Читать книгу Designed by Desire - Pamela Yaye - Страница 11

Chapter 3

“Bonjour, Monsieur Childs,” greeted the silver-haired hotel manager standing at the reception desk. “You’re looking hale and hearty this morning and, might I add, quite sharp in that tan sports coat.”

Collin returned the manager’s smile. Leaning forward, he stole a quick glance over his shoulder. No one was standing behind him, and the female clerks at the front desk were busy with customers, but Collin still lowered his voice to a whisper. “I met a young woman at Bar 8 last night, and I’d like to know if she’s staying here at Mandarin Oriental.”

The manager gasped and shook his head. Seconds passed before he spoke, and when he did his tone was filled with alarm. “Monsieur Childs, I’m afraid I simply cannot disclose that information. It’s against hotel policy.” He wore a wry smile that made him look decades younger. “But I don’t have to tell you that. Childs International Hotels is one of the most celebrated hotels in the world, and the Childs Corporation prides itself on providing world-class service and discretion.”

Collin winced. He felt like a kid who’d just been scolded by his teacher, and when the hotel manager shot him a pointed look, Collin stared down at his Italian loafers. What he was asking the hotel manager to do was not only unethical, but also completely out of character.

He didn’t pursue females—he didn’t need to. Women were constantly throwing themselves at him, always ready, willing and eager to dive into his bed and his bank account. It was easy for Collin to sniff out a gold digger, and the attractive fashion designer he’d spent hours talking to last night at Bar 8 certainly didn’t fit the bill. That’s why he didn’t mind breaking a rule or two, or three, to track her down.

“I’m not asking you for Brianna’s suite number, or even her last name, so technically you’re not breaking the rules,” he said with a dismissive shrug of his shoulders. “Just think of this as a favor to a trustworthy guest who’ll forever be indebted to you for your kindness.”

Collin knew he was laying it on thicker than molasses, but he’d made up his mind last night, while watching the French national team crush Spain in the World Cup qualifying match, that he wasn’t leaving Paris without finding Brianna. And the first stop on his list was the front desk of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

“Sir, I’m not trying to rush you,” Collin said, “but it’s imperative I speak to her today and I’m pressed for time.”

The hotel manager opened his mouth, then closed it. He stood there quietly, drumming his fingers on the desk, a pensive expression on his narrow face. “I’m sorry, Monsieur Childs. I just can’t do it. My conscience won’t let me.”

Collin opened his wallet, took out two hundred euros and slid it discreetly toward the hotel manager. “How does your conscience feel now?”

“Much better, Monsieur Childs. Thank you.” Swiftly pocketing the money, he returned his attention to his computer screen, a hint of a smile on his thin lips. “Just give me a moment.”

Collin pumped a fist in the air, nearly spilling his espresso, then remembered who he was and where he was and dropped his hand to his side. “I appreciate it, sir.”

“I trust that you will keep this information to yourself and use complete discretion when approaching this guest.” He spoke softly, as if he was confessing his deepest and darkest secret. “There is a woman named Brianna staying in one of our seventh-floor suites, but she’s due to check out at noon.”

“Damn, that’s what I was afraid of.”

“Is there anything else I can do for you, Monsieur Childs?”

Collin shook his head. “Thanks again for your help.”

Swiping a copy of Le Monde off the front desk, Collin tucked it under his arm and walked into the sunlit waiting area. The space was filled with suede couches, towering stone sculptures and leafy potted plants. Collin sat down on a black lacquer chair, opened his newspaper and reclined comfortably in his seat. From where he was sitting, he had a clear, unrestricted view of the main floor.

Perfect. He’d read the paper and keep his eye out for Brianna. They had some unfinished business to discuss before she left town, and this time Collin wasn’t letting her get away.

An hour later, Collin was restless and tired of waiting. To pass the time, he’d read the local newspaper, a business magazine and even a couple of trashy tabloids. He didn’t care about the Oscar-winning actress who’d been shipped off to rehab by her family or the soccer superstar who just had his latest run-in with the law; he wanted to talk to Brianna about what she thought she saw last night and repay her for covering his enormous bar tab.

Collin downed the rest of his espresso in one quick gulp. He was starving, hungrier than a kid at fat camp, but worried that if he left to grab a bite he’d miss Brianna.

The elevator pinged and a group of tourists—along with Brianna—flooded the lobby. Collin saw her instantly. She was hard to miss. For a fashion designer, her fitted, off-the-shoulder sweater, jeans and heeled boots were simple, but with her face of an angel and curves for days, Brianna garnered the attention of everyone on the main floor, men and women alike.

Irresistible was the word that came to mind as Collin watched her stroll past the waiting area. Her steps were confident, her posture gracefully refined. Her eyes were striking, and those curves made him drool like a dog with a bone.

I should have taken Brianna dancing last night instead of sitting in the lounge, listening to Evangeline whine about being snubbed by the Hiltons, Collin thought. Evangeline and Brianna both had flawless brown skin and were roughly the same height, but that’s where the similarities between the two women ended. Evangeline shouted, and Brianna spoke in a soft, soothing voice; Evangeline wanted to gossip, and Brianna liked to talk about her family. That’s what made the designer stand out and what piqued his interest. Brianna was unlike anyone he’d ever met, and Collin was curious to know more about her.

