She set them down, then leaned over and hugged him. “I do. They’re going to look so cute in my shadow box. Thank you.” She regarded him with admiration. “Is there anything you can’t do, Mr. McIntyre?”
“What do you mean? This isn’t a big deal. I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you.”
She placed her hand over his. “You’re really thoughtful, you’re a talented mixologist, you wrote an award-winning TV show, you take photos worthy ofNational Geographic, you’re very nurturing, and you’re great in bed.” The last statement made her blush, but it needed to be said.
He laughed. “Thanks, but I’m also a guy who’d rather stay inside and read than go to a party. Or any big social events, for that matter. And I can’t dance for shit. If you invite me to a wedding, you’re not getting me on the dance floor under any circumstances.”
“No dancing? Really? What if I played a romantic song on my phone right now? Wouldn’t you be tempted to spin me around the room?”
“Nope.” He gave her a mock scowl. “Don’t even try it. And don’t suggest dance lessons. Been there, done that.”
With Lila, she assumed. Not that she wanted to bring up his ex. “That’s okay. I can live without a dance partner.” Honestly, she’d rather go out dancing with the Damsels than anyone else. Give Rosie a few drinks and she was all over the dance floor.
She snuggled closer to Knox. “How did you find this apartment? It looks so new.”
“It’s a condo. The complex was built three years ago. My sister-in-law works in real estate, and she told me about it. I was one of the first people to buy in.”
Heownedit? She tried to squelch her look of surprise, but it was impossible. Even if this place was a little far from Victoria’s downtown core, it couldn’t have come cheaply. “Oh, wow, that’s…um…”
“Not what you expected from a bartender?” He raised his eyebrows.
“I wasn’t going to say that. But I know for a fact Rosie makes more than most of us, since she’s the hotel’s assistant manager, and her place isn’t nearly this nice.” Charlie gnawed on her lip, hoping she hadn’t messed things up again. “Not…that it’s any of my business how you can afford it.”
He placed his hand on her thigh. “It’s okay to ask. I don’t want you to feel like the subject of money is off-limits.”
“Thanks. I just felt awkward after the way Randolph was boasting at dinner about his seven-figure job.”
“Yeah, that was a lot. When he made that crack about me being an aspiring author, I was tempted to lay down the whole story—just to prove him wrong. But I’m not ready for that yet.”
“I’ll never reveal a word to anyone. If you feel like telling people, I’ll support you, but I wouldn’t expose your secrets.” Though she wanted to brag about him, she could understand why he’d kept his accomplishments hidden.
“I appreciate it. The truth is, Evan and I got paid a decent sum for the pilot ofThe Hidden Forest. Once the show was picked up, our agent went to bat for us and made sure we were well paid. Evan went on a spending spree—bought a Porsche, a whole new wardrobe, a ton of shit—but I squirreled my money away. I grew up with frugal parents, and those habits were hard to break. My sister-in-law helped me invest some of it in a bit of property up island, and when its value doubled, I sold the land. I might not brag about it, but I’m doing just fine.”
He hid it so well. The beat-up truck, the casual clothes, the utter lack of pretension. He was just a down-to-earth guy. “I’m glad to hear it. But even if you lived in a shithole with three roommates, avocado-green appliances, and a junky futon, I’d still want to spend the night.”
He took her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. “Sorry I got bent out of shape about dinner, but I don’t like being judged on the basis of my job. There’s nothing wrong with working in the service industry.”
She squeezed his hand. “You’re preaching to the choir. My whole job is centered around customer service, and I’m proud of it. I’m a lot less impressed with someone like Randolph, whose primary goal is to make a ton of money for his millionaire investors.”
“So, you weren’t tempted by his fancy boat?” His tone was light, teasing her. “What about his BMW?”
“I’d rather spend all day in your truck than ten minutes driving around town with him.” Looking into Knox’s eyes, she couldn’t hold back her feelings any longer. “In case it isn’t obvious, Ireallylike you.”
“Sweetheart, the feeling is mutual.” He gave her a sly smile. “Now, finish up your brandy so I can sweep you off to bed and show you exactly how I feel.”
Twenty-One
Knox hadto hand it to the Damsels. When they’d told him they were giving the Gilded Lily a Halloween makeover, he’d been skeptical. Based on the pitiful decorations they’d dredged up last year—plastic bats, fake spiderwebs, a few mini pumpkins—he didn’t expect much. But they’d come through.
The high-tops and side tables had been adorned with antique brass lanterns and freshly carved jack-o’-lanterns, lit up with flickering LED candles. Along one wall, they’d hung a purple velvet curtain, backlit to reveal shadowy silhouettes. Another wall displayed vintage mirrors fogged over with ghostly outlines. The cobwebs draped over all the light fixtures looked like they’d been hanging there for decades. A hidden fog machine billowed near the photo booth; beside it was a big cauldron filled with masks and props.
Celia sat behind a wooden hostess stand at the entrance. Wearing an all-black schoolgirl dress, her hair in two braids, she looked like Wednesday Addams. “Good evening,” she said in a low, drawn-out voice.
“Good to see you,” Knox said. “Did Laurel ask you to help us out?”
“She was fully prepared to beg, but I said yes right away. I love Halloween parties. I’m checking IDs, handing out ballots for the costume contest, and making sure we don’t exceed the room’s maximum capacity.” She raked her gaze over him. “Spiffy pirate costume. I saw Tinker Bell earlier, so I’m guessing you’re Captain Hook?”
“Yep, except without the hook.” He pulled his shiny metal hook from the pocket of his long red coat. “Too hard to mix drinks that way.”
