Brooke's Wish by Sandra Bunino Page A

the sexy voice’s owner were strong hands and a fine physique inside a dark suit. Taking his hand, she allowed him to help her out of the cab and discovered there was even more of the man to appreciate.
    “Checking in today, Miss?” He drew out the “s” as a request for her name.
    “It’s Allaire. Brooke Allaire. Do you work here?” she asked. The man held a briefcase and she scanned his lapel for a nametag or something connecting him with the hotel.
    “No, but a good friend of mine owns the private club upstairs. I was on my way there now and thought you could use some help. I’m Ty Venice, your humble servant,” he said with an exaggerated bow.
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Venice, but do I have the word ‘tourist’ marked on my forehead or something?” She knew she had an edge to her voice. Even though she was falling apart on the inside she’d hoped it wasn’t evident to perfect strangers.
    “It’s Ty and please forgive my forwardness. Where I was raised it’s polite to help someone new to the area. It’s in my DNA. Come on, I’ll help you with your bag.” He flashed her a smile she was sure had melted many hearts.
    “Hold on, I need to pay the cabbie.”
    Ty signaled the doorman and held out his palm to the entrance doors.
    “The cab’s taken care of. It’s a perk of staying at the finest hotel in Manhattan.”
    Brooke narrowed her eyes and threw him a sidelong glance as she walked passed him. Her shoulders instantly relaxed as she entered the hotel. No blaring Christmas music. No harsh blinking lights. No Santa Claus. A pianist played something classical on the baby grand piano in the middle of the lobby. The only indication of Christmas was a tall fir tree next to the piano wrapped in a red ribbon. Brooke blew out a cleansing breath through her lips and nodded. Yes, this was exactly what she needed.
    “Check-in is straight ahead to your left. Have a nice stay, Brooke. Maybe we’ll bump into each other again”
    A shiver ran through her body when Ty brushed her arm before turning away.
    “Thank you,” she said and headed toward the reservation desk.
    After the check-in formalities were taken care of, the receptionist handed Brooke a black access card and directed her to a small elevator with the initials ‘SRE’ etched into the doors.
    Pam had been holding out on her. The place was incredible. Brooke caught her smile in the reflection of the brass doors as they closed. Spa treatments, good food and hopefully a cocktail or two awaited her upstairs. Maybe she would even have time to read that erotic romance everyone talked about. Brooke giddily planned her weekend as the elevator doors opened on the twentieth floor.
     
     

Chapter Three
     
    Brooke expected to find the usual Zen-like music, soft beige and white decor and crystal decanters of cucumber water that were typical of an upscale hotel spa. Instead she walked into a black, granite-flanked lobby. The only furnishing on the smooth surface was a dark wood desk. An expansive lounge area sat behind the desk with a wall of glass showcasing the buildings of Lexington Avenue.
    She turned toward the sound of soft footsteps and spotted a young blonde woman approaching from the bar carrying a teacup.
    “Hello, Dr. Allaire, I’m Courtney, SRE’s concierge,” she said, offering her free hand.
    Brooke shook it and admired Courtney’s short black dress and what she estimated to be at least four-inch heels. She was not the typical spa attendant Brooke was used to.
    “Welcome to the Satin Rose Experience. I thought you could use a cup of peppermint tea after such a long trip from St. Louis. Please take a seat in the lounge and I’ll let Mia know you’re here.”
    “Mia?”
    “Mia Lavender. She’ll ensure your weekend is perfect.”
    Courtney ushered Brooke to a table and placed the steaming cup down.
    “Th-thank you,” Brooke said as she took a seat in one of the upholstered chairs and scanned the bar.
    Courtney cocked her head and smiled.