Wish For Me: Hotel D

By Nika Stone

It'll take a Christmas miracle to turn this grump into my Santa baby...

 

Todd Ikeda is many things. An uptight ex-model, the world's oldest intern — and the one colleague who hates my guts. At least, that's what I've always thought.

 

But when the two of us are left in charge of our company's flagship hotel in the middle of a massive snowstorm, I discover a whole new side to the sexy assistant CEO. One that's got me thinking about a future with him before we've even determined our present.

 

Could true love be our gift to each other? Or are we destined for a blue Christmas?

 

Wish For Me is part of the Hotel D series. These short, steamy romances feature mature couples who know what they want, in the bedroom and out! Each book in the series can be read as a standalone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nika Stone
• Release date: Dec 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9798223099666

Book preview

Tara

R ia Nicole Black, I order, get the hell out.

My boss takes my demand in stride. She’s used to me acting dramatically at her. So she remains calm, reviews the list I prepared for her, then finishes packing her suitcase and shuts it firmly.

You know, it’s not me, she says. It’s Drew. He worries about everything. He just wants to make sure that everything is in good shape and we don’t leave any unresolved problems for you two when we take off.

Uh-huh. Her husband Drew is obsessive about his business. It’s helped him maintain his position as CEO of the West Coast’s premier hotel group.

"It’s true. I completely trust you and Todd. The both of you are more than capable of managing the hotel in our absence. It’s only that Drew hasn’t given up the reins since he became CEO, and he’s nervous. He’s got a checklist of his checklists, for goodness’ sake."

I hope the thing on top of his list is getting Todd to remove the stick from his —

Tara, be nice, she admonishes.

I am! I’m always nice. It’s the boy wonder over there who doesn’t act like a human.

Todd can be a little intense, she admits, but it’s because he really wants to be good at this job.

Of course. But I’m not sure he gets that hospitality is all about being hospitable to people. The man has zero people skills.

Most folks find him quite charming. I do.

You have to say that. He’s your family. I don’t fully understand how, but I think Drew and Todd are related. Todd is Drew’s godfather’s son, or nephew, or something? Anyhow, there’s some pseudo-family connection that means Todd got an internship here at Hotel D while he completes his MBA.

Ria laughs. That’s not why. I appreciate his thoroughness.

If by thoroughness you mean anal retention, agreed.

Ria makes a face at me. He’s trying, Tee. If he sticks around, he’ll be a fantastic asset to this company.

You’re probably right. A melodramatic sigh escapes me before I can rein it in. That doesn’t mean I have to like it.

"I also think you appreciate Todd more than you’re letting on."

A hot flash rises up the back of my neck. I have no idea what you mean.

Ria simply smiles. We’ve had this argument before. I’m not sure why she believes I am attracted to Todd, and that’s why I take his terrible people skills so personally. I think that’s crazy. Scratch that, I know it is. But RB’s stubborn insistence that Todd and I have the hots for each other is laughable.

I mean, sure, he’s attractive. I guess. If you like men with great skin and perfect eyebrows and sleek black hair who used to be literal runway models, then he’s probably your type.

Me, though? My minimum requirement is a man who has cracked a smile in the last decade. I can safely say the list of men who meet that standard does not include Todd Ikeda. Every time he sees me, his face scrunches up like I kicked his dog. It’s extremely obvious that I’m not the woman of his dreams.

However, I can manage to get along with him for the two weeks that Ria and Drew will be gone. Since Todd and I are in charge of the hotel while Drew and Ria are away, we’ll be forced to figure it out. If nothing else, surely the spirit of the Christmas season will tame his grumpy ways. Right? It has to.

By the way, Ria adds, When we get back, there’s something I want to give you.

Interesting. I’ve already gotten my very generous holiday bonus, so that can’t be it.

Boss lady. You’re literally on your way out the door, I point out. Surely whatever it is can wait?

Consider this me putting a bug in your ear. You don’t have to decide anything right now, but I’d like for you to think about your future here.

I gulp. This sounds pretty serious.

You’ve been a fantastic assistant for the last five years, Tara, Ria tells me, but I’m certain you can do more.

I hold back a grimace. Frankly, my plate’s full right now. In the last five years, I’ve been a Jill of all trades. It’s been a fantastic challenge, helping her develop her training company, Game Changers, into a seven figure enterprise. But I’m pretty sure I’m at full capacity in my current role.

If you’re interested, I would love to bring you on as a partner.

I gape at Ria in surprise. She laughs at my startled expression.

I hope it’s a pleasant surprise?

It’s — I feel — I’m not even sure how I feel, to be honest. How would that work?

That’s one of the things we’ll discuss when I get back. I’m not sure what structure we would want — but I do know that you’re amazing and I don’t want to lose you or your talents. So let’s figure out what makes the most sense for us together and go from there.

My mind reels. This conversation has the potential to change my whole life.

Consider these two weeks a trial run, Ria continues. You’re running Game Changers while I’m away. Just do your best. Try to get along with Todd while you’re doing it, and next year? Partnership.

I can do that, I promise. After a last hug, she leaves. I head back to my own office.

Holy crap. Ria wants me to become a partner in the business. Before her, I never imagined being friendly with