Chapter 8
Alexa
It’s two days until the hotel has its V.I.P.
opening night, and I’ve woken up this morning feeling like shit.
I think I’m coming down with a bug, but I don’t have the luxury of backup to do my job, and the hotel needs all hands on deck.
I need to pull up my big girl panties and just get on with it.
Luckily, I don’t get sick very often, but when I do… it hits me like a ton of bricks.
I rummage through my poorly stocked medicine cabinet for something, anything, to help take away the fuzzy head, the congested sinuses, and the sore, tickly throat, but I have nothing other than paracetamol.
That will have to do until I can buy something more useful for a cold and flu.
Note to self, stock up the cabinet for future illnesses.
You never know when an emergency can strike, and for a control freak like me, you’d think I’d be equipped for every illness and accident under the sun.
I grab a bottle of water and toss it in my bag.
I need to get out of here before I crawl back into my bed.
Who am I kidding? That’s never going to happen.
I’m always good at giving people advice to take care of themselves, but when it comes to my own health and wellbeing, I pour from a half-empty cup…
all the damn time. I’ve become accustomed to working so hard all the time that downtime and self-care aren’t even on my agenda anymore.
Navigating the streets of Glasgow at rush hour is horrific at the best of times but add in being under the weather and it’s hell on Earth.
The traffic, the noise, people rushing from A to B without a care for anyone else.
I’d quite like to live in a nice, tranquil country village.
That’s my retirement plan. That’s why I work myself into the ground now.
When I arrive at the hotel, It’s much busier than normal.
There are flowers being brought in from a van outside, a deli van is delivering fresh fruit and vegetables, and the rotunda doors are propped open.
There are too many people for my liking at this time of morning.
I rush through the lobby, hopefully not getting spotted by anyone of importance.
I sigh with relief when I reach my office door.
I lean my head against the cold wood and take in a few steadying breaths.
I push through the door and jump out of my skin when I see a person sitting behind my desk.
Of course it’s Max. He’s everywhere. I just can’t get away from him.
“You gave me a heart attack!” I throw my bag down on the desk and take the seat opposite him. “What are you doing in here so early? It’s busy out there.” I point over my shoulder and cough into my sleeve.
“I thought I’d surprise you with breakfast, but it sounds like you should be tucked up in bed with a hot toddy. Are you getting sick?”
“It will pass. Besides, I’ve got too much to do today.”
I stand up and hang my bag on the stand, retrieve my phone, and put it in my pocket. A warm pair of arms circle my waist and my back leans into Max’s chest willingly. The heat from his body wraps around me, making me feel so much better. He’s like a large teddy bear.
“Can’t you just tell everyone what needs to be done so you can go home? I can help them. Brendan will help.”
“I could, but I won’t. I’ll be fine. Now, where’s this breakfast you spoke of?”
I turn in his arms and clench my fists in his crisp white T-shirt, making the material tighten around his biceps. His muscles do something to my lady bits, but I ignore the heat pooling at my centre because I don’t have time for this, nor do I have the energy. My body aches.
“I’ve brought an assortment of pastries, coffee, and some muffins.”
My tummy chooses that moment to growl. I’m glad it’s pastries and coffee because I couldn’t stomach greasy food. The way to my heart is through all the chocolate, cakes, and pastries. I have a sweet tooth and I don’t care how many pounds it adds to my hips, thighs, and tits.
“You better feed me since you went to all this trouble.”
Max leans in and kisses me softly. The feather-like kiss turns me to mush. I’ve never felt that tender side of Max before, but I like it.
“Are you mad? Don’t kiss me, you’ll get sick too.” I bat at his chest.
Max chuckles. “Sweetheart, I’ve had my mouth all over your body in the last week. A kiss isn’t going to make the blindest bit of difference. Besides, I never get sick.” He flexes his muscles and makes me laugh.
“Get away with you.” I push out of his arms and walk back to the table to claim my coffee. The smell of the strong coffee beans is divine. I’m going to need a bucketload of caffeine if I’m going to get through today in one piece.
I push up onto the desk and take a seat. Max never takes his eyes off me as he sits on the seat I vacated not five minutes ago.
“People are going to start talking when they realise I’m getting breakfast on arrival.”
