Cassandra didn’t leave right away. She drew the curtains together with a neat knot. The pale blue fabric instantly made the whole room feel a bit warmer and more welcoming.
On her way out, she straightened the couch cover and hung up Elise’s coat and purse, which had been tossed carelessly on the couch.
Only after making sure everything looked tidy did Cassandra step out. “Ms. Lynch, if you need anything, just call housekeeping anytime.”
Elise watched her work and felt her mood improve. “You’re actually a pretty good manager.”
“Thank you for the compliment. I’ll let you get some rest. Enjoy your stay.”
Cassandra closed the door behind her, only to find Lilian still waiting in the hallway.
Lilian smiled. “I don’t think you’ll need much training. You handled that perfectly. Have you done this kind of work before?”
“No, I got married right after graduating from university.”
“So how do you know all this?”
“When I was little, my dad owned a hotel. I pretty much grew up around the place.”
“And the zoo? Did your dad teach you that too?”
The zoo? Cassandra was confused for a second, then realized Lilian meant the towel animals
she had just made for Elise.
She shook her head. “That was my mom. She was always really creative with her hands, and she’d come up with all kinds of towel animals for guests. Everyone loved them.”
Lilian nodded. “So, why not work at your family’s hotel? Why come here?”
The smile faded from Cassandra’s face. “My dad sold the hotel.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s okay.”
Lilian brightened a bit. “There’s another room you might want to keep an eye on.”
Cassandra assumed it was another difficult guest and nodded. “I’m the manager of Westwood Hotel now. Whatever comes with the job, I’ll handle it. Lead the way.”
Lilian took her straight to the top floor. The penthouse suite had a rooftop terrace and a
private pool. Only the rich or powerful ever stayed up here.
Lilian said, “The guest specifically asked for a whole row of little animals, just like the ones
you made before, Sorry to trouble you.”
“The guest saw what I made for Elise?”
Lilian only smiled. “Go on. Don’t keep the guest waiting.”
With that, Lilian walked off, and Cassandra had no choice but to knock on the door. “Hello, room service.”
She heard a beep, and the door unlocked.
Pushing it open, Cassandra saw no one in the living room, but she could hear the sound of running water echoing from the bathroom. The guest was clearly in the shower.
Cassandra hurried to the bedroom and started working at the bench by the bed, folding towel animals as quickly as she could. She had just finished a rabbit when she sensed someone behind her.
Ryan walked out of the bathroom, with water still dripping from his hair and a towel wrapped around his waist. He crossed his arms as he leaned against the doorway, watching her with an amused look.
Cassandra jumped to her feet before turning her back to him. “Couldn’t you have said something before coming out? You scared me half to death standing there like that.”
Ryan walked over, picked up the rabbit she had just finished, and squeezed it. “Who do you think you are? Do I have to report to you when I’m taking a shower or coming out?”
Suddenly, Cassandra put the pieces together. “Wait, you’re the guest Lilian was talking about?”
He nodded. “Yeah.”
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“Guest? You’re more like the owner.” She shot him a look. After all, Ryan owned the entire hotel. Was he just playing games?
Ryan sat on the edge of the bed, grinning. “Are you secretly in love with me or something? You keep such a close eye on me. Even my showers are on your radar.”
Cassandra rolled her eyes. “Trust me, I couldn’t care less.”
She turned to leave, but he grabbed her wrist and gave a gentle tug that nearly sent her tumbling right into him. Quick on her feet, Cassandra twisted aside just in time, landing on the bed instead. She propped herself up, fuming. “What is wrong with you?”
Ryan looked at her, his gaze playful. “You came in without my permission, came straight to my bedroom, and now, you’re lying on my bed. Ms. Blake, what exactly are you trying to do?”
He rubbed the tips of his fingers where he had grabbed her wrist, as if her warmth lingered there.
Chapter 45
