Moonlighter (The Company, #1)(37)

“Oh, but I did,” Eric says with a chuckle.

“Be grateful,” I snap, hopping out of bed.

“Apologies, my queen!” Bingley says. “We are in an unfamiliar time zone. And my instructions are such that—”

“I know. Later, Bingley.” This is entirely my fault. I dart into the bathroom without another word.

As I pass the giant mirror on the way to the shower, I see a pink-faced woman with sex-mussed hair. It’s going to take more than twenty-one minutes to fix this disaster.

Bingley’s right—I am a queen. The queen of wrecking all my own plans.





13





Eric





For a moment I just lie there in the bed, my body heavy with extreme sexual gratification. I feel a little stunned, like a bird who has just flown into a window pane. I’ve been flattened by something I didn’t see coming.

Also, Alex has stolen the bathroom, which just figures. She’s sexy, delicious, and occasionally infuriating.

I heave myself up out of the bed and wander into the living room. There’s another bathroom here, with a shower, too. Of course there is. The super rich never wait for anything. I turn on the spray and help myself to the luxury bath products on offer.

When I emerge a few minutes later, I smell like coconuts. I feel a little nutty so that’s only fair. In my towel, I wander over to the house phone and contemplate a room service order. Alex probably doesn’t have time to wait for it. Then again, the woman really likes her food…

I’m just reaching for the phone when there’s a very brisk knock on the door. It’s enough to set off that shrieking alarm, so my eardrums nearly split before I get to the door and hit the off button. My towel lands around my ankles, damn it.

“Okay, thanks for that,” I grumble, grabbing my towel and opening the door.

I was expecting Gunnar or Pieter, but a startled stranger blinks back at me. “Wait. Is this Alex’s room?” demands a young man dressed in a pink button-down shirt and khakis.

“That depends,” I tell this harmless creature. “On who you are.”

“Who am I?” he sniffs. “Who are you?” His eyes travel down my mostly naked body, taking in the towel I’m holding closed with one hand. “Not that I mind the view. But what are you doing in Alex’s room?”

“I’m Eric, her big jealous boyfriend.”

“Like hell,” he snorts. “I’m Rolf, her all-knowing assistant. I’ve never seen you before. And you’re not her type.”

“She’s making some changes.” I lean menacingly against the door frame. “Let’s see some ID.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” He pulls out his wallet. “It’s you who’s the suspicious one.”

Someone laughs in the hallway, and it sounds like Gunnar. That fucker is just enjoying the drama.

Rolf flashes me a corporate ID with his name on it and then pushes past. “Seriously, who are you?”

“I told you already.”

He shakes his head. “Alex doesn’t have a boyfriend. Not since that turd Jared.”

At least Rolf and I are on the same page about something. “You’ll have to take up your questions with her.” I don’t need to argue with this kid. She can tell him whatever version of the truth she wants.

Speaking of Alex—she comes flying out of the bedroom in a flowered dress and sandals. Her hair is smooth, and she’s wearing lipstick.

“Holy hell. That’s a goddamn magic trick. Not fifteen minutes ago you were—”

She cuts me off with a warning glare. “Do not finish that sentence.”

“Alex,” Rolf says. “Who is this dude?”

“Long story,” she says.

“Quite long indeed,” I say just to be an ass. “Massive.”

That gets me an eye roll from Alex. “Rolf, please tell me that bag you’re carrying has coffee in it.”

“A half-decaf coffee with two percent milk and an almond croissant. But I haven’t decided yet if I’m giving it to you. I don’t like to be out of the loop.”

She stops in front of him. “Rolf, you’re a genius, a lifesaver, and I treasure you. I will fill you in as soon as possible.”

“That’s better.” He hands her the bag.

“How’s your grandmother?” Alex asks.

“The same. They say she needs nursing care. I shouldn’t even be in Hawaii right now.”

There’s a tap on the door, and then Gunnar steps in. “Ready? We’d better head down.”

I look down at my towel. “Guys, I need a minute.”

“You’re not coming,” Gunnar says. “We’re keeping the threat level high, so I’m escorting her today. It looks less weird to have the bodyguard sit through the meetings. We don’t want to blow your cover.” He turns toward the door. “You’re on for dinner, though.”

“Oh. Well,” I say uselessly.

“Later, boyfriend,” Alex says

Within five seconds, they’re all gone. I get one more curious look from Rolf before the door clicks shut, leaving me standing mostly naked in a hotel room I never planned to visit. I feel a little slutty, if I’m honest. Like a high-priced escort.