“I didn’t sleep very well. I made myself stay in bed until I heard others up and about.”
“I’m sorry. I thought you might sleep better after facing down the reporters last night. Are you hungry? Miss Della’s apple cinnamon muffins are incredible.”
“That sounds great, but...” She stepped up to the desk, tucking her hands into her back pockets. “Do you have a minute to talk?”
“Sure, of course.” He placed his hands on the desktop and leaned into them, trying not to let his gaze stray from her eyes. “What’s on your mind?”
“I was, um, wondering how you might feel about me extending my stay. I mean, feel free to say no, because I know my being here causes a major problem for you with the crowd outside, but I’m willing to continue paying for the whole inn so the press wouldn’t be an inconvenience to your guests.”
She wanted to stay. Surprise battled with joy for top billing. He tried to fight back the optimism, but it was pointless. The thought of Mia staying made him ridiculously happy.
“Of course you’re welcome to stay. But we couldn’t let you keep paying for the whole place—you could rent out a mansion for that rate, you know.”
“Yeah, but then I wouldn’t have my own personal chauffeur.” Her smile ticked up at one corner, her eyes flirting. “And who else is going to bring me cold packs and carry me down mountains when my clumsy side makes an appearance?”
It didn’t escape his notice that those were all things he’d done. She hadn’t even mentioned Della’s muffins or Grace’s way with a dust rag or Molly’s gift of gab—not thatheconsidered that a positive trait.
And the way she was looking at him, he’d move heaven and earth to do her bidding. “I do aim to please. But we really can’t let you rent out the whole inn—we actually have other guests on the books already.”
“Oh! Of course you do. I wasn’t thinking. Well, that won’t work then.”
He tempered the disappointment that welled up. “I’d be happy to find you a house to rent. There are some nice secluded ones over by Pine Bay.” Although he didn’t like the thought of her staying alone with those hounds stalking her.
“Do you have space for me here?”
“I’m sure we do.” He stepped over to the computer and opened up the schedule. “Let me see... Yes, the suite is actually available until July eighth, when we’re hosting a wedding party. How long are you thinking of staying?”
She shifted. “I’m not sure—a couple weeks? Can I just... play it by ear?”
“Of course.”
“And...” She tilted her head, giving him a hopeful look. “Maybe we can keep searching for the necklace? I mean, when you have spare time?”
And have more opportunity to spend time with her? “I think I can make that happen. But are you okay having other guests in the house? They very well may recognize you.”
She lifted a shoulder, a beautiful smile lighting her face. “Well, I’m just going to have to get over that, aren’t I?”
***
Mia shifted, biting her lip. She had one more item to address with Levi, but this one was trickier. More personal. She’d texted Nolan this morning, asking for clarification on his advice about continuing the narrative. His direction had been crystal clear. And it made all kinds of sense.
She was a little uncomfortable with it, however, as she had an aversion to deception. But Nolan’s argument made sense—she’d actually be doing this in service to the truth.
She lifted her eyes to Levi’s questioning gaze.
“Is there something else I can help you with?”
She gave a nervous chuckle. “You could say that.” The only problem was her request went above and beyond the call of duty. Way above.
“What is it?” Those darn crinkly eyes would be the death of her.
“So, um, Levi, I don’t know if you’ve gone online and looked at the pictures from last night.”
He shook his head.
“Right. Well. It seems the press was very curious... about you.”
His brows jumped. “About me?”
