“Six actually. I was planning a visit later in the week. I’ll stop by if you’re around. But for now, I need to get out of this wet clothing.”
“Oh, right.” She’d been so focused on catching up with her relatives, she forgot Zane needed a room. “This way. I’ll grab the key. We can do up the paperwork later. Don’t let me forget.” Darn. She shouldn’t have added that last bit, he was going to think she was stupid.
She grabbed a key from the built-in reception desk in the corner of the enormous inner foyer and led Zane up the carpeted stairs to the second floor, trying not to let her frazzled nerves get to her. She made a mental note to check the water level in the live Christmas greens on a small table outside his door. She breathed deeply, enjoying the scent of spruce and cedar.
“You’re here, number ten. As my first official guest, I’ve given you the largest room. It has its own couch and a small table. I hope it’s all right.” Clara stepped aside so he could enter.
The room was filled with heavy masculine furniture, but it had airy drapes with open blinds behind them. The combination kept it bright, but the room darkening blinds could change that in a second. There was a boldly colored quilt laying folded on the unmade bed. The couch was a black leather two-seater. The small table was big enough for a workspace or to have a snack on. Inside the room, the holiday smell of her greenery morphed to a blend of pine and lemon.
“There’s a bar fridge in the corner. Feel free to use it. I have soda and water for sale downstairs. I don’t stock it in the rooms.” At least she’d had the foresight to purchase those items on her last trip to Costco.
“I’m sure I’ll be comfortable here. It has everything I need.” Zane turned to look at her. “Are you nervous? Your hands are all knotted up.”
“Um, maybe a bit. I guess.” She untangled her fingers and dropped her hands to her sides. “You’re my first guest and I’m messing it all up. I guess I’m not ready.” She stared down at her feet, studying the grain lines in the oak floor. She’d read dozens of books on running an inn, and still wasn’t ready.
“Relax. You’re a Flint cousin, I’m a Flint friend. We’re practically family. Besides, everyone makes mistakes. You’ve got this. Who better to practice your B&B skills on than a near relative?”
His voice rang with compassion and eased Clara’s nerves. Compassion was such an admirable trait. “Thanks. I’ll leave you to change. Come back down for coffee whenever you’re ready. Oh, towels.”
She hurried to the linen closet at the end of the hall and grabbed a stack of white towels. She raced back and thrust them into his hands. “I’ll get the hang of this. I promise.”
Zane reached out and touched her shoulder. An electric jolt shot down her spine and she jerked back.
“Hey, I wasn’t going to hurt you.”
“I know.” She swallowed hard. “I just wasn’t expecting it.” There was no way to brace herself for attraction like this. Her entire body thrummed with excited anticipation.
“Relax, Miss Clara. You’ve got this.” A smile lit his eyes.
“Right. Okay. See you soon.” She dropped the key on top of the towels and hurried away before he could see the heat staining her face. She was making a fool of herself. She had to get a grip. Running a B&B was harder than she expected. Of course, she probably wouldn’t have many breath-stealing gorgeous guests.