“Let them. I don’t care what people say. I’m the boss. A good, kind, lenient boss at that, but cross me and I can be your worst enemy. Let them test my patience.”
I shudder at the words leaving Max’s mouth. “Remind me to never get on your bad side.”
I pull the paper bag over and peek inside.
My tastebuds are tingling, saliva is pooling in my mouth; the scent of sugar and chocolate is a heady combination.
I pull out a chocolate croissant and take a bite.
I moan in delight as the pastry melts on my tongue.
I thank the Lord that I can still taste and smell right now.
“If you don’t stop moaning over that croissant like that, I may just forget about being a gentleman and fuck you right here in this office.”
“Been there, done that. You need to up your game and keep the spice alive.”
Max’s phone rings, and he growls out his displeasure at the disturbance. He holds up his finger to me. “Hold that thought. Hello.”
I can hear the cogs turning in his brain already. What have I done? I’ve poked the beast.
“Okay. I’ll be right there.”
He stands up, kisses the side of my mouth, and licks his lips.
“That tastes even better from your mouth. I’ve got to go.
There’s a problem in the kitchen. Brendan is getting his knickers in a twist. And, about keeping the spice alive, baby.
You have no idea what I have up my sleeve.
I’m the master of all things spice and we’re just getting started. ”
He leans in again and kisses me with a little more power, but still nowhere near as ferocious as he has previously. I hate that I’m sick, but I like that he cares enough not to push me too hard today.
“Don’t work too hard. That’s why you have employees. They’re there to take the weight off when you need them, and right now you need them, Lex.”
I jump down off the desk and push Max towards the door. “I hear you. Now get out of here.”
He opens the door and leaves my office without a backwards glance.
I’m mighty glad about that, because I’m not sure if it’s because I feel unwell or if it’s because Max is so far under my skin, but I feel like a needy bitch.
I’ve never needed anyone before, even when I was a kid, and this feeling is alien to me.
All I’ve got to do is get through today in one piece.
***
I don’t know what time it is, all I know is that we are officially complete and ready to open the doors to the guests on Saturday for the family and friends gathering, and then on Monday for the actual paying customers.
I walk down the stairs slowly, leaning against the golden banister. I don’t want to touch it because I’ve polished it to within an inch of its life today. It’s like a mirror.
As I approach the bottom of the stairs, Max appears with Paul and Brendan. I don’t know what he sees when he looks at me, but he rushes to my side and makes me sit down on the stairs.
“Lex, you look terrible. Why did you not go home?”
I shrug off his concern. “I’m fine. Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t fix.”
“The boss man’s right, sweetheart. You need a lot of TLC,” says Paul.
“You’re not going home in this state. You can stay here tonight,” says Max.
I try to protest, but he leans down and picks me up off the step, cradling me into his body.
I know I should put my foot down and tell him to stop, but I like the feel of Max’s arms wrapped around me.
I lean my head into his chest and close my eyes.
I don’t even care where he’s taking me as long as he’s coming too. I’ve no fight left in me tonight.
After what feels like moments in Max’s arms, I feel myself being lowered onto a soft surface. I open my eyes and look around the grand bedroom. This isn’t one I’ve seen before.
“Where are we? I’ve not cleaned in here,” I say sleepily.
“This is my private suite for when I need to crash here. It has been easier than going home lately.”
I want to ask so many questions about where home is, about this suite and why we don’t clean it, but I’m exhausted.
“Hold on. I’ll get you some meds and cold water to take. You need to keep hydrated.”
I salute. “Yes, sir.” Then I lean back into the soft, luxury pillows. These are much softer than the hotel pillows. I feel like I’m floating on a cloud. The comfort alone is helping my pounding headache.
“Open up.” Max hovers pills in front of my mouth and opens the water bottle. I swallow the water greedily. It’s freezing cold. It’s the best thing that has been in my mouth all day.
“Thank you. You don’t need to be taking care of me, Max. I’m a big girl.”
“I want to. Now, be a good little patient and do as you’re told. Drink the water.”
Max takes off my shoes and pulls a cover over me. I catch his hand and stop him from turning away. I might be crazy for asking this, but I don’t care. I’ll blame the illness in the morning if he questions it. “Stay with me.”
A small smile lingers across his lips. “I’ll grab a shower and then I’ll be right back.” He leans down and kisses me on the mouth. I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven.