12. Liz
Chapter Twelve
LIZ
Despite the cloudlike mattress, soft sheets, and perfectly plush pillows, I can hardly sleep. I blame jetlag. And the twenty million other things on my mind. When I finally drift off, my alarm sings at the top of its lungs, reminding me that I have a meeting this morning. At Bonnaire Capital.
I had originally planned to get up early, get in a quick workout at the hotel gym, and have a decent breakfast and a nice shower before heading to the office.
Now, I’m too exhausted to even think about putting on my sneakers.
I shut off the alarm and roll over to face the windows.
The view is soothing with the low sunlight and beautiful glow beyond the bridge.
Kent actually lives here. And he gets to see this every morning.
I glance at the giant diamond on my finger.
It looks just a sparkly in the dim morning light.
I figure that as long as it’s in my possession, it will stay put on my finger.
Kent, the man whose role in my life couldn’t be more confusing, must be wandering around the house, waiting for me to leave the room so he can get in here.
Rich Boy will have to wait. I roll on my back and close my eyes, trying to catch a few extra minutes of sleep but my brain is already going a mile a minute.
I take a quick, hot shower in Kent’s bathroom suite. The shower could easily fit four, maybe five people comfortably. And I can’t help wondering if it has. I shudder.
I pack all my things in my bag before heading out of the room and making my way to the kitchen for a cup of liquid energy.
The penthouse is completely quiet. There’s no sign of anyone.
No Kent. No Dahlia. And no coffee, by the looks of it.
I begin searching the cabinets to no avail.
All this money and the guy can’t keep coffee beans?
Just as I’m about to throw a jar of Nutella across the kitchen, I hear?—
Ring, ring!
It’s the doorbell. I freeze, waiting for Kent’s footsteps to emerge. But there’s nothing, and the doorbell rings again. I walk over and answer it. A delivery guy with a takeout bag and to-go coffee cup is waiting.
“Delivery for Liz McKenna,” he says.
“Yes.”
He hands me the goods, tilts his hat, and wishes me a happy Christmas. Hmm, I know I didn’t place this order. Then I get a text alert.
KENT
In case you’re hungry, I had something delivered.
That was nice. And I am hungry. So I text back.
LIZ
Just got it. Thanks.
Where is he? I peek left and then right before heading back toward the kitchen.
LIZ
Are you still here?
KENT
I left early. Come see me at my office after your meeting. My driver will bring you. He’ll text you in a moment.
Who knows if Kent offers these amenities to all the women who sleep at his penthouse, but it’s nice that he’s at least trying to make some things easier for me. Especially after Dahlia showed up last night and stole my room.
After I guzzle the coffee and finish my breakfast, I take Kent’s car service to Bonnaire Tower. The chilly morning air gives my nose a frosty feeling. Good thing I brought every pair of warm, fuzzy socks I own. And even better no one can see them in my stylish boots.
On the way over, I check my email, and still no response from Jacqueline.
Sure, I’m basically in bed with a Bonnaire, but her silence still makes me uneasy.
Upon arrival, I take the elevator up to Bonnaire Capital.
When the doors open, I’m faced with a large reception desk, and a young woman wearing a headset greets me with a welcoming smile.
“Good morning, how may I assist you?” she asks.
“I’m Liz McKenna, here to see Jacqueline Parker.” I clutch onto my bag’s leather shoulder strap, preparing myself for the news that she’s not here. Another attempt to dodge me.
“Of course,” she says. “Beautiful ring.”
“What?” I reply, and she nods to my finger. I glance at the shiny gem. How could I forget? “Thanks.” It feels strange accepting a compliment for this ring but I suppose that’s part of the gig.
“Sure,” she says and points behind her with an arrow-straight arm. “Follow this hall down and take a left, then take the first hall on the right, and you’ll find Jacqueline’s assistant.”
Following her directions and recalling the last time I was here, I come upon another young woman sitting behind a desk. She stands, greeting me with a toothy smile. I recognize her face immediately.
“Liz, welcome back to Bonnaire Capital,” Maddie, Jacqueline’s assistant says.
“It’s good to be back. Is Jacqueline here? I missed her at the Christmas party last night.”
Maddie’s expression turns down into a bad news cringe for a second before her jaw drops. “Wow, you upgraded your wedding ring.”
