“Perfect.”Click, click, clack.“Our honeymoon suite is tucked away upstairs in the corner of the inn, so it should be nice and quiet for you.”
“Great.” Mia signed the paper work he slid across the counter.
“Here are two keys. As soon as Mr. Hughes comes in, I’ll show you around, then take you up to your room.”
“Oh...” This was where she was supposed to tell him it was just her. That there was no groom, no husband, no wedding. But she was afraid that darn sting behind her eyes was holding back a flood of tears and saying those words would release the dam.
“Would you mind if you and I just went on up? It’s been a very long day.”
Levi blinked. “Of course. Whatever you’d like.”
He led the way up the stairs, making small talk and giving further information on the inn and the area, little of which registered. The room was, indeed, tucked away in the corner. For that she was grateful.
“Here we are, room one. If there’s anything you need, feel free to call down.”
“Thank you.”
As he walked away Mia slid the key into the lock and turned the old glass doorknob. The inn had oodles of character, and she’d be glad to appreciate every last detail—tomorrow. For now, the bed beckoned. She flipped the switch, lighting two bedside lamps.
Her eyes fell on a vase burgeoning with red roses, then on a bottle of champagne chilling on a rolling stand. Only then did they finally settle on the luxurious king-size bed, strewn with hundreds of red rose petals.
Her stomach clenched hard as she imagined, just for a moment, the way this moment was supposed to have played out. Wesley carrying her over the threshold. She was in his arms, laughing at his silliness and swooning over the romantic setup. He would set her on her feet and pull her close, whispering words of love in her ear.
She reached for her phone, the urge to Google him again strong. What was he doing today? Was he sad at the thought of their canceled wedding? But the last time she’d looked him up she’d seen a picture of him and some European model at a premier.
It was the last part that gave her the strength to resist temptation. That and the fact that Wesley had never loved her at all. He didn’t deserve her longing, and he didn’t deserve a starring role in her daydreams.
Her gaze returned to the romantic touches, to the big bed she’d be practically swimming in all alone.
She didn’t want to sleep here tonight. She just wanted a regular old room. But she didn’t have the nerve to go back downstairs and face the handsome innkeeper. To admit she was here, on her honeymoon, all alone.
Her gaze slid to the bedside phone. She could simply call down. Surely they had another vacant room. Something smaller, something less... this.
Before she could stop herself, she picked up the phone and dialed. It only rang once before it was answered.
“Front desk,” the familiar male voice said. “How may I help you?”
“Um, hello, this is Mia in room one. I was wondering if you might have another room available.”
There was a brief pause. “Is there something wrong with your accommodations?”
“No, no, it’s wonderful, I just... Perhaps another one would be more...” She couldn’t find the word to complete the sentence.
“I’m so sorry, but our other rooms aren’t available at the moment. Is there something specific I could do to make your room more comfortable?”
“No, no. That’s all right. It’s fine. I’m sorry to have bothered you.” She hung up and covered her heated face. The room was beautiful, scrupulously clean, and full of Southern charm. The canopied bed was high, the duvet thick and luxurious-looking. He must think she was a spoiled brat.
She was going to have to explain the situation tomorrow. Maybe by then she’d be well rested enough to maintain her composure.
four
Levi wandered back into the dining room, his mind on their new guest. The new Mrs. Hughes was a natural beauty with dark-blond hair that tumbled over her shoulders in long waves. It had been impossible to ignore the perfect planes of her face, her high cheekbones, or her almond-shaped green eyes.
His sisters were chatting over the pizza box as he dropped into the chair opposite Molly. There were three slices left, but he seemed to have lost his appetite.
“What’s wrong?” Grace asked. “We left you plenty.”
“Something’s not right.” Levi spoke in a low voice, even though their guest couldn’t possibly hear them.
