"Like it? It's amazing," I said, already reaching for a fork. He just smiled, knowing he had nailed it.
I attacked the pancakes like they were my first meal in days, layer after layer of bacon-studded sweetness disappearing into my mouth. An audible hum of satisfaction escaped my lips with each bite, and I didn't care who heard it. People always had something to say about my weight, but unless they were signing my checks, their opinions didn't matter.
"Damn." I pushed the empty plate away, feeling both victorious and as stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey. "That was incredible."
"Looks like you enjoyed it," Ashton said with a grin, his eyes sparkling with what looked suspiciously like pride.
"Enjoyed it? I demolished it." I patted my belly, not one bit ashamed of indulging. I stood up, ready to tackle the aftermath of our little breakfast feast.
The kitchen was warm, with the morning sun streaming through the window and the lingering scent of sweet syrup in the air. Ashton washed. I dried.
"Thanks for doing this," he said, passing me a rinsed plate.
"Least I can do after you cooked." I took the plate but kept my body angled away from him. It was ridiculous how just standing next to him sent my heart into overdrive as if proximity alone could ignite something between us.
"You okay?" Ashton's voice stopped my thoughts, concern lacing his tone.
"Yep, all good," I lied smoothly, a smile plastered on my face. "Just thinking about what I need to get done today."
"Ah, gotcha." He nodded, turning to the suds.
If only he knew that getting things done included keeping my cool around him, which was proving harder by the second. But I wasn't about to let myself combust, not over some guy, no matter how heavenly his pancake-bacon-maple concoctions were.
"Thanks for breakfast, again. It was amazing." I hung the dish towel on the rack and turned to face him. "But I've got to run some errands this morning. We're running low on a few things."
"Anything exciting?" he asked with a serene smile as he wiped his hands on another towel.
"Thrilling," I deadpanned. "Toilet paper is at the top of my list. Can't risk running out of that."
He laughed, a warm, genuine sound that filled the cozy kitchen. "Yeah, better not."
I chuckled, shaking my head at our riveting conversation about bathroom necessities, and grabbed my purse from the counter.
"See you later," I said over my shoulder as I headed for the door.
"Good luck with the toilet paper hunt." Ashton's voice followed me out.
I stepped onto the porch, where the air was crisp and smelled faintly of flowers. The older couple from room four emerged with their bags in hand just as I was shutting the front door behind me. They were all smiles, his hand rested gently on the small of her back, feather-light, as she stepped forward, and the knowing glances, filled with unspoken tenderness, settled between them like a quiet hush. I opened the door wide to let them exit.
"Good morning. How was your stay?" I asked, hoping their experience had been as pleasant as their expressions suggested.
"Absolutely wonderful," the woman said, her husband nodding in agreement. "This place is a gem. We'll definitely recommend it to our friends."
"That's exactly what I've been working towards." I replied, a genuine smile touching my lips. "I want the Montgomery Inn to be more than just a place to sleep. I want it to be a real haven, a quiet retreat where people can genuinely unwind and feel completely at ease."
"Well, you've certainly achieved that," the husband chimed in, adjusting his grip on his bag. "We both slept like babes. And that rainfall shower... simply divine."
"It's the little touches, isn't it?" the woman added, squeezing his arm. "That's what makes it feel so special, so utterly restorative. You've created something truly wonderful here."
"Thank you. That means a lot," I said, genuinely touched. "Here, take a card. If you have time, we'd love it if you could leave us a review online."
"Of course, we'll do that today," the man promised as he slipped the card into his wallet.
"Safe travels to the city," I said, and they thanked me before heading to their car.
Once they'd driven off, I scribbled a quick note for Laurie to clean room 4 and left it on the kitchen counter. With a last glance at the quaint inn that had become my world, I set off for town, the list of suppliesplaying over in my mind. Don't forget the toilet paper. Don't forget the toilet paper.
Pushing open the door to the grocery store, a bell chimed above me, a familiar yet indifferent greeting. I grabbed a basket and made my way down the aisles, but not before catching sight of Jenna, the cashier, laughing as she scanned items for Mr. Henderson, the owner of the only barber shop in town. She had a way of making small talk seem effortless, her voice bubbling over with enthusiasm each time she greeted a customer.
