The hotel itself was very nice. It didn’t look very old and you could tell the owner had put careful consideration into every single detail. It looked modern and I always think modern looks clean and sleek.

  When we got to the counter to check-in my jaw nearly dropped at the sight of this gorgeous man in a very expensive black suit. He had a crisp white shirt that hugged his beautiful masculine physique. His hair was dark brown and slightly wavy. He had stubble, but that only added to his charm. His lips were pouty—in fact, I think they were wasted on him. What a woman wouldn’t give to have pouty lips like that. He had olive skin, which lead me to believe he was maybe Italian or Spanish descent. I looked toward Jessie standing next to me and she mouthed the words, “Oh my fucking God.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle and the noise alerted the sexy beast standing only a few feet away. He smiled showing his beautiful white teeth and I think Jessie and I nearly fainted. Wow, he was super hot. His eyes were like the color of caramel candy.

  The lady behind the desk smiled sweetly at the stranger and handed him his card. “There you are Mr Belatoni, you will be staying in the Presidential Suite, courtesy of Mr Davenport. Is there anything else I can do for you today?”

  My goodness, the girl was practically drooling the words, ‘Take me now’ to him. I think I could safely say that I was right on the assumption that he is of Italian descent, although his accent was American.

  “No, that’s okay. Thank you.” He turned his head toward us and put his two fingers up to his forehead to salute us. “Ladies,” he practically purred, and off he went.

  The receptionist was all in a fluster by the time she had to deal with us.

  “Wow, who was Mr Sex on Legs there?” Jessie asked.

  “That was our highly regarded VIP client. He’s staying here on business with the owner, but I always find it so difficult to deal with him because he’s so hot.” Her face flushed and she smiled at us in embarrassment. “Sorry, that was unprofessional of me.”

  Jessie waved her hand. “You’re only telling the truth girl, don’t be sorry about that. He was damn fine.” We all start giggling like teenage girls, as the Receptionist tried her best to check us in.

  Once Jessie and I found our rooms, we parted ways so that Jessie could get on with doing what she does best. The room was very spacious for a hotel and decorated in creams and silvers. The sheets were soft and the towels thick and fluffy. I sat, mind wandering for a moment about what it would be like to have Jake staying here with me. I think we would end up waking up the whole hotel, which would never be a good thing. I’m not normally very vocal in bed, but Jake has me practically screaming his name whenever he’s inside me. The thought made my toes curl in anticipation. I had to snap out of this and fast. I still had a few hours to go until the event, so I decided to take a walk around the hotel and check out the facilities.

  I got down the Reception when I noticed Michael checking in. “Hey, Michael, nice to see you.” I came up close to him and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Hi, Ana, I’ve just finished checking in. Do you want to meet me in the bar in five minutes and I’ll buy you a drink?”

  I was suddenly glad of the company. I don’t relish my own for very long, so I was happy that Michael was here to talk to.

  “Yes, that would be great. I’ll see you in five.”

  I took the five minutes to look around the hotel a little. I noticed that there was an indoor pool and Jacuzzi which both looked inviting. A flash of Jake and I in the Jacuzzi sent my heart racing. How far things have come from that point in time. I was so blissfully happy then, thinking of what our futures held together. I felt a little knot in my stomach and realized it was because I missed him so much. The pain of not having him near me at times was unbearable, and this was one of those times. I must have been in my own little world as the voice behind startled me.

  “Senorita, why so sad?”

  I jumped and swung round to find a half naked Italian God in front of me. Jesus, he was even sexier in the flesh.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. You just looked so unhappy.”

  I smiled and he showed me those perfect white teeth of his. “That’s okay, thank you. I’m just a mess at the moment with a bad break-up. I’m hoping my birthday bash later will cheer me up a little.”

  He throws his towel over his shoulder and it is very hard to know where to look.

  “Happy Birthday. I hope you enjoy it, and I’m sorry to hear about your break-up. I personally think the man’s a fool.”

  Wow, if there had been no Jake in my life, this guy would have been getting my number for sure. I couldn’t believe my own voice in my head. I’m not like that and never had been.

  “Thank you. It was actually my birthday a couple of weeks ago, but my friend wanted to organize this get together here. It was the perfect time for a lot of people to attend you see.”

  He nods for a minute deep in thought. “Well, I happen to know the owner personally and I’m sure you will have a great night.”

  He puts his hand out to me to shake. “I’m Luca Belatoni, by the way.”

  I take his hand and shake it noticing his lovely firm grip. “Ana Sinclair. Nice to meet you.”

  He motions to the swimming pool, “Well, I better get some lengths in. I have some boring meetings to attend to later, so a good swim beforehand is just the thing I need to help me think. I hope you have a great evening.”

  I nod my head and back away. “Thank you and enjoy your swim.” I turn away and head toward the bar area before my feet decide to jump in that pool after him. Wow, he was hot.

  Michael was already sitting at the bar waiting for me when I walked in. I didn’t realize I had been away that long.

  “Sorry, Michael. Have you been waiting a long time? I took a little stroll around the hotel and I must have lost track of the time.” I take a seat opposite him and smile apologetically.

