Page 11 of The Sweetmate
Jensen, bless him, speaks up. “Miss Vinton. He won’t stop until you relent.”
“Seems that way,” she mutters. She turns to him and says, “But if I give in now, he’ll think he’ll get his way every time.”
She’s speaking about me like I’m some spoiled brat and not even here.
“Stop talking about me like I’m a child.” I lean closer to her and whisper, “Unless you’re going to spank me.”
I regret the words as soon as they leave my mouth. She looks horrified. And why wouldn’t she? She’s probably comparing me to her dickhead boss. I’m doing everything Brox told me not to, which is being an ass. Even worse is I’m proving the media, Brox, and her right. I am an ass.
“Sorry.” I grab her suitcase and take off for the exit without another word.
Chapter 3
Lisa
As we walk through the hotel lobby, Casey says something to Jensen about referring to him as Doctor Riis when he checks us in. He turns to me and winks.
Nope, I’m not even going to ask what that’s about. Jensen leaves us standing in the center of the lobby as he continues to the front desk and handles the check-in.
I’d spent the few minutes I had before he boarded the plane watching videos, going through his socials, and reading any articles involving Casey Riis. The Casey before me is a contrast from the man online. The person before me is…goofy. He’s confident and charismatic, which is how he comes off in the media, but it’s not the suave, too cool, and arrogant charmer I originally suspected him to be. He’s more of a silly guy, almost like a lovable little puppy. Unfortunately, he’s even more gorgeous in person. I quickly avert my wandering eyes. I’m absolutely not trying to steal little glances of my client. The tingles and flutters of attraction need to be shut down immediately. He is a clientandmy boss’s nephew.
There was no mention online of Brox Brunner being connected to Casey Riis. No association whatsoever. There was no mention of any family, actually. Only speculations on his love life, and articles about his scandalous image and his being a master artist in the culinary world. I can’t believe Mr. Brunner didn’t tell me, either. Casey’s probably going to send my boss all kinds of updates on my performance, which is off to a not-so-professional start. I’ve got to get my head in the game.
Casey Riis is gorgeous, charming, and full of mischief, which is how I suspect he keeps getting into trouble. I’m guilty of ogling the man myself. But he media portrays him as a playboy.Which is why I need to zero in and focus on him as a client and what we’re trying to portray him as—a professional pastry chef who’s bringing new techniques and styles to the food industry. We want the world to love him and see more of what he’s going to do next in this competition.
“Room’s ready,” Jensen tells us. We follow him to the elevator and take it to the top floor. “The hotel is fully booked. Apparently, all of Chicago is booked. But we’ve been assured there’s plenty of security on the property.”
Casey chuckles. “I’ve got Miss Vinton here. What more security could I possibly need?”
“Let’s not be too quick to forget what happened at the last hotel.” Jensen scans the card and enters the suite first, signaling for us to wait behind.
“What happened?” I ask.
Casey sighs. “A woman was waiting in my hotel room. When I asked her to leave, she lost it. She started throwing things and screaming. Luckily, Jensen and another bodyguard were there to witness it, and to back my story that I hadn’t invited her.Nothinghappened. Other than a hefty hotel bill. Unfortunately, paparazzi were waiting outside and took photos of her leaving.”
That explains why his uncle wants someone with him at all times. “Does that happen often?”
“No.” He pauses and then looks away. “But…it has happened a few times here and there. Crazy fans. On the plus side, there’s been a variety. Some older. Some younger. Men and women. I like that I have a diverse fan base. It’s nice to be wanted.”
Sure. Nobody wants one type of stalker.
The door opens, revealing a very grim-faced Jensen. He looks directly at me as he says, “You’re not going to be happy.”
He opens the door wider to allow us inside the massive suite. There’s a living area with a sectional and a desk, a kitchenette, a bathroom off to the side, and a big bedroom. With only one bed.
One.
Bed.
“Where’s the second bed? There’s only one bed?” This can’t be happening. This isn’t going to work. “There’s only one bed?”
Jensen said the hotel is fully booked. The gravity of the situation sinks in deeper, but I force myself to rein in my emotions. There has to be another hotel somewhere with a room. An Airbnb, perhaps. I’ll sleep on the couch or get a blow-up mattress. I turn to Jensen. “Where are you sleeping?”
“Jensen doesn’t sleep,” Casey announces casually.
“What? Everyone has to sleep,” I snap.
“This is where I tell you good luck. My job here is done.” Jensen gives me a two-finger salute and turns to leave.
