?” I whispered. “This is where I’m staying?”

I couldn’t help but gape in awe at the grandeur of the place. Luxury wasn’t something I was accustomed to, and The Plaza seemed like a world away from the quaint charm of Sleepy Hollow. I did not feel good enough to be entering such an iconic place.

I didn’t have a chance to panic. The door was opened, and I was helped out. Bennet took over, handing the keys to the valet and directing another person to get my bags. Then, seemingly unfazed by the opulence, he led me inside.

The inside was as grand, if not more so than the outside. The marble floor gleamed under the warm lighting, chandeliers hung high above, casting rays of light on the ornate furniture that adorned the lobby. Murmurs of conversations slipped through the air, mixed with gentle laughter and even a faint hint of music from somewhere within the building.

I stopped abruptly, clutching my handbag tighter. Bennet turned and gave me an encouraging smile. “Welcome to The Plaza. Come on; let’s get you checked in.”

I took a moment to breathe. This was all so sudden—a whirlwind of events that had swept me off my feet. I reminded myself to keep my mouth closed as Bennet led me up to the check-in desk and handled the check-in process with ease. While I stood there, trying not to gawk at the gold leaf accents and brilliantly polished chandeliers, Bennet was speaking with the impeccably dressed concierge. With a nod of confirmation, I was given a key.

“Do you need me for anything else?” Bennet asked.

“Uh, I don’t know,” I said. “What am I supposed to do?”

He chuckled. “Check out your room and either Timothy or I will be in touch soon.”

“But where are you going?”

“Home,” he asked. “I have an apartment here.”

I felt like I was being abandoned. But I was a big girl. I could handle this. “Okay.”

“I’ll see you later,” he said. “He’ll get your bag to your room and show you where you’re at.”

A porter appeared to carry my luggage. “Follow me, Miss,” he said with a friendly smile as he picked up the bags.

Bennet gave me an encouraging pat on the back. “You’ll be fine.”

I followed him through the lavish lobby and up to a suite that took my breath away. The room was adorned with plush furnishings and boasted a view of the city skyline that left me feeling like a character in a movie. This was not my life. I didn’t stay in posh hotels that had probably seen the likes of A-list celebrities and powerful politicians.

I tipped the porter and took a minute to look around the room, except it wasn’t just the standard room with a bed and bathroom. It was a suite. I couldn’t help but marvel at the surroundings. It was a stark contrast to my usual world. What was I supposed to do now? Was I supposed to just head out on my own? My idea of shopping was pulling out my laptop, sipping on a glass of wine, and adding shit to carts that I would never actually buy.

My musings were interrupted by a knock on the door. I was met with the sight of Timothy leaning casually against the doorframe, looking sexy as hell.

“Hi.” He smiled. “You made it.”