Chapter Sixteen- Suite 1413

As they approach me, I want to look away but I can't help but stare because the woman with him is stunning. I can't quite lay my hands on what exactly about her stands out. She's just effortlessly beautiful.

Standing just about two inches shorter than Mr Crane, her skin is a warm, golden brown and she has wavy black hair that stops just at the nape of her neck.

Her maroon halter dress has a high slit that shows off her long legs, which, when coupled with her slim stature, makes her look like a model.

"Have you been here long?" Mr Crane asks as they bboth halt to a stop in front of me. Before I can answer, he turns to the woman. "Excuse me for a moment, Sophia. Please, go ahead and wait for me in the lounge over there. I'll join you soon." He points behind the reception, to an area with fancy seetees and round tables where some people are seated.

The woman named Sophia nods and she says in a thick French accent. "Okay Nolan. I will waitee zere for you." She gives me a small smile before she turns and walks away.

I turn my attention back to Mr Crane. "I just got here but I can't go in. I was told I need a card or something for your suite..."

"No, not my suite of course. I've reserved a separate suite for you. Since we have a meeting here tomorrow, I thought it would be more convenient for you to stay here tonight after..." he pauses "...what happened."

I nod, still feeling a bit dazed. "Thank you, sir." Mr. Crane turns to the receptionist, his expression sharp. "I'm surprised my secretary was kept waiting. I made the reservation myself."

The receptionist's face flushes as she apologizes. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Crane. It was an oversight on my part. She didn't mention the reservation. She said she wanted to stay in your suite, which was why I demanded your special pass card from her."

Mr. Crane's expression turns cold. "That's highly unprofessional, Amanda. All records of bookings should be on the system. The normal thing to do is ask for her name and check it on the system. Am I the one who should be responsible for teaching you your job now?"

"No sir. I'm sorry." Her eyes move to me and her cheeks are flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry ma'am, for the inconvenience." I give a small nod and she quickly proceeds to check something quickly on the computer in front of her.

Mr. Crane lowers his voice a bit before saying, "The driver told me a little about what happened at your apartment. Do you want the police deployed there to investigate immediately?"

I shake my head hastily. "N-no, sir. I don't think that's necessary. I think it was just a burglar who broke in."

His eyes narrow. "We'll discuss this later. For now, get you settled into your suite."

He turns back to the receptionist who is now holding a slip of paper and a keycard. She hands the keycard over to me. "Your suite is on the top floor. The room number is 1412."

I take it from her and say "Thank you" to Mr Crane. He nods and walk away to the direction of the lounge, to join Sophia. I proceed to the bank of elevators and take the one on the far tight.

The elevator doors open, and I step inside. I press the button for the top floor, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as the doors close. As the elevator rises, I think about the events of the day and let my mind wander. During the ride, the elevator makes some stops on the way and some people come in while others leave.

As I finally step out on the top floor, into the corridor, I notice that this is the same floor where Mr Crane's suite was. I remember from the other day. I try to see if I can remember which one it is in particular but all the doors look the same, so I don't bother.

I walk down the hall for about a minute before I find mine. Room 1412, on the right. I insert the keycard into the slot beside the door, but it doesn't accept it. I try again, and again, but it still doesn't work. I wonder if the keycard is faulty.

Or am I just doing it wrong?

In frustration, I push the door handle, and to my surprise, the door swings open. I step inside, and close the door behind me.

Woah.

The furniture, the windows, the decor, the wet bar... They all look exactly the same as Mr Crane's suite, from that day. If I didn't know better, I would say that this is the exact same suite we stayed in that day. But it isn't.

My eyes move the canopy bed slightly partitoned from the main area. Yes, this does looks like the exact same bed I slept on that day. Well, maybe all the rooms look the same here.

I settle on a sofa and drop my handbag next to me. I wonder who that woman with Mr Crane was? A friend? An business acquaintance? Or...a lover? Well, they did seem pretty close.

And I've been ogling Mr Crane all this while. Stupid.

