Page 69 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess

“Yes, I’ll let her know.”

“Great. I’ll be there in about ten to fifteen minutes. Thank you for calling.”

“No problem, Kimberley.”

We end the call, and I immediately get going. I know how much his gold watch means to him. I’m just surprised he took it off atall—as far as I know, he only does that when he’s sleeping. Or showering.

But wasn’t he at his mother’s house last night—at least that’s what he told me? So, it was a lie. A hotel…

He was in a hotel room. And a woman is going to hand over the watch. I wonder what kind of woman she is…

I quickly inform Sally and Steven and grab one of the company drivers. This way, I’m at the MG Hotel in just eleven minutes and step into the lobby.

No, this isn’t some cheap motel. It’s pure luxury, like everything Gabriel is involved with.

I look around until I spot a young woman watching me, rising from a black armchair. She immediately catches my eye with her elegant appearance and a red coat that perfectly matches her natural red curls.

I rarely see women here in England who, like me, have freckles and red hair. What a coincidence.

“Kimberley, right?” she asks, an amused smile on her lips.

“Yes, that’s right. Do we know each other?” We could almost be sisters, except her appearance is far more elegant and confident than mine.

“No, but I could already guess you’re Gabriel’s personal assistant.” She takes out his gold watch and hands it to me.

“Thank you. He didn’t even mention he’d lost it somewhere.” I study it a bit more closely.

Why do I suddenly have such a strange feeling?

“He probably hasn’t noticed yet. But he’ll be very pleased whenyoureturn it to him.”

Why did she stress “you” so much? And why is she smiling like she knows something I don’t?

“I certainly hope so,” I answer, a little embarrassed.

“You’re truly enchanting. Lucky girl.”

Caroline lifts her hand and strokes my cheek with an elegant motion. At first, I don’t know how to react, but then I take half a step back, and she stops. “You have no idea how lucky you are. I’m a little jealous, I must confess.”

“Of… what?” I ask carefully.

“That’s something you’ll have to figure out for yourself.” She winks at me. “I’ve delivered the watch to you. My job is done. Have a nice day, you sweet thing.”

She winks again, then leans sideways to grab her suitcase. I just stand there, confused, watching her slide into a taxi and drive away.

Okay, what the hell was that wild performance about?

I linger in the lobby a moment longer, torn, before deciding to approach the two gentlemen at the reception desk. I simply have to know if Gabriel lied to me.

“Hello. It’s about the room that Mr. Gabriel Kensington booked last night. Caroline already returned the watch he forgot there.”

One of the receptionists turns to me politely. “And how may I help you with that, Miss…?”

“Miss Prescott. Mr. Cornelius Grey told me I could pick up Mr. Kensington’s watch here.” I hold it up briefly. He nods.

“Yes, he already informed us that Miss Evans would be waiting for you in the lobby. Is there anything else I can do for you, Miss Prescott?”

“Yes, actually. Gabriel—Mr. Kensington—contacted me and asked me to check the hotel room he booked last night. He’s still looking for his two cufflinks. They belonged to his father. Would it be possible for me to step into the room briefly?”