Hotel queens, p.33
Hotel Queens, page 33
“You tried?”
“Didn’t you?” Amelia shot back.
Kai laughed. “Of course. But I think two miracles happened at the same time: I was ready for a relationship. And I’ve met my match.”
“Why, Kaida Fisher, are you flirting with me?”
“Heh. I remember when you asked me that at the bar. You came right out and asked.” Kai shook her head. “Should have known then you weren’t like anyone else.”
“I almost left that night. Several times. I’m glad I stayed.”
“Me, too.” Kai aimlessly prodded her salad with her fork. “So what do we do now? I mean aside from the fact I plan to take you to bed soon, and this time, I’m in charge. You got to be bossy last time. I might even try out that idea with you on the desk.” Kai threw her a look so heated, Amelia had to force herself not to squirm.
The idea derailed her entire brain.
“You know, I’m not normally that bossy,” Amelia murmured. “In bed, at least. I surprised myself. There’s something about you.”
“You enjoyed the challenge.”
“I really did.”
They stared at each other.
Amelia’s interest in her meal was forgotten. She wondered if she should suggest abandoning their dinner and…
Kai’s phone beeped. “It’s Milly.” Her playful expression fell away as she read the text. “Mr. Stein has redeployed her to a new position because her current role is now obsolete.”
“Obsolete? I don’t—”
“He’s firing me,” Kai said slowly. “That’s the only explanation. Milly has handed in her notice. She awaits information about my next post.”
Amelia frowned. “Why would your boss fire you? That makes no sen—”
Kai’s phone rang. Mr. Stein. She met Amelia’s eyes. “I’m about to find out. Do you mind if I…?”
“Please, take it.”
Kai’s stomach was in knots. “Mr. Stein.”
“I cannot believe it! You’re screwing her!”
Kai gasped. “What? Who?”
“The Duxton woman.” Mr. Stein’s voice sharpened. “I saw the way you were around each other. The hand. The kiss.” Her boss’s voice was cold. “You slept with her? I cannot allow this!”
“Allow… Mr. Stein, that’s not up to you.”
“You don’t deny it?”
“Do I deny dating a woman who is good, decent, beautiful, and brilliant? No.” Her eyes slid to Amelia.
“She’s a Duxton!”
“Who just exposed all her family’s dirty laundry. Aren’t you happy about that?”
“That just means she has no loyalty. I suppose she’s why you didn’t come straight home?”
“She needed my help with her speech and—”
“Oh, her speech. Sure. I thought you had standards! I won’t tolerate this. We can’t just brush this away.” His voice shook with anger.
Kai’s fingers tightened around her phone. It seemed she’d only ever been on the same page as her boss when they’d both hated all Duxtons. How quickly their bond fell apart when she scratched beneath the surface.
“Let me get this straight: I did one thing you don’t approve of, and you’re done with me?”
“You slept with a Duxton.”
“You’re a hypocrite. How much have you hated being judged for who you choose to have in your bed? You’re doing the same to me.”
“Not the same, Kaida! Attraction isn’t a choice. But you can choose who you screw. I’m done arguing. Dump her and return to New York now, or you’re fired.”
“Haven’t you already fired me? You’ve redeployed Milly!”
“No. Losing her was your punishment for disloyalty. Choose. Right now.”
How had he made Kai’s love life about him? “Fine. I pick Amelia.”
“Now you’re fired.” The phone went dead.
Shocked, Kai lifted her eyes to Amelia. “It seems we’re both at a loose end now.”
“I’m so sorry, Kai.”
“He’s so filled with anger, he can’t see straight. He thinks I’ve lost my mind.” She ground her jaw. “I’m not blameless in this. I’ve been foolish.”
“I don’t follow.”
