“That is pretty funny,” I say. “Pink jellybeans and 1000,” I snort softly, “Egyptian thread count.” I chuckle.
“The rest is as per my request,” Bolt says, looking very serious. “Only the jellybeans were a joke.”
Oops! “Oh…” I clear my throat. “Of course. I’m sure 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton is amazing to sleep in.”
“I gave you the same, Miss Shaw,” Roger tells me.
“Thank you.” I’m not sure what else to say. “I can’t wait to slip between the sheets to give them a test drive.” What a stupid thing to say!
I glance at Bolt, and he has that look again. I keep putting my foot in it.
“You have to let us know what your specific preferences are next time and we’ll have everything ready for you,” Roger says, drawing my attention back to him.
“Nothing specific, except that I like flowers,” I mumble.
Roger types something into his phone. “Done,” he says with a smile.
“I’ll see you here in reception at seven,” Bolt says to me.” Did you get my email about our itinerary?”
Email? Itinerary? What?
“Check your emails, Miss Shaw. Next time, you will need to put the itinerary together for our trip.”
“I can do that.” Not! I’m in over my head.
“Don’t worry. You’ll be settled into your role by then and fine…absolutely fine,” he assures me.
I’m not sure I agree but I nod anyway. He starts to walk towards the elevator. “Enjoy your bubble bath.” He looks back over his shoulder at me. I’m sure I imagine it, but I think he winks. Can’t be, though.
“This way, Miss Shaw,” Roger says. “I’m so glad he’s in a good mood today,” I think he says. Is he talking about Bolt? My mouth is still gaping at the comment my boss just made. Did he wink at me? “Miss Shaw?” Roger says, because I can’t seem to take my eyes off the elevator.
“Sorry,” I say. “Right behind you.” I follow Roger. I decide that it wasn’t flirtatious. It’s me. I’m reading into things. Bolt wasn’t interested in Lilian, and she was incredibly beautiful. He also specifically mentioned he doesn’t ‘date’ women he works with. Me included! I need to stop letting my mind run away with me. Bolt is gorgeous, and I’m seriously attracted to him. It’s a problem. He’s being playful and I’m seeing more, but only because I want to see more. I really need to pull myself together and stop my nonsense. I’m sure, given time, I’ll get over this thing I have for my boss. I’ll look back in a couple of weeks – possibly months – and laugh at myself. I look forward to that day.
12
Bolt
“Stay where you are,” I instruct Miss Shaw as we pull up to the restaurant. The driver opens my door, and I get out.
I walk around to her side of the vehicle and open the door for her, offering a hand to help her out. “Fuck!” I snarl under my breath as I see them approach us.
“What’s wrong?” Miss Shaw asks as she gets out of the vehicle.
I let go of her hand. “Paparazzi,” I tell her. “Don’t say a word.”
She nods, her eyes wide. They’re there in a flash…literally…flashes erupt around us. Thankfully there are only three or four of the bastards. I put a hand to Miss Shaw’s back for a second. There are more flashes. Of course there are. I’m pretty sure, come morning, these pictures will be in the papers or one of those gossip rags – the ones on the shelves at checkout counter. They’ll call Miss Shaw my ‘flavor of the day’ or something idiotic like that. Thank god the walk to the entrance is quick.
The hostess from The Black Swan rushes towards me as we step inside the open double doors. We’re still in the public eye. Fuck! Not this again. “Bolt!” she calls like I’m her long-lost lover. “Welcome back to The Black Swan.” Thank fuck she’s not underage. That’s a plus in my book. It doesn’t stop her from gripping my biceps and air-kissing my cheeks. I can hear the