Gorgeous: Book One (Gorgeous #1) - Lisa Shelby Page 0,24

with pride.

"Well, if you're sure, then I'll leave you to it and give you a few hours to settle before we meet for dinner. We didn't really have much of a lunch, so I called ahead and made sure you had fruit, cheese, and some other things to snack on before dinner."

"Thank you, that was very kind of you, sir."

My hand is on the door, and there is no reason left for me to stay. It's time to go.

"I'll see you at dinner then."

She nods and her lack of conversation tells me she’s ready for me to take my leave. Once in the hall, I take the stairs up the one floor to the Penthouse, and I can't help but think to myself how else I can continue to impress her and, more importantly, continue to bring that smile to her gorgeous face.

Once in my room, I call the concierge and set the rest of the evening in motion. "Mr. Cross, good afternoon..."

8

Olivia

I disconnect my call with Bryce, feeling like I've just hung up with the utility company instead of my boyfriend. I'm surprised he didn't ask me if I wanted to take a survey to rate my satisfaction with our call before we hung up. Our calls, as always, feel transactional and forced. I know it's wrong, but I don't feel anything close to what I felt ten minutes ago when I received a text from my new boss.

A simple text telling me what time dinner would be and to wear a cocktail dress was all it took for my heart to flutter like it never has before.

I've always known Bryce wasn't the one, but he is easy, and we don't need anything from each other, other than occasional companionship. As far as science nerds go, he's pretty hot, but he isn't very sexual. Our sex is also somewhat transactional, and sometimes I feel like he would rather be working than actually be in the moment with me when we are in bed.

I know I could have ended it long ago, and I have had other offers, but the thought of meeting someone new or losing the safe stability of being with Bryce has been reason enough for me to stick with it. It would be nice to be desired, but I've spent so much of my life with a small level of fear always just under the surface, looking over my shoulder and simply trying to get through life day by day, that worrying about a relationship and the complications that come with it, isn't something I’m interested in.

What I am interested in, is this amazing hotel I'm lucky enough to be staying at. The idea that maybe one day I will get to plan an event here myself is pretty exciting! As beautiful as my room is, I can't wait to check out more of the property. I know it's early and dinner isn't for quite some time, but I can't help it. I'm going to get ready now and then take a nice stroll in the gardens and see what visions for future events come to mind.

I bop along to the music coming from my phone while I take my shower and get ready. I spend a little extra time on my hair and make-up, all the while telling myself that I'm not doing it for him. Nope, that would just be silly. He's my boss and that's all.

Taking a look at the clothes hanging in my hotel closet, I know my clothes aren't really up to the standards of the designer suits my boss wears, but working in the event industry means I have lots of subtle, little, black, cocktail dresses, but I'd say I'm due for a few new items. After I get my first paycheck and find an apartment, I have to make sure I take myself shopping. I know I have a lot of student loan debt to pay down, but moving to EVC has given me quite the pay raise, and I've earned a day of splurging!

What I have with me will do, so I grab my favorite little, black dress and leisurely stroll into the bathroom. I really could sit on my balcony all day and stare at the view or read a good book, but I didn't go on my run this morning so a walk around the property will do me some good. I usually feel a little jittery if I haven't exercised. It clears my head and