“One thing I’ve learned as The Closer is how often people see what they want to see. We project onto others our own feelings and thoughts. I’m good at using that to seal a deal, but it turns out I’m blind to it in myself. I always thought of Mr. Stein as family. I convinced myself he felt the same way. I should have known that the only family he wanted was his own.” Her stomach sank. “And that’s on me. He’s always been who he is, and I was so thankful he saved me when I was at rock bottom that I built him into someone else. In reality, he’s no different from everyone else. Flawed and human.”
“It’s hard learning who people really are.”
Kai studied Amelia. “Not for you. You see us all as we are. You don’t add layers to people or indulge in wishful thinking. That’s unique.” She gave a mirthless laugh.
“I don’t know about that. Joe had me fooled.” Embarrassment tinged Amelia’s voice.
“Only because he manipulated you for years. He did that to you.”
“I suppose. I doubt I’m unique, though.”
“Amelia, as someone who spends her days working out what makes people tick, trust me on this. At the bar that first night, you took my measure so precisely, I felt X-rayed. You called me out on all my BS. And it was my best BS, I’ll have you know. Top drawer.”
Amelia smiled. “Should I be disturbed you grade your BS?” She paused and became serious. “What did you mean about Stein being judged for who he has in his bed?”
“I—” Kai might be furious and disappointed with her former boss, but she wasn’t about to out him.
“Has he met some gentleman we’re not supposed to know about?”
“You know about him?”
Amelia frowned. “I know that’s why he didn’t marry Aunt Lilith. She wasn’t bothered. She told me years ago, so I’d know what to expect when I came out to my father. She was right. It wasn’t pleasant.” Amelia waved a hand at Kai’s concerned look. “I dealt with it. What will you do now?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing. I could go anywhere, do anything. With…anyone.”
Amelia smiled. “You know, I find myself with three weeks of vacation. I don’t want to go back home, face jet lag, only to immediately return to the US if I’m asked to be CEO. And I do have a little business in Las Vegas that I want to sort out. Actual business, I mean, not just you.”
Kai laughed. “Just trying to picture you willingly lounging around Vegas for three weeks. What will you do? Hit the Elvis or Mob Museum?”
Amelia offered an arch look. “Who can say what I’ll do?”
“I know you think you’re hilarious, but I’m calling your bluff. I’d pay good money to see uptight Amelia Duxton at some of Vegas’s dodgier delights.”
“You know, I’m not quite as uptight as you think.”
“No, you’re really not.” Kai softened. “You’re about nine-tenths marshmallow inside. And I’ve seen you talking to Imogen, so don’t bother denying it.”
Amelia rolled her eyes. “Baseless speculation.” She sobered. “What a mess. Everything’s falling apart. How did it come to this?”
“I think it’s been coming to a head for years in both our companies. Your speech was just a catalyst to kick off the implosions.”
“Well, partly my speech, and partly your wandering hands,” Amelia said. “Without us becoming intimate, the outcome would have been quite different. Stein wouldn’t have fired you, for a start. But you’re insatiable, so here we are.”
“Me? Need I remind you of when you were working in housekeeping? My God, your hands were inside my robe in two seconds.”
“Not quite how I remember it.”
“Oh?”
“You were virtually daring me to pin you against a wall and have my way with you. You kept playing with the ties on your robe, widening the cleavage…” Heat rose up Amelia’s neck. “I was on the back foot the moment you came on to me.”
“Your defense is feeble. You leapt on me.”
Amelia’s eyebrows rose. “I was helpless to defend myself from your charms. And so much skin. You are breathtaking. What was I to do?”
Kai chuckled. “Why, Ms. Duxton, are you trying to get into my pants?”
Amelia eyed her with interest. “Now that you mention it, yes.”
Kai glanced at a passing waiter. “Check, please!”
Amelia’s eyes gleamed in amusement.
With a smirk, Kai said, “Oh…I have such plans.”
