Good Deed Bad Deed, Marcia Morgan [summer beach reads TXT] 📗

do some sightseeing, starting with the Tower of London. Surely she would have moved on from there by now. If she hadn’t returned to the hotel already, she might be urged back by residual fatigue from the previous night’s events. The best bet was to wait for her there. His car was parked at the end of the block. He all but ran up the street and then hurriedly tossed the valise in the back seat. It had been at least a week since he had driven the classic Jaguar, the purchase of which was his one indulgence after the success of his first book. The engine turned over and assumed a low growl that turned to a purr. After a short warm up he pulled into traffic and headed for Ana’s hotel.

When Ben reached the location, he pulled into an underground garage and paid the attendant for the first few hours. He emerged into the light and shadows of the fading afternoon, walking quickly toward the hotel, with a brief stop to purchase a London Times. As soon as he walked through the entrance, he noticed the concierge following him with her eyes as he looked for a comfortable place to wait. He picked a chair with a clear view of the entrance.

The young woman approached him and asked, “Are you waiting for a guest, sir? I don’t believe you’re staying with us, are you?” She tossed her hair and smiled, clearly having looked for an excuse to talk to a man she found attractive, even to flirt a bit.

“Yes, I’m waiting for Ms. Doherty. She’s expecting me, but I believe she’s been held up. I’ll just wait here and read the Times.”

“But sir, I think I saw her come in a short while ago. We were just changing shifts and I only caught a glimpse, but I’m quite sure it was she. Let me see if her key has been picked up.” She hurried back to her station and checked the numbered cubbyholes, running her finger along the row, stopping at number 438. It was empty.

Ben watched her turn and start back to where he was sitting. She spoke before she reached him. “I was right. Her key is gone, so she must be in her room. Would you like me to call up to announce you? It’s protocol, really. I’m required … it’s an extra protection for our guests.”

Ben agreed that she should call, and he followed her to the desk. He could tell that the phone was continuing to ring without being answered, and he became disturbed. The concierge shrugged her shoulders, but kept the phone to her ear. After a few more seconds Ana answered. He was announced, approved, and the young woman hung up. Not having taken notice of the room number the night before, he inquired and was soon on the elevator. The doors opened at the fourth floor and he proceeded down the hall to number 438. He knocked somewhat softly and waited.

“Who is it?” she asked.

“It’s Ben. And you were smart not to open the door, even if you did think it was me on the way up.”

The door opened slowly, revealing only Ana’s head, wrapped in a fluffy towel. She opened it just far enough for Ben to enter then explained that she had been in the shower. She felt quite unfit to be seen but hadn’t wanted to leave him sitting in the lobby. He stepped sideways through the doorway, turned, and saw that the rest of her was also wrapped in a towel— only a towel. She clutched at it tightly and backed slightly away from him. This unexpected situation caused Ben to swallow hard, his intention to lure her to the country suddenly taking a back seat to an attack of desire. Her graceful neck, feminine shoulders and shapely legs were a feast for his eyes and he could feel his heart beat faster. He stepped back, putting her at more than arm’s length while he tried to summon his self-control. When is the time going to be right? Ben thought.

Ana broke the brief period of uncomfortable silence. “I know you must have a reason for showing up here without calling. Not that I mind—I’m just curious.” She waited for a response, but it seemed that Ben was weighing his words. While waiting for him to speak, she noticed how well he fit her idea of the handsome and casual Englishman. He was very appealing in his well-worn jeans, black tee shirt, and the famous leather jacket. It would have been easy to stare, but she turned away slightly, protecting herself from embarrassment.

Ben took a deep breath before beginning. “I have a proposition for you,” he said, and then realized the inappropriate nature of his words, considering Ana’s state of undress. As a distraction he walked to the window and turned his back to her before speaking. “What I meant to say is that I need to ask a favor.”

“It’s perfectly fine that you’re here in person, but why didn’t you just call?” Ben hesitated and Ana continued, “Could you please stay turned toward the window? I want to trade this towel for a robe.”

“I’ll stay turned around, scout’s honor.” Ben was becoming nervous, anxious to convince Ana of his story. He knew they should get on the road right away. The words he had planned to use escaped him, and he wondered how he would get her to drop everything and accompany him.

“Okay, I’m decent now. Turn around and tell me what kind of favor you need from me. I can’t imagine.” She crossed her arms and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“I’m needed at my parents’ house a couple of days earlier than I had planned. I threw some things in a bag, jumped in my car and took off before remembering my promise to you … about the interview. I remember telling you we’d have a couple of days to get it