Anna stiffened, but Sadie held on, her hands smoothing up and down Anna's back, attempting a soothing gesture that did nothing to calm Anna's nerves. Sadie released her, a mischievous grin playing about her lipstick red lips. "But maybe we can help a little with that, hmmm?"
Anna narrowed her gaze, her alarm bells clanging. "What do you mean by that?"
"Nothing, nothing," Miriam injected. "Let's check out the fourth floor. You’re gonna love this. It's where they really got creative."
Anna glanced around, wondering again if she could make a run for it. But before she could make the move, Flora and Iris snagged her hands. Anna felt like a lamb being led to the slaughter as they ascended the stairs together.
What the hell is going on?
She prayed she could get out of the hotel before she ran into the big bad wolf—the one person who would be basking in the glow of his success right about now.
"Can you believe they turned this entire floor into penthouse suites?" Miriam held her arms out to the side, her voice authoritarian like a tour guide. "How many did you say were up here, Sadie?"
"Nine. Gus said each suite was made up of at least four original rooms. Can you imagine?"
The layout was perfect, Anna noted as her gaze skittered around the expanse, with the suites all along the exterior walls. Any internal rooms had been demolished, leaving an open,circular space that was filled with more lounge areas, one of which even held a shiny, sophisticated coffee machine.
"Now isn't this posh," Hazel cooed as she sat on an antique leather chaise lounge. "This is as soft as butter," she commented, running her hands over the backrest. "I wonder if James would let me move in here. After all, he'll owe me after this."
Anna scowled. “What the hell does that mean?”
"Hazel!" Flora hissed, glaring at her partner in crime and slashing a finger across her throat. "Shut it!"
Hazel's round eyes stared blankly at the group for a moment, then she snickered sheepishly. "Oopsie!" She waved a hand at Anna. "Just ignore me, dear. I've had one too many mojitos today."
Miriam cleared her throat sternly and drew Anna around the round
baluster, the other ladies filing in behind them. "We were told that the penthouse on the end has the best view. It faces the ocean and is elevated enough so you could see quite a ways out if the weather is cooperative."
"Why, I bet you could see Havana if you looked hard enough," Hazel quipped before she hiccupped into her cocktail glass.
Anna frowned. She had to get out of this building and get home behind her safe metal walls. "I don't think that's true, Hazel."
"Anna's right," Iris injected. "It's over ninety miles from this point on the island. There's no way you could see Havana from here. But you would have a fantastic view of all the ships coming and going."
Miriam gave the penthouse door a quick rap and opened it with a flourish. "After you, Anna."
"No, I'm good." She motored backward and bumped into Flora, who towered over her by a head on a good day.
"Sorry, Anna," Flora murmured. "But you'll thank us later, you stubborn girl." She gave Anna a quick push into the room and the door snapped shut behind her.
"Hey!" Anna shouted as she yanked on the doorknob, but it wouldn't budge. How in the world did they make it lock on the outside?
“Let me out of here!”
A shuffling noise on the far side of the room caught her attention and Anna spun on her heel, the air rushing out of her lungs at the tall figure who met her eyes.
James stood in front of a wall of windows, looking impossibly handsome in khaki pants and a light blue linen button up. The sleeves were rolled up, and he was barefoot, like he'd made himself at home.
Which was entirely possible—hedidown the hotel after all.
"Hi, Kitten," he said softly, his eyes drilling into hers. "I've missed you."
Anna gawked, her mouth dry from shock, wondering if she’d fallen into some alternate reality. It was a miracle she remembered to breathe. Words refused to formulate in her brain as she watched James carefully inch his way toward her, hands out to his sides as if he expected her to bolt. But escape was impossible with the doors locked behind her.
"Don't be mad at the ladies. I asked for their help," he implored, stopping ten feet away from her. His hair was mussed and there were dark circles under his eyes, as if he hadn't slept well. But still, he looked incredible.
His tired, pleading gaze scanned her body. "You look beautiful, Anna." He tilted his head back an inch, drawing in air through his nose. A small smile formed as he sighed, his face relaxing. "You always smell so good."
