Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
No one could tell. In fact, Ned was like Prince Charming when I first met him because he was tall, blonde-haired, blue-eyed and obviously well-off. I was filling in at reception at the Clearview Hotel on Ports Road, when he strode in with a charming smile, and his hair brushed back from his high forehead.
“Ned White,” he rumbled. “Checking in.”
I was flustered, and my cheeks blushed pink.
“Certainly, sir,” I murmured as my hands typed quickly on the keyboard. “Welcome to Clearview. It’s a pleasure to have you staying with us.”
Of course, it was then that I forgot everything to know about checking in a guest. I fumbled, I hemmed and hawed, and generally made a fool of myself until my friend Rose stepped in. But Mr. White didn’t seem put off by my obvious incompetence. He merely winked as I handed him his room key, and murmured “thanks” before striding away.
“Wow, what a hunk!” Rose sighed, staring at his departing back. “It’s like Prince Charming just set foot in our hotel!”
“I know,” I murmured. “And he’s in the Royal Suite as well, so he’s obviously living the good life.”
Of course, I thought that’d be the end of it. I’d go back to my housekeeping duties, and Mr. White would depart when his trip was over. But to my surprise, we bumped into each other later the next day when I filled in as a waitress at the Garden Café on the first floor.
“Didn’t I see you yesterday?” he asked as I stood by his table, dressed in a pink uniform with a jaunty cap on my head and a white ruffled apron wrapped around my waist. “You were working reception, right?”
I blushed like a fire engine.
“Yes, we’re a bit short-staffed this week, so I’m a Girl Friday of sorts. I’m covering a number of different stations this week.”
The blonde man smiled, flashing even white teeth.
“Well, a generalist is always appreciated, no matter the sector,” he said. “Ned White,” he added, holding out a firm, square hand. “It’s nice to meet you again.”
I nodded and shook his hand, my heart fluttering in my chest.
“Angela Harris,” I said. “But everyone calls me Angie.”
“Angie,” Ned said thoughtfully, rolling the syllables over his tongue before flashing me another movie-star smile. “I like it.”
My knees felt weak, and perspiration broke out in the hollow between my breasts. But Ned didn’t seem to notice, and before I realized what was happening, he asked me out on a date. It turns out that he wasn’t some sketchy businessman passing through Austin for a week. He’s a resident of the city, but as a successful realtor, he’d just sold his own apartment for a staggering sum, and was a long term guest at the hotel until he found his next apartment.
I was swept off my feet. It’s the only way to put it because I felt like a princess in a fairy tale. I was literally the chambermaid, scrubbing toilets and mopping floors, when I was whisked to a better life by a handsome, rich, and charming man. Even crazier, Ned proposed marriage after a whirlwind courtship, and I accepted. What girl wouldn’t? Ned White was eligible, attractive, wealthy, and debonair. There was no reason to say no, and I was head over heels for my fiancé.
Unfortunately, the fairy tale ended soon after we were married. In fact, it ended right after we got back from our ceremony at City Hall.
“Angie, where are my slippers?” he asked when we stepped into his apartment. By then, Ned had found new accommodations, and I was excited to start playing house with my handsome husband. I shrugged and smiled without a care in the world.
“I’m not sure, Ned. What would you like for dinner—oh!”
That’s when it happened. One moment, I was standing before the hall closet, hanging up my jacket, and the next, I was on the floor with my ears ringing. I was so shocked that I didn’t comprehend what had transpired. Did I lose my balance unexpectedly? Did an earthquake strike, knocking me to the ground?
But when I looked up, Ned was towering over my prone form, his patrician features twisted in a murderous rage.
“What the fuck?” he hissed. “What is wrong with you?”
I stared at him, still uncomprehending.
“What’s wrong with me? What do you mean? What happened?” I murmured, rubbing at my aching head. “How did I fall?”
My handsome husband let out a sharp bark of laughter.
“You didn’t fall, Angela. You’re such a dumb fuck that I had to knock some sense into you! What do you mean, you have no idea where my slippers are? I expect my slippers to be waiting by the door the moment I set foot in the house. Do you understand?”
I stared at my new husband as a horrific realization dawned. Then, astonishment replaced the realization, followed by abject fear. This man hit me? This is the same man with whom I just exchanged marriage vows where we promised to honor and cherish each other for the rest of our lives? My head spun because it was too ugly to be true. I wouldn’t let myself believe it.