Chapter 27
The Bubble
THREE WEEKS LATER
“That dinner was incredible,” Kai sighed as they waited for the elevator. “I didn’t know it was possible for humans to make so many different types of dumplings. And you! I had no idea you had a dumplings fetish. My God, when you were discussing the balance of finely minced beef infused with garlic and ginger in the chef’s gyoza, I thought you were about to come.”
Amelia sniffed. “You like tragic dance TV shows, I like steamed dumplings from around the world. Everyone’s different.”
Kai laughed. “You’re so full of surprises. And dance shows aren’t tragic. You’re sounding delusional. But anyway,” Kai said quickly as Amelia looked about to argue, “thanks for taking me out tonight. It was amazing.”
“It was my pleasure. Besides, you suggested all our other activities.” Amelia’s eyes narrowed a little. “Did we have to do all those silly museums?”
“You’re not still mad about what happened at the erotic museum, are you?” Kai’s eyes lit up.
“I was never mad,” Amelia said as the doors opened with a ding to an empty elevator. “I was unimpressed. There’s a difference.” She stabbed the button for their floor with force.
“Come on, it was funny. I laughed my ass off when you shredded the guest lecturer for calling vibrators ‘penis substitutes.’”
“How that stuffed-shirt could claim to be an expert on women’s self-pleasure is beyond me. Also, vibratorologist isn’t a real job.” Amelia glowered. “I simply informed him of that fact.”
“That’s my girl—causing chaos in a sex museum.”
“Did you or did you not tell me not to stand by while evil occurs?” Amelia gave her a playful look. “Don’t blame me for following your advice.”
“That was evil you were defeating? Heckling the vibrator guy?” Kai laughed. “But it was a vacation highlight for me for sure. I loved seeing you so fired up about something. It’s fantastic. Very sexy. Oh, and did you hear the round of applause from all the women in the group? They loved you.”
“Uh-huh.”
The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened. Amelia groaned inwardly. Of all the people to meet when she was out with Kai. She braced herself as a certain nosy sex mistress entered.
“Ms. Carson. We meet again,” Amelia said stiffly.
“We definitely do.” Monique’s gaze ran all over Kai. “So this is the one?”
“The one what?” Kai asked.
“Did you know when I first met Amelia, she was wound up tighter than a drum?” Monique asked.
“I’d hardly say—” Amelia began.
“No denials—you were.” Monique’s eyes sparkled. “Do you have her swinging from the chandeliers, darling?” she asked Kai. “Good for you.”
“Not your business,” Amelia reminded her.
“I suppose not,” Monique said with a wave. “Shame. I’d love to know more about who puts that glint in your eyes. You look a lot less like a rubber band about to snap.”
“I am on vacation.”
“Is that what they call it now? Anyway,” Monique added conspiratorially, “you two make a divine couple. You could be on a magazine cover: Gorgeous corporate ladies who love the ladies.” She winked.
Amelia sighed.
The door opened at the sixth floor, sparing her a reply. Monique left with a wave and a suggestion that Amelia call her to discuss “any other business” that was on her mind.
Kai stared after her curiously. “What was that all about?”
“That’s Monique. She’s best ignored. She loves to bait me for her amusement.”
“What did she mean when she said, ‘So this is the one?’”
“She’s been trying to work out whether I’ve acquired a lover. She’s intrusive like that.”
“Is she some ex?”
“God, no. Monique’s a guest I met when I was undercover. She has a fascinating job and I’ve been talking to her about it recently. She’s the head of Carson Investments.” As an afterthought, Amelia added, “Oh, and she’s also semi-retired and runs a CEO-sex-fantasy business for female clients out of her suite in her downtime.”
Kai blinked, then burst into laughter. “That’s so you.”
“Excuse me?”
“Only you would think her fascinating job is the one involving investments.”
“Well, the other one is of little interest to me—even if she did try to recruit me once.” Amelia gave the faintest shudder.
“I’ll bet.”
“You don’t…” Amelia paused uncertainly, “think I’m interested in her, do you? Are you jealous?”