“What?” I say again. My brain is not used to filtering all of these ring comments.
“I remember the last time you were here, you were engaged, but I don’t remember you having a stone that large.”
I look to my faux fiancée attention-grabber again. “Oh, yes.”
“How was the wedding? I’m sure it was just lovely.”
It’s been a long time since someone asked me about the wedding. And I always have to say, “It um . . . didn’t happen. We’re not together anymore.”
“Oh.” Maddie looks as uncomfortable by the news as I feel. “So, is this a new engagement ring? To someone else?”
“Mmhmm,” I manage to mutter.
“Well, by the looks of that diamond, you got an upgrade. Congratulations,” Maddie says with a wink.
“Thanks. So where’s Jacqueline?”
“Oh, right.” She smacks her hand to her forehead. “You didn’t receive the message I left for your assistant last night?”
I shake my head. “My assistant’s on maternity leave.”
“So you didn’t get the message?” Maddie’s bad news cringe returns.
“Obviously not. What was it?” My palms begin to sweat as I clutch my bag tighter.
“Jacqueline was in a skiing accident two days ago in Switzerland. She broke her leg in two places. She’s in hospital.”
I gasp, covering my mouth. Poor Jacqueline. “Oh, my God! Is she going to be okay?”
“Yes, the doctors say that she’ll make a full recovery. But, of course, she won’t be back in London before you leave next week.”
Dammit! Now what? I know the money is a done deal as long as I sport this ring, but I wanted to get moving. My company’s already lost months and months.
Before I can respond, Maddie flashes a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Ms. McKenna. We’ve just reassigned your case to another associate. So you’ll be in great hands.”
Jacqueline and I have been talking for weeks, putting together a very detailed plan and agenda for my trip. I doubt someone can just walk in and take over without setting us back. Then again, my trip has been extended until the new year.
I glance at the diamond on my finger again. “Which associate is taking over my case?”
Maddie smiles. “Kent Bonnaire.” Of course. I can’t escape the man. “I’d be happy to escort you to his office.”
“Thanks, Maddie, but I think I’m going to grab a coffee at the cafe,” I say, thinking of the little spot in the lobby.
“I can do that for you,” she says.
“No, that’s all right. I’ll be back soon.” This entire trip has been one monkey wrench after another. Nothing has gone to plan. I need a minute. And I need more caffeine if I’m going to deal with all of this.
I head back toward the elevator. While I wait, I pick up the phone to call my brother but then remember he’s hours behind back in Los Angeles, and hopefully snoozing away without a care in the world. Ugh, and I still have to talk to him about Christmas. I hope he won’t be too disappointed.
The elevator dings and the chrome doors begin to open. A man in a snazzy, three-piece, slim-tailored black suit begins to march off like he has a mission but then stops the moment he sees me.
“Going down?” he asks with a slight smirk, stepping back into the elevator.
“Yeah,” I say and step inside, engulfed by his cologne, and hit the button for the lobby. Did he just bathe in a bottle? Less is more, buddy.
“Didn’t I see you at the party last night?” he asks. I look at him to see if I recognize his face. Other than that old flirty guy, I don’t remember anyone other than Kent.
“Maybe.”
“Yes, I’m sure of it. I never forget a pretty face,” he says, and I have to turn away to roll my eyes. Get me off of this elevator. “Are you new to Bonnaire Enterprises?”
“I’m a client of Bonnaire Capital,” I say in a more commanding tone—as in, I own my own business.
“I see. And how is that going?” he asks.
I scoff, thinking there have been a few hiccups, but I simply say, “Fine.”
“I’m Collin Evans, by the way.” He offers his cold hand, and I take it.
“Liz McKenna.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Liz. Do you live in London?”
I huff a laugh. “No.”
“Then, are you in town for a while?”
“Just until the New Year.”
“Well, if there’s anything I can do to help, here’s my card.” The man with the thick dark brows hands me a thick business card embossed in gold foil lettering. “And I do mean anything.” What is it about these Bonnaire Capital guys? Are they all just trying to get in my knickers?
I take the card. Looks like he works in the venture capital division too. Then I notice the man’s gold wedding band. Ugh, the one time Kent’s not around to rescue me from another sleazebag.