Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
Ellie
Ifeel like I’m floating on a cloud by the time I head back to the inn to shower and get dressed for dinner. My body is buzzing and I can feel every hard beat of my heart reverberating throughout my chest.
That kiss… My god…
I moan as I replay it in my head over and over, feeling Ryland’s strong hands on my hips, pulling me closer. The blissful growls and groans he was making. The taste of him.
My whole being longs for another one of those magical kisses.
I’m on cloud nine as I walk down the hall and slide my key into the door.
But then, it all comes crashing down.
“Ellie,” Mira snaps as she opens the door across the hall. “We need you in here. Now.”
I sigh when I spot Sloane and Tessa in the room behind her. All three of them look despondent. Tessa is in tears.
I’d give anything to be back up on that mountain with Ryland instead of walking into whatever shitstorm is waiting for me in that room.
“What’s going on?” I ask as I walk in, my mood plummeting as reality hits.
Mira closes the door and leans against it, her expression hard enough to cut diamonds. “Do you want to tell her, Sloane?”
Sloane shifts in her seat, looking very uncomfortable. “I’m pregnant.”
I gasp, squeal, and then run over and wrap my arms around her. “Congratulations!” I say, squeezing her tight. “I’m so happy for you.”
She sighs and hugs me back. “Thank you,” she says, smiling with relief. I don’t think she got the same warm reaction from Tessa and Mira.
“She’s quitting,” Mira says bluntly.
“I’m sorry,” Sloane says, turning red. “I’m just not enjoying it anymore. You two are always fighting and the constant grind of traveling is starting to get to me. I’m just… I’m done.”
“What are we supposed to do?” Tessa says.
“Are you seriously only thinking of yourselves?” I say, looking at them both. “This is amazing news. Sloane is going to be a mother. What is wrong with you two?”
They just stare blankly, probably wondering what is wrong with me.
“We can ask Rachel,” Tessa mutters, ignoring my question. “She plays the violin.”
“Ugh,” Mira says, rolling her eyes. “She’s so annoying though. I guess we can ask her.”
Something in me snaps. Maybe it’s from the wonderful day I had, or the adrenaline of being in Ryland’s big muscular arms still radiating through me, but I realize I’m out too. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m done.
I take a deep breath, pull my shoulders back, and look Mira right in the eyes. “I’m done too.”
“What?” Tessa gasps. “Why?”
I lock eyes with her. “It’s not fun anymore. I’m out.”
Tessa starts crying again and Mira crosses her arms while muttering something under her breath. Only Sloane looks happy for me. She gives me a conspiratorial smile when I look at her. She knows how miserable these two can make things. We’ve been living it for years.
“What are we supposed to do?” Tessa asks.
“I don’t know,” I say as I head to the door. “But if you stay together, I’d recommend being a little nicer to each other. I’m sorry, but I have to go. I have a date to get ready for.”
I don’t stick around to see their reactions. Relief fills every inch of my body as I close the door and dance across the hall to my room. I can’t believe it’s over. I’m finally out.
A lightness fills my chest as I slip into my room and shut the door. My harp case is in the corner and I smile when I see it. Playing in the quartet turned my passion into such a grind and I lost all enjoyment in playing.
Now that it’s finally over… I’m feeling so relieved. I’m feeling like the future is open before me with so much possibility.
I pull out my harp, feeling energized and creatively awake for the first time in a long time.
My heart soars as my fingers dance along the strings, playing a new tune that could be the start of a new song.
I get lost in the melody for half an hour until my phone lights up. It’s Mira.
We’re leaving in an hour. U coming?
I take a deep breath, but I don’t even have to think about it. There’s no way I’m missing my date with Sheriff Sexy.
No. I’m staying.
Fine.
And just like that, Angelic Divine is over, and a new chapter of my life is about to begin.
“Wow,” Ryland says when he picks me up for our date. He just stands there, staring like he’s forgotten what to do or say. “You look… stunning.”
