He’d stumbled into territory over his head. She’d suggested a basic concept that he should have already thought about, but hadn’t. All he’d been concerned with so far was getting the motel up to code so he could open.
She cast him a sympathetic gaze. “I had an idea if you’d like to hear it.”
Well, duh.“I’d welcome any suggestions you have.”
“I’ll be honest. When I first saw this place, I didn’t think much of it.” She put a palm forward, warding off a premature response from him. “I know all the work you’ve put into it, and all the work you plan. However, when most people come to a roadside motel, comfort isn’t forefront on their mind. They want the nostalgic experience or just a place to stay the night so they can move on in the morning.”
Furrowing his brows, he tried to understand her point. “What are you saying?”
“Comfort can be your niche. You’ve put a lot of time, and money I’m assuming, into making these rooms extremely comfortable. The mattresses rival those of a five-star hotel, but no one would know unless you advertise that.”
“You’re saying to combine the nostalgia aspect with the quality and comfort facets to give a whole package?”
Pencil still in hand, she raised a fist. “Exactly.”
Several hours passed of exchanging ideas. Before he realized it, evening came, and he had pages worth of notes from their discussion.
His stomach growled. Would an invitation to dinner be acceptable? He didn’t want to leave her yet.
She gathered her belongings, seemed just as hesitant to leave.
He took that as his cue. “Can I treat you to dinner as a thank you?”
“You don’t owe me anything. This was my thanks to you for all you’ve done for my friends and me.” She tucked her notepad under her arm and stood.
“In that case, will you have dinner with me because I want to spend more time with you?” He held his breath, surprising himself with his frankness.
“I’d like that.”
“There are several places in town.” A sly grin came over him. “Brave enough to try the Roadkill Café?”
She shuddered. “It’s not actual roadkill, is it?”
He winked.
Her lips twisted as though deciding yes or no. “Of course not. That would violate every health code in the book.”
“The burgers are good unless you’re a vegetarian.”
“This girl likes her protein via meat.” She glanced down at her outfit. “Am I dressed too casual?”
“Not at all. Do I take that as a yes?”
“I’m up for anything, and who knows when the girls will be back.”
He pushed back from the desk and stood. “Want to meet out front in five minutes? I’m going to drop my notes off in the house and pull the truck around.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Once they left the office and lobby, he locked the door behind him and hurried back to his house. He splashed a dab of cologne on his neck and ran a comb through his hair. When he met Cassidy, he noticed she’d done the same. She smelled of coconut and sunshine, which made him long for the beach. He hadn’t been in several years. Minutes ago her hair had been in a loose ponytail, but now it hung to her mid back in long, glossy waves.
He opened his mouth to tell her she smelled nice, but changed his mind, thinking it sounded odd. Instead, he opened the passenger door for her. “Your hair looks nice down.”
There, that was much less odd than commenting on her scent.
“Thanks. I rarely wear it down in the summer because of the heat but wanted something different tonight.” A blush crept up her neck.
His chest puffed, figuratively, when she virtually admitted that she’d done it for him. He circled to his side, hopped in, and drove the short distance to the restaurant. Not many cars were in the lot.
