Chapter 24: Chapter: 24
ANDREA
Hours later, after sleeping, waking up dozing off, I woke up to find Nicklaus already up and working. And we've finally arrived in Australia. Yawning, he'd led me out of the plane.
A black SUV was already waiting to take us to our accommodation—the same place I had made reservations for Nicklaus yesterday—which reminded me of a vital piece of information I'd forgotten entirely.
I hadn't remembered to book myself a room, and I only hope there are hotels nearby that aren't fully booked. Otherwise, I will have to go to another hotel much further from here.
But when we reached the beach penthouse I'd booked for him, I hesitated to get out of the SUV. Nick had turned to stare at me with an arrogant brow arched, then said.
“Problem?”
“No, sir, I was just wondering if I could go to another place and book a hotel room for myself. I just remembered there are only two bedrooms and there are three of us.” Including Logan, Nick's dark brow arches as if to say, so?
“Get out of the car, Andrea. I'm sure we'll be able to manage. You're my PA. When we travel, I take full responsibility for everything. You'd know that if you weren't new to this. You always stay with me.”
I got out of the car. Thinking of what he meant by that. It was then that Nicklaus finally got a good look at our accommodation.
Looking at it now, I realize I had made a colossal mistake. This was a place couples made reservations at when on a romantic getaway, for holidays, or for a honeymoon, not on a business trip.
I waited patiently for Nick to scold me and ask what the hell I was thinking. But he didn't say anything, though you could see this wasn't what he expected.
In my defense, I didn't know I was coming along and had booked the place solely because it looks so beautiful and serene, with pictures of a blue sea reflecting the sky and clouds, as whales and seagulls frolic in the vast expanse of water.
I'd learned there are tourist attractions nearby, the Sea Life at Sidney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo, restaurants, and shops. I thought Nick could take a tour, you know, after his meetings were over.
Do some snorkeling, scuba diving or whatever he wants to do. Okay! I know, I know. I messed up big time! I went overboard with this, but really can you blame me? It's an honest mistake. I got a little carried away.
The beach penthouse rests atop a six-story building. It was a luxurious two-bedroom apartment with a large living area, an open-plan kitchen, and only one bathroom.
The master bedroom has a sliding door that leads to the pool on the terrace overlooking the beach. The penthouse was located within walking distance of Bondi Beach and had the most beautiful panoramic view of the sea.
When I saw it, I just couldn't help it. I didn't even realize the place was an hour's drive away from the conference venue. Now I wish I had, I wish I hadn't let the beauty of the place lull me into booking it as if it was for me.
I sheepishly followed behind Nicklaus. Not meeting his eyes for fear that he was angry and might scold me.
Logan was with the manager, who was helping our driver carry our luggage up to the penthouse.
As we rode the elevator, all three of us and the manager, my brain was busy thinking of our sleeping arrangements. It's clear Nicklaus and Logan are going to have to share a room while I take the other room.
Guilt assailed me. If not for my stupidity, everyone would have slept comfortably after the long, tiring journey to Australia.
Afterwards, the manager gave us a tour of the place and a list of tourist attractions around the area, and finally left. Nick showed me to one of the rooms, then said.
“Get settled, sleep if you want to. The conference isn't until tomorrow morning. If you're hungry, order up some food for yourself.” I nodded and replied with a tired good night. Nick looked at me funny when I closed the door in his face.
The room was big, with a king-size bed taking up most of the space. There was a chaise lounge by the window and a closet on the left. The mirror and drawers were on the right.
Though all I wanted was to lie down on the bed and sleep some more, a hot shower might ease the stiffness in my joints.
I walked out of the room and into the bathroom. I twisted the knob of the shower, tested the water until it was the right temperature, then stripped out of my clothes.
As the hot water sluiced down my body, loosening my tired muscles, I lifted my hands and picked up the small bottles of body wash and shampoo I had kept closer for my use on the bathroom counter. I poured a generous amount into my hands and worked them into my hair.
After a few minutes, I throw my head back, letting the water rinse out all the shampoo. I wash my body with the body wash. After I'm clean, I squeeze out the excess water from my hair, then shut off the shower.
I went to the counter where clean white towels were folded into neat rows and took one. I had unfolded it and was about to wrap it around my body when the door burst open to reveal none other than Nick.
I screamed and quickly wrapped the towel around me. But he'd already seen me, my face instantly flame red.