“Then I don’t know why you’re asking the question.”
“Intrigue, I suppose. You never once gave me a hint of how you felt, but now that I’m involved, you have no issues saying it…”
“I didn’t want you to think I wanted to sleep with you just because you were an escort. I was biding my time, getting to know you…but then it was too late.”
Hannah narrowed her eyes, not quite believing what Juliet was saying. “Did you offer me this job for that reason?”
“God, no. And I’d also never do anything to jeopardise what you have. I offered you this job because I could see how much you loathed the one you had. When you mentioned your previous employment, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about you. And I was right. You’re a natural at this.”
“Juliet, if this is going to cause issues between us, I need you to tell me now. I…can’t lose Caz. I won’t doanythingthat could put me in a position to lose her. She means too much to me.”
“That’s not me, Hannah. You’re involved. I’d never do anything to ruin your relationship. You have my word.”
A light knock on the door had Hannah groaning. “What have you ordered now? I don’t even know if I can finish this glass of champagne.”
“I…haven’t ordered anything. I only came back here to finish the champagne with you and maybe have a look at the suite.” Juliet watched the door with a confused look on her face. “I really don’t know who it is.”
Hannah frowned, approaching the door. When she opened it, the biggest smile spread on her mouth. “Caz! What are you doing here?”
Caz didn’t respond. She stepped forward, gripping the lapels of Hannah’s suit jacket, and pushed her to the wall just inside the suite. Her lips claimed Hannah’s with an unexpected but very welcome urgency, a low throaty moan escaping Caroline as she pulled back. She touched her forehead to Hannah’s, smiling as her thumb brushed Hannah’s bottom lip. “God, I missed you.”
Hannah knew how that felt. They hadn’t seen one another since last Sunday morning. It was now Friday night.
But then Juliet cleared her throat, shocking Caroline. She took a few steps back, eyeing Juliet as she appeared from behind the wall.
“Hi.” She held out a hand. “Hannah’s boss, Juliet. Lovely to meet you.”
Caroline managed a smile, but there was something there in her eyes that Hannah hadn’t seen before. Was that…jealousy? Caroline stepped forward and took Juliet’s hand. “Caroline. Hannah’s partner.”
“Oh, I know who you are. I’ve heard all about you.”
Caroline’s shoulders seemed to relax ever so slightly at that. While Hannah loved the fact that Caroline had shown up, she was really hoping she hadn’t done so with the intention of catching Hannah doing something she shouldn’t be.
“I’m going to leave. You two have plans,” Juliet said, stepping around Caroline. “Great work again, Hannah. If I don’t see you both in the morning at breakfast, I’ll seeyouon Monday at the office.”
“Y-yeah. See you soon.” Hannah’s brow creased as she watched Juliet leave, the door closing softly behind her. And then she turned her attention back to Caroline. “I…didn’t think you were coming here.”
“I wanted to surprise you.” Caz leaned in again, dropping her overnight bag to the floor. Hannah accepted the kiss, but something didn’t feel right. “But…you don’t seem to be taking this surprise very well.”
“You brought a bag and everything.”
Caroline separated from Hannah, frowning. “I did. But I feel as though you want me to pick it up and leave your room if I’m being honest.”
“Whyareyou here, Caz?”
“Because I missed you. Because I thought it might be a lovely idea to come here on a whim and spend the night with you. Because…” Caroline paused, watching Hannah where she rested against the wall. “Because I wanted to be with you. Is…that not okay?”
“Right.”
“Yeah, this hasn’t quite gone to plan.” Caroline lifted her overnight bag again. “I thought you would have been happy to see me.”
Hannah placed her hand on Caroline’s wrist. “Put the bag down, babe.”
Caroline dropped her bag onto a nearby chair. As she stepped away from Hannah, moving towards the window, she wrapped her arms around herself. “I didn’t think it would be a problem.”
“It’snota problem,” Hannah said, approaching Caroline. She placed a hand on the small of Caroline’s back, kissing her shoulder. “I didn’t expect you. But I’m happy you’re here.”
Caroline turned to face Hannah. “Why did you ask me why I was here? I saw that look in your eyes. Questioning.”