Page 34 of Once Upon a Prince

The doorman was waiting to open my door before the driver had even parked the car. As he did, I stepped out onto marble floors that led to a staircase that went to two revolving doors. Smiling, I turned to Dax to see him coming to stand behind me.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” he asked.

“Definitely. I mean, I saw pictures of it but they don’t do it justice.”

“Wait until you see the lobby,” he said and motioned for me to head up the stairs.

I did and walked through the revolving doors and into the lobby. It was just as magnificent, with marble columns along the side that were a beautiful contrast to the brown walls and antique furniture adorning the area. Next to the lobby was a sitting area with vaulted ceilings, smooth brown walls, and beautiful red velvet chairs and couches. It made me think of the dignitaries, royalties, and celebrities that had stayed there.

In a haze, I followed Dax to the front desk where a man greeted Dax by name and handed him two sets of key cards. Dax looked at them and then handed me one.

“You are on the twelfth floor. I was going to go to my room, get settled, and maybe grab a bite to eat. You’re more than welcome to join me but I would completely understand if you were tired from traveling and wanted to get settled in,” Dax said.

I wanted to spend more time with him and the thought of sharing a meal and seeing some of the city held such appeal, but I was tired. All I could really think about was taking a shower, getting unpacked, and getting some sleep. We had a late lunch on the plane and I wasn’t hungry.

“How about we have dinner tomorrow?” I asked.

“That would be perfect,” Dax said.

We walked to the elevator and Dax pushed the button for the twelfth and tenth floor. I thought it was odd that he would have a room below mine but I didn’t question it.

“Have a good night. I will see you in the lobby around seven tomorrow?” Dax asked.

“Certainly. Have a good night,” I said as he walked off the elevator.

As the doors closed, I felt the loss of his presence and questioned my decision to not have dinner with him. I rationalized that I would have plenty of time to spend with him. I wanted to be refreshed and ready for the meetings we had scheduled the next day.

When the elevator doors opened, there was a man in the hotel’s uniform waiting for me.

“Miss Taylor. Good evening. I am Pablo, I am to be your personal butler while you are staying with us. If you would like, I can escort you to your room.”

Flustered that I had a butler or a man who was going to show me to my room, I could only nod and follow him. We walked down a short hallway to a pair of double doors. He opened the doors and then stepped aside so I could go inside.

I walked into the room and just stood in the doorway; my mouth open. I couldn’t believe that the suite was going to be mine for the next few days. The room had its own living room that had been decorated in the most vibrant yet soothing yellows. In the middle of the room was a clear coffee table that was bigger than my closet with the largest bouquet of flowers I had ever seen. I walked slowly toward them and inhaled their sweet scent. It was then that I noticed the macaroons sitting next to them. I looked over at Pablo and he smiled.

“They are for you, miss.”

“This is supposed to be Mr. Moore’s room,” I replied.

I hadn’t been able to resist looking at what type of room Dax had wanted for himself. He had been very particular. I had no idea that he was going to give it to me and I wasn’t sure if he should have.

“He specifically wanted you to have the room and said those were your favorite cookies. Was he wrong? Would you like something else?” Pablo asked.

“No. No. They are. This is just all so amazing.” I looked around me.

“It is a wonderful room, miss. Would you like some help unpacking? Perhaps you would like a cup of tea with your cookies, or an alcoholic beverage?”

“Thank you, but I’m good.”

“Very well, miss. Have a good night. If you need anything, you just pick up your phone and someone will be there to assist you.” He nodded and then walked toward the door. He was at the door when I realized I needed to tip him and called out that he should wait.

He turned, as I fumbled in my purse. I didn’t have any Argentine Pesos and I wasn’t sure if he would take US Dollars. “I’m sorry. All I have—”

“Thank you, Miss, but there is no need. Mr. Moore has already taken care of everything. If you want anything while you are here, spa or salon treatments, room service, anything, it will all be taken care of.”

Pablo didn’t say it but he implied it included tipping. Dax was only doing what he should for any employee on a work trip with him. Even as I rationalized what Pablo was telling me, it felt like something more, as if Dax was trying to prove something to me or show what he could give me. It was both exciting and a bit scary. As Pablo walked out of the room and I went to get unpacked, I wondered not for the first time what exactly I was getting into by being in Buenos Aires with Dax Moore.

Chapter 20