Suite Hearts (Hot Hotel Nights Book 1) Page 8

  I thought about calling her back to get the right apartment number, but then I finally listened to the little voice in the back of my head that was telling me how utterly ludicrous this was.

  How weird and creepy did I look right now, angrily stalking all the way over to Cade’s apartment block like this, just to yell at him over a prank? A prank that I wasn’t even 100% sure he was responsible for. I’d just assumed it was him.

  It was a blessing in disguise that I accidentally got the wrong address, because I might not have lived this down if I hadn’t.

  Feeling a little calmer, I walked back to my car. I wasn’t going to confront Cade now, even if he admitted that it was him behind the prank. I was going to take the high road and pretend it never happened. ‘What package?’ I’d say nonchalantly if he ever asked me about it. Or better, I could gush with effusive praise and thank him for sending me a box of all my favorite things.

  That’d confuse him for sure.

  I grabbed a blueberry and banana smoothie from a drive-through juice bar on my way back to the hotel, glad to finally get something in my stomach. I was just taking the last sips of it when I stepped back into the Mirabella lobby, and when I looked up from my pink straw, I spotted DeeDee heading over to the elevators. She was dragging a suitcase behind her.

  “DeeDee!” I called out.

  She turned around, smiling when she saw me approach. “Hey,” she said.

  I gestured to the case. “Um… what’s this?”

  She shrugged. “My appointment ended up being canceled. So I got coffee with Mom. While we were doing that, she suggested that I come and stay here at the hotel with her, you, and Dad. I said yes. After all, it’s my home, right?”

  I had to admit, I was a little taken aback by that. It’d only been a few hours since we were reunited with her, and she was already comfortably calling our parents Mom and Dad as if she hadn’t been raised elsewhere for fifteen years and forgotten about them until just recently.

  Something about it seemed… disingenuous. It was all moving so fast. Too fast.

  I guess it wasn’t her fault, though. Now that she was back and regaining her old memories, she probably wanted to try and fit in with the family as much as possible. It made sense.

  “Oh, sure,” I said, giving her a friendly smile to disguise my shock. “Do you need help with your case?”

  “No, I’ll be fine,” she replied. “Mom already got a bellboy to take all the rest upstairs.”

  All the rest?

  “So this isn’t just a short stay. You’re moving in permanently?” I said.

  She shrugged. “Why not? Like I said, it’s my home, right? And honestly, my apartment in the Towers sucks. Mom was horrified when she came inside to help me pack a few things. It’s practically a shoebox, and Oakwood isn’t exactly the best neighborhood.”

  “Oh, I see.”

  Her brows pinched together. “Where were you, anyway?”

  “I went to get some food while I waited for you to get back,” I said, holding up my empty smoothie cup.

  I left out the part of the afternoon where I’d stalked Cade like a lunatic.

  DeeDee nodded. “Cool,” she replied. Then she looked around and sighed. “It’s all so crazy, right?”

  “Yeah, it really is.”

  “Every time I step in here and look around, I remember more and more of the things I forgot from when I was a kid,” she said, gesturing around. “Even just the mosaic on the floor here… I remember it all.”

  I lifted one eyebrow. The mosaic tiles had only been put down in the lobby eight years ago, and Allegra/DeeDee hadn’t been here for fifteen years. I figured it was just a false memory, though. They were common, right?

  I let it slide.

  “What else do you remember?” I asked curiously.

  “I think… I think I remember us playing here,” she said, glancing around. “You used to chase me around everywhere, right? And we’d play hide and seek.”

  I nodded. “Yeah. You always used to hide in the kitchen. And whenever I found you, you had that big pink stuffed dog with you. Henrietta. You carried her everywhere.”

  She laughed. “Wow, yes, I remember that now!” she said with a wide grin. “Henrietta... god, I wonder what happened to her? I loved that dog.”

  “We probably still have her lying around somewhere. Mom and Dad never touched your old bedroom,” I said, my voice softening. “All your childhood toys are still in there.”