  “It’s okay, Ana. I just got here.”

  A waiter decides to approach our table and asked us what we would like to drink. Michael chooses a beer and I went for an orange juice. I didn’t want to be drinking so soon yet. I was planning on saving that for later.

  “So, how have you been, Ana? I haven’t seen much of you lately.”

  “I’ve been keeping myself busy. I’ve been running a lot with my neighbour, Brian and having lots of girly nights in with Jessie. That’s about it really in a nutshell. How about you? What have you been up to?”

  A smile is raised to his lips. “I met a girl actually. She will be here later.”

  I suddenly felt elated by this news. I didn’t like the thought of Michael—as handsome as he is—being alone. “Michael, that’s brilliant news, what's her name?”

  The drinks are provided swiftly and I take a sip of my juice.

  “Her name is Lisa. She lives only a couple of doors away from me. We always say hello to each other and make small talk. I didn’t even realize that she liked me until last week when we said our normal greetings, and she stopped me so that we could talk. She told me that she had been trying to pluck up the courage for ages to ask me out, but that she had hoped I would do it first. I was quite shocked, but of course I felt flattered, as she is rather beautiful.”

  I frowned, “Well, why didn’t you make the first move?”

  He takes a swig of his beer and sets it down. “I don’t like to admit it, Ana, but I’m shy. It’s hard for me to approach women just in case I get knocked back. When I was in school, I was kind of dorky. I had braces very young and didn’t mix well with people. I tried asking a girl out once and she laughed at me. I think it left a scar, as I’ve never been able to ask a girl out properly since then from fear of rejection.”

  That story sounded awful. Whoever this girl was, she needed a good kick in the ass. Michael was beautiful inside and out. He should never have to worry about asking a woman out. It makes me sad to think of all the missed opportunities he’s had over the years if this is how he felt. So
me people are so cruel and I bet she didn’t care to realize that what she did was the catalyst that started his romantic life from that moment on. What a bitch.

  I grabbed his hand. “Michael, listen to me. If I hadn’t been so hung up on Jake, you would be my perfect catch and I truly mean that. What woman wouldn’t want you? You’re funny, kind, beautiful inside and out. Any woman would be extremely lucky to have you.”

  His face lit up, “Really?”

  I nodded, “Really, really. Please don’t let what some snotty little teenage girl said to you get in the way of you finding your happiness. You deserve to find it, Michael, and I really hope this Lisa treats you well, or she’ll have me to answer to.” I gripped his hand tighter and took another sip of my drink.

  “You’re such a brilliant person, Ana. I feel the same about you. Thank you. That meant a lot to me. I want you to find your happiness, too. I’m thinking it is with Jake, but that’s none of my business. I can’t tell you what you should be doing as far as that is concerned, it’s up to you, but I know he makes you happy. I’ve seen the way you two look at each other. It is sometimes rather hypnotizing to watch, and I’m not the only one who’s noticed it either. The chemistry between you two is like nothing else I’ve ever seen before.”

  I was quite taken aback by this. People have noticed Jake and I, and the way we look at each other. This was a first. He spies my stunned expression and puts his hands up in surrender.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you mad or anything. I’m just telling you the truth.”

  I wasn’t mad, I was shocked. “It’s okay, Michael, I’m not mad, just a little surprised that’s all. I didn’t realize people were talking about us like that. Anyway, enough of that, I want to get back to Lisa.”

  We talked for a little while about Lisa and it was nice to hear the smile in his voice. She is 24 and in Advertising. Her father is the owner of a car dealership, so I should imagine if it ever got down to the point of ‘meet the parents,’ they would get on like a house on fire.

  We were so engrossed in our conversation that I didn’t even realize Jamal and Brian had walked in.

  “Hey, baby girl, you’re looking fine as usual. No fleece pants today?”

  I start laughing, “No, Jamal. I have a short onesie for later to help me swing on that pole.”

  I introduce them both to Michael and they stay a little while making small talk. Michael and Brian struck up a conversation about computers, so Jamal leaned in to talk to me.

  “Do you want me to do your hair later?”

  I gasped, “Hell yeah, would you?”

  He nods, “Of course, you’re my baby girl, anything for you. We’re in room 6116, once you’ve washed your hair, call me and I’ll come help you out. I have my curlers with me if you fancy that again?”

  I was ecstatic; it meant I didn’t have to deal with my hair all on my own. I know it sounds lazy, but other people always manage to get your hair looking better than you ever could yourself. It’s a natural talent for hairdressers.

  After making my excuses to leave I unpack my swimsuit grateful that I packed it just in case, and headed for the pool. Mr Sex on Legs wasn’t there and neither was anyone else, so it was nice to get an hour’s swim to myself. I make my way up to my room feeling refreshed, and set about getting a shower.

  My first thought was how hungry I felt and didn’t know whether food was on the agenda later. I decided in the end to order room service. It’s amazing just how hungry you become after a hundred lengths in a pool. I ordered a BLT and fries and sat for a while watching the TV until it arrived. It was the best BLT I’ve ever had and the fries were out of this world. I very quickly relished it—so much in fact that I gave myself hiccups. At least my stomach was ready to soak up the alcohol later.

