Chapter 19
HR was working overtime on this, because within ten minutes five emails landed in my inbox, each one addressed to one of the five employees, with my name and position also showing in the address bar Thirty minutes after this, I noticed that both Adam and Fiona had recalled their emails. Just as well. If I had read them I’m sure the contents would have just provided more fuel for my burning rage.
Now that the allegations of s**** misconduct on company premesis was out there, I am going to have to rethink how I want to handle things. Thank goodness Bradley was an analytical thinker. We could take the next couple of days to brainstorm and come up with the best way to handle everything.
“Did you want to go out for the evening meal, or would you rather order room service?” My
tummy was beginning to rumble with hunger. It had been a light lunch and a very long time ago. My tummy was still on Atlantic Standard Time and it was well past my usual time to eat.
I
“How about we order room service? I know their filet mignon is amazing if you like steak and
perhaps a Pinot Noir to go with it? Bradley said all the right words. My tummy rumbled quite loudly, bringing a grin to both our faces.
I pick up the room phone and dialed room service. I place our order, and asked they addi something with chocolate for dessert. I did specify ‘no nuts‘ as I was deathly allergic. Hearing this, the staff assured me they would ensure no cross contamination. Having stayed and
dined here before, I know the kitchen has a separate work station and cooking area that
caters to those guests with food allergies.
I
Fredericks Design employees often brought in baked goods, but I never sampled any of it. Past experience had taught me to exercise extreme caution when eating food prepared by anyone else. I wasn’t taking any chances. Two separate trips to the hospital for an anaphylaxis reaction was enough. The last time it happened I almost died. Never again if I
could help it.
Now that I know what Alan, Lydia and Fiona are planning, I have to make sure the knowledge. of my allergy never gets out. Heavens knows what they would do if they found out about it. Not going to take the chance.
When I ended the call with room service, I looked up to see Bradley staring at me intently. “Red, I had no idea you had a nut allergy. I’ll have my housekeeper get rid of any nut related products right away. I’ll also ask her to ensure every item in the kitchen has been sanitized. I will not risk you life in any way.”
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I was stunned. Here is a person I have known as an adult for less than a week, and he was showing more care and concern for me than Adam had in all the time I had known him. I guess that’s the differene between a real man, and a man–child.
“I guess there’s lots of things we need to learn about each other.” I murmured. “We should make a list of any allergies, medications, health conditions and the like. That way we won’t accidentially do something that could physically harm the other. The other stuff we can just talk about. What do you think?”
Bradley’s lips were twitching as he tried not to laugh at my practical take on finding out about each other. “Are you a list person, Red?“He raised his right eyebrow as if he had a fish hook tugging it upward.
I smirked as I answered. “For some things, yes. Especially anything related to medical issues. I learned that the hard way. I spent a lot of time taking my grandparents to various doctor’s appointments. After the first time when I kept answering “I don’t know, I’m not sure,” I decided to be like a girl scout and always be prepared. Look, I’ll show you.”
I went to my computer and opened an encrypted file. In it was my complete medical history, including all vaccinations, boosters, allergies, medical procedures, and test results. My doctor’s name and office address and phone number was included. I showed the file to him. and then emailed the file to him. “Keep that in a password protected folder. Other than me and my doctor, you are now the only person who has access to my medical information.”
He walked up to me and folded me into his arms. “Thank you for your trust, Anna Graystone. I
promise I will not abuse it.” His kiss sealed his promise.
One kiss became two, the two became three, and soon I was losing myself in the moment. We
drew apart when the continual chiming of text notifications sounded on Bradley’s phone.
Sighing, I pulled myself out of his arms, excusing myself to the bathroom, giving him time to
read and respond to his text messages.
I took the opportunity to relieve myself and freshen up a bit. I ran a brush through my thick wavy red hair smoothing out the tangles put there by Bradley’s hands. The way he tugged and played with my hair was hot in the extreme. I grinned at my reflection as the thought “hot enough to burst into flames as red as my hair‘ flitted through my mind.
I left the bathroom and arrived in the lounge area of the suite just as room service knocked on the door. Bradley opened the door, allowing the steward to wheel the cart laden with our meal over to the dining table. “You can leave the cart, we’ll take it from here.”
“Of course, sir,” he replied with respect, accepting the large tip as he exited the room.
We busied ourselves with placing the food on the table, pouring the wine, Bradley handed me
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a glass of the deep red wine before picking up his own.
“Red, I hope this is only the first of many years of shared meals as a couple.” He place a gentle kiss on my lips then encourage me to take a drink of the wine.
He held out my chair for me before seating himself. The aroma of the food drew a very loud tummy rumble, causing us to laugh like fools, the romantic moment overtaken by shared humor. That in itself gave me a sense of peace and contentment. Love and laughter in equal shares makes for a happy marriage. Those words were often spoken by my grandparents. The truth of those words was proven by their sixty plus years of a happy marriage. I could only
hope for the same.
The meal was amazing, and made more so with our easy conversation. Maybe it was because we had known each other briefly as children, or maybe it was because we held so many similar likes, goals and values, but talking with Bradley was as comfortable as talking with my grandparents. Or with Jenna. I felt like I was talking to my best friend. His humor was dry, and
bordered on the dark side, very much like my own. If there is such a thing as soulmates, then I
feel he is mine.
I
When the meal was finished I piled the dishes back on the trolley and wheeled it out to the hallway, then made a brief call to room service to advise them of this. I knew they would send.
someone up to retrieve it immediately. Back in the suite, I sat on the sofa beside Bradley. He
split the rest of the wine between our two glasses, placing mine in my hand.
“Red, I hope you don’t think I am being too pushy, but I texted Victor and asked him to pack a
bag for me and bring it over. I want to spend the night with you.” His eyes searched mine for
any evidence of reluctance. “We don’t have to do anything, In fact, I don’t think we shoud
tonight. But I really don’t want to leave you alone. I want to be with you, hold you in my arms,
snuggle up with you, and go to sleep with you.”
My mouth went dry. Wow. Just wow. My mind immediately went the carnal route. I have a
feeling I will want more than cuddles with this man beside me in my bed.
“If you’re not comfortable with that idea, I can sleep on the sofa. I’m sure there’s an extra pillow and blanket in the closet.” He was giving me an out. Allowing me time to get
comfortable with the situation.
How did I want to respond? Do I overthink it to death, or do I trust my gut. My gut told me to
dive in head first. Well either it was my gut, or my lust telling me that. At this point I was beyond caring which. I was committed to this man.
“I have one question before I agree.” I kept my voice and my face serious.
“Okay. What’s your question?” he responded, gulping with nerves.
Chapter 19
“Do you hog the blankets?”
