Uncovering You 5: Confessions by Scarlett Edwards Read Free Book Online Page B

garage, the driver takes my bags and leads me to a private elevator sheltered behind a locked gate.
    He enters with me without a word. He hits the topmost button on the panel after inserting a small key. The elevator shoots up.
    The doors open to a magnificent penthouse suite. The driver places my bags over the threshold and tips his cap. “Enjoy your stay, Miss Ryder,” he says, and then vanishes behind the closing doors.
    I wait without moving for a count of sixty. Then I turn around and try to call the lift up by myself.
    No such luck. The light remains off. The elevator is the only way in or out of the suite. It looks like I’m to remain here until Stonehart arrives.
    I turn back and look at the new space. The décor is a departure from what I’ve gotten used to in Stonehart’s mansion. Instead of sleek minimalism, it’s more elaborate and showy. Expensive paintings hang on the walls. The light fixtures above me are gilded. The cold, tile floor is covered by expensive Persian rugs.
    I walk through the suite to get a sense of its size. It’s massive . Immense. It doesn’t just take up the entire story of the hotel. It takes up two. An open floor plan on the second level allows me to see the bedrooms from the living room floor.
    I yawn as I pass one luxurious-looking bed. I glance at the clock on the wall. It shows a few minutes after four. Stonehart is bound to be working for a few more hours, yet. And I didn’t get a complete night’s sleep.
    I lower myself onto the bed and sigh in relief as my body hits the soft mattress. I check on the brooch to make sure it’s in no danger of falling off. Next, I pick up one corner of the blanket, fling it over me, and close my eyes, drifting off into a peaceful sleep.

    ***

    Something vague and uncertain tugs me from sleep. I open my eyes, and find Stonehart leaning against the doorway in the bedroom.
    My breath hitches in alarm. I remember what happened last time he found me like this. I start to scramble up, but Stonehart stops me with a calming gesture.
    “Lie still,” he says. “Relax. I only just got here. You’re in no danger of displeasing me.”
    He walks toward the bed and sits by my legs. His crisp suit accents his body shape and makes him look stunning.
    He places a hand above my knee, on my inner thigh. Even through the fabric I can feel the warmth of his touch.
    His eyes trail up my body. His thumb moves back and forth against my leg. He meets my eyes. I see what must be one of his rare genuine smiles.
    “Hi,” he says softly. “How are you?”
    “I’m…good,” I say after a moment, my mind still a little fuzzy from sleep.
    “I have a question for you,” Stonehart says. He takes my hand. “And it is my most genuine hope that you say yes .”
    A shudder runs through me as he brings my hand to his lips and kisses my palm. He lets go, but I keep my hand there, brushing the short stubble on his jaw.
    Is this a dream? I wonder. Am I still sleeping ?
    “What is it?” My words come soft, matching his. The melody of our voices lends an ethereal aura to the bedroom.
    “Would you be interested,” he begins, a small glimmer showing in his eyes, “In accompanying me to dinner tonight?”
    “Where?” I ask.
    Stonehart smiles. “Not here, obviously. Outside. In public. At a magnificent restaurant overlooking the Columbia River.
    I push myself up and look at him. “You’re actually serious?”
    He gives me a lazy smile. “Of course I am, sweet Lily.” He rubs my leg in a slow, unhurried way. “The reservation is set. All that’s required is your approval.”
    “Then yes,” I say, hardly believing this conversation. “Yes! I’d love to go to dinner with you tonight, Jeremy.”
    He nods. “Good,” he says. He looks like he’s on the verge of saying more, but then he gives a miniscule shake of his head and stands. “I’ll give you an hour to get ready. Is that enough time?”
    “Too much,” I say. “I don’t need an hour. Just let me fix