Free Never Say Never by Linda Hill

pretty quiet on Sundays, and you could keep me company.”
    “I have to work tomorrow,” I told her.
    “Ah well, can’t blame a gal for trying. Can I call you before Friday?”
    “Of course.”
    “Then I will. Talk to you soon.”
    We said goodbye, and I hung up the phone, feeling a little depressed. What did you expect? That she’d take the night off?
    I took a shower and ordered room service. While I watched TV and wrote letters, the scent of the flowers occasionally wafted over me. By nine o’clock I’d had enough. I changed quickly and called a cab.
    It was nearly ten o’clock when I reached the bar. Someone was shouting “Last call,” and I flew from room to room, not knowing where, or if, I’d find her.
    I finally spotted her in the main room overlooking the dance floor. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw her, astonished again by her striking beauty. She was behind the bar, leaning against the counter and idly wiping the inside of a glass with a towel. The cuffs of her long-sleeve white shirt were rolled back to expose her forearms. A black bow tie hugged her neck, matching a short vest of the same color. She was lazily watching two couples on the dance floor moving to a slow love song.
    I slipped along the side of the bar until I was beside her. She hadn’t noticed me, so I grinned and leaned over the counter as far as I could.
    “Do I still have time to order a drink?” I asked.
    Startled, she swung around. Her surprised smile was all I needed to see. Any second thoughts I might have had vanished instantly.
    “I can’t believe it.” She reached out to grab my hands in hers. “I’m so glad you came.”
    “Me too.”
    She filled a wine glass and slid it across the counter to me.
    Then she pouted a little as I took a sip. “It’s late. The place is nearly empty, so we’re closing in ten minutes.” I nodded. “I know.”
    “Maybe we could go for coffee?” she asked. “I know you have to work tomorrow. I wouldn’t keep you out long.” Her eyebrows were raised with hope.
    My eyes traveled over the dark skin of her face. Her hair was tousled again, and her eyes were bright. Her mouth was  calling me.
    “Coffee would be nice,” I told her.
    “Good.” She grabbed a towel and brushed it over the countertop, then ducked beneath the counter to step out and stand beside me.
    “You know,” she whispered in my ear as her arms slipped around my waist, “I hear the coffee at your hotel is absolutely  fabulous.”
    I laughed softly and lifted my arms until they circled her waist.
    I buried my face in her hair and inhaled deeply.
    “You’re absolutely right. It is.” I leaned back to see her eyes as they looked into mine. “But actually,” I began, swallowing my nervousness, “the coffee that they serve in the dining area isn’t nearly so good as the coffee served in the rooms.” Her eyes grew wide with surprise. Her smile couldn’t have been any bigger than my own.
    “Room service? Hmm. Is the coffee just as good in the morning?”
    “Even better,” I promised.
    “I can’t wait.” With a grin, she tossed the towel back on the counter, grabbed my hand, and led the way through the crowd and out to the parking lot.

Chapter 7
    Michelle was an incredible lover. Ardent and insatiable one minute, laughing and playful the next. We barely slept and I was exhausted before I even got to work the next morning. I hadn’t even sat down in my chair before Billy popped his head around the corner and wished me a loud and singsongy good morning.
    “Good morning to you,” I replied, sheepishly recalling the last time I had seen him.
    “I’d be willing to bet that one of us had a very pleasant weekend.” He grinned suggestively as he stepped into the office and settled into a chair. My face flushed as I stumbled for a reply.
    “I really am sorry about the other night,” Billy continued. “I hope I didn’t spoil anything for the two of you.” I finally found my voice. “We somehow