  She smiled at that, and my forehead wrinkled as something occurred to me all of a sudden. I was the one accidentally mixing up memories now. Henrietta the pink stuffed dog never belonged to Allegra. I was confusing her with my friend Serena—she was the one with that toy dog, and she was the one who carried it around everywhere when we were kids.

  Allegra had always been more of a doll girl.

  So why did she agree with me and claim to remember Henrietta? Serena never brought the toy here. In fact, she and I didn’t even meet until a couple of years after Allegra went missing.

  I squinted slightly as I gazed at DeeDee, trying to figure out if it was just another false memory that I may have accidentally put in her head.

  Suddenly I knew what it was that’d been bothering me since I first looked into her eyes. There was something in them, quite literally. I could just make out the faintest of outlines around her irises.

  “You wear contacts?” I asked.

  She raised her hand to her eyes self-consciously. “Oh…yes. I’m very short-sighted,” she said. Then her eyes narrowed. “These aren’t fake color contacts, if that’s what you’re implying.”

  God, she was sensitive. Paranoid, even. That was a little suspicious.

  “I wasn’t implying that,” I said, holding a palm up. “Jeez, it was just a question.”

  Her gaze was flat and emotionless when she looked at me now. “Whatever. Look, I get that this is weird for you. You got used to being the only sister. The only heiress. And now you feel like I’m here to take all that from you.”

  I frowned and shook my head, blindsided by her sudden mood swing from happiness to paranoia. “What? No, it’s not tha—”

  She cut me off and stepped a little closer so she was right in my face. “It’s fine. But let me just say this, Peyton. I’m here to stay now. No matter what you do, you can’t stop me from being a part of this family, or part of this world. Just try.”

  I wasn’t sure whether she meant for me to ‘just try’ to include her in my life and our family, or whether she was taunting me into trying to prove her wrong about who she said she was. Surely she meant the former… but her tone of voice, specific choice of words, and narrowed eyes told me it was more likely the latter.

  Right now, there was only one thing I was sure about.

  This girl was not my sister.

  9 Kaden

  I had a huge smile plastered on my face thinking about Peyton opening her package the other day.

  I regretted not being able to be there, but the way I was imagining it, I almost felt like I had been there. If only I'd been able to see Peyton blush like that in person. She looked fucking adorable with some color in her cheeks. I vowed to make her blush again, be it with another prank or finally making her admit she definitely felt something for me.

  There was a spark there. I wasn't making it up. I was sure Peyton felt it too, though for some reason she refused to acknowledge it and acted like a snob instead, which pissed me right the hell off. I knew I was going to get her eventually, though. At this point, it was stupid to think I wouldn't hook up with her eventually. Every time I saw her, she sent something pumping through my blood, a mix of excitement and nerves so intoxicating that it made my head spin.

  My mind was filled with thoughts of her as I went for my morning swim. The hotel had told us that all employees had free rein of the gym and pools before they officially opened for the guests. I guess they wanted to keep us in great shape, but I wasn't about to argue with their logic if it meant I didn't
have to forgo my morning routine. I used to swim at my parents' hotel, but I would've used any chance for more time at the Mirabella and therefore more time closer to her.

  But this time, swimming didn't feel as cathartic as it usually did.

  For a few brief seconds while I was in the pool, I felt like someone was watching me. It didn’t seem likely—it was early morning, and I was alone. But I couldn't shake the feeling that somebody else was nearby watching me, despite all evidence to the contrary. Maybe there was just a cleaner nearby getting the place ready for the influx of guests later, or a gardener trimming the neat hedges surrounding this particular pool. Either way, I was being paranoid for no reason. Why would anyone be spying on me? After all, I was the only spy at the Mirabella.

  Besides that, there was only one thing I could make myself think about all day long, long after my swim was over and my shift had begun.

  Peyton, sweet and sexy Peyton.

  She was always there. Every time I looked over my shoulder, every time I tried to walk away, she found her way back. And who was I fucking kidding? I didn't even want to stay away. I was addicted to the girl.

  The way her hair shone when she turned her head, the way she walked in those ridiculously high heels she always wore. Her outfits, the way she laughed, the skin her clothes revealed. I couldn't get enough of Peyton Cadwell and her intoxicating sweetness.

