Chapter 4

Stephanie let out a slow breath as the cab pulled up outside the grand hotel where the roof disappeared into the black New York skyline. She nervously smoothed down her skirt and grabbed her purse and when she looked up again, she saw her door was open with Paul standing holding out his hand to her. She smiled, surprised. He really was a gentleman in every sense of the word. No one had ever opened a door for her before and especially not a guy who was probably used to having doors opened for him.

As Stephanie took his hand she wasn't prepared for the small tingles through her body or the fact that when she was safely out of the cab, Paul didn't let go as he led her into the spectacular entrance. His hand felt so big and warm. Stephanie looked around her in awe as she took in the amazing furnishings and plush carpets. What she would give to be able to afford to stay in a place like this. Instead she was stuck with cheap motels whenever she travelled. That's why she was going to make the most of tonight and enjoy all this luxury. It was all a bit like a fairytale really. She was like Cinderella and Paul was her Prince Charming whisking her away to elegant dinners and beautiful hotels but inevitably when the night was over, she would be back to the rags and poverty of her mundane, boring life. Stephanie frowned as Paul smiled at the porter standing by the elevator. Now she knew she had drunk far too much wine. She was comparing herself to frigging Cinderella?

"Top floor, sir?"

Paul nodded as they stepped inside. Stephanie's eyes went big as she stared around the mirrored walls. He was obviously staying in the penthouse suite. Of course that shouldn't have surprised her. Paul was rich, filthy rich. Even spending a year in the most luxurious hotel wouldn't put a dent in his fortune.

"So, it's going to be a long ride up." said Paul.

Stephanie turned to see Paul looking at her with those lovely brown eyes of his. Her heart raced in her chest as she licked her lips. The porter was standing facing the closed doors but it was like he wasn't even there as Paul stepped closer to her backing her into the side wall. She could smell his cologne. It was gorgeous just like the man standing in front of her. Clearing her throat, she smiled at him.

"I never did thank you for dinner." she said.

"Hey, the pleasure was all mine. It's not every day I get to enjoy the company of a beautiful woman."

Her blue eyes stared at him disbelievingly. "I'm pretty sure that's not true."

Paul slowly shook his head. "Not a woman as breathtaking as you."

Stephanie felt her face flash with heat and Paul began to grin.

"And now I've made you blush again."

"No, it's just a little hot in here." she lied as she tugged at the collar of her black suit jacket.

"You know, I should probably do a little thanking of my own."

"Why?" she asked.

"Well, you did what you said. You made that whole interview process relatively painless."

Her lips lifted in a soft smile. "Well it was my pleasure."

"I guess that means I owe you one now." said Paul as his finger lifted to lightly stroke her cheek.

Stephanie tried to find her breath. "Yeah. I guess you do."

As Paul's face moved towards her, Stephanie knew he was going to kiss her and she wanted him to. She really did. She didn't care about the porter standing in front of them. She didn't care that she hardly knew this man. Maybe she was drunk and had lost her senses. Maybe she was just swept away by all his compliments and his charm but it felt so nice to have someone pay attention to her. Paul made her feel special and she hadn't felt special in such a long time. Her head was literally spinning here.
As his soft lips finally met hers, Stephanie felt her whole body melt as she closed her eyes and lost herself in his kiss. Her heart pounded. Paul's mouth was so warm and he tasted of wine. It was like no other kiss she had felt before. It literally gave her goose bumps all over. She never wanted it to stop.

As Paul slid his arm around her waist and pulled her closer, Stephanie let her fingers reach up to touch his long, blonde hair. It felt so soft against her fingertips and she felt him open his mouth and deepen the kiss.
As she kissed him back passionately she knew without a doubt there wouldn't be any talking done tonight. Just like she knew she would probably be staying the night in Paul's bed although really, she had known that all along from the moment he had asked her to come back here with him. Sleeping with him would be the perfect end to her little fairytale where for one night only she got to experience the happy ending. The happy ending she used to believe existed a long time ago and the happy ending that would help her forget her pain just for tonight.