Chapter 1
It was my first Christmas with my boyfriend, Brandon Lewis's family.
His childhood sweetheart, Emily Carter, was also there, saying she was here to check if I deserved him.
The second she learned I worked in the hotel industry, her eyes went wide with fake shock.
"The hotel business is tough," she said. "You must have sacrificed a lot to keep guests coming, right?
"Is your pay added to the room bill, or do you get extra?
"How much do you make in a night? And how many guests do you entertain?"
She turned to Brandon. "You're really something. Most guys pay for that kind of service, but you get it free and even bring her home."
I was furious, my brows knitting together as I was about to retort.
Brandon stopped me cold. "It's just a joke. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?
"Or did Emily hit a nerve? You did sell yourself for customers?"
I was so disappointed in him, I turned to leave.
Emily grabbed my arm, stopping me.
"Hey, don't leave yet. Tell me the name of your hotel. Brandon and I can book a room there next time to support your business.
"The more business you get, the less you have to sacrifice yourself. I'm doing you a favor," she said.
I turned back, lifted my glass, and toasted her.
"Honestly, you've already done wonders for my business.
"Last year, you brought 99 different guys to my hotel. Add Brandon to the list, and you'll be my hotel's lifetime VIP.
"As the owner, I sincerely thank you."
*****
The Christmas Eve dinner had been going pretty well.
Brandon's parents and relatives were all pleased with me.
But everything fell apart after Brandon suddenly brought Emily in.
As soon as she walked in, she plopped herself right down on Brandon's lap.
Brandon stood up awkwardly, trying to pull a chair over next to me.
Emily shoved him aside. "You two are still lovey-dovey after all this time? Let me sit next to the pretty girl for a change."
She looked me up and down and clicked her tongue. "Brandon's doing great for himself, scoring such a beautiful girl.
"Pretty's nice, but the real perk is that pretty girls have lots of experience. Brandon's got it made."
I wasn't stupid. I knew she was spreading nasty rumors about me. Even my easygoing temper snapped.
Brandon hurried behind me and whispered, "Rachel, she's being silly. But she means well. Don't let it get to you."
I wanted to keep the peace on Christmas, so I forced a small smile and stayed quiet.
But Emily only got bolder. She started interrogating me like a cop.
Brandon answered every single question for me.
When she found out I worked at a hotel, she slammed the table and burst out laughing.
"No wonder a pretty girl like you would settle for Brandon," she said. "You're worn out from work and looking for a gullible guy to pick up the slack, right?"
Brandon's mom, Maria, looked confused. "What are you talking about?"
Emily arched her brow. "I'm not making this up.
"Tons of hotels are shutting down these days. The ones that survive are either cheap or... dirty.
"They hire pretty girls like Rachel to 'persuade' guests. It's not exactly illegal, and everyone wins."
She turned to me. "You must earn a lot. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to look so wealthy.
"But it makes sense. You flaunt your gold and jewels during the day, so at night, you gotta turn tricks to..."
I'd had enough. I slammed my hand on the table, cutting her off.
"What's your problem?" I snapped. "It's Christmas, and yet you all trash here. Don't you have a home of your own?"
Emily didn't get mad, just smiled and batted her eyes.
Instead of answering me, she turned to the Lewis family with an innocent look.
"You guys watched me grow up. This place is like home to me.
"And you all know I'm not the type to make things up, right?
"I hate to ruin a relationship, but Brandon's like my brother.
"I don't want him to get tricked by some experienced... lady."
She looked back at me. "Quit acting innocent, Rachel.
"Everyone knows hotel girls are the sleaziest out there.
"They dress like classy city women, but they'll do anything to fill rooms.
"I'm not lying. I've been to hotels more than once to catch cheaters, and every mistress has worked at one.
"Honestly, they make streetwalkers look classy by comparison.
"But I'm kinda curious, Rachel. Do you charge extra, or is it part of the room rate?
"How much for one night? How many rooms do you sell a night?"