  Speak of the devil...

  I was walking through the lobby after my swim when I saw her again. Every single time she strolled by in those ridiculous trendy outfits, she made me regret wearing this damn bellboy uniform. She looked stunning once again, her beautiful strawberry blonde hair falling down her back in loosely curled waves that framed her pretty face. I couldn't get enough of her. Every time I caught a glimpse of her, she got me more addicted.

  "Peyton," I called out just as she walked through and into a hallway. She raised her eyes to meet mine as I strode over to the hall to catch up. I could see the hint of a smile playing on her pouty mouth, but instead of letting it break through, she rolled her eyes and stepped languidly toward me.

  “Hi,” she said. We were alone in the hallway now, away from prying eyes. “What’s up?”

  I couldn’t resist the urge to pry any longer. “You haven’t said anything about my little gift the other day.”

  She cocked her head to the side. “What gift?”

  “You know what I’m talking about.”

  She frowned as if deep in thought, even though we both knew exactly what I meant. “Oh, that gift,” she said. “I loved it! All my favorite things.”

  I knew she was messing with me, but I grinned and raised an eyebrow anyway. "I knew you would, dirty girl. Did you try out the clamps yet?” I said, intent on winning this little battle of wits.

  "Um. I...." She didn’t seem to have another comeback. She simply looked at me with wide eyes, and I chuckled. After a moment, her slow, melodic laughter followed. I fucking lived for it, and hearing her laugh like that made my whole day.

  "Cade," she said, prodding me in the chest. "I promised myself I’d take the high road. But screw it. I'm going to get back at you for that package, trust me."

  "I'd like to see you try." I smiled. "Bet you can't think of something nearly as good.”

  "You'll just have to wait and see." She winked at me. "I could have an ace up my sleeve you don't know about."

  "We'll see," I said. "Hey, by the way… you feeling okay? With your sister and everything?"

  Her expression darkened, and I immediately hated myself for bringing it up.

  Of course, the news about Allegra Cadwell’s shock return was all over the hotel. Everyone in our employee team had heard of it, and they were all whispering among themselves, speculating and stirring up drama. A few had even scored media interviews with the gossip journalists who were clamoring for any scrap of information from the Mirabella, although the Cadwells were still yet to release an official statement.

  I didn't want to upset Peyton. I just wanted to see if she was okay. Personally, I hadn't seen DeeDee (or Allegra, as was apparently her real name) since that day at the hospital the other week. I guess what was happening made sense with what I'd overheard in that hallway, but for some reason it still gave me a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. I wasn't going to say anything, though. Not before finding out how Peyton felt about the whole thing.

  "I'll be fine," she replied in a strained tone.

  I felt awkward as fuck, and I scratched my head and averted my gaze. "I'm sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up,” I said.

  "Well, I'm sure you have your questions," she replied in a cool tone. "So why don't you just go ahead and ask me what we both know you want to know?"

  "Huh?" My eyebrows furrowed. "Look, Peyton, I just wanted to make sure you're okay. That’s all."

  We stared at each other, her challenging look softening a little as I went on to explain what I meant. "I know this is a lot to take in. All the stuff with your sister… it’s pretty crazy. And your parents must be really overwhelmed as well. I just wanted to see how you were doing. You owe me nothing; you don't have to explain anything. That's not why I asked,” I said.

  She looked away, blinking a little too fast for comfort as I tried to defuse the situation. "I'll be okay," she said in a shaky little voice that made me want to physically hurt anyone who ever made her this upset again. She seemed weak and on the verge of tears, and I never wanted to see her like this again.

  But you will, my guilty conscience told me. Stay away from her, or you'll make her cry too, as soon as she finds out who you really are.

  I did my best to shut the annoying voice up, and I offered Peyton a smile. "Look, I mean it," I said. "I know this doesn't mean much right now, Peyton, but you can get through this."

  "She's already moved in," she said in a small voice. "DeeDee. The same day the DNA results came back."

