Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83343 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83343 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
“I have a number of contacts at various five-star hotels in London and I’ll be arranging for each of the department heads to shadow their counterparts during training.”
It’s a great idea. Some of the department heads will have never worked in a five-star hotel. They need to understand how things work in practice, not just theory. That doesn’t stop me wondering how Kate, as head of the guest relations team, will deal with a trip to London. Despite Cambridge being so close to London, she’s never mentioned having been there. Maybe our trip to Norfolk will be the start of something. I’d love to take her to Sicily. And Paris. Even New York.
God, what’s happening to me? We’ve only been dating a couple of weeks and I’m already imagining vacations with her.
“Great idea, Olga. I think it makes sense if Michael sits in on your workstream meetings. I don’t need to be in on those.”
Michael shoots me a look. I haven’t discussed it with him yet, but he’s ready to move on from being my assistant. I need his brain in the depth of operations.
I check my watch. It’s nearly six and I need to get going. “I’m going to leave Michael to chair the rest of this meeting. Enjoy your weekends.”
As I knew he would, Michael competently steers the focus of the meeting back on Olga’s update and I slip out the door.
Kate is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. “I left my suitcase here. You said leave it by the door and I did and now it’s gone.” There’s a look of panic in her eyes.
“It’s fine. I had Molly take it up to the hotel earlier today so she can unpack for us and get us situated.”
“We’re going for two nights. It will take me less than ten minutes to unpack.”
I shrug. “You need a quick shot of tequila?”
“No, I think I’d like to be sober when I meet your family.”
I wince. “Not sure that’s a great idea, but let’s go with it.”
The door to the house opens and the pilot appears to lead us out to the chopper.
As soon as the doors are closed, silence envelops us. I lean across and fasten Kate’s seat belt.
“It’s quiet,” she says. “I thought we’d have to put—” She gestures to her ears. “Thingies on our heads.”
“No thingies,” I say, trying not to smile too hard at how sexy she looks in navy shorts and a white t-shirt.
I interlace our hands as we take off. I probably should have asked her if the helicopter is okay, but knowing Kate, she would have spoken up immediately if the prospect frightened her. This way, at least she’s not stuck in a car for hours, worrying about what lies ahead and what she’s leaving behind. “Ever joined the mile high club?”
“A couple of times actually,” she says, giving a brief shrug like she’s uber relaxed. She can’t fool me, though—her free hand is gripping the armrest like she’s on a roller coaster. “Only when I fly private though. Obviously.”
“Obviously,” I say, stroking her hand, trying to help her relax. “It’s a lot easier this way. Turns a two-and-a-half-hour journey into thirty minutes.”
“Is this how you live?” she asks. “Helicopters and people helping you with your luggage? People unpacking for you—that’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”
I laugh. “Compared to most people who have a lot, I live quite modestly.”
She glances around the cabin of the helicopter and it’s clear she’s not awed or impressed. She’s just observing. “Well, not by my standards.”
“You’ve lived most of your life on the estate of a home that looks more like a castle than a private residence. I don’t believe displays of wealth are really that surprising to you.”
“It’s different. Partly because I don’t live like that and it’s not like the earl used to invite me up to the house for dinner. And partly because I don’t think the earl had much…cash. Although he did have people in helicopters visit him.”
“You’re right. It is different. How are you feeling?” I ask.
“Surprisingly okay, if I don’t look down.”
“And about being away?”
She nods as if she’s trying to convince herself she’s fine. “Granny is going to text me regularly and knows not to ignore it if I text her. And the way I see it. . .” She threads her fingers through mine. “I’m taking a piece of Crompton with me in you.” She looks up at me. “You’re basically a very large key chain.”
I laugh. “I’ve been called worse. That reminds me. I have something for you.” I reach into the inside pocket of my jacket and produce a flat, blue box.
Kate narrows her eyes suspiciously. “A present?”
“You look like you think it might be a bomb,” I say.
She laughs. “I’m just surprised. This is my shocked face.” Whatever the expression, she’s completely beautiful.