Page 71 of Tattletale

The phone you’re messaging me on has GPS tracking, in case it gets lost. I was surprised you’re staying at my hotel.

I look around the upscale room and laugh. Of course, he owns The Crusader. I can’t even say Vienne or Vesper set me up. Ichosethis hotel. I don’t often get to spend my money like this, so I decided to treat myself.

Me

I don’t need any more flowers. You’re crowding my den area.

Unknown

Perhaps you need an upgrade. How does a two-bedroom presidential suite sound?

Me

Drafty.

I smile at my quick wit. That’s what Gabriel’s attracted to. Sass and smart-assery. I was literally born for this job.

Unknown

If you’d prefer, there are two fireplaces to keep you warm in the penthouse if that suits your fancy. There’s just one problem.

Me

Being?

Unknown

It’s my private residence, so we’d have to share the suite.

Me

Hmm, a problem indeed.

The doorbell rings again, and I brace myself for more flowers. But when I open the door, it’s Gabriel, holding his phone in hand and wearing a playful smile. He’s even more handsome in the daylight. He’s wearing dress slacks and a navy button-down with sleeves rolled up to his mid-forearms. He could easily outshine a Calvin Klein fashion model looking like this.

Before saying anything, he holds up one finger and begins to tap on his phone. He quickly composes a message. There’s a swooping sound as the text sends, followed by a louddingfrom the device still in my hand.

Unknown

What exactly is the problem?

Remembering that I’m in an unflattering thick, cotton robe and my hair is disheveled, I spin around, quickly try to smooth my flyaways, and wipe under my eyes. I haven’t even brushed my teeth yet.

“Oh, please don’t fuss. I very much like this look on you.”

I turn around and scrunch my face at him. “What is this look?”

“Like I caught you off guard and threw you off your game. You seem nervous, and it’s nice to know how I affect you. I was beginning to think you didn’t like me.”

Shit.I really underestimated his charm. I press my lips together so my smile doesn’t widen, but there’s nothing I can do about my blushing cheeks. After a deep inhale and exhale, I hold up the phone, waving it in the air. “To answer your question, the problem is, I don’t sleep with men on the first date.”

“Sleeping with me on the first date would require you actually agreeing to a date.” He lifts his brows. “I didn’t hear back from you last night. I was worried.”

He leans against the doorframe, and his cologne wafts around us. Designer cologne. If “rich” had a smell, it’s this combination of amber, wood, and sweet musk. It’s intoxicating.

“You said you had an important meeting. I didn’t want to distract you.”

“Oh.” He nods over-theatrically. “Of course.Here, I thought you were playing hard to get. Youarequite distracting, so I appreciate your consideration. Thanks to you ignoring me, my meeting went flawlessly.”

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