  "Really?" I raised my eyebrows. "Seems a bit fast to me."

  She didn't reply to that, so I did my best to cheer her up a little, saying, "You'll be just fine once it all blows over, and you can take what's going on now too. You're a strong woman."

  She bit her bottom lip and gave me a grateful smile, although she didn't say anything. I could tell she was overwhelmed by the whole thing, and I didn't want to push the issue any further. I just wanted her to be okay.

  "No one's ever called me a woman before," she finally said.

  "Well, you are one, aren't you?" I asked her with raised eyebrows. "What would you rather have me call you?"

  I hadn't even realized I'd taken a step toward her until her sexy little body tensed with my presence.

  "I don't know," she whispered, just as my hand stretched out. I gently stroked her forearm with my fingers, and she let out a little gasp.

  "Peyton," I said softly, and her eyes fluttered to mine. She looked so fucking fragile like that, so sweet and so easy to hurt. I could never let anyone touch her, not in a way that was meant to hurt her.

  "Yes?" she said, her eyes fearfully looking up at mine.

  She was so nervous. So sweet. She made me crave the taste of her mouth, made me remember that near-kiss before we got interrupted by Bianca. I wanted those lips on mine. Needed them.

  "Sweetheart," I said on a whim. “That’s what I can call you.”

  "Sweetheart?" she asked softly, her lips so fucking close to mine.

  "Yeah," I replied. "'Cause you're so fucking sweet. I bet you taste sweet, too."

  My fingers trailed over her forearm and she breathed out a little sigh when they dug lightly into her skin. I could feel my cock tightening in my pants. She was too... just too fucking much. Too sweet, too sexy, too everything. "I want to know something," I said.

  She raised her eyes to meet mine again. "Yes?"

  "Did you..." I grinned before continuing. "Did you watch any of the movies from the box?"

  Her eyes widened, and in a second, she'd smacked my hand away and taken a step back. "You're such a jackass!" s
he said, rolling her eyes. Then she laughed again, as if she couldn’t stop herself.

  I was glad she was taking it well. She needed a good laugh right now, considering the recent major upheaval in her life.

  "What?" I said in a nonchalant tone. "Some of those are classics!"

  "Oh, yeah." She rolled her eyes, prodding me playfully again. "I'm sure many people love Four Weddings and a Fisting. It's probably more famous than the original."

  "Probably," I said solemnly. "That really is a classic, by the way. You should give it a watch."

  "Oh, shut up," she said, a twinkle of amusement still flashing in her eyes. "You're incorrigible."

  She turned around, ready to walk away, but I grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. Her eyes found mine, but I didn't pull her all the way into my arms. "Hey," I said gently. "All jokes aside, I just wanted to say, if you need anything... you know where to find me. I know this is probably difficult for you.”

  She swallowed hard, then nodded. “Okay. Thanks, Cade.”

  “No problem… sweetheart."

  "Stop calling me that!" She was turning pink, and it was fucking adorable.

  "Nah, I don't think so." I grinned, letting her go. "I like you blushing. Makes me think of dirty things."

  She shot me a look before walking away from me, not turning as she spoke. "Bye, Cade!"

  "Bye, sweetheart!" I said to her retreating back. Even though her back was to me, I knew there was a smile playing on those sexy lips, mirroring my own.

  I was definitely not looking forward to tonight.

  My parents had told me they needed to talk to me about 'the job'. The way they talked about it like we were part of some damn mob usually amused me, but today I really didn't want to deal with their speculations about the Mirabella and the Cadwells. I had other shit to worry about, although even I could admit I was starting to obsess about Peyton like a love-struck teenager. But I couldn't help myself. She was addictive.

  I headed home to get changed. Normally when I was there, I was rarely interrupted by my parents. They owned an enormous house, but I lived in our hotel, and sometimes days would pass without me seeing them. Since they'd developed their obsession with beating the Mirabella in every way possible, it was a relief to get away from them from time to time. I hated how competitive they were, but it wasn't just that. It felt like they were almost paranoid, so fucking scared that someone—anyone—could be doing better than them.