“I was. But I never pass up the opportunity to speak to a lovely woman.”
Did he think that made him sound charming? Because ... ew. “Well, if you’ll excuse me...” She made it a point to walk away from him.
He jogged a few steps, then settled in beside her, which would have been annoying under any circumstances but was particularly off-putting because this trail was barely wide enough for two. It was best walked single file.
“I’m Bob.”
“Yes. I know who you are.” She knew the names and faces of every guest on the premises.
“Then you have me at a disadvantage because I don’t know you.”
Should she call him on the obvious lie? She decided to let it slide. “Bronwyn Pierce.”
“As in the Ms. Pierce who runs this place?”
“That would be me.”
“How do you like it?”
“Like what?”
“Running a resort for people who think they’re better than everyone else.”
What was this guy’s deal? She had no doubt that he was well compensated in his position. If he didn’t like working for snooty people, he could leave. No one was forcing him to stay in the job.
“I oversee an exclusive mountain getaway. In my experience, most of the guests who choose to come here don’t want anything more than to be left alone for a few days so they can recharge. I’m happy to give them the space to do that.”
“A very smooth answer.”
“Not my first rodeo, Bob.”
“I’m not trying to get you to gossip. I signed an NDA. I know the drill.”
Everyone who worked for a celebrity, athlete, politician, or as it so happened, The Haven signed a nondisclosure agreement. The NDAs varied in their specifics, but all of them were designed to keep people from blabbing about their employers.
For the most part, they worked well. There was always a risk that someone would be coerced into sharing things they shouldn’t, but given that the cost for breaking an NDA was exorbitant, most people behaved themselves.
“I’m just curious,” Bob said. “Seems like an isolated life here. I’m wondering why you stay.”
“It’s my home.” It was that simple and that profound.
“Huh.” She couldn’t tell if his response indicated doubt or surprise. She didn’t have long to consider it because he kept talking. “Do you have rules about dating guests?”
“Excuse me?” He couldn’t be serious. Could he?
“Are you allowed to date your guests?” He looked her straight in the eye and enunciated. “Because I’d love to get to know you better.”
While a part of her appreciated the blunt way he stated what he wanted, nothing about this man appealed to her. “Thank you, but I’m not interested.”
He cocked his head at her. “Not interested? Or not allowed?”
“Both.”
“Ouch.”
“I don’t play games.”
“Clearly you don’t.” He heaved a sigh. “Can’t blame a guy for trying. Guess I’ll see you around.” He gave her a big smile and jogged away. His jog turned into a full run as he moved out of sight.
