“I’m not ready, please come back later!” I yelled at the door. The woman must have heard me, because a moment later I could make out the sound of a cart moving further down the hallway. I took a deep breath in shaky relief.

It was obvious to me now that I was in a hotel, but the thick drapes blocking out all light made it hard to determine what time it was. I walked to the window and ripped the curtains open—

I gasped.

The sun shone brilliantly in a bright blue sky, and spread long and vast before me, was Central Park.

“Holy crap,” I whispered. Glancing at the stationery on the desk confirmed my suspicion.

I was in the Plaza Hotel.

“You are awake,” Riley’s cool voice said from behind me.

“Riley!” I shrieked as I whirled around. He stood in the doorway that led to the suite’s sitting room. Oh god! I pulled the hem of my shirt down as far as it would go. Why did I have to wear these panties? “Don’t look!” I demanded.

He cocked his head at me. “I don’t understand—”

“Close your eyes!” I begged. I wanted to sink into the floor and die.

He actually did as I asked, crossing his arms over his chest as his perfect eyelids lowered. He was utterly beautiful in the morning light, his skin practically glowing. He looked like he had recently showered, his hair still damp. My fingers itched to run through his black locks, but I ran for the bathroom instead and grabbed one of the expensive towels, wrapping it around my waist.

“I don’t understand what is wrong,” Riley said, and he sounded annoyed.

“You can open your eyes. I wasn’t decent,” I explained, still red with embarrassment, but at least feeling like I was on more equal ground.

“You are wearing clothing, aren’t you?” he pointed out.

“I’m… I’m in my undies,” I whispered, mortified.

“How are ‘undies’ different from the bathing attire you wore at the beach? Everyone could see you then. You might as well have been naked,” he retorted.

My mouth clamped shut. He was right. The memory of that night and what could have happened immediately brought tears back to my eyes. Crap, when did I totally lose all control over my emotions? When did I become such a girl?

“I am sorry,” Riley apologized politely. “I have caused you discomfort.” I thought he might come over to me then, to comfort me like he had last night, but he did not move. It took a moment, but then the impact of his stiff reaction hit me almost like a blow. I felt alone, lost. So much for Cinderella’s night at the ball—it was time to face reality again. I wiped the wetness from my eyes, and stood up straight.