“And this is my mother, Della,” I say.
“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Storm.”
“You too, ma’am.”
There’s a pregnant pause.
“I don’t mean to be short,” Harleigh says. “I’m running late for a meeting.” She glances toward the hallway that leads to the offices. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“Of course, of course. Keep up the good work,” Dad answers.
She nods to him, and her eyes return to me. “Mr. Garrison.”
Her gaze slides to Diana. “Miss Fairchild.”
That’s when I notice it. Diana is standing very close to me. Closer than necessary. Her shoulder almost touches mine.
And suddenly, I remember Harleigh’s question from the other night.
“Are you two a thing?”
I feel heat crawl up my neck.
Without thinking, I take a big step sideways. Putting space between us. But it’s already too late. Harleigh’s gone. Walking across the lobby toward her office.
I watch her go.
Every instinct in my body tells me to follow her.
To catch her before she disappears down that hallway.
But what the hell would I say?
Good morning, Miss Storm. By the way, I can still taste you. Feel your skin under my hands.
My father clears his throat. “Well,” he says thoughtfully, “that young woman seems bright.”
Diana nods. “She’s been very effective so far.”
I drag my attention back to them.
“Yeah,” I say, “she has.”
My father watches Harleigh disappear down the corridor. “She carries herself well.”
He looks at me. “Where did you find her?”
“Peter found her actually. Before he retired.”
“Yes,” Diana speaks up. “She graduated just this year. A local girl.”
He hums. “That’s unusual for a position like that.”
I shrug. “She’s more than qualified, and she came highly recommended. By both her professors at the University of Wyoming and the GM at The Gilded Crown resort.”
Diana glances at me.
Something flickers in her expression.
