From: Ana Thompson
Subject: Thank You
To: Eric Miller
Dear Mr. Miller,
While I certainly appreciate the encouragement, I have decided not to knock them dead in my staff meeting. Someone has to account for the linen, and seeing as my boss' boss' boss is very particular, I have other business to tend to here at The Lux.
Thank you very much for the Sake. It was a nice reminder of dinner the other night, even if I did almost trip over the box upon my arrival this morning. ;)
In case I forgot to tell you, I had a really nice time with you at the restaurant. I don't remember ever feeling so relaxed around you. Let me assure you I have plenty of ideas for a chaser. But for now...I think it would be wise to keep them to myself.
Thank you for sending Kate to check on me the other night. The tequila was an excellent idea. Though if I'd spoken to you yesterday morning, I may have been singing a different tune.
Ana Thompson
General Manager
The Lux Hotel
Ana bit her lower lip as she read through her email to make sure she hadn't said too much, then went to hit send. She stopped as a thought struck her, then let her fingers fly over the keyboard once again.
P.S. Why do you regret to inform me that you're out of the country? Missing me already, Mr. Miller?
Ana's fingers hovered over her mouse for a few seconds before she finally clicked on the send box that wouldn't allow her to take her words back.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This would be so much better if she was good at flirting. The truth was, she just didn't have any practice. Until Eric, men hadn't shown that much interest in her. Except for Jose, but Ana had never been able to muster any feelings other than friendship for him.
Sighing, she stood and headed for her staff meeting. She'd have to analyze this whole flirting thing later.
By the time Ana finally made it back to her office, it was past noon. One of the housekeepers she'd just hired had been a no show for her shift this morning, and since the hotel was already short two housekeepers, she'd pitched in to try and lighten the load. Following that, there had been a room mix up, and Mr. and Mrs. August, who'd been spending their anniversary in the same room at The Lux for the past four years had nearly thrown a fit when they'd arrived to find they'd been moved. It had taken a bit of fancy footwork and a hefty discount, but she'd finally gotten the guests moved around so everyone was happy.
She dropped into her chair and slipped her shoes off, taking a moment to rub her feet before she turned to her computer. She typed in the password to unlock it and immediately opened her mailbox, smiling when she saw an email from Eric. She opened it, and her eyes instantly began devouring his message.
From: Eric Miller
Subject: Your Boss' Boss' Boss
To: Ana Thompson
Dear Ms. Thompson,
I fear we must halt all conversation pertaining to linen, as my thoughts have been consumed with nothing but Egyptian cotton, silk, and flesh colored panties. Not to mention, long, chestnut colored curls fanned out over a navy colored pillowcase.
Ana grinned as she remember the picture on his phone. Once again, she was glad she hadn't asked him to delete it. And then it hit her—flesh colored panties. He remembered what she was wearing during their first sexual escapade in the janitor's closet. That had to mean something!
I'm glad you had a nice time at the restaurant, Ana. I did as well, and if you're willing, I think we should do it again soon.
You're wounding me, keeping your ideas for a chaser to yourself. My imagination is running wild, and I'm not sure that's good for either one of us.
I do, in fact, find myself missing you. Surprised?
Eric Miller
CEO, Millers Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
P.S. Your boss' boss' boss sounds like a jerk. Surely there's a way you can soften him up.
Ana's face was likely to break if her grin got any wider. He'd taken their email repartee up a notch without going overboard, as if he was testing the waters. She pulled her cell phone off her desk and brought Kate's name up on the screen, immediately sending her a text.
I think Eric has the hots for me.
Her friend's response came less than thirty seconds later and had her hooting with laughter.
No shit, Sherlock.
So, what are we doing for dinner tonight?
Us? Nothing. I'm staying in and banging my boyfriend while yours is out of town. You're on your own.
Ana giggled at her friend's response before she put her phone down and got back to work.
"Hello?"
"I didn't mean to wake you."
Ana flew up in bed at the sound Eric's voice on the other end of the line. "It's OK," she said as she stretched, then turned to look at the clock on her nightstand. 10:30 p.m. She must have fallen asleep the second she hit the sheets.
"I was worried when I didn't hear back from you," he said softly.
Ana laughed as she fell back against her pillows. "I was going to email you back when I got to work tomorrow. Today was crazy."
"Everything OK?"
"Oh...you know...busted pipe, angry guests, grease fire-"
"Grease fire?" Eric asked sharply.
"Patrick had it out in no time, but someone had already called 911 and firetrucks showed up and...you...don't...think I'm an asset anymore, do you?" she asked.
Eric laughed. "Of course I do," he replied smoothly. "My hotel is still standing, isn't it?"
Ana groaned sleepily. "Where are you?" she asked.
"Tokyo."
"Also known as Sake land," she said before she could stop herself.
"Yes, Sake land," he confirmed. "But I gotta say, the woman sitting next to me at the restaurant tonight...not a very good kisser."
"Eric!" she scolded teasingly.
"Jealous?" he shot back.
"I...decline to answer that."
"I'd be jealous if I thought you were kissing anyone else," he admitted.
It was moment before she spoke. "I might be a little jealous," she muttered.
"How jealous?" he pressed.
Ana sighed. "Jealous enough to claw one of her eyes out."
"Just one?"
His amused tone was contagious, and she couldn't help but laugh. "Fine. I'd claw both of her damn eyes out and a clump of hair. Happy now?"
"Ecstatic," he returned. "Sleep well, Ana."
He hung up before she could say anything else, but it didn't matter; the damage had been done. She'd heard his voice, and he'd all but admitted he didn't want her to see anyone else.
It was amazing how one civil dinner had managed to turn things around.