Admittedly, she’d had more than a few lumberjack fantasies about him.
But for all the times she’d engaged him in conversation, he’d only divulged a few meager scraps of personal information: he was thirty-three, he’d grown up in a small town in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, he loved to read, and he had a fondness for vintage cocktail recipes. Anytime she’d probed further, he’d clammed up right away.
More than once, her coworkers had suggested she ask him out, but she hadn’t mustered up the courage to take that leap, partly because he didn’t seem like he’d be open to it. He’d never mentioned dating anyone. And last February, when Preston had tasked him with creating a few love-themed cocktails for Valentine’s Day, Knox had dismissed both the holiday and romance itself as “a total crock.”
“The ghost show stuff came about because my friend Logan dropped by,” Knox said. “He works forCanada’s Most Haunted.Ever seen it?”
“No, but if you need me to watch it, I can start binging old episodes. I don’t have much going on this weekend.”Or any weekend, really.
While she was close with a few of her coworkers, her dating life had flatlined three years ago, after she’d broken off her engagement to Randolph. It didn’t help that she lived in an apartment above her parents’ garage, which meant enduring her mother’s intense scrutiny every time she went on a date.
“Watching the show would be a good start,” Knox said. “I should do that, too. Gotta admit—as much as I hate the Grand Duke Hotel, they would have been a better choice for an episode. But they turned Logan down.”
“I’m not surprised, given what snobs they are.” While Charlie rarely disparaged anyone, she thought the Duke’s so-called “hospitalitarians” were too high-and-mighty for their own good. “But their hotel isactuallyhaunted. Whereas ours is…not. Is it?”
“I don’t think so. Not that Preston seemed to care. Once he realized the Duchess could be the location for an episode, he was all for it. He asked me to pitch in because…Logan’s an old friend. But you don’t have to help if you’re too busy. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, either. Didn’t you just tell Preston you don’t like watching horror movies?”
Charlie swallowed, unsure of whether Knox was trying to dissuade her. “Yeah, I’m kind of a big chicken. But…um…I’m still willing to help.”
Please, say yes.
If she and Knox teamed up to work on this endeavor, they’d get to spend more time together. Maybe then, she’d be able to sense whether he’d be open to dating. And if he was? Then she needed to stop pining for him anddosomething about it—even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone.
To her relief, he smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Thanks. I could use a partner. If the show decides to film here, it could be good for the hotel.”
“Then I’m all for it. I can start watching it on Sunday since I have the day off. For now, I’d better go check on Preston.” She peeked at her watch. “Happy hour starts soon, so I’m sure you’ll be busy mixing tropical cocktails.”
He groaned. “I’m so sick of them. The same goes for those damn Jimmy Buffett songs.”
She couldn’t resist teasing him. “Even ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’? That one’s fun.”
“Maybe the first time around, but I’ve heard it every happy hour.” He scowled at her. “Are you admitting you like that song?”
Whenever he addressed her in that extra-growly voice, she broke out in little tingles. Especially when she sensed he wasn’t truly angry. “I admit nothing, Mr. McIntyre. Can we talk later about this ghost show?”
“Sure. You know where to find me.”
“You got it, partner.” She let out an awkward giggle, then gave him a quick wave, trying not to erupt in a squeal of joy as she walked back to the front desk.
What did it matter that she was afraid of ghosts?
She’d be getting to work with Knox on averyspecial project.
* * *
On Friday morning,Charlie headed toward the Duchess’ small conference room, carrying a box of donuts. Once a week, the hotel’s four senior managers—the self-proclaimed “Duchess Damsels”—met to discuss upcoming events, specials, sales, and potential crises. Standing at the head of the table was Rosie Gonzalez, the assistant general manager, who was one of Charlie’s closest friends. Having just returned to work after a weeklong vacation, Rosie was positively glowing, her light brown skin a shade darker thanks to a newly acquired tan.
After setting the donuts on the table, Charlie gave her friend a quick hug. “Welcome back. How was Banff?”
“It was amazing. I can’t remember the last time I got that much sunshine. I could have done with less hiking, but you know Drew. He was totally in his element. We stayed in this adorable cabin just big enough for the two of us.” Rosie let out a blissful sigh. “It was hard coming back to work.”
“I’m gonna need a full debriefing later.” Even if Charlie’s dating life was nonexistent, she enjoyed living vicariously through her friend’s exploits. Rosie had been dating Drew for almost a year now, and she’d never seemed happier.
“You bet. Thanks for bringing treats. I’m in desperate need of a sugar fix.”
“They’re nothing fancy. I got pressed for time and stopped at Tim Hortons.”
“Who needs fancy? As long as you got me a Boston cream, I’m good.”
