“Not at your parents’ place.”
“Still not narrowed.”
I watched as Michael turned left on Delaware Place and then right on Rush Street. “The Waldorf?” I asked.
“The Terrace suite was available for an extended stay.”
“Van, that’s too much. I shouldn’t have asked to lengthen our stay.” I had an idea. “Let me pay for it.”
Van’s laugh echoed in the closed car. “I know you have money, Julia. So do I. Let me enjoy pampering you.”
I peered out at the limestone structure. The historic hotel was considered one of the jewels of Chicago’s Gold Coast.
“Our original reservations were at the Conrad. The suite was nice, but only had limited availability. It was after you asked about extending our stay that Connie found this possibility. If we’re to spend a week or more in a hotel, we need space.”
Inhaling, I peered out the windshield as Michael pulled into the circular driveway. Before our driver could get out, the bellman opened the door to my side.
“Welcome to the Waldorf Astoria, ma’am,” he said, offering me his hand.
Van and Michael exchanged words I couldn’t hear.
The winter chill disappeared as Van led me into the spectacular lobby. The giant light fixture sparkled high above us with what appeared to be large snowflakes. Our shoes and boots clipped across the marble floor.
Taking off my gloves with my satchel over my shoulder, we made our way to the front desk. It didn’t take long before we were on our way up to our suite with a promise that our luggage would soon follow.
Once inside the Terrace suite, my eyes opened wide as I took in our new surroundings. From the living room with a fireplace, to a full kitchen, and two master bedrooms, there was easily as much space as my college apartment if not more. “Van, this is beautiful.”
He led me to the windows in the living room, pulled back the curtains and revealed French doors. “A balcony. I know asking you to leave all of this behind and move to Northern Wisconsin is a lot. I thought while we were here, you should be in the heart of the city.”
I laughed. “It’s below freezing out there.”
“Warmer than Ashland.”
Lifting my arms around his neck, I brushed my lips over his. “I don’t mind leaving this behind. I was actually dreading coming here.”
“I knew that too.”
“How did you get so intuitive, Mr. Sherman?”
“Let’s just say I have years of practice at screwing up. Knowing what not to do is a good guide for learning what to do.”
Taking a step back, I began to unbutton my coat as I stared out at the Gold Coast of Chicago. My thoughts centered on how in a short time everything had changed. Less than two weeks ago, I thought my life was all planned out and now…
When I turned toward Van, his topcoat and suit jacket were lying on a chair and his gaze was fixed on me. “What are you thinking?” I asked as anticipation sparked to life within me.
“I’m thinking I want to see the lace panties beneath those black slacks.”
“If you’re asking me to strip again for you, I think we should wait until our luggage is delivered. I don’t want to be interrupted.”
Van’s smile grew as the golden flecks in his green orbs shimmered. “You’re quite right again.” He sighed. “It’s more than luggage. There’ll be a team here in a bit to make a few requested changes.”
“Changes? Why?”
“We don’t need two bedrooms. I need an office and so do you.”
I spun around. “I can use the dining room table.”
“You only have your laptop, same as I do. One bedroom will become an office and we’ll both have extra monitors as well as a scanner, printer, and a few other necessities.”