The Unknown Woman Read Free Page A

captain.”
    Intrigued, she followed Luc to the captain’s desk. The man confirmed she did indeed have a package. Kerry’s eyes went wide when he lifted a huge basket from beneath the counter. It contained flowers, Mardi Gras trinkets, chocolates, fruit and a bottle of champagne.
    “Are you sure that’s for me?” she asked.
    The bell captain handed her the card with a gallant flourish. “For Miss Kerry Johnston.”
    The gift was from her sister and brother-in-law. The message told her to enjoy herself “or else!!!” She laughed softly at the threat.
    “I’ll get someone to carry this for you.” He called to a bellhop and indicated the basket. “Miss Johnston needs help to get this to her room, patio suite 2.”
    “Delighted,” the young man answered.
    After thanking the concierge and the captain for their help, Kerry followed the bellhop to the French doors that led outside. Like the concierge, the bellhop was young and good-looking, with skin the color of a rich café au lait and golden-brown eyes. She wondered if the hotel hired only sinfully handsome men.
    “You have an admirer,” he said, carefully carrying the basket to avoid bumping any of the antique tables and lamps as he led the way out to the courtyard and her room.
    “A secret one,” she murmured, deciding on impulse not to admit the gift came from relatives.
    “The very best kind,” he declared.
    They walked past the pool and the bellhop opened the gate to the private patio garden that fronted the entrance to her quarters. She’d been astounded to discover she was staying in one of the hotel’s exclusive units.
    “On the table?” the bellhop asked.
    “Yes, that would be great.” She debated how much she was supposed to tip him, then gave him a five. After all, she was in a luxury patio suite.
    “Shall I open the champagne?” he asked. “It’s been chilled.”
    “Uh, not now. Maybe later.”
    “I’ll see that it’s iced,” he promised and left the room with a brisk stride.
    Kerry tossed her purse on the table, sniffed an elegant white lily in the arrangement beside her basket, and wondered what to do next. She suddenly felt hungry, then remembered that she hadn’t had dinner yet.
    It was almost eight, she realized with a glance at the ornate wall clock. In White Bear Lake, restaurants stopped serving at ten on weeknights and midnight on Saturdays.
    But this was New Orleans. Everything probably stayed open all night.
    She was too tired to go out again, and she didn’t want to go alone in any case. She realized she’d grown complacent about having her fiancé for a companion for four years. Perhaps that had been the basis of their relationship—it was easier to stay together than face being alone.
    Chez Remy was the hotel restaurant, but she hadn’t been there yet. She glanced down at her casual clothing. It was probably a pretty fancy place.
    She spent a few minutes freshening up, then changedinto a long black skirt and pale peach organza blouse with matching camisole. Once she was ready, she headed back out to the courtyard.
    Chairs and tables dotted the flagstones, and almost all were occupied. The events rooms glowed with candlelight and music from a live band spilled out into the courtyard. More revelers appeared to have arrived for the Twelfth Night party since she’d retired to her room and prepared for dinner.
    The music changed to a fast number. A distinguished-looking man, with gray hair at his temples, caught her hand as she walked by and pulled her to join the couples dancing in the courtyard.
    Falling into the spirit of the evening, Kerry let him lead her in a few steps, but when he spun her around, she waved farewell and headed toward the doors leading to the restaurant.
    He blew her a kiss and found another partner.
    In the restaurant, she was seated at once and had a view of the main lobby. She knew that tickets were required to attend the Twelfth Night Celebration, but she felt sure that by the end of the