“Here we go. No harm done,” comes a charming Scottish accent.
I take my key card from him and smile. “Thank you. I’m not having the greatest start to this trip. I seem to have acquired a clumsy tendency.”
“Well, we can’t be having that now. What part of Scotland are you joining us from?”
“Stirling. Central belt.”
“I know it well. Welcome to The Ranch. Manuela, can you please have a bottle of prosecco taken up to the lady’s room?”
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly accept your generous offer.”
I finally look at the man in front of me instead of diverting my eyes anywhere other than at him. The man in front of me is an Adonis. His short-ish brown hair is messed up stylishly. His dark brown eyes are sparkling at me. His lightly tanned skin just sets off the whole package.
“Please, I insist. It’s on management.”
“Oh…” I look down at the man’s dress shorts and open white shirt. He doesn’t scream management, but I’ve made a big enough fool of myself. “Well, thank you…” I pause because we haven’t exchanged names.
“You’re welcome. And the name is Giovani.”
“Thank you, Giovani. My name is Harleigh.”
“Beautiful name for a beautiful lady.”
I feel the heat rise through my cheeks and I look down at the key card in my hand. It’s only now that I realise Oliver is waiting to escort me to my room.
“I should be going.”
I point over my shoulder and scurry off like a little lost mouse. Taking compliments has never been a strong point for me, but since my ex, I struggle to hear anything nice about myself.
Oliver pushes the button for the lift, and moments later, we walk inside. I dare to look out into the reception area and Giovani is smiling brightly at me. His smile would brighten up the darkest of storms. I’ve never been so affected by a man before. My heart is racing, my skin prickles, and my head is spinning. This is ludicrous. I just said not too long ago that I’d never look at another man again.
Why the hell am I acting like a lovesick puppy?
Get a grip, Harleigh.
Chapter 4
Giovani
“Boss…” Manuela breaks through the haze.
“Yes?” I clear my throat.
“Prosecco. Any particular kind?”
I smile at Harleigh through the closing lift doors. Her beautiful long light brown hair is cascading down around her shoulders in ringlets. She’s a beauty.
“Just the best. Nothing but the best for Miss…”
“Miss Harrison, boss.”
Miss Harrison.
“As you were. I’ll be in my office for a little while.” I walk away from the check-in desk feeling like I’m floating on a cloud.
No woman has ever turned my head like Harleigh. I can see something in her, but I don’t know what it is. She’s bright and quiet, just like my hotel. Its tranquillity is its best asset. There’s a story behind the walls, but on the outside, it’s masked by beauty.
Life has never been dull for me, but visiting Nessebar made my life complete. It made me the person I am today. It made me forget about the pain and embarrassment of a broken relationship. It healed me piece by piece and made me realise that life is for living. Who couldn’t live in this beautiful country and be happy?
