Laurel Riley was the sexiest, most fascinating being I’d ever met. I wasn’t stupid enough to believe that I had a chance to bed an international celeb. But a guy could hope, right?
“If you give me your car keys, I’ll bring the rest of your luggage.”
“My security dropped me off. I won’t be needing a car.”
Only one suitcase? No car? Didn’t people of his rank travel with a cargo container of shit?Huh.
I opened the suite and gestured for him to go first. Then I handed him the key.
“Okay. So the thermostat for the bedroom is here. There’s another one in the bathroom. I’ve turned up the floor heating in the bathroom, but it may take a few more hours to warm up properly. Feel free to help yourself to anything in the minibar. It’s included in the room charge.”
He eyed me suspiciously. “It is?”
“You’re paying for the entire B&B, Mr. Riley. Complimentary drinks are the least I can offer.”
He pointed a finger at me. “But you’re not letting anyone else in while I’m here.”
“Of course not. The season is pretty much over anyway. You’ll have the place to yourself. Just…I live downstairs, and Jordy, um, Orson Jordan, has an apartment on the ground floor.”
The look on his face was unreadable. “I remember Jordy.”
Did he? Of course he did. He’d even seen us shifted at Barclay’s that one time.
I moved his suitcase into the room and left it by the coatrack. When I looked up, he was standing by the balcony door, gazing at the view. The mountaintops were hidden in a layer of clouds, like a lid on top of our valley. He looked a little forlorn, staring at the gray sky. He must be disappointed by the weather. We had a brief glimpse of the sun today, but now it was overcast again. Fall was like that here: heavy clouds, drizzle, fog, and creeping cold. Which reminded me—my guest would need hot food.
“Can I book you a table at the pub for dinner tonight?”
He kept staring at the view with his back to me. “There are no deliveries in Beauville? Pizza? Thai?”
“We have a diner. I’m afraid they don’t do deliveries, though. But I can bring you dinner from the pub if you prefer to eat here tonight.”
With a sigh, he turned to face me. “Nah. I’ll come. Corner booth, like last time.”
“Absolutely. Jordy and I will make sure nobody bothers you. We’ll keep the table ready between seven and ten.”
“Appreciated.” He scanned the room, then dropped his bag onto the bed. He probably wanted me gone.
“Is there anything else I can get you, Mr. Riley?”
“No. Thanks. I’m good.”
“Wonderful. If you need anything, call me. Day or night.”
He smirked. “Sure.”
“Breakfast between eight and ten? Is that okay for you? Just hit the bell on the bar counter downstairs, and I’ll make you anything you want.”
“Thanks.”
I backed out toward the open door. It seemed I couldn’t prolong it anymore.
“Do you want a ride to the pub later?”
He raised an eyebrow at me. “Don’t you have anything better to do?”
“You’re my only guest.” I spread my arms, smacking my hand on the door frame.Ouch. “All yours.”
He looked me up and down. “Erm, Montgomery?”
