Akira Tong for Christmas Read Free

sir? What should I call you?”
    “Sir is perfectly fine, Anna.”
    “Ah, come on. That’s so formal.”
    He chuckled and tossed a brief profile. “Sam. Sam is fine.”
    “Sam it is.”
    The elevator dinged, and the butterflies roared to life in my stomach again. “Here we go.”
    “Nervous, Anna?”
    I laughed lightly. “Just a bit. Can’t say I’ve been to such a fancy place as this. Special client. Special treatment.” I stepped out of the elevator, awed. “The Christmas decorations are so lovely!” He nodded once. “Good day, Anna.”
    “Yes, Sam, good day to you too.” I turned to him. “Which way would room 549 be?” He pointed his finger left with a smile and raised white brows.
    “Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again soon.” I nodded and hurried off, feet screaming to be free of those damned torture-device heels.
    The giant corridor was a winter wonderland, decorated with greenery wrapped in frosted white lights, and red poinsettias next to the door of each room. Beautiful!
    Once at the door, I knocked softly and counted to ten. I raised my fist for a louder knock, and then he opened the door. No, his torso did. His naked torso. Tanned, naked, and very ripped torso. And slacks.
    You. Are. Staring!
    I spun around. “Very sorry, Mr. Tong.”
    “Tong,” he corrected, his tone sounding bored and annoyed.
    Tung? But it was an o. “Tong,” I corrected in horror. “Please forgive me. Sir.” There was no answer. I turned and found the doorway empty. But open.
    Okay, Mr. Tong. Hello to you too.
    Customer’s always right, customer’s always right.
    The sight of the suite stole my irritation as I made my way in and shut the door. What did he want me to do? “I’ll have a seat in the…the study here. Maybe we can go over your plans?” I headed to the bulging black leather chair just past the foyer. “Take your time, though, no hurry,” I called out, sitting and digging out the itinerary sheet to locate that crazy-named restaurant. I peeked all around. The suite was exactly how the pictures portrayed it. Opulent? Yes. Totally.
    Okay, okay. I scanned the itinerary. Merkeny’s? Jeez, I needed to remember that name. Merkeny’s.
    Merkeny’s. Merkeny’s.
    “Oh!” I yelped at his sudden appearance in the small space, snapping my head left. What kind of culture did he come from? Waltzing in front of strangers, wearing only a towel!
    “I’m going to shower. I believe we have reservations at Mr. K’s? Six p.m.?” My gosh, his English was impeccable. Wait, Mr. K’s? “I guess I should cancel dinner at Merkeny’s?”
    Several seconds passed. “I’ve never heard of the place. Cancel it. I would like food from home.” Such a deep voice. “Of course, whatever you’d like.” Your Highness.
    Silence again. Longer. I turned and yep, gone.
    Good. Didn’t want you around anyway. Okay, cancel Merkeny’s . I got the number and located a phone on the presidential-looking desk.
    “Mr. K’s New York, how may I help you?” a soft female voice greeted.
    What? I referred back to the name next to the number again. Mrkny . Mr. K. New York? Shit. Stupid shorthand. “Yes, I was just calling to confirm our reservations? For Mr. Akira Tong?”
    “Reservation is secured and highly anticipated.”
    Didn’t even have to check. Humph. “Very good. Thank you.”
    I hung up. Guess now’d be a good time to go check out my own digs. “I’ll be in the suite next door,” I called out loudly. “You have my number. Call if you need me. I’ll be back after I get settled in.” I listened for an answer, then left when there was none.
    Chapter Two
    I practically ran to the room next to his. Room 547. I pulled the handle. Pushed. Turn? I wiggled it and looked around. Locked? Hmm. Oh duh, I needed the key. I hurried to the elevator, got a quick ride to the lobby, greeted the receptionist with an eloquent smile, and promptly learned my room was taken.
    “What? What do you mean? This was booked by the