Mid Life Love (Mid Life Love #1)(134)

My heart was racing and my palms were beginning to sweat. I swallowed, looking all around the room. “Yes...” I panicked. “She’s over by the bar...”

He nodded his head slowly, saying “I’m done,” with his eyes. “Thank you very much...I guess I didn’t notice her walk by us...All differences aside,” he said as he reached out for Damien’s hand, “that was one hell of a demonstration you put on this afternoon. I wish I had thought of that wireless addition first.”

Damien shook his hand. “Thank you very much. That actually means a lot coming from you. Wait, you’re not going to try and steal it from me are you?”

“No. I already tried to steal what I wanted.” He reached out for my hand and shook it. “It was very nice seeing you again, Miss Gracen. I wish you both well.” And with that, he walked away.

“Hmmm. Maybe he is becoming classier.” Damien laughed. “Would you like to continue our dance now?”

“Yes...” My voice cracked.

As he pulled me close and swayed me to the music, I buried my head in his chest and held back tears.

Why didn’t I just say “She’s right here? I’m sorry Damien, but I’m in love with Jonathan...I want to be with him.” Why couldn’t I just say that?

I’d been playing that scene in my mind all night, wishing I could rewind time and take what I said back. I even went looking for Jonathan after the ball ended, attempting to get a do over, but his security guards wouldn’t let me get close enough.

I sniffled against my pillow for the umpteenth time and felt Damien moving his arms from around me.

“Claire?” He stepped out of bed and hit the lights. “Why are you crying?”

“I’m not...I’m not crying...” I choked back another sob. “My allergies just make it look that way sometimes...”

“Would you like me to have room service bring you something?”

“No...”

“I can make you some tea.” He sat on the edge of the bed and caressed my hand. “Would you like some?”

I sniffled. “Sure... Um, would you mind if I went down to the gift shop for a second?”

“What do you need? I can have someone bring it up.”

“Benadryl, but I could use the walk...Alone...”

He reached over me and pulled a few Kleenex off the nightstand. “Come here.” He pulled me up by my arms so I was sitting upright. “When you get back from the shop, I want you to tell me the truth about why you’re crying, okay? Whatever it is, I want to know. I can fix it if you let me.”

No, you can’t...“Okay,” I murmured as he placed a kiss on my forehead. “I’ll be right back.”

I slid out of the bed and grabbed my robe. I waited until I saw him disappear into the kitchen and walked out of the suite.

As soon as the door shut, I ran down the hallway—straight to the elevators. I knew Jonathan was staying in the presidential suite—I’d overheard someone mention that at the ball, so I hoped I could catch him before he went to sleep.

I pressed “PS” once I stepped onto the elevator and tried to calm my shaking hands as it moved from floor to floor.

The doors opened and I prepared to run down the hall, but I was greeted by a bellman in an all-white suit. “Good evening Miss. How may I help you?”

“I need to see Jonathan Statham.”

“Do you have an access key for this floor?”

“No...”

“Well, I’m afraid I can’t let you go any further ma’am. This is an access only floor. Perhaps if you called his handler and asked to be placed on the approved visitors list...” His voice trailed off.

“I really need to see him. It’s important.”

“My hands are tied, Miss. I can’t just let anyone beyond that door.” He motioned to the door that hid the rest of the floor from view. “It’s for presidential suite guests and approved visitors only. It’s not up for discussion.”

I broke down in tears. “Please, just...I know you don’t know me at all, but I have to talk to him. It’s a matter of—”

“Would you like me to call him for you?” He looked concerned.

I nodded and he pulled a phone out of his pocket.

“Mr. Statham, this is Mr. Collins. I’m the bellman on your floor and I’m calling because—Yes, my daughter did receive those chocolates you sent yesterday. Thank you very much...Ah, yes I’m calling because I have a woman here to see you. She says it’s important, but we have a strict policy on presidential suite guests...” He looked up at me. “What’s your name Miss?”

“Claire Gracen.”

“Her name is Claire Gracen, Mr. Statham...Yes...Oh, I see...Well, thank you sir. I apologize for interrupting your night. I’ll see you in the morning.” He put his phone back in his pocket. “He said he’s not familiar with you, Miss Gracen. I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave now. He’s a very valued guest and I don’t want to upset him any further.”

“He does know me! I’m his—”

“He said he’s never heard of you before, Miss. Those were his words verbatim. Now, please leave before I call security.”

My heart crumbled.