Private Relations Read Online Free Page B

fantastic,” he said. “I couldn’t believe Piper went into the family business, but when I saw this place, I knew it was perfect for her.”
    “Have you seen Piper since you moved to New York?” She knew darned well he hadn’t. Piper would have told her.
    “No, I haven’t seen her,” he confirmed.
    “I’m sure you’ll get a chance this weekend.”
    Light conversation kept them going until the elevator arrived with quiet promptness, as though it took the name of the hotel it serviced seriously.
    In the dim elevator with its mirrored walls, Kit studied Peter surreptitiously. He seemed a nice-looking stranger. The kind of man she’d certainly give a second glance. He’d be twenty-seven now, and definitely all grown up. Living in exotic places, or maybe the responsibility of his job, had given him an air of sophistication that was admittedly sexy. She could pretend he was an attractive stranger—if only he didn’t smell so bloody familiar.
    He’d dumped her without a moment’s hesitation, but three years later he remained faithful to his Polo for men?
    “Did you choose my room?”
    “Of course. I think it’s the best suite in the hotel.”
    “I’ve never seen a suite so ideally designed for lovers,” he said.
    Her heart might have skipped a tiny beat when he looked at her significantly on the last word, but she reacted smoothly. “Yes. Piper Devon has a vision. This hotel is a sensual retreat in a crazy world. It’s perfect for new lovers, old married couples or singles. Everyone gets pampered and maybe gets a chance to try something new.”
    The elevator indicated they were at the lobby. She led the way toward Amuse Bouche, then paused. “Would you like a drink at the bar before dinner?” She gestured to Erotique, adjacent to the restaurant.
    “No, thanks. Maybe later.”
    She nodded and, after giving Dee, her favorite bartender, a discreet wave, she headed to the restaurant. “You are about to have your palate pampered. Our chef, Jacob Hill, is the hottest in the city. Piper lured him from L.A. and did New York a huge favor.”
    The dining room was full, which she’d expected, but still she breathed a tiny sigh of relief. With the Times coming, she wanted Amuse Bouche to appear hip, intimate and packed.
    “Good evening, Ms. Prestcott. Mr. Garson,” Walter, the maître d’, said, never showing a hint of surprise that Kit herself was dining with their winner. Walter promptly led them to a table for two, which had the appearance of being nestled in a private alcove due to the clever use of screens. On the way, she waved to a couple of diners whom she knew would want to be recognized. There were two couples present who were the sort that didn’t care to be seen or fussed over. To them, she was blind. Still, she scanned the room quickly to see that everything looked perfect.
    It did, of course. The chef was as much of a perfectionist as she was herself.
    “Well,” she said when they were seated. “You have a choice. You can order anything off the menu or our amazing chef can surprise us.”
    He sent her a half grin and it stopped her cold. He’d been a good-looking guy in his mid-twenties, but three years later, he looked even better. She had a feeling he’d continue improving for a good while yet. “Maybe you’ve had enough surprises for one day.”
    “I love surprises. Speaking of which, wait until I give you the full tour of the hotel after dinner. I think you’ll be impressed at all the innovations Piper’s thought up. She is absolutely amazing.”
    “I’m sure she is.”
    “And this weekend you are going to be so pampered you won’t know what hit you.”
    “As I recall, the contest said this weekend was about having anything I want.”
    “Within the law, of course,” she said with a small laugh, hating the way she felt with his eyes resting on her so warmly.
    “What I want is for you to drop the PR gal routine and talk to me.”
    Fortunately, the sommelier chose that moment