Taking a deep breath, he stared at the wonder around him and made a decision. He would take advantage of this unexpected opportunity to break free from his self-imposed prison of plans and possibilities. He would learn to live again—it’s what Crystal would want.
With renewed energy, he followed the group inside to check in and find his room. He rolled his eyes when he overheard a giggling group of women speculating if any of them would find love while here.
Changing his outlook didn’t mean he’d reversed his thoughts on the legend of love, nor did it mean he was looking for love. Surely, he could enjoy his vacation in Finlovia separate from that rubbish.
If he was awed by the exterior, the interior of the castle left him speechless. Luxurious carpets with ornate patterns in the colors of royal red, deep navy, and golden yellow covered the floors. The wooden walls had intricate carvings on them, some the crests of Finlovian families through history, and others he didn’t recognize but made a mental note to learn about.
Renaissance and Baroque paintings also hung on the walls, and James was certain many, if not all, were originals, not replicas. He took ten minutes to walk around and appreciate them while waiting for the line to die down. A smile curled his lips when he noticed the security fields surrounding them, virtually invisible to a person unschooled in security technology.
When only five people remained to check in, James crossed the immense foyer and stood at the end of the line. A professionally dressed woman wearing a dark charcoal suit greeted him from behind the counter. Her accent was similar to those he’d heard at the airport. Clipped but clearly articulated words with a respectful tone.
“Here is your key fob to enter your room,” she said, handing him a small black disc. “They work on RFID technology, and you only need to hold it close to the black circle on the door to unlock.”
“Thank you.” He accepted the fob, not needing the instructions but too polite to tell her otherwise.
She passed an envelope across the counter. “This contains all the information on activities hosted by Ellington Castle, along with your confirmations for all pre-paid amenities and excursions.”
Curiosity sparked when he clasped the folder. What other secrets did Grant have up his sleeve? James would find out shortly. Done at the front desk, he carried his paperwork to the elevator. Though physically capable of climbing stairs to the fourth floor, he wanted the experience of taking the glass elevator, viewing that castle from a unique vantage point.
“There are over two hundred bedrooms,” a young woman with a southern accent announced. “Though only one-hundred and twenty are available to guests. Permanent staff are housed in most of the remaining.”
The woman’s friend, an attractive lady closer to her thirties he’d guess, shivered. “Can you imagine having to clean that many rooms? Some weeks, I can barely keep up with my one-bedroom apartment.”
The southern lady laughed. “I’m one of those weird people who enjoys cleaning, but I wouldn’t even want to oversee that level of work required.”
At the third floor, the elevator stopped, and the southern lady addressed her friend. “Call me when you’re settled, and we’ll make dinner plans.”
“Give me a half hourish.”
“Perfect.” Southern Lady stuck her hand in the door when it began to close. “I’m so happy we met. I truly didn’t mind takingthis vacation alone, but now that we’ve met, I realize it will be much better with a friend.”
“Agreed,” the other lady answered.
Southern Lady left and the doors closed.
James had watched the exchange with curiosity. “You two didn’t know each other before today?”
“Not at all.”
“Interesting.” He nodded his head slowly, processing that information. “So, you both came alone?”
She rose a wary brow.
Realizing he may have inadvertently asked a creepy question, he quickly explained. “I only meant that I find it interesting anyone would take an overseas vacation alone. I’m assuming by your accents that you are both American.”
“Yes,” she answered, not offering further information, but asked a question of her own. “Not everybody needs company to enjoy themselves, true?.”
If she only knew. “That is true, but is it safe for a woman to travel alone?”
“You’re a man and traveling alone, asking prying questions. Seems you’re the type a woman may need to be concerned about.”
“I promise I’m harmless,” he said.
“Says all the dangerous men,” she shot back, not missing a beat.
“Touché.” His lips twitched. “Let me start over. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is James Warren from New York. Myboss booked this vacation for me under the guise of a business trip, and I only found out an hour ago. So yes, I’m a man traveling alone on a vacation, but unwittingly so. I truly am intrigued at the concept of taking a solo trip for pleasure as it’s an idea I never would have considered previously.”
“Interesting.” The guarded expression slowly left her face. “Is that who you were yelling at on the phone earlier?”
