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Chapter 13.
Nicky.
THE MAN IN FRONT OFme blinked, before his jaw dropped. “Ah... can I help you, sir?”
I glanced around quickly in an attempt to gain my bearings. Recognition washed over me.Damn it.I’d been to this hotel countless times before and I automatically responded. “I’m Nicholas Shaw,” I said, using my pseudonym.
“Oh, yes sir, of course,” the concierge said, tapping away on his computer. “Yes, I see you’re booked into the penthouse for the week. Do you have any bags with you today?”
Bags? Crap.I looked down at my feet as my suitcase manifested by magic. Jaydy’s magic to be exact. “Yes. Just the one.”
The concierge handed me a key card. “Excellent, sir. You’re all paid up, so please, enjoy your stay. And if you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to call down to reception.”
I nodded at him. and
A bell boy rushed over promptly to help me with my bag.
I smiled at him and waved him off. “I’m fine, but thank you. I know the way.” I picked up my suitcase, my head and heart heavy as I made my way toward the elevator. Everything was familiar. From the polished marble floors in the picturesque lobby, to the plush carpet that lined the hallways.
I managed to hold it together until I set foot inside the penthouse, the ridiculously large and flawlessly opulent suite making a mockery of my dour mood. Tossing my suitcase onto the white couch, I paced around the room. “What a fucking mess!”How had things gone so exceptionally wrong?
One moment I’d been on top of the world. Jaydy and I had been sharing soul shattering sex and I’d proposed marriage, convinced that I’d finally found my Mrs. Claus. The women I’d been waiting for all these long years—the woman of my dreams—the woman who fulfilled my fairy tale. And the next thing I knew, everything had gone to hell in a fucking handbasket in a simply spectacular fashion. Now, I was standing in the bachelor pad I’d booked a year in advance.
I stomped to the windows, arms crossed over my chest, and stared out at the beautiful Vancouver skyline. I’d been dreaming about this day for months. Having been alone all year, starved of affection and sex, the thing that had kept me going was knowing that soon I’d be surrounded by women; one of which I loosely thought might one day become my wife. Or at least, that’s what I’d hoped at the time.
Now, though? My heart ached like a cosmic fist had squeezed the very life out of it, until there were just no beats left in it.
But the way I saw it was, I had a few choices left. This misunderstanding hurt more than I imagined it would. I’d never really felt anything like it, and I didn’t want to go on in pain like this. The thought of having had Jaydy in my grasp, only to lose her was too much. Perhaps I could forget that Fate had sent me a beautiful woman to adore, and simply assume a huge mistake had been made? A galactic fuck-up of sorts...
There was a knock at the door and a bolt of hope shot through me. Maybe it was Jaydy? Had she realised she’d made a huge mistake in letting her temper get the better of her, and had decided to join me for a week of fun in Vancouver? Surely, she’d like the massive jacuzzi and unlimited drinks? It’d go a short way to diffusing the situation we’d found ourselves in at least.
When I opened the door, it was the bell hop. Disappointment punched me in the gut hard. “Oh, yes, James?”
“I was sent up to ask if you needed anything sir? Tickets to the new plays in town, perhaps? There’s a concert on tomorrow night and our club will be hot tonight. Doors open at eleven.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall, my stomach dropping at the very idea of going out on the prowl for women. My body could probably do it. I was young and fit, and my sexuality had never failed me before; but my heart wasn’t in it. “Thanks, James,” I said, beginning to shut the door. “I think I’ll just stay in tonight. I’ve had a big couple of days.”
“Of course, sir,” the bell hop said. “Sleep well,” he added and walked away.
Shutting the door, I ventured into the master bedroom. I stopped and stared at the huge California king. I’d had so many women on that bed over the years, I couldn’t even remember them all. They had been a tonic for my soul, medicine for my lonely heart, and food for my starving body. They’d been what I needed to get through the rigorous duty that was being Santa Claus.
But now, everything ached and not in need of another strange woman. I wanted Jaydy—fiery red-headed temper and all. But I couldn’t do anything about it tonight, even if I wanted to. I had no transportational power, not like the myths suggested I had anyway. I couldn’t tap my nose and will myself back to the North Pole any more than I could magic up a team of reindeer to whisk me away in a big red sleigh.
I’d have to call my elves tomorrow and get a flight back. Or something. At this point I didn’t know what the hell I was going to do. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten dinner and I was starving. I walked over to the phone and ordered room service.I might as well enjoy the hotel while I’m here.
I ducked off to have a quick shower while I waited for dinner to arrive, answering the door with only a towel wrapped around my waist. I’d been expecting James, but it wasn’t the male bellhop. It was Tiffany.
“Hello Nicky,” she purred, pushing the silver cart into my room. Her long blonde hair fell in waves around her shoulders and her heavily made-up eyes twinkled with mischief in my direction.
