“Yeah. The guys are working to get us safely out of St. Dourdane, but now we don’t have to worry.”
There was no holding back her smile anymore. The more she heard those words, the better they sounded. She wanted to spin around and scream with joy. Instead, she just crossed her arms and bounced on the balls of her feet to avoid waking up a snoozing Gracie. A new idea occurred to her, and her eyes widened. “We can get a car this time. No more trekking through the jungle. And we can sightsee too. If we get into Frederickston earlier enough, we can check out the town. Maybe upgrade our room to a VIP suite. I’ve never stayed in that city, but I’ve heard it’s nice.” At Noah’s dubious look, she waved him off. “It’s all my treat, of course. Once I can access my funds and move them around freely without worrying about anyone using the paper trail to track me down. I’ll ask the owner if I can make some calls downstairs to arrange things.”
“Okay.” Noah sighed and held up a hand. “I’ll talk to the guys again too about arrangements.”
* * *
A few hours later, Serena and Noah and Gracie walked into El Palacio del Paraíso in downtown Frederickston. The rumors she’d heard about the place didn’t do it justice. From its renaissance style architecture to the lush and lavish indoor gardens and outdoor reflecting pools—not to mention an indoor replica of Venice, complete with gondolier rides—the whole place was magical.
They walked across the huge marble lobby to the reservation desk, and for the first time in her life, Serena felt underdressed. While Noah got them checked in, she whispered into Gracie’s ear and pointed out the lovely crystal chandeliers and the enormous fish tanks set into the walls filled with colorful tropical fish. Across the way, a whole row of luxury designer boutiques beckoned.
Oh yeah. She was definitely going on a shopping spree later. After she got Gracie bathed and down for a nap. If Noah was willing to watch her.
“Okay,” Noah said, coming up beside her a few minutes later. “Here’s your key and a special card for the elevator. We’re on the top floor and it’s private access. No card, no admittance.”
“Cool.” They went over to board the elevators and the baby started fussing again. “Would you mind taking Gracie for a bit once we’re settled? I really could use a change of clothes.”
He held the elevators doors for her and stepped on board before putting his key card into the slot. The doors closed, shutting out the low murmur of the fountains and the sweet scent of lavender and vanilla, mixed with the fragrance of fresh green plants in the air. The place was surprisingly quiet given all the people milling about in the lobby.
As the elevator sped silently upward, she glanced over at Noah. His expression was unreadable and for a moment, she thought maybe he’d refuse to take the baby. After all, his mission was over now. But then he raised his chin and swallowed hard, the sleek muscles in his neck working.
“Yeah, I’ll take her,” he said as the elevator chimed and the door swished open to what looked like Shangri-La. “In fact, why don’t you give her to me now and you can go on ahead to shop? Maybe even go to the salon downstairs. I hear it’s like some kind of five-star place or something.”
Serena tore her gaze away from the stunning floor to ceiling views of downtown Frederickston across from them and turned her attention back to Noah. “Are you sure? She needs a bath and a fresh change. I just fed her a little while ago on the way here so she should be good there.”
“I’m sure,” he said, tossing his key cards down on the counter, then walking with her through the suite as they explored their new digs for the night. It was spectacular. No doubt about it. And Serena should know. She’s stayed in luxury resorts all over the world. The Premier Suite was room after room of pure decadence. From the plush Persian rugs covering the marble floors, to the full-sized grand piano in one corner of the luxe living room, it was a connoisseur’s delight. Antique furnishings filled the suite, along with an entertainment and sound system that was top of the line. Crystal and china dinnerware filled the full chef’s kitchen and the bathroom was like a spa experience in itself. Huge sunken marble tub big enough for two. A separate walk-in glass and travertine tile shower. Double vanity and enough thick plush towels and robes for a small army.
Serena was tempted to climb into that tub now and never come out. But first, she needed clothes. And a haircut. And a mani-pedi too.
Without another word, she handed over their daughter to Noah, then backed down the hallway toward the elevator. “I won’t be long, I promise.”
“Have a great time,” he called, holding the baby up next to his face so he could wave her little arm at Serena. “We’ll be fine, Mom.”
* * *
By the time Serena got back upstairs a few hours later, she felt like a new woman. Gone were her worn clothes and scruffy long hair. In their place was a spiffy new shoulder-length cut and a cute little cocktail dress for dinner that night. She’d also had her finger and toenails painted in a shade of fuchsia to match the flowers on her dress. In her hands were multiple shopping bags containing new tops and sweaters and jeans and pants and lingerie and socks. She’d also picked up a bunch of new things for Gracie and a couple of items for Noah, though he was harder to buy for. She wasn’t sure what his style was beyond the camo and T-shirts—or the jeans and sports coat she’d seen him in the night they’d met.
She made some educated guesses, given he
