He was across the room to where I stood in less than two strides. “I have to get back to work, but I want you to know that I’m glad you’re here Emma. Despite the circumstances, I’m glad.” I could hear the truth in his voice and I couldn’t help but smile. I was glad to be here too.
Jack leaned forward, pressing his lips against mine. This kiss wasn’t the same as the ones from the island. This was reserved and formal, but it still fanned the heat growing inside of me. He stepped back, a devilish grin spreading across his face as I flushed. The smile stayed on his face until he sat down in the large leather chair and picked up the phone. I knew that was my cue to leave, and I slipped out the door as the businessman’s mask slid over his face.
Chapter 12
Jack’s home was the most beautiful living space I had ever seen. It was as if a giant had placed a fully furnished house on top of a skyscraper. The entryway was dark, but I could see city lights through the towering glass windows in the main room. Rachel closed the door softy behind me and offered to take my jacket. I shrugged out of it, glad the room was warm after the cold March air outside. I stood, glancing around, trying to figure out how big Jack’s home really was.
“There are three bedrooms, an office, a dining room, living room, and the kitchen. There is a pool on the terrace, but it is currently empty due to the weather. The hot tub is open though,” Rachel said, reading my mind. I gulped slightly. This was bigger than my parents’ house and it was sixteen stories in the air. “I’ll show you your room.”
Rachel guided me into the main living room across hardwood floors. The furniture was sleek and modern, but it felt comfortable. As we walked into the room, a gentle light turned on making it easy to navigate but not bright enough to cause glare on the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“That’s the Statue of Liberty,” I whispered, drawn to the windows like a child. I wanted to press my hands up against the glass and peer outside, but I only managed to gape and stare out the window. I never thought in a million years I would ever walk into a place with views like this.
“Yes. If you’d like, I can arrange a sightseeing tour of the city for you.” Rachel stood watching me, a bemused smile on her face.
“That would be amazing! I don’t know how much it would cost, but I would love to see Central Park and Times Square too,” I said, pulling myself away from the window. Rachel laughed.
“Cost is no issue. Jack has made it very clear that you are to have anything you want, no matter the price. You are, technically speaking, the wife of a billionaire.”
My tongue felt very dry. The most I had ever had in my bank account at one time was a little over five thousand dollars, and that had only lasted until I paid tuition. The idea that I didn’t need to worry about money was slightly intimidating. Rachel tipped her head, motioning me to follow.
“I realize that this must all be very new for you, Emma. I’ll help you as much as I can. If you need anything or want anything, please let me know. Mr. Saunders has put me at your disposal for as long as you are in New York.” She turned and smiled, pushing open a door to reveal a large bedroom. “This is your room.”
I stepped inside. The room was probably as big as my entire apartment back home. A beautiful king-sized bed sat in the middle of the room on an island of plush carpet surrounded by hardwood floors. Another floor to ceiling window dominated the far wall, a sheer curtain currently obscuring the view. A writing desk was tucked in the corner next to a wooden dresser, and I could see a bathroom bigger than my parents’ kitchen through an attached doorway.
“Your clothes are in the closet, and everything you need is in the bathroom. If you’re hungry, the kitchen is fully stocked. Mr. Saunders will be staying at the office tonight, so you have the place to yourself. Will breakfast at eight be acceptable?” Rachel stepped back into the doorway, clasping her hands behind her back. I realized that it was late and she was probably ready for bed.
“That should be fine. Um, if I need something in the middle of the night, who should I call? Is there a number for the landlord I should know?”
Rachel’s lip twitched up in amusement. “No, no landlord. If you need anything, you have my phone number. My apartment is just downstairs, so I’m not far away. There is also a security guard outside at all times that can assist you with anything you may need in the night.”
“Then I will see you at eight tomorrow,” I said. A yawn snuck out at the very end, my body suddenly realizing that I was tired. Rachel nodded briskly and headed down the hallway. I heard her close the door behind her.
Suddenly, I was very tired... and very alone. I quickly got ready for bed and cuddled into the downy-softness of the big bed. Sleep found me quickly and fell into it deep.
***