Page 32 of Watching Her

“Evidently so. I have it right here.”

I’d bid five dollars on perhaps the most exquisite abstract painting I’d ever seen in my life. The colors were so bold and so evocative in the depiction of a woman in bondage that I’d barely been able to take my eyes off it. The painting was also massive, something that would take an entire wall to display adequately.

“But I bid five dollars. It was just so I felt good about giving some money to the children.” Now I was embarrassed.

“Sometimes these things work out.”

“I can’t take that on a plane.”

“Oh, that’s no problem. The Triton Group has already provided instructions to ship all the charity items to the winner’s required address. Should I make the arrangements at the address provided for your accommodations?”

I had to try to piece together what he was saying, I was in such shock. “That will be fine.” Holy shit. The painting had to be worth a significant amount of money. This was crazy.

“Alright. I’ll take care of it for you.”

Being unable to feel my feet had occurred more than once. While I started to turn away, I leaned over the counter once again. “Is there anyone in the hotel with the initials C.T. within the events department?”

He seemed perplexed. “Actually, there are a couple people. Charlotte Thomas and Camden Thornberg. Both are in accounting. Is there something wrong?”

“Not at all. Just curious.” Well, that wasn’t helpful.

At least I was heading to the bar to enjoy some time spent with Jasmine and Chantal. Maybe by the end of the evening the daze would wear off.

I found them easily, already indulging in drinks.

“There you are,” Chantal said. “We thought you weren’t coming.”

“Sorry. I had to stop by the front desk. Did you see the charity event going on last night?” I eased onto a chair, immediately searching the faces of the people inside. Maybe I was hoping to catch sight of the mystery man. Mr. Hottie on steroids.

“The big swanky event?” Jasmine commented, rolling her eyes.

“That one. I bid on a gorgeous painting and won.”

Chantal whistled. “Wow. That’s amazing. How much did you bid?”

“Five dollars. It’s crazy. I can’t imagine those people were all cheapskates.” I still couldn’t believe it. Maybe my luck was changing.

“Ah, no,” Jasmine teased. “The people floating around the hotel are some of the richest in the world. Maybe you made an impression on the owner of the painting.”

I sucked in my breath, my thoughts drifting to the handsome stranger all over again. What were the odds? “Perhaps.”

“Didn’t you mention you also had some awesome goodies sent to your room?”

Chantal’s question made me laugh. “Tons of them. I’ll have a hard time packing what’s left.”

“Are you kidding me? Roses? Baskets of food? Who are you and where do I get a knight in shining armor?” Jasmine asked after pushing my arm.

I laughed and scanned the bar, still in hopes of seeing Mr. Hottie once again. “I’m pretty certain it was simply a gesture from someone from the hotel to try and appease me. Nothing more.”

“Still,” Chantal chortled. “You’re very lucky. However, I feel the same little thrill of excitement. I was asked to provide a first chapter of an idea I pitched to the publisher.”

“What? Amazing.” I flagged down the waiter. A drink was definitely in order while taking another scan of the bar. I’d also had the distinct feeling of being watched. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking that Mr. Hottie had me on his radar. Sadly, if he didn’t make an appearance, nothing would happen since I was leaving in the morning.

“And I had an interview that’s going to be seen by several stations all across California.” Jasmine was very excited. I couldn’t blame her.

“Vodka martini,” I ordered. “Extra dry.”

“I think all three of us have something to celebrate. I consider the conference a success.” Chantal sighed. “I couldn’t believe the publisher seemed so interested. We even shared a dance last night.”