Page 1

CHAPTER 1

CALEB

“Evening, Mr Frazer. Welcome back.”

I pause as the doorman opens the door and thank him as I pass.

The hotel lobby is a hive of activity, with guests checking in, others milling around, and some sitting on the vast sofas, drinking and chatting.Everything I’ve grown up to expect from a Frazer hotel. A grand chandelier that lights the foyer, reflecting off the marble walls and floors. Dark artwork is positioned to add contrast and depth. The private seating areas are welcoming and practical, opposite the reception desk.

I inhale and smile, the signature scent of the Frazer Hotels surrounding me. The zesty and vibrant bouquet transports me home. It’s the same scent my mother introduced years ago, and it’s still used worldwide. Hats off to Kat, my big sister, for the opulence and elegance—she knows what she’s doing.

“Evening, Mr Frazer. Can I get you anything?” the concierge asks me as I move to collect my key card.

“No, thank you, Annie,” I say.

It’s getting late. Jet lag may no longer be an issue, having been here for two weeks, but Jaxson wants to get the latest plans finalised and submitted as soon as possible, which means another early start.

Soft piano music drifts out of the bar area, drawing my attention. I collect my card and move towards the sound. Our dinner lasted longer than we expected, but we made progress. It’s also what happens when friends get together. And Jaxson has become that over the years. A friend. My brain is buzzing with the ideas we’ve thrown around tonight. Tomorrow’s meetings will be intense. One drink—better in company.

I’ve never been one to enjoy drinking alone, preferring my whiskey surrounded by others.

After taking my usual seat in the corner, the waitress brings me my order.

“Are you waiting for someone, Mr Frazer?” she asks, her interest clear.

“Not tonight,” I tell her honestly. “A drink before bed.”

I don’t miss the unspoken invitation she sends me as she places my drink on the table. I watch as she turns, the sway of her hips intentional as she walks away. I’ve never been shy when it comes to the opposite sex. A beautiful woman should be savoured like a fine wine. I look away, knowing I won’t be taking her up on her offer of company. Kat will have my balls in a vice if I mess around with any of her staff. It’s her one stipulation to all of us, but Kat always looks at me when she presses home that point.

A flash of blond catches my eye. Endless toned legs, killer red heels, and a black dress that accentuates every curve. My attention is fixed as I watch her navigate her way to the middle of the bar. I nurse my whiskey and watch her over the top of my glass. I guess she is a model by the graceful way she moves, but then again, how she’spulling and tugging at her dress? No, definitely not a model. I smile and take a drink, enjoying the burn, but my attention is still focused on the newcomer. It appears she’d be more comfortable in leggings or jeans than in her current attire.

She takes a seat.

Before I know what I’m doing, I walk across the room to the bar, stopping beside her. She pauses, letting me know she’s aware of my presence, but makes no outward acknowledgement. The bartender delivers her order.

“Add it to my tab.”

“No… thank you.” Her tone is sharp as she turns towards me. My breath catches as deep blue eyes lock on mine, her gaze narrowing as she glares at me.

“Ah, a fellow Brit?” I say, ignoring her obvious annoyance, instead dropping onto the stool beside hers.

She raises one eyebrow and shoots me a glacial stare before returning her gaze to the bartender.

“Please tell the gentleman I’m not interested.”

He shoots me a look of panic, and I grin. He knows who I am, but it appears the little firecracker next to me doesn’t. This will be interesting.

Her pale cheeks develop a rosy glow when she takes in his expression.

“Never mind,” she says, swivelling her stool to face me. “Can I help you?”

I bite the inside of my mouth to stop myself from smirking. Her eyes flash fire, yet there is still no recognition.

She doesn’t know who I am.

I relax, and she folds her arms over her chest.

“I saw—” I don’t get any further before she rolls her eyes.