I suggest reading parts 1 through 3, but it's not necessary.
"Conference roommate?" Jan repeated back to the gorgeous stranger in the doorway.
"Cost-cutting this year. Two to a room, it seems." She peered over Jan's shoulder with no difficulty, considering the height difference. It was the first good look I got of this exquisite woman with her wide eyes and close-cropped, tightly wound hair. I waved from the balcony.
She looked down at Jan. "May I come in?"
"Of course. Let me take your bag." Jan stepped aside, allowing Gwen to walk in and get the full impact of the room. She inhaled deeply through her nose, then smiled.
"I suppose you were expecting housekeeping." Her voice was soft, almost velvety in its understatement. She stepped through, reaching her hand to shake mine. I held my robe closed with the left hand as I stood up.
"Hello. I'm Gwen." Before I could say anything, she turned back to Jan. "And you are Janice. I see that I caught you in the middle of things. If I can leave my luggage here, I'll go find dinner to give you two a chance..."
"We're expecting room service. You're welcome to join us."
I blinked at the entendre, but Gwen responded without a pause. "I'd love to. The flight from New Orleans was ridiculous." She easily removed her stylishly oversized trench coat. Underneath was a tan-colored silk shirt so loose that it would slide from her shoulders if it hadn't been perfectly tailored. The obvious lack of a bra to hold her medium-sized breasts in place made the outfit even more daring.
Jan showed no shyness in admiring the stunning woman. "Joseph?"
"Close." She balanced herself against the wall as she took off her heels. Through dark stockings, her toenails shone a perfect red. "The Frankie Shop."
"Very nice."
Jan led the way to the balcony. I offered the patio lounger opposite Jan's chair. Once Gwen was seated, I stepped inside to get the extra chair from the writing table. I turned back in time to see Gwen stretching her long legs in a way that seemed very much on purpose, though not entirely for my benefit.
It was Jan who began the conversation. "How long have you been with the conference?"
"This is only my third year as a delegate. Before that, I was a volunteer for five years. It's been hard work; more so than I expected. Though I'm discovering some rewards."
"Such as?"
"Such as the opportunity to meet you."
The knock on the hotel room door cut off the rest of Gwen's answer. I scuttled through the room, grabbing my pants off the floor on the way. The bellman tried to survey the scene behind me as I dug for my wallet. But I got his full attention when I swapped five twenties for the cart of food, closing the door almost immediately.
I examined the sparkling wine label long enough to recognize one of my favorite Napa Valley cellars. The bottle had come with four flutes, so I filled three and set them on the charcuterie tray. Moments later we were happily drinking great wine and crunching perfect crackers with meats and cheeses.
As I refilled Gwen's flute, Jan resumed the earlier conversation. "Why here? Why the hotel room? Why not meet at the delegate reception tomorrow?"
Gwen quickly finished her second glass and took a deep breath. "Well, Janice, I guess I wanted some one-on-one time."
Jan was suddenly concerned. "Is it something professional? Confidential? Do I need to call HR?"
"No, no. Nothing like that." Gwen glanced at me, then shrugged. "Janice, remember last year in Hartford you gave the opening speech?"