It’s just a simple black dress that I wear on stage sometimes, but I left the top two buttons open. It seems to be making all the difference.
“Thank you,” I say as we leave the inn. “You look very nice as well.”
He does. He’s wearing dark denim jeans, a dark gray long collared shirt rolled up his thick tattooed forearms, and spotless brown boots. I love those colors on him. They really look good with his salt and pepper hair and his brown eyes.
He’s a perfect gentleman, opening the car door for me and taking care of everything.
We head to the luxurious Greene Mountain Lodge for dinner and I’m in awe as Ryland drives up to it.
Nestled at the base of a beautiful mountain, it looks more like a castle than a lodge—massive log beams, stone chimneys curling smoke into the twilight, strings of soft golden lights glowing along the balconies.
Behind it, the slope rises steep and green, the evening mist draping it like silk.
To the left, a mirror-still lake catches the color of the sunset, all pink and gold in the perfect reflection.
“This place is unbelievable,” I whisper, my breath fogging the passenger window as we pull into the circular drive.
It’s the kind of place people fly across the country to stay in for a week and remember for a lifetime.
Ski-in, ski-out, luxury everything—indoor pool, outdoor pool, spa, sauna, hot tubs steaming under the stars.
I’ve seen pictures online when we were looking for a place to stay, but seeing it in person is something else entirely.
I guess this is the perk of dating an older man. You get luxury and style. Not cheap restaurants with a lack of appetizers, an abundance of coupons, and awkward standoffs when the bill comes.
I can get used to this…
I’m staring in amazement as he pulls up to the entrance. The building stretches wide across the base of the mountain, rustic and grand all at once—dark wood, perfectly carved stone, and warm light spilling from the windows.
The valet takes our car and Ryland is so smooth when he slips him a tip.
“Ready?” he asks, offering his hand as we head inside. I slide my hand into his, loving the way his hand feels so powerful and in control. My heart’s racing. I feel like I’m stepping into a fairy tale.
Inside, the lobby is pure luxurious magic.
A giant stone fireplace roars in the center of the vast room, drawing your eye to the flames.
Oversized leather chairs are gathered around it with happy people curled up with their wineglasses, chatting and laughing.
The air smells like cedar and something chocolatey baking in the kitchen.
“I have to see this place in winter,” I say, staring at the fire. “Can you imagine coming in from the cold and sitting right there?”
Ryland smiles beside me, his hand sliding onto the small of my back. “Guess we’ll have to make that happen.”
I’m trying not to melt right there on the polished wood floors when two identical women behind the front desk glance up. They both have straight dark bobs, black-rimmed glasses, and matching name tags that read Tina and Tiffany.
“I just have to use the restroom,” Ryland says. “Do you mind?”
“Of course not,” I say, standing in the lobby.
He looks at me for a long moment before he finally tears his eyes off of me and leaves. I feel all giddy inside as I watch him go.
“Can we help you?” one of the receptionists asks.
“Oh no,” I say as I step a little closer to the desk. “I’m just here on a date.”
“Oh,” Tina says, looking blank-faced at Tiffany. “She’s on a ‘date.’”
She does those little air quotes when she says date. What’s that supposed to mean?
“Did your ‘date’ book a room?” Tiffany asks, staring dead-eyed at me.
“What?” I ask, looking around in confusion. “We’re having dinner.”
“But who’s booking the room after?” Tina asks. “You or him?”
“Does it come out of your rate?” Tiffany asks. “Or, is that extra for him?”
My mouth drops open. “I’m not a… prostitute.”
They glance at each other with blank faces. Their faces are expressionless, but I can tell they don’t believe me.
“I’m not!” I snap. “I’m on a date with the Sheriff.”
“The Sheriff,” Tina says with a grin. “Scandalous.”
“This keeps getting better and better,” Tiffany says, bitting her bottom lip.
“I’m not…” I do up the two buttons on my dress. “This is highly inappropriate. I’m having dinner.”
“But what’s for dessert?” Tina asks.
“And how much does it cost?” Tiffany adds.
