Conceited Concierge: A Hero Club Novel by Renea Porter (little readers txt) 📕

She offered her hand, and I shook it. Before leaving, I pushed some cash in her hand.

“Thank you. Stick around and check the girls out if you want.”

She walked away, and I made my way to the clerk.

“I’ll give a thousand dollars if you let me use your fax machine.” I flashed her the cash.

“Honey, all you had to do was ask.” She winked. But she still took the money. “Right this way, honey.”

I followed her into an office. “Fax machine is there.” She pointed and waited at the door. “What was so important that something needs faxed?”

I made eye contact with her. “I was married to Kathrena. I came here to have her sign divorce papers.”

“Lucky woman,” she commented. She tilted her head. “What’s your name, sugar?”

“Levi. Levi Bateman.”

“Ah. I know that name. Kathrena has talked fondly of you.”

“She has?” I was surprised to hear that.

“Says you were the one that got away.”

“She said that?”

“She did. But she also knew she couldn’t be domesticated. Not at that time. She’s our best girl.”

“Now that, I do know.”

We shared a laugh as I faxed the papers. “I was faxing the divorce papers to my lawyer so he’d get them first thing in the morning.” I knew the originals would have to be delivered as well, but whatever could be done to expedite the process, I would do it.

“I bet you are doing this for a special lady.” She motioned with her finger.

I couldn’t help the smile that spread on my face. “That obvious?”

“Written all over that handsome face of yours.”

“You would be right. I fucked up and didn’t tell her I was still married. And she ran away from me.”

“It all makes sense now.”

We walked out of the office together.

“Thanks for letting me do that.”

“Sure thing. Good luck with the lady.”

“Thank you.”

“See you.”

I smiled and waved as I headed for the door. Stopping, I took a look around and locked eyes with Kathrena one last time. She smiled and nodded to me. We were good. And the past was finally put in the past.

I made my way back to my hotel room. Checking my messages, there was nothing from Rylee. Stripping out of my clothes, I put on my pajama pants and settled into the surprisingly comfortable bed.

I missed Rylee like hell and wished she was in the bed next to me. I missed her touch, and her kisses. But mostly, I was upset that she was no longer wearing the smile I was used to seeing. Would she forgive me? Would all this be worth it? I sure hoped. Hoped it wasn’t too late.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

 

 

RYLEE

It’s funny how slow time passes when you are alone.

I was holed up at a small two bedroom, two bath, waterfront house in Thermal, which was sixty miles from Temecula. It needed a little work. The owners had knocked some of the rent off if I was doing some repairs.

Amber and I had finished our work at the hotel and it was easy not being distracted by anything or anyone. I never saw Levi so when I left Temecula, I had no idea where I was going until I got in my car and drove until I decided to stop, which was when I saw this cute little house for rent. I decided it was fate. And I couldn’t pick a better house for me. The inside needed more of an update than the outside. I already had the kitchen redone and upgraded to stainless steel appliances.

Thankfully, the owner’s husband was willing to help with things I couldn’t do. With the inside almost done, there was a spot on the front of the house that needed a fresh coat of paint since it was chipping from the sun being on that side of the house.

“The bathroom is all fixed up,” Kohen told me carrying his tool box.

“Thank you. I appreciate the help.”

“Anytime. Make sure you don’t stay in the sun too long. Get some rest.”

“Don’t worry. Once this is finished, I’ll be done.”

“Take care.”

“You, too, Kohen. Say hi to Bev for me.”

He waved as he walked down the sidewalk to his truck.

I was doing my best to keep my mind busy and off Levi. But I couldn’t help wondering what he was doing. The ache in my heart was never going away. It was something I lived with every day because I had bigger issues to think about.

I heard footsteps coming up my walkway. Turning, I saw my new friend, Celine, and I smiled.

“Hey, girl. I’m glad you could stop by.”

“Here. I thought you could use a plant.”

“Thank you. Come on. I’ll show you around.”

Celine followed me inside, and we walked into every room as I showed her the work that had been done.

“This place is so cute. And it’s definitely you.”

“Thank you. Do you want something to drink?”

“I’ll take a water if you have it.”

I pulled a bottle from the fridge and handed her one and then drank one myself. “I need to sit for a few minutes anyway,” I told her.

“Of course. Where is your brother? I thought you said he was visiting.”

“He is. He went to go get some food.”

“Maybe I will meet him another time then. There is a Halloween party at my boyfriend’s place tomorrow night. You should come. Get to know some other people besides me.” Celine smiled.

“What costume would I wear; a beached whale?”

She playfully bumped my shoulder. “You can be a fucking goddess. Look at you.”

Celine was tall, had stick straight black hair and the most gorgeous hazel eyes I’d ever seen. I met her at a local diner because our to go orders got mixed up. We