Ryan grumbled, “This hotel belongs to the Hob family. Why are you working yourself to the bone for them?”
I replied, “For the money, of course.”
Ryan said, “You’re just the manager–at best you’ll clear a little over a million a year. Is it really worth killing yourself for?”
I said, “A million’s nothing to sneeze at. And I’ve got other bonuses on top of that.” I just gave him a sly grin, not wanting to spill the details.
Ryan said, “If you’re busting your chops for the cash, that’s fair enough. Just don’t lose <i>your </i>head and end upying the groundwork for your ex to walk down the aisle with someone else.”
I nced over and saw Jared, who’d had more than a few drinks, still chatting away. Amy was hovering close by, and whenever he looked unsteady, she was always right there to catch him.
Not wanting to miss anything, I quietly pulled out my phone and snapped a quick <i>video </i>on the sly–just in case l needed proofter.
Tracy didn’t show up today, and honestly, I had no clue why. She’d want to be here–unless Jared was the one who kept her away.
Either way, the day had gone off without a hitch, and the hotel was officially open for business.
I was sitting in a lounge, rubbing my sore calves, when suddenly the door swung open and Quinn walked in.
I shot her a cold look.
Quinn didn’t look too happy either. She said, “Don’t worry, I’m not here to pick a fight.”
“What do you want?” I asked.
Quinn sat down beside me on the couch and gave me a thorough once–over. She then said, “You stole the spotlight today. All those guys out there can’t stop talking about you.”
I asked, “Talking about me? What for?”
Her tone was tinged with jealousy as she replied, “What else? They’re all saying how stunning you look, how lucky Jared is, and how you’ve got more presence than any celebrity.
“Bet you’re pretty pleased with yourself, huh? From housewife to everyone’s favorite. Even if you ever get divorced, you’ll have guys lining up for you.”
I replied calmly, “I’m just focusing on my career. I’m not thinking about all that like you are.”
Quinn snapped, “Yeah, right. You stole the show today–don’t pretend you didn’t want everyone looking at you,
56%
remembering your name. Jared thinks you’re all sweet and naive, but honestly, he’s the real innocent one here. He
has no idea what you’re really like.”
She was getting more and more worked up, like she could see straight through me, convinced I wasn’t as simple as
I seemed.
Just then, Ryan walked in carrying a pot of coffee. He took off his mask, poured me a cup, and handed it over. He
said, “Ms. Murphy, have some coffee.”
Ryan was the kind of guy who was ruggedly handsome–no matter the angle, he looked striking from every side.
When Quinn saw him, her eyes widened, like a butterfly spotting a flower. She asked me, “Does he work for you?” Then she turned to Ryan and asked, “What’s your name?”
It was only then that Ryan noticed Quinn.
“I’m talking to you. What’s your name? I’m Jared’s brother–Quinn,” she said, beaming, eyes sparkling like tiny
stars.
I took a sip of my coffee, keeping a close eye on Ryan.
Ryan was being hounded by creditors for 150 thousand, and now, out of nowhere, a rich girl was openly showing
interest in him. I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d jump at the chance.
Ryan barely spared Quinn a nce, not even bothering to respond.
Quinn said, “I’m talking to you.”
Ryan frowned and asked, “Is there something you need?”
Quinn’s face flushed bright red, and after a moment, she stammered, “I just want to know your name. Is that
okay?”
Ryan arched an eyebrow and replied, “Sorry, but I have no interest in knowing who you are.”
Quinn was instantly deted, her face going bright red–probably even more embarrassed because I was right
there watching the whole thing.
Ryan slipped his mask back on and headed out.
Quinn gave me a mocking look and said, “My mom says you picked up a pretty boy–was that the guy from just
now?”