“Those are two separate questions.” The elevator came to a stop on their floor. They exited. “Am I jealous of the MILF sex-goddess with eyes that roam all over you as if she appreciates the promised land as much as I do?”
Amelia wondered what a MILF was.
“Yes, of course I feel a bit territorial,” Kai said. “If she stood any closer to you, I’d have considered my more juvenile options, like sliding my hand around your waist and pulling you hard against me.” She laughed. “But do I think you’re interested in her? I don’t. I trust you. The first time we met you were very clear that cheating for you is like lying.”
“It’s worse. Why betray people when you can just be open and honest?” Amelia sounded genuinely puzzled.
“I love that I always know where I stand with you.”
“Of course. If you ever want to know my true thoughts on anything, all you have to do is ask.”
“Anything?” Kai teased, as she flipped her key card against the door panel. “Oh, the possibilities.”
Amelia followed her into their suite. “I can’t imagine what you’re dying to know.”
“Nothing major. I was actually wondering about Imogen yesterday. That bond you share. Is it because she’s like you? Really smart?”
“Yes, she’s gifted,” Amelia said with a soft smile. “Simon gave up quite early trying to relate to her and outsourced that side of things to me. It’s no hardship engaging with someone so full of curiosity. And I also understand how it feels when you don’t have someone who understands you.”
“You were a misunderstood kid?”
“We moved around a lot, hotel to hotel, when my father was building up his business. It was impractical for me to be in school. I was educated by tutors and had no friends. I felt like I was bursting out of my skin wanting to know so many things, and my tutors treated my intelligence and interest in everything around me as tedious. When I see that same frustration in other children, my heart goes out to them. I was determined Imogen wouldn’t feel that way. I love her very much.”
Kai leaned back against the door to their suite. “I just realized you don’t talk of love often.”
“No.” Amelia wandered toward the chairs by the window. “Come enjoy the view with me?”
“Sure. And I mention love all the time.” Kai joined Amelia. In front of them, brightly lit buildings and billboards fought the night’s blackness. “I say I love this outfit or that person or that style. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard you say it once.”
“It’s an important word. I only use it when I want to invoke all its power.” She held Kai’s eye. “So, when I tell someone that I love them, they’ll know I’ve thought about it a great deal and I mean it with every fiber of my being.”
Kai’s eyes widened. “When you say it? Not if?”
Amelia’s eyes became half-lidded. “When, not if.” She willed herself not to add anything more. It was too soon. Even so, her heart was thundering at the thought of what Kai might make of her half-admission.
“That’s good to know,” Kai said with a fond look. “I’m sure anyone told that would be over the moon.”
“Anyone?”
“Well, not anyone. But…” Kai fiddled with her watch. “Anyone who felt the same way would.”
Amelia smiled as relief flowed through her. “Well, yes. That is good to know.”
An awkward silence fell. Because how do you follow up an almost-conversation on love? And they hadn’t even discussed what would happen after tonight. Three weeks ago, they’d made an unspoken agreement not to let the outside world—with its looming votes and board meetings—ruin their vacation.
Kai stretched a little. “Damn. We’re going to have to leave our bubble soon.”
Amelia sighed. “Unfortunately. I never thought I’d actually not want to leave Las Vegas. It’s been a welcome break these few weeks.”
“Aren’t you nervous about what the board will do?” Kai glanced at her watch. “I mean, in just under forty minutes, you could be CEO of a multinational company in charge of hundreds of thousands of employees. Me, I couldn’t be just lying around after dining out, waiting for the outcome. I’d be reviewing whether I’d done enough, and number-crunching allies.”
“You know I couldn’t actively campaign with the board because of my deal with Dad. I have, however, been approached by four board members at various times in the past few weeks to inquire about my status. I told them all the same thing: I’d be willing to become CEO and I’m the best option, but I’d only take the job if Dad asked me. I’m not interested in a coup.”
