“Tell me you’ve arrived.”
“I have.”
“I can’t wait to see you.”
My belly contracts. I know what he means. When I think of being in the same space with him, touching him, every other thought disappears.
“Me neither.”
Soon we’re at the Gold Dust, and as we approach I realize my error in thinking the hotel had been close to completion the last time I was here. In just a month, so much more has been done. A fountain is spouting near the entrance, the sound of the water muted and almost hypnotic. Blooming shrubs line the path to the main doors, where two uniformed doormen are stationed even though the doors slide open mechanically as soon as I approach.
Inside, the lobby seems to be gleaming, with shiny walls and floor, beautiful furniture, plants, and creative light fixtures. I’m barely inside before a familiar face approaches me. Tony, Landon’s assistant.
“Miss Foster, welcome to the Gold Dust. I trust you enjoyed your flight.”
“Yes, I did.” I’m a little disappointed. As if a part of me had been expecting Landon to be waiting for me instead of his assistant. I smile at Tony as a bellboy wheels my luggage in from the trunk of the car. “It was smooth. How are the preparations?”
“Fine,” he grins. “Actually, it’s kind of crazy,” he continues with a small laugh. “But that’s okay. If there’s anything else you need…? Mr. Devin will be here any moment to take you to your suite, but anything else, let me know.”
I shake my head. He looks like he has a lot on his plate. “I’ll be okay. Don’t worry about me.”
He smiles. “Then I wouldn’t be doing my job.”
I see Claude approaching us. The Frenchman breaks into a broad grin. “Welcome back, Miss Foster!” His accent is a delight as always.
“Everything looks lovely,” I tell him as Tony takes his leave, “How is it going?”
Claude gives an exaggerated shrug. “What can I say? It is a delight to see your lovely face.”
He starts to lead me towards the elevators and I follow him, looking around. “I’m sure things are hectic.”
“Insane,” he agrees with a nod. “But Mr. Court is here, so he solves problems as soon as they occur. He has instructed that I attend to your every need, so let me know if there’s anything you require.”
“Nothing at the moment.”
He nods. The elevator opens directly into one of the penthouse suites. Claude stays to give directions to the bell boy while I go to the balcony to admire the view.
“Would you like lunch sent up?” Claude is hovering.
“No,” I already ate something light on the plane. “Don’t worry about me, I’m sure you have a lot to do.”
He nods and leaves me. I fetch myself a glass of juice from the kitchen in the suite, when I return to the balcony, my phone is ringing. It’s Landon again.
“Are you settled in?”
“Yes,” I smile. “The hotel is beautiful, Landon.”
He sighs. “Thank you.”
“Where are you?” I ask.
“Downstairs,” he pauses. “Do you have everything you need?”
“Yes!” I laugh. “Everybody keeps asking me that.”
I hear him breathe. “I want to see you,” he says. “I have the press conference in about half an hour. After that, I’m coming to you.”
“Are you sure you have the time,” I ask, even though I want nothing more than to see him.