Holly's Day

The Unexpected

Rowan lead Holly out onto the main strip, took a right, another right and stopped in front of one of the nicest hotels in town.
"Is this where you're staying?" Holly asked
"Living more like"
He lives in a hotel? Holly wondered but decided not to ask any more questions in fear of saying something stupid.

Inside it glowed. There were large archways, warm gold and blue carpets, plants that vined around tan columns. Immediately, while Holly was gaping at the sight, two men approached to speak with Rowan.
"Sir" they both said in unison, nodding.
Rowan nodded back.
Holly looked up at him, and this time it was her turn to arch arch her eyebrows. But he just winked and smiled his silky half smile and took her hand.

He led Holly to the stairs. She found it curious that he did not chose the elevator, but went along with it. She had always liked and trusted Rowan, and was enjoying the mystery of what he was like when he wasn't acting as her boss. So far, it seemed like a decently interesting birthday, and was definitely more her style compared to trying to fit in at the bars. Rowan gestured for Holly to walk up the stairs, while he followed behind her. She had to keep checking over her shoulder at each new flight so that she would know whether to stop or keep going. They went up a lot of stairs, likely about 13 floors. At the top, Rowan opened the door of the stairwell for her and together they entered the top floor. It was a very small hallway, about 10 by 20 feet, and in the middle, one double framed wooden door.
"And this is us" Rowan smirked.

Inside was gigantic. Like ohmygosh huge.
"Holy moly!" she couldn't help herself, she had to say it. There was a full bar, full bathroom, couch and flatscreen television. The entirety of the walls were windows overlooking the skyline, with one exception of a sliding glass door that led to a decorated terrace with a hot-tub. The bed was the size of a Cali king, but was circular in shape, with draping gold curtains and a blue comforter.

Rowan headed straight for the bar, poured himself a whisky and looked at Holly while he tilted the bottle in her direction.
She nodded. "Please, no rocks.... So, you live here?!?"
"I own this hotel. Well, one of many I should say. My business really took off once you left."
"Oh, well thanks" she said sarcastically .
Rowan shook his head and handed her the drink. "Not BECAUSE you left silly, you actually helped me a lot in organizing my thoughts, documents and helping me with the little things that I didn't have time for. I honestly probably should be thanking you."
Holly took a sip and giggled "oh, you're very welcome."

He gestured for her to sit on the couch, so she did, holding onto her drink with both hands on the glass. It was good stuff.

The two started chatting, catching up on each other's news and successes, and talking about when Holly worked for Rowan.
"You were always so cute" he teased "bustling around, perfecting every little task, squeaking at anything in sight"
"Squeaking?! What are you talking about?
"Don't act like you don't know, short stuff"
Holly was beet red.
"Every little noise, movement and person must've been terrifying to you, sure made you jump enough."
"Hey!" exclaimed Holly "first off, I wasn't terrified, just startled and second off-" she took another sip "I've gotten over it"
"Over it?" Rowan was smiling bigger now. He finished his drink and began pouring another, and Holly looked down at her half full glass.
"Better drink up, or I'm gonna lap you"
Holly rolled her eyes and finished her whisky, setting the glass down on the wood carved table. Rowan set down his drink and slammed back down on the couch while shouting "GOTCHA!"
"Aiiihhh! Holly scream, jumping. How embarrassing. She was happy she hadn't been holding her drink because that would've been a disaster.
Rowan smirked and said playfully  "I see you were lying to me"
"Humph, was not"
"Clearly" he chuckled "why're you so jumpy anyways? Not that I'm complaining, you are too freakin cute"
Holly was blushing. Again. Rowan was almost on top of her. He touched her knee and she giggled. It was the tiniest giggle, sounding like bells. But as it happened her expression hardened. She was trying to correct her face and posture to act as normal as possible.

Then Rowan did something she was not expecting.
"Tell me, Holly" she shivered when he said her name in his silky voice. "You're not, ticklish, are you?"