Starting right now.

Collin didn’t move. Timing was everything, and although Brianna walked through the lobby looking like a model in her own right, Collin didn’t jump to his feet and chase her down. He wanted to talk to her, but he didn’t want to look as desperate as the middle-aged business man nipping at her heels. He’d wait for the perfect moment to approach her.

Collin got his chance ten minutes later. Brianna walked out of the hotel gift shop carrying one shopping bag too many and paused beside the antique desk, just steps away from where he was sitting. He then stood, strode out of the waiting area and sidled up beside her. “Hello, Brianna. You’re looking especially beautiful this morning.”

Brianna turned around, realized it was him and took off across the lobby. She was marching as stiffly as a soldier and wearing the requisite scowl to match.

To catch her, Collin had to break into a jog. “If I knew you were going to make me run, I would’ve worn my cross-trainers,” he joked, falling into step beside her. “Slow down, Brianna. Power walking isn’t really my thing. I’ve got bad knees!”

“You said you traveled a lot for work, but I had no idea you were a comedian,” she said, her tone rich with sarcasm. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really have to go.”

Collin slid in front of her, thwarting her escape and earning himself another icy glare.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to talk to you.”

“Where’s Evangeline? Upstairs keeping the bed warm while you grab brekkie?”

“I have no idea where she is, but I’d guess at her mansion nursing one hell of a hangover.”

Brianna raised an eyebrow, a dubious expression on her face.

“After you stormed out of the bar, Evangeline and her posse started doing body shots, and since that’s not my speed, I bounced.”

He broke into a grin intended to make her smile. When she did, he felt victorious and Collin knew he was making progress. “I’m glad I listened to you and bet on France. They played an incredible game last night!”

Her eyes brightened. “I told you Spain didn’t stand a chance.”

“Thanks to you, I won big, and to show my appreciation I’d like to take you to lunch.”

Brianna glanced at her gold wristwatch bracelet and shook her head. “I have to be at the airport by three, and I still have some packing to do.”

“Take a later flight or, better yet, leave tomorrow morning after we’ve had brekkie.”

A smirk lit the corner of her lips. “And why would I do that?”

“Because I want to celebrate my winnings with you.”

“Your pop-star girlfriend is going to have a fit when she finds out.”

“There’s no special woman in my life,” he told her, wishing she’d believe him.

“You and Evangeline looked awfully cozy last night.”

“Like I said, she’s doing the new print ad for my company. That’s it.”

Brianna shrugged a shoulder. “You don’t have to explain anything to me. I’m just a girl you met at the hotel bar. It doesn’t matter what I think.”

“It does to me.” He took a step forward, close enough to smell her intoxicating floral perfume. “I don’t want you to think I’m a player, Brianna. Let me take you out. Then you’ll see what a great guy I am.”

“And the humility award goes to...”

Collin gave a hearty laugh. “I’m just speaking the truth.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“I can’t tell you,” he said, winking at her. “It’s a surprise.”

Brianna pursed her lips as if she were skeptical about him and his whole plan, but her eyes gave her away. They were bright and luminous and shining with amusement.

“I’m keeping my plans under wraps, but I will say this,” Collin said, knowing he had her right where he wanted her. “I’m going to show you a side of Paris you’ve never seen before, and you’re going to love every minute of it.”

* * *

Brianna stood in the middle of the lobby, hanging on to every word that came out of Collin’s sexy mouth. This was what every woman secretly wanted—to be swept off her feet by a handsome, dashing man who smelled like heaven and looked divine. Collin was offering thrills and adventure, and Brianna had never wanted anything more.

This was her chance to step out of the box.

To do something wild and spontaneous.

The thought made her body flush with heat and sent a shiver rippling down her spine. Her life consisted of board meetings, consultations and dress fittings, and even though Brianna loved being a fashion designer, she was itching for new, exciting experiences. For the kind of fun her family members were having.

Her brother Kyle and his fiancée, Zoe, were always jetting off somewhere and were so madly and desperately in love they practically wore matching outfits. And then there was her cousin, Harper, and his wife, Azure. The newlyweds were pregnant with their first child, and every time Brianna spoke to Harper he was planning something grand for his wife. They couldn’t stand to be apart and often worked from home so they could be together. Brianna couldn’t imagine loving someone so much she’d blow off work. She was stunned by how much her brother and cousin adored their partners.

So why not throw caution to the wind and do something wild and spontaneous for once?

It was another warm, sunny afternoon in Paris, perfect weather for strolling around downtown or enjoying a coffee at a sidewalk café. Last night she’d let all those glasses of pinot grigio go to her head and was actually entertaining thoughts of inviting him back to her suite, but this morning Brianna was as sober as the First Lady. She knew Paris like the back of her hand, and if things went south on their date, she could always hop into a cab and come back to the hotel.

Should I or shouldn’t I? she wondered, doubt suddenly creeping in.

