Love in the Shadows of Legacy

I fumbled with the key card, struggling to make the green light flash. After the third attempt, the door finally clicked open and I stumbled into what was supposedly the most luxurious suite in Miami’s Grand Palms Hotel.

“Finally,” I breathed as I dragged my bag behind me. The room was nothing short of stunning with marble floors that probably cost more than my yearly rent and furniture that screamed luxury.

I fell into the king-sized bed, still in disbelief. Only three days ago, I had been mixing paint in the back room of Martinez Art Supplies. Now here I was in a five-star hotel suite, all thanks to my boss who'd practically dragged me onto the plane.

“Lily, you're working yourself into the ground,” Mr. Martinez had said, paying no mind to my protests, “You've been here every day for the past six months. It's either you take this trip or I'm firing you for your own good,”

After a long, hot shower that undid the tension in my shoulders, I wrapped myself in the hotel's impossibly soft bathrobe and sank into the velvet couch.

The privacy of the luxurious suite, the wonderful ocean view, and the way the silk robe felt against my skin all relaxed my body.

And slowly, I let my eyes drift closed and my hand moved under my robe. Soon, my breath grew uneven as I let the stress slide out with each stroke of my finger.

I arched into my own touch, biting my lip to hold back the moan…

The door swung open.

“Whoa. What the…”

Standing in the door frame was the most gorgeous man I had ever laid eyes on.

Tall, broad-shouldered, with eyes that were taking in every inch of my compromising position.

“Oh, hell no,” I yelled as I yanked my robe to cover up, nearly falling off the couch in my haste, “What the hell are you doing here?”

He leaned against the door frame, clearly not in a hurry to look away, “Well, this is interesting. I was expecting some room service not…this kind of entertainment,”

“Get out!”I screamed, “This is my room!”

He raised an eyebrow, smirking, “Your room? Princess, I think you're confused. This is my room.”

He stepped inside and let the door close behind him, “Though I have to say, the amenities are better than advertised,”

“You arrogant pig! I have the key card, I have the reservation confirmation, and I was here first! And what kind of psycho barges into a woman's room that way without even knocking?”

“The kind of psycho with a room key that works. Which means – guess what? – It’s mine too. Exclusive suite, penthouse level, non-refundable,”

“Unbelievable,” I hissed. I stared at my plastic key card, “This can't be happening,”

“Oh, but it is, sweetheart. Deal with it,” He said, “I’m Alexander by the way and you are?”

“Leaving,” I grabbed my bag, “Right now,”

When I got to the door, I paused and turned