Page 42 of Say You Remember Me
But I shook my head. “You’ll be working long hours; you should have a nice place to relax in at the end of the day.”
“I’m really fine with a regular room,” she said.
But I turned back to the hotel clerk and asked again, “Do you have another luxury suite available?” And then, since I had the sudden desire to keep Maddie close, I added, “Preferably one next to mine.”
The girl went back to her screen. After a moment, she said, “We do have a suite next door to yours. But it will be an additional charge, and I see your current rooms are being covered by the conference…”
“That’s fine. You can just charge me for the upgrade.”
“Oh, no, Ian.” Maddie gasped. “I can’t ask you to do that.”
“It’s really no problem,” I said, glancing sideways and taking in the shock in her blue eyes. “I want to do this for you.”
“Okay…” She sighed, relenting, but still seemed uncomfortable with the idea of being pampered. Which made sense since from what she’d told me about her past, it sounded like she hadn’t really had anyone take care of her in a long time.
The clerk finished making the room adjustments and then handed me our keys, giving us instructions on how to get to our rooms.
The hallway was quiet, the dim lighting casting a soft glow over the walls as we reached our doors.
“This is you,” I said, stopping in front of Maddie’s door and handing her the key. “If you need anything before dinner, you know where to find me.” I nodded to the door just left of hers.
She nodded, our fingers brushing as she took the card. And even though it was just a simple touch, it sent a jolt through me.
Her eyes met mine, and for a second, I wondered if she felt it, too—the electricity humming between us.
“Thanks, Ian,” she said, sounding almost breathless. “For doing this for me. It’s way too generous.”
“It’s the least I could do.” I nodded. “I’ll see you in an hour for dinner.”
“See you,” she replied, offering a small smile before slipping into her room.
I stood outside Maddie’s door for a moment longer, my pulse quickening from that brief touch of her hand. As I headed into my own room, I realized I wasn’t just looking forward to dinner because of the deal I was about to close—Maddie was quickly becoming the reason. And for the first time in a long time, I found myself wanting more.
13
MADDIE
I walkedinto the suite and was immediately speechless. The room was massive, like something out of a magazine. Gorgeous chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the plush sitting area with its velvet couches and a sleek coffee table. A wall of windows led to a balcony with a breathtaking view of Boston’s skyline. I could already see myself soaking in the oversized tub in the luxurious bathroom or sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine.
Pulling out my phone, I snapped a few pictures of the room and sent them to my sister and sister-in-law.
Me: Guess where I am?
Their responses were almost immediate.
Lexi: WHAT! Did you marry a prince or something since we last saw you?
Juliette: How in the world are you staying somewhere like THAT? Spill, girl!
I grinned and quickly replied.
Me: My boss upgraded my room.
Juliette: Your boss got you that room!? So are you dating now?
Lexi: You’re welcome for telling you to kiss a guy at the club.
I rolled my eyes and typed back.
