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The memories flashed, and I shivered with delight. I wasn’t about to let him know the effect he had on me though. “One night does not cancel out all the stuff I found on Google.”
“You and your infamous Google searches. You can’t always believe everything you read online or in the tabloids, Ms. Moretti. Most of it’s just fodder to boost sales.”
I crossed my eyes and stuck out my tongue. “Mm-hmm.”
Michael took my hand in his as he led me under a row of curved archways. This simple gesture made my insides flutter with anticipation.
I was just as impressed with the hotel’s interior as I had been with the exterior. The enormous foyer was lined with white marble floors upon which sat huge black and gold planters filled with leafy parlor palms, lady palms, spiky yucca trees, and fiddle leaf figs. Other smaller decorative containers filled with orchids, bromeliads, and hibiscus stood atop large glass tables.
“Mr. Blaire! So nice to see you again. And so soon,” the front desk girl, her name tag readingNicole, said, flashing a toothy smile, her face lighting up at Michael’s arrival.
“Will you let Mr. O’Halloran know we’re here?”
“We?” she asked, a hint of surprise in her voice as she looked at me and realized he wasn’t alone. “Oh, yes. Right away.” Recovering from her obvious shock, she smiled meekly at me. Nicole may have regained her composure, but I sensed some disappointment. I couldn’t help the twinge of irritation as she eye-fucked Michael, pushing a line on the phone.
“He’ll be right out, Mr. Blaire,” she said a little too cheerfully. I liked neither her tone nor the seductive glances she was sending Michael.
“Thanks.” He seemed unaffected by her flirtation.
“Thank you, Nicole,” I said, ready to link my arm through Michael’s. Instead, he grabbed my hand and placed a sweet kiss on it before turning us around and guiding me to a sitting area full of plush couches and wing-backed chairs in dark grey fabrics.
“Thanks,” he said as we sat down and I dug into my purse, retrieving a small makeup bag. “You saved me.”
“I did? From what?”
“From the receptionist.”
“Oh?” I was trying to hide my reaction to Nicole’s obvious interest. My chest felt tight and hot. I didn’t like the fact that some flirty bimbo could trigger these feelings in me. I didn’t like it even more that I couldn’t deny that I was, in fact, just the teensiest bit jealous.
“Yeah, she’s a little too . . . What’s the word?” He raked a hand through his hair.
I swiped my lips with candy pink gloss. “Obvious?” I smacked my lips together. “Eager? Desperate?”
“Desperate,” he said a little too loudly, his word echoing in the wide-open space. I laughed at his bug-eyed expression. “Her. Not you.”
I patted his knee.
“She’s a nuisance. Has been since I first met her. I’ve politely declined her previous invitations. And still . . .”
I leaned in, eyes wide. “Ah, don’t tell me Mr. Popular is surprised.”Damn, he smells good.I wanted to lick up one side and down the other. “You’re used to it. Don’t play.”
“Good thing I have you here as mybeard.”
I smacked him on his arm. “I am not yourbeard!”
“Well, for all she knows, you and I are quite serious.” He wrapped his arm around me, leaned in to kiss me. “Come on, let’s show her how serious we are.” He waggled his eyebrows, smiled that panty-dropper smile.
“Get outta here!” I playfully shoved him, then silently begged him to take me right then and there in a passionate and unquestionableHands-off, bitch!kind of kiss.
“Suit yourself,” he said smugly. “You know you want it.”
“You’re ludicrous.” I tried shrugging off my true feelings. I needed something to occupy my thoughts. I turned in my chair, looking around the space, noting how luxurious and gorgeous it all was.
Michael cleared his throat and tapped my knee, bringing my attention back. He stood, holding his hand out to me, as a tall, impeccably dressed man made his way over.
“Michael!” he hailed, clasping Michael’s hand in his before clapping him on the back. “Brother! So glad to see you again.” He turned his head toward me meeting my eyes. “Ms. Moretti, I presume. I’m Jax,” he said, holding his hand out to me.
“Siena, please,” I said, awestruck by his dazzling dark blue eyes and undeniable attractiveness. His hand was soft and warm, his shake firm. He was gorgeous. Not gorgeous like Michael, but,Oh my!I could see now why Michael was so adamant about coming up here with me. Jax O’Halloran was tall, a few inches shorter than Michael, but he still stood inches above me. His shoulders were broad like he lifted weights or played football or maybe swam the 200-meter butterfly. He filled out the lines of his suit like it was tailor-made for him. His shirt brought out the blue of his eyes. His skin was tanned, making his eyes seem even brighter. He clearly took exceptionally good care of himself—his skin and his body were flawless.