  I placed the tray outside my door and headed for the shower. It was one of those walk-in ones with a big huge shower head hanging high above me. It felt glorious when it fell on my skin. I went to work shampooing my hair and getting all the chlorine out, then I set about washing the rest of my body. I wrapped the lovely towel dressing gown hanging on the door around me and stepped out. I felt so much better.

  After drying myself off, I went to my wardrobe and pulled out the onesie I bought. It was actually a short suit. It was nearly black with buttons going all up the front of it. I stepped in and pulled it around each arm. The shorts were a little short for me, but sexy. I liked it. What topped it off were the red shoes, but did I really want to wear them after knowing what happened the last time I did? That memory seemed so far away now of Jake between my legs pounding into me—making me come so violently my legs shook for ages after—that I wondered. I kept them on anyway whilst getting ready, as they made me feel sexy.

  I called room 6116 and Jamal answered straight away.

  “You ready, baby girl?”

  I smiled, “Yes please, Jamal. I’m in room 7117, so practically above you.” He told me he’d be there in five minutes and I waited patiently for him to arrive. When he did knock on the door and I answered, he practically squealed all the way down the hall.

  “Damn girl, look at you. Those shoes are divine.”

  I couldn’t help the laughter that left my lips. “Thanks, Jamal, you’re looking good yourself.” And he did look good. Jamal had the most perfect milk chocolate skin you had ever seen. He had the most beautiful sculptured face and legs that went on forever. He was wearing some loose designer jeans that hung perfectly on his hips, with a red and white shirt. He looked amazing in something so simple it made me sick.

  “I’m not sure whether to wear them or not to be honest.” He closes the door behind him looking confused.

  “And why the hell not?”

  I start blushing, “I wore these once with Jake—if you know what I mean.” His face said it all and I knew instantly he was on the same page as me.

  “Is he still sending you flowers?”

  I nod, “Everyday.” I sit myself down in front of the dresser and Jamal places his bag on the bed.

  “Baby girl, you’re never going to feel better again unless you let your heart find the happiness it deserves. He obviously loves you very much and it is plain to see the feeling is mutual. I know what he did to you was unforgivable in your eyes, but I think you two were meant to be. I know sometimes when you used to visit me and you were with him. The way he looked at you, he was like a man possessed. I knew he was in love, but of course I couldn’t say anything back then.”

  I suddenly felt like everybody knew about us before we even did. And what is it about us and the way we look at one another that gets people guessing?

  “Come on, let’s not get sad, tonight is your special night and we’re gonna rock this joint.”

  He does a little swig of his hips and I couldn’t help but laugh. He turns the radio on to start some music and soon we are singing along to “Miss Independent” by Ne-Yo, whilst Jamal gets to work on my hair.

  It was 7:30pm by the time he was finished and a frantic Jessie is knocking on my door. She comes in looking gorgeous as always with a dark green dress on, and we’re like three squealing school girls. She hands me a pink glittery banner with the words, ‘Birthday Girl,’ written on it.

  “You have to wear this tonight, it’s the rules.”

  I pull the banner over my head and look in the mirror. “Wow, Miss Virginia, what do you want most in this world?” Jamal joked.

  I smile sweetly and replied, “World peace,” and giggled.

  We’re all laughing so hard I was surprised no one came knocking on our door to ask us to keep it down.

  We had a couple of drinks from the mini bar and then decided it was time to leave.

  Chapter 16

  It was an amazing sight when I walked into that room. There were lots of people there already cheering and wishing me a happy birthday. The room was dimly lit, with only subtle lighting on the stage, and two big poles greeted me on one side. There were two scantily dressed girls draped over them swinging. Wh
en they saw me they smiled and I beamed back at them.

  “Jessie, this is awesome. Thank you.” She gave me a big hug and told me I deserved it. I started to get a bit teary and she scolded me for trying to ruin our makeup.

  “Jamal, you’ve done a fantastic job on her hair. Those curls look gorgeous.”

  Jamal smiled. “I could have done yours Jessie, anytime.”

  The music became louder and everyone started jumping and shouting. The atmosphere was electric. Mandy came over giving me a big hug, and she told me I looked fabulous. I noticed most of the men were too mesmerized by the girls dancing away on the stage. I couldn’t blame them. They were fantastic. It didn’t last long though as Tom noticed us and came dancing over. He placed his hand on his heart.

  “Ladies, this is like the best present anyone could have given me. I don’t know what made you think of this, Ana, but it fucking rocks.”

  I start laughing, “Steady there, Tom. Don’t get over emotional.” He edges in closer to us and we bend down to try and listen to what he has to say.

  “Do you fancy a threesome later?”

  Both Jessie and I hit him and he rubs both his shoulders.

  “I take that as a no then?”

  We both say “No” at the same time and start laughing.

  “Well, you can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  We take a seat at a table and a waitress comes over to us with a couple of buckets filled with ice. Next to it was what looked like very expensive champagne. Jessie looks confused, so she obviously didn’t order this.