“Are you going to let me take you for lunch, or do I have to get down on my hands and knees and beg like Jodeci?”

His chuckle tickled her ears—and the space between her legs. Brianna was shocked when her lips parted and the word yes sprung out of her mouth. Just like that, she’d agreed to spend the day with Collin. To her surprise, she was anxious to know what he had in store for her.

“I think we need to set up some ground rules first,” Brianna said.

“Ground rules?”

“I don’t want us to exchange last names or phone numbers or make promises we can’t keep.”

“I understand.”

They shared a smile.

“I’m going to the front desk to make some arrangements,” Collin said, taking her hand and giving it a light squeeze. “Don’t move.”

“I won’t.”

He dropped a kiss on her cheek and scooped her shopping bags up off the floor. “I’ll see to it that your things get delivered to your room.”

“Thanks, Collin.”

When he strode off, Brianna whipped her BlackBerry out of her purse and called her mother. It went straight to voice mail, so she called her brother. Thankfully, Kyle answered on the first ring.

She’d only been in Paris for a week, but he greeted her as if he hadn’t spoken to her in months. They’d always been close, but the attack on Bailey last month at Lincoln Center had brought them even closer together.

“Congratulations, sis. Everyone’s buzzing about our show and it’s obvious all your hard work these past few weeks has really paid off,” he said, his tone rich with pride. “RHD is featured on dozens of websites, and I’ve been fielding nonstop calls for interviews and TV appearances.”

“I know. I’m so excited about the response to our spring line. We made the society pages in all the local newspapers here.”

“That’s awesome. Can’t wait to hear more about it when you get in tonight.”

Brianna paused, waiting for the right words to come. When they didn’t, she simply blurted out, “I’m going to stay in Paris for a few more days.”

“Really? Why?”

Because I met a guy I clicked with, and I want to spend the weekend with him.

Brianna knew the truth wouldn’t go over well with her brother, and in light of everything that had happened to Bailey, she didn’t want to give him reason to worry. “Things have been insane ever since Bailey’s attack, and now that Fashion Week is over, I could really use a few days to recharge.”

“You’re certainly right about things being crazy around here,” he confessed, releasing a deep sigh. “Last night, a loudmouth reporter approached me outside Nobu, and if not for Zoe dragging me away from him, I would’ve given the jerk a good old-fashioned beat down.”

“Don’t let the paparazzi get to you, Kyle. They’re only messing with you so they can sell photos to cheap, trashy tabloids.”

“I know, but this situation is just so damn frustrating,” he confessed. “I’m doing everything in my power to find out who’s behind Bailey’s attack, and sitting here waiting for information to roll in has me on edge.”

“That’s why I want to stay in Paris for a few more days. It’s the perfect place to escape.”

“I hear you,” Kyle said. “I need a break, too.”

Brianna scoffed. “Boy, please! You and Zoe just got back from Tahiti!”

“I know, but we had such a good time at the Childs International Resort, we’re anxious for some more fun in the sun!”

“Just don’t skip town until I get back from Paris. I want to discuss my new line with you,” she said. “I hate to toot my own horn, but the sketches I did this week are pretty amazing, and I think you’re going to love them, too.”

Kyle chuckled. “All right, all right. I’ll cool my heels until you get back from the city of lights, but once you’re back in town, my baby and I are out of here!”

Brianna couldn’t help but laugh at her brother.

“I better go. It’s almost six o’clock,” Kyle said. “I got tickets for Phantom of the Opera, and if I’m late, Zoe will kill me. And withhold the lovin’!”

“When did you start going to Broadway musicals?”

“When I found out my baby loves them.”

“You are so whipped,” Brianna teased.

“I know, and it feels great!”

Brianna shook her head in disbelief. Six months ago, her brother would never have been caught dead at a musical, and now he was willingly taking his fiancée and had probably splurged on premium seats. Brianna was thrilled that her brother and Zoe had hooked up, and although she’d lost faith in love years ago, she wished them nothing but happiness. “Have fun, and let Mom and Dad know I’ll be back in a couple days.”

“Will do. Stay safe and take care of yourself.”

Brianna slid her cell phone back into her purse. She looked up just in time to see Collin leave the reception desk.

He was headed toward her, and his gaze was so intense, so piercing, it felt like they were touching. Since her divorce, she’d been on a handful of dates, but this was the first time Brianna had met someone she was this attracted to. Someone she couldn’t stop fantasizing about making love to. Just that morning, she’d woken up with an image of him in her bed, kissing her passionately and driving her insane with his tongue....

Oh, God, I’m turning into a desperate sex fiend.

Brianna told herself to stop, to quit envisioning Collin shirtless and covered in chocolate, but when he flashed his pearly whites at her, her thoughts went straight back to the gutter. Collin was as handsome as he was charming, and there was no doubt in Brianna’s mind that they were going to have a great time together. The expression on his face proved it. His eyes held a mischievous gleam, and his grin was undeniably sexy.

And when Collin slid a hand around her waist and ushered her out the hotel’s sliding-glass doors, Brianna decided her brother wasn’t going to be the only one having fun tonight.