Free The Ultimate Betrayal by Annette Mori Page B

pulled out her key card and laid it on the desk. “Yes, I am. Is there a problem here?”
    Sophia was beginning to get irritated. It seemed as though Lara’s life in Seattle was completely separate from New York. Hadn’t Lara talked to anyone here in her west coast satellite about her wife? Sophia knew that Lara wasn’t closeted, so why the big secret? Sophia talked freely about her wife to everyone in her sphere of acquaintances.
      “No, not at all. I apologize. Ms. Beck is a valued customer of Hotel 1000.” The desk attendant clicked the keys on the computer. “We have a lovely suite two doors down from the penthouse. Shall I charge the other room to Ms. Beck’s account?”
    “Yes, thank you,” Sophia answered.
    “How long will you be staying in Seattle?”
    “We’ll be here three weeks.” Sophia touched Joy on the arm. “Let me follow you to your room and get you settled before I pounce on my wife. I’m kind of nervous. This is really out of character for me to be so impulsive. What if she’s too pre-occupied with business to appreciate the gesture?”
    “Not a chance in the world.” Joy stepped back and her eyes traveled up and down Sophia’s body. “Even after a full day of traveling, you look delicious.”
    “On second thought, can I just have the carry-on bag? I’ll take that one up with me and you can deliver the rest of the bags when we order room service. I’d prefer not being disturbed for what I hope will be a fervent re-union.”
    The attendant nodded and handed Joy a key card. “Is there anything else we can do to make your stay at Hotel 1000 more comfortable?”
    “No, thank you. I apologize if I was rude earlier, it’s just that Seattle hasn’t been as welcoming as I thought it would be,” Sophia confessed. “Now if I was visiting New York, well, then that would be expected.” She chuckled.
    “Oh ma’am, I’m very sorry. It’s just that normally Ms. Beck makes all of her arrangements in advance. Let me retrieve your carry-on bag. Would you like assistance from the porter?”
    “No, I think I can handle one small bag on my own, but the porter can carry my friend’s bags,” Sophia answered.

     
    †
     

     
    Lara had just secured the last button on her shirt and was heading to the door with her jacket in her hand, when she heard the beep at the door. She cocked her head, confused that the maid service would be entering her room at this time of the day. She’d never had to put the Do Not Disturb sign on her door previously. The hotel staff were well aware of the arrangements she made when entertaining business clients.
    When the door opened and she stood face to face with Sophia, Lara was not able to school her expression. Shock, fear, and a tiny bit of irritation showed on her beautiful face. “Sophia, what in the hell are you doing here in Seattle?”
    Sophia stumbled back and her eyes teared up.
    Lara immediately recognized her mistake, took Sophia’s bag and set it down, and then pulled Sophia into her arms. “ Sshh . Oh, babe, I am so sorry, you just startled me. Is something wrong? Of course I’m delighted to see you.”
    “Are you?” Sophia asked.
    “Am I what?”
    “Delighted to see me? I wanted to surprise you, but I suppose this wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made.” Sophia’s tears slipped from her eyes.
    “I know I’ve been distracted these past couple of years with the start-up of the Seattle office and I promise, once the office is running smoothly, we’ll get away just the two of us for a long overdue vacation. Of course, I am very happy to have you visit, but I just lost my CFO and things are particularly crazy in the office. There are nights that I don’t even get home. I just stay at the office because it’s easier. I was just on my way back to the office tonight,” Lara explained.
    The tears continued to fall and Lara gently wiped them away. Lara looked into Sophia’s sad brown eyes and she knew that she would have to think fast