Well, it's not like I fancy him or anything. I mean he's pretty hot and any normal woman with blood flowing in her veins, and who isn't blind would find him attractive. That's just it.

Nothing special.

I'm not bothered.

I'm just grateful I'm here, away from all the chaos that has happened today. I owe Mr Crane one.

I take a moment to admire the room and I look longingly at the wet bar. Oh, I would give anything to have a drink right now, but given my chemistry with alcohol, I don't think that's a good idea right now. I'm a lightweight.

I remember the day before the job interview, when I decided to have just a can of beer to relax my nerves, but then I got drunk and woke up late for my interview the next day.

So, alcohol today, big NO!

After a while of doing nothing, I decide to take a shower, hoping the warm water will help wash away the stress and anxiety of the day. I undress, letting out a sigh of relief as I shed my clothes.

I move to the bathroom, where I'm greeted by the sight of a luxurious tub, complete with jets, bottles of shampoo & conditioner, scents and a bottle of expensive-looking bubble bath. I fill the tub with warm water and add a generous amount of bubble bath, watching as the bubbles rise to the surface.

I sink into the water, feeling it envelop me like a warm hug. I close my eyes and let out a deep breath, feeling the tension in my body start to ease. As I soak in the tub, I take the opportunity to wash my hair, using some of the fancy shampoo and conditioner .

The scent is amazing, and I feel like I'm treating myself to a spa day. After a while, I get out of the tub and wrap myself in a fluffy towel. I'm reminded of our old house and I feel like I'm in a spa, pampering myself.

As I stand there, wrapped in the towel, I feel a sense of relaxation wash over me. My muscles are no longer tense, and my mind is clear. I feel like I can finally breathe again, after the events of the day.

I'm about to step out of the bathroom when I hear a door slamming in the room. My heart skips a beat and I feel a surge of fear.

Someone just came into the room!

I put my ear to the door and I hear movements in the room. Footsteps moving around and a moment later, the sound of a glass being placed on the counter, followed by the soft clink of ice.

My heart slams in my chest. Maybe someone has the wrong room? No, they would have to use a keycard, right?

But if it was someone here to attack me, they wouldn't stay to have a drink, would they? Then I remember the smashed cup I saw in my kitchen, earlier today, and I gulp.

After some deep breaths, I gather the little courage left in and step out of the bathroom, even though I'm not ready to face whatever is on the other side of the door. But as I enter the main room, I'm shocked to see Mr. Crane standing there holding a whisky glass, his waistcoat removed and his shirt unbuttoned at the top.

My eyes widen in surprise, and I feel my face heat up with embarrassment. I'm still wearing just a towel, and my hair is dripping wet. Mr. Crane looks just as surprised to see me. He looks at me, the way one would look at an alien who just dropped from the sky.

"What are you doing here?" he asks, dropping the glass on the countertop of the wet bar slowly.

I grip my towel tighter, feeling a sense of panic. "Doing here?" I repeat, trying to process what's happening. "But...this is my room."

Mr. Crane raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on his lips. "Your room?" he chuckles. "Is this some sort of joke?"

"N-no, this is suite 1412..."

"Definitely not." he says and continues with firm tone. "I'm sure 1413 is boldly engraved on the door, and you definitely know this is the suite we stayed in the other day. Your room is the one opposite."

It is? But I saw...Oh my god, that's why the keycard slot wasn't working. How did the door even open when I had the wrong keycard? Ugh.

I could have sworn I saw 1412 on the door but given my history of mixing up things, I'm not surprised this is happening.

"How did you even get in?" He asks, skeptical.

I look up at Mr. Crane, feeling my face heat up with embarrassment. "I'm not sure, the door just opened and the keypad didn't work and I...I just got the wrong room," I stammer.

"Hm." He rubs his chin thoughtfully as he takes a step forward, his eyes fixed intently on mine.. "Is that really what happened, Miss Cole?" he asks, his voice low and even. "Or is there another reason you're in my suite?"