Sabrina wasn't quite sure what to say. She was definitely enjoying her time with Marco, but she didn't want to intrude upon his vacation. His flirting on the plane was charming, but she’d assumed it to be in-flight boredom, nothing to read into. Though now that they’d landed nothing in his tone had changed.
“You're sure?” she asked. “This is your vacation, not mine.”
“I'm sure,” he assured her. “I enjoy your company.”
“I'm up for anything, I think,” she said, scrambling for a response. His charisma had taken her somewhat out of her comfort zone. It would have been easier to reply with, ‘yes sir,’ ‘no sir,’ but this was some sort of gray area between flirting and working. It was uncharted territory and Sabrina was still learning exactly how to navigate. But, he was the boss, so she would adapt.
“Would it make you feel better if I officially added it to your job description?” he asked. His dark eyes sparkled as he grinned at her.
“Add what, specifically?” she asked confused.
“From now on you’re my assistant/maid/tour guide/company for the trip.” He extended his hand for a shake. “Do you accept the position?”
Sabrina laughed. “Only if it's official.”
“Of course,” Marco assured her. “I'll have the paperwork drawn up right away. You are to be my company when agreeable.”
“That does lead me to ask one question. Since it's official and all now.” She grinned at him. “Does that mean I get a raise?”
Marco threw back his head and laughed.
Chapter 6
Sabrina
“Reservation for Sabrina Wise.” It was her first time ever checking into a hotel, but Valetta had instructed her exactly what to say. Still, Sabrina felt nervous, but she was determined not to show it.
“Certainly, Ms. Wise.” The hotel receptionist's fingers tapped rapidly on the keyboard in front of her. “I see here that you have reserved our suite, as well as an adjoining room. Is that correct?”
“Yes, that's right,” Sabrina replied.
There was another flurry of keyboard tapping behind the desk. “How many room keys would you like?”
“Just two will be fine,” Sabrina said, stumbling slightly. “Or, one for each room, I guess.”
The girl behind the table nodded.
After paying with the credit card Valetta had given her, Sabrina turned around to admire the rest of the lobby. It was immensely grand and spectacular, looking more like the inside of a castle than a hotel. From the ceiling hung an elaborate chandelier that reflected brilliantly off the marble floors. At one end was a massive staircase, covered in red velvet carpet. On the opposite side, was a fifteen-foot-tall fountain. It was made of white stone that spiraled upward toward the ceiling. Next to it were three large windows, covered by heavy drapes. Beneath those windows was a lounge area with plush chairs and a few glass tables. That was where Marco was seated. His sunglasses were on and he looked as relaxed as could be. His legs were crossed and his head was leaning back into the cushion behind him.
“All set?” he asked, as Sabrina closed in.
“Yep. Everything’s ready to go.”
The two of them made their way to the elevator. Their luggage was being brought in from the car and would be brought up by the bellhop. Sabrina had the cash in her pocket ready to tip him so that he would never see Marco.
“We
’re on the fifteenth floor,” Sabrina said, as the elevator doors opened.
They rode up in silence. Sabrina stared forward, but she could have sworn that Marco was looking at her. She liked it, but she didn't want to acknowledge it. Instead, she just kept her gaze straight ahead on the ascending elevator numbers.
“After you,” Marco said when the doors opened once again and the elevator chimed to signal the fifteenth floor. “Seriously, though, Sabrina. I wasn't joking at lunch when I said I needed your help. I need you to brainstorm something fun for us to do this evening.”
“Can you give me an idea of what you'd enjoy?” Sabrina asked. She checked the numbers above the hotel doors and pointed down the hallway.
“I'd be interested in anything that involves relaxation, good alcohol and proper entertainment. The one thing that is not an option tonight is staying in and doing nothing.” His eyebrows playfully arched when Sabrina didn’t respond.
Sabrina wanted a chance to exhale, settle in and unpack, but it was her job to cater to Marco and escort him wherever he wanted to go.