bit.
“Of course. That would make sense that your sister would learn at least a few words of German to interact with her clients.”
I search his eyes to see if he might turn out to be like so many of the other guys who were instantly smitten by Ciara, but I can’t see anything. I cannot read that spark I usually see in other men.
“Let’s go to our room. I’m tired.” Bryce has already moved on and to my relief, he doesn’t seem to want to know more about Ciara.
Once we climb into the elevator, Bryce concludes the topic of my sister.
“The way you describe her, your sister sounds like quite the catch. I’m sure she turns heads when she walks into a room, but I also think you’re underestimating yourself, Amanda.”
I curl my lips up, trying to smile.
“We have adjacent rooms and different keys. Our bags will be up soon. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to call the front desk. The service here is impeccable. I’d suggest setting your alarm or getting a wakeup call for six-thirty. I’d like to meet for breakfast no later than quarter past seven to go over our day. Have a good night, Amanda.”
Before I can respond, he’s turned on his heel in direction of his room. I stand in the hallway for a few seconds, still staring at his closed door. Something about the tone of his parting words makes me feel more and more like an escort for hire. It’s a strange feeling considering that’s what I signed up for.
This is business. He’s not your boyfriend.
I open my room and the swankiest hotel room I’ve ever seen in my life greets me. I spend ten minutes walking around my room, jaw-dropped at what money can buy. When I travel, I usually select budget-friendly hotels and that means I’m never exposed to this kind of luxury. I peek outside, trying to catch a glimpse of the view I’ll discover in the morning, but since it’s so dark, I can only make out the silhouette of the buildings surrounding the hotel.
In a few hours, I’ll be able to take in all of Paris.
I hear a knock at the door. A handsome young Frenchman drops off my luggage in my room and, before I can tip him, he runs back outside and comes back with a large box adorned with a huge purple bow.
“C’est de la part de l’hôtel?” I ask the bellhop if the hotel is offering me a welcome gift.
“Ah, Madame parle un français impeccable. Monsieur Van Der Linden m’a demandé de vous remettre cette boîte une fois que j’ai déposé vos bagages dans votre chambre.” Bryce asked him to give me this box once I was in possession of my luggage.
When did he find time to orchestrate this?
I grab my handbag, ready to tip the adorable Frenchman, when he waves a finger. “Madame, ce n’est pas nécessaire. Monsieur Van Der Linden a tout prévu. Passez une bonne nuit, Madame, et bon séjour au Mandarin Oriental.”
Bryce has already tipped the bellhop and I’m sure Monsieur Van Der Linden has made it worth his while. I thank the Frenchman, lock the door behind him and lean against the closed door admiring this huge white box.
I know this escort thing is just a job to help me get out of my financial nightmare, but I couldn’t have asked for a better first client. No matter what’s in that box, Bryce has spent more time thinking of ways to bring me pleasure than any other men I’ve known so far. After a few minutes, I can’t stand the suspense any longer and undo the big bow and lift the lid of the box.
This is beyond magnificent.
The label reads Carine Gilson Lingerie Couture Paris . Bryce bought me the sexiest orange nightgown with pink lace I’ve ever seen and I also find an assortment of superb Carine Gilson lingerie, each piece more beautiful than the last. Bryce has selected lace bras, sheer panties and garter belts in a variety of seductive colors. I pull out a few pieces to admire them and I can’t help but notice that Bryce bought far more sets than the number of days we’ll stay in Paris.
I wonder what he has