Suze has Emmerson who’s five, and Mason, who’s eight. They’re the most adorable kids,” Harley adds. Emily smiles at her. “I’m so sorry to rush off. How about I come in next week? I’d love to spend more than one minute talking.” Hi!” I grin at Harley, Griffin’s personal assistant. I’ve spent more hours than I can count talking to her on video calls and setting up my move to New York. Then she says, “There’s nothing in his eyes. No flash of recognition when he looks at me… it had meant nothing.” I’m sorry, are we missing something here? Are we going to pretend YOU DIDNT RUN OUT ON HIM? My god, for a woman who’s supposed to be so smart, she’s such an idiot. I press my lips together and take another subtle look around. The nerves in my stomach turn into flutters of excitement as it sinks in. This is me now. This is my challenge for the next six months. To hell with being nervous. From this moment on, I intend to enjoy every second.

I can’t help my gaze dropping to the exposed skin and hint of pink lace camisole visible by the top button of her shirt. The same fiery annoyance that caused her eyes to darken as she looked at me, setting a whole host of images coursing through my imagination. I laugh as Harley feigns a yawn, and we walk across the lobby toward a bank of elevators. Even the thought of filling out a pile of forms cannot deter the warmth that is spreading in my chest. All the creams, golds, and deep pinks—this place is hotel class at its finest. I can’t describe it, but something here feels right—like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I know working here will push me into achieving something spectacular. His hair is amazing,” Maria says, more to herself as she gathers her things together to leave. “I wonder what product he uses.” Are you... are you being disturbed less?” His voice softens, and for a moment, I consider he may actually care about my answer.No one’s negativity is greater than us, more powerful than we are. No one can hurt us beyond repair. Watching Harley and Suze laugh together, their friendship and love for each other radiating from them in waves proves it. Is that all I get?” She laughs, her light, breathy voice matching her appearance perfectly. Her light blonde hair and hourglass figure make her a modern-day Marilyn. But all those video calls that veered off work talk and on to more fun topics mean I’m not fooled. Harley may look sweet, but she’s feisty and impulsive and very driven. I know we’re going to be good friends. And thank God because I know absolutely no-one in New York. I needed the extra money. And I’ve learned a lot about men from doing it.” She rolls her eyes. “But I also made a fab friend.” She grins at Suze.

Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Libra Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Librarians Group is the official group for requesting additions or updates to the catalog, including: Because Griffin Parker is a hard man to shake off. Great-looking, charming (when he wants to be), domineering. And he seems to have his sights on Maria.

I narrow my eyes at Harley in interest. “Sounds intriguing. I’m guessing there’s more to that comment?” I had to see it with my own eyes, you know. I didn’t want to believe it,” Suze says. “Ten years of marriage—gone. Just like that. He didn’t even take off his wedding ring and try to hide the fact he had a wife at home. Just brazenly sat there and asked Harley if he could take her to a hotel.” Of course,” I answer her as I open the door, but my eyes are drawn to Maria, who is standing behind it, heat radiating off her as she fixes her gaze on me. Ms. Taylor.” He gives me a formal nod as he rounds his desk and holds his hand out. The scent of something fresh and invigorating follows him, like the air in a tropical garden after rain. She turns and busies herself with some more papers in her bag. If I weren’t so drawn to looking at her whenever I’m near her, then I wouldn’t notice the subtle tensing in her shoulders.

Oh no, you don’t.” I place my hand over hers and pass the server a twenty. I ask for a receipt and Harley’s gaze lands on my wallet as I neatly fold it and place it next to the rest of the receipts, which are squeezed so tightly inside that it’s almost prevented from zipping closed. When Elle isn’t writing, she’s trying to look like a mom who knows what she’s really doing, on her spin bike (which is where she gets a lot of ideas from), or looking forward to expanding her crystal collection (yup). , loves her. These and the vegan candles). Overall, I think it’s plain to see that I loved this book. It’s a fantastic story with lovable, relatable and enigmatic characters that keep you hooked and wanting more. I hope that we get to meet Maria and Griffin in later books… maybe Reed and Harley? There’s a story there… you can just sense it. I said goodbye, Reed.” Griffin slams one palm against the wall above my head, his eyes staying glued to me. Todd.” I swear my blood has almost reached boiling point as I take his hand. The corners of his eyes twitch as I squeeze tighter than usual, picturing crushing his hand to dust inside my own. I smile before I release him.Even though this is part of a series, it isn’t imperative that you read the previous instalments as this one doesn’t follow on directly. However, that being said, I strongly recommend that you do read them because they are amazing reads and you’ll definitely be glad that you met all Elle’s amazing alphas. But the sweet teenage boy I remember is gone, and in his place, a handsome, rugged, tattooed wall of muscle. Maria was successful at running her award-winning spa. Her reputation preceded her and the most prominent hotelier Griffin headhunted her to lead the spa operations at his hotel, The Songbird. While he knew she was more than capable, he had a hard time giving up control and letting her take the reins. As much as Maria disliked Griffin’s micro-management, she was super attracted to him. She knew better not to mix business with pleasure, but he was determined to have her. I’ll remember I have your blessing for that next time I see him. Or hear him.” Her laugh dies down as the two of us stand and look at each other.