“I need you to set up the garden room for me for first thing tomorrow morning, say 9:00am.”
“What for? Small party? Business meeting?”
“For a proposal. Two people.”
“A morning proposal, that’s cool. Which guest?”
“No guest—it’s for me and Bombshell.”
“Seriously? Wow. That’s awesome.”
“Yeah, well, don’t tell anyone, especially not Bombshell. This is supposed to be a surprise. I want a light breakfast, plus chocolate-covered strawberries. Oh, and bring the love birds, and some of those songbirds, what are they called?”
“Canaries?”
“Yes, the canaries. Oh, and can you get a piano rolled in?”
“Sure, boss, anything else?”
“Yes, I want you to send a gourmet basket to my caretakers, Charlie and Joann. Put on the note, ‘Thanks for calling me on my shit.’”
“Will do, boss,” Linda said, then hung up.
When he left the shopping district with the ring in his possession, the weight in his chest somehow seemed lighter. He let himself into their suite. Mama G was sleeping on an armchair, but she smiled when he came into the room. Merrick immediately checked the bed, looking for Bombshell.
“Where is she?” he said, partly alarmed.
“She’s taking a bath, honey. Don’t worry so much.” Mama G yawned.
“Are you staying in the hotel tonight? Because if you’re going all the way back to the house, I’ll get someone to take you.”
“No, I’m staying here,” she said. “I’ve got some early-morning catering things to attend to.”
“Thanks again, Mom,” Merrick said. He hugged his mother and walked her to the elevators. “I love you,” he said.
“I love you too, son. Take care of that girl in there.”
“I intend to.”
Back in the room, Merrick felt awkward, uncertain what to do. He needed to take a shower and change his clothes and have a drink. Since Bombshell was in the bath, and he wasn’t about to make that mistake again, he opted for having a drink.
She came out of the bathroom, head wrapped in a towel, wearing one of the lux Flynn Hotel robes. She must not have known her was back, because when she noticed him, she started visibly.
“Oh, hi.” she said. Merrick could see color rise on her face. She tightened the tie around her waist, and dropped her eyes.
“Do you want a drink?” Merrick asked, as he wandered over to the bar. He needed a drink. Why am I so nervous?
“No, thank you.” Merrick watched her out of the corner of his eye as he fixed himself some liquid courage. She moved awkwardly to her dresser and opened her drawer, rummaging around for some night clothes.
“Well,” Merrick said as he downed his whiskey and water, “if you’re all done in the bathroom, I’d like to take a shower.”
She seemed relieved. “Of course, I’m all done.”
Merrick went to his dresser and pulled out a clean pair of silk boxers and a soft cotton t-shirt. Bombshell stood with her arms wrapped around her body, clearly waiting for him to leave before she put on her bed clothes.
Without saying anything, Merrick let himself into the bathroom, then locked the door. It felt strange taking that precaution, but he couldn’t risk another seduction. Just remembering how she’d lured him into the bathtub, made his cock start to thicken as he washed himself in the shower.
“No,” he said out loud, chiding himself.