Chapter 5 #2
I loved coming up with new, creative ways to elevate our guests’ experiences, like pillow menus and custom scents.
I always tried to celebrate our employees too.
They were just as important as the amenities we provided.
Our employees made the hotel feel like a retreat, a sanctuary, a home away from home.
We consistently had some of the highest employee satisfaction ratings in the industry.
In any industry. And it wasn’t solely because we paid a higher-than-average wage.
We treated our employees like family because that’s what they were.
It was something I’d always overseen, and something I’d prided myself on.
But now that I was running the company, I no longer had the luxury of focusing on the finer details.
“I’m not sure anyone’s told you this,” she said, “but being the CEO means you’re the boss. You get to do what you want.”
I chuckled, guiding us back down to the helipad on the roof of the Huxley Grand. Back to where we’d started. “So you’d think.”
“You miss your old role,” she said in a matter-of-fact tone. It was an observation, not a question.
I met her gaze as the propeller came to a halt. Our eyes locked and held. “There are a lot of things I miss.”
Her eyes searched mine, different emotions flitting through. And then she bit her lip and looked away. I wanted to kiss her so damn bad.
I didn’t know how Graham had done it all these years. Served as CEO. Put aside his wants and his needs to do what was best for the company.
It was fucking exhausting.
Staying away from Halle was fucking exhausting, and we weren’t even a few days in. She’d wanted to keep things professional, and I agreed it was for the best. It was far from what I wanted, even if I knew it was necessary—for her, for me, for the company.
I shut off the aircraft and went around to open Halle’s door for her, resigned.
“Will you take a picture for me?” she asked, surprising me. Then she tacked on, “For Kai.”
“Of course.”
I held up her phone, snapping a few shots before discreetly AirDropping my favorite one to myself. Halle looked so confident and carefree. She was on top of the world, and I hadn’t seen her this happy, maybe ever. At least not since last summer.
I wanted to believe it had something to do with me, but I had a feeling it had more to do with the art. Halle had always been passionate about art.
As we rode down in the private elevator, I dreaded the end to what had been a fun afternoon—at least if I ignored the part with Dimitri. It was the most carefree I’d felt since taking over as CEO, and I knew most of that was thanks to Halle.
I was still trying to find my footing since Graham had stepped down from the position after fourteen years. I’d always lived in his shadow. And now that I’d been thrust into the spotlight, I was floundering. When I wasn’t questioning my decisions, I was comparing myself to him.
How could I not? He’d expanded the company while increasing profits, all without sacrificing the luxury and sustainability our hotel brand was known for. And now…now, it was my responsibility.
If I fucked it all up, I’d only have myself to blame.
But right now, I was more focused on Halle. I wanted to see her smile like she had today. And I had an idea of a way to get more time with her without technically crossing any lines.
I cleared my throat. “I liked the pieces you selected for the VIP suites. You have exquisite taste.”
“Thank you.” Her attention was focused on the elevator doors, not me.
I shoved my hands into my pockets, struggling to formulate my request. Why was this so difficult? I usually had no problems talking to women, but then again, the stakes had never felt so high. I wasn’t even asking her on a date, yet I dreaded the idea that she’d shut me down.
“I’ve been wanting to add some art to my personal collection, and I’d love your help.”
She turned to me, lit up. “I’d have to see the space to get a sense of your style and the size requirements.”
“What are you doing tonight?” I blurted.
“I, uh—” She stared at her feet as if her shoes were a novelty. Her earlier enthusiasm had been snuffed out. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Besides, I have to pick Kai up from pre-K.”
“Tomorrow, then?” I pressed. I was pushing my luck. But after having to spend the afternoon watching her flirt with another man, I was at the end of my tether.
“I can’t.”
“Come on.”
“You’re forgetting that I have Kai, and I don’t have anyone to watch him.”
“Bring him with you.”
She arched a brow. “Bring him with me? Jasper,” she sighed. “He’s a five-year-old boy with a lot of energy. I’m—” She shook her head. “I don’t think that would go very well.”
“Why not?”
What was she concerned about? Kai in my apartment, or introducing a man to her son? It wasn’t like we were dating. This was a friendly visit.
“I just… I wouldn’t want him to be in the way.”
I leaned in. “He could never be in the way. Promise.”
Her shoulders softened. “Maybe.”
I wasn’t above playing dirty. Which was how I found myself saying, “I’ll give you an unlimited budget and carte blanche in selecting the pieces.”
“Oh, that’s dangerous.” She grinned, and I could tell she was considering it.
My phone buzzed, an incoming slew of new messages. I barely held back a groan. “I have to take this, but I’ll see you tomorrow?” I asked, hoping I didn’t sound as desperate as I felt.
“Unlimited budget?” she asked.
“Unlimited,” I said.
I didn’t want to give Dimitri another cent. But I would give him my fortune if it meant I got to spend more time with Halle.