“We’ll book you the room in the Western Suite,” Tina says, typing something on her computer. “It’s pricey, but the Sheriff can pay.”
“What?” I say with my heart pounding. “No. Don’t.”
“Are you ready?” Ryland asks. His smooth masculine voice normally puts me at ease, but I nearly jump two feet in the air when I suddenly hear it behind me.
“Yes,” I say, shooting those strange girls a dirty look before I take his hand and leave. They just stare at me blankly. Weird.
Dinner is amazing and romantic. We get the best table in the house, a romantic little spot beside a fireplace and far from the kitchen. I spend the next two magical hours with Ryland, sitting over candlelight, eating incredible food, and drinking delicious wine.
I feel like I’m in a movie the entire time.
“Tell me something I wouldn’t guess about you,” he says as he swirls his wine glass, those warm brown eyes resting on me.
I grin over the rim of my glass. “I was on the debate team in high school.”
“I would have guessed that,” he says with a laugh. “Let me guess—you were terrifying.”
“Oh, completely. I once made a senior cry during regionals. I was ruthless.”
Ryland grins as he watches me. “What were you debating?”
“If space exploration is worth the cost,” I say, smiling as I remember how I took Chad down in front of an auditorium full of people.
“I bet he was wishing he was on Mars after you were done with him.”
I laugh. “Oh yeah. I think I ended his dream of becoming an astronaut.”
He’s laughing now, deep and unguarded. “Remind me never to argue with you.”
“You got it,” I say as I lift my wine glass. He clinks it with his and smiles.
He looks so good in the candlelight. I don’t want this night to end.
The manager, Lauren, comes by and says hello to the Sheriff. She’s nice and polite with a prim and proper style—crisp blouse and a pencil skirt.
“Lauren owns the lodge with her husband Owen,” Ryland says, introducing me.
“It’s a beautiful place,” I tell her. “You should be so proud.”
“We love our little slice of heaven,” Lauren says, clasping her hands as she smiles at me. “We’re happy you’re getting to share it with us for the night.”
“It’s almost perfect,” Ryland says with a mischievous grin. “It’s only missing one thing.”
Lauren tilts her head with a tight smile. “What’s that?”
“Imagine a very talented harp player playing right there,” Ryland says pointing to the spot under the giant chandelier in the middle of the restaurant. “That would be something.”
“That would be nice,” Lauren says with a nod. “We tried hiring a piano player once, but it didn’t work out. He drank a little too much and missed a few too many keys. A harp player would be perfect, but there aren’t any in town that I know of.”
I feel my cheeks getting hot as Ryland grins at me. “You’re in luck because the most talented harp player in the country is moving to the Greene Mountains. She’s right here.”
Lauren turns when he presents me. “I wouldn’t say the most talented in the country…”
“I would,” Ryland says firmly. “She’s incredible.”
I’m expecting Lauren to smile politely and quickly go on her way, but she doesn’t. She actually looks interested. My heart starts racing as I sit up and try to shake the wine and endorphins out of my head.
“Would you like to audition for me tomorrow?” she asks. “I’d love to hear you play.”
Oh my god. Is this happening? Is this really happening?
“Okay,” I say, smiling uncontrollably. “Yeah, I’d love that!”
We work out the details and Ryland offers to drive me and my huge harp case.
Lauren looks pleased and enthusiastic when she leaves and I just know this is going to work out.
I may not be the best harp player in the country like Ryland insists that I am, but I’m definitely good enough to play in a high end establishment like this.
I’m flying high for the rest of the dinner. I can’t believe I have an audition for a full time job, a new man, and maybe an amazing new town to live in all in less than twenty-four hours. This has been the best day of my life.
I’m ecstatic and not wanting the night to end as we leave the restaurant and walk into the lodge. The fire is still crackling, but the chairs are long empty. It’s late. We were in that restaurant for a long time.
“Ready for that room?” Tina or Tiffany—I’m not sure which one—asks from the reception desk.
Are you kidding me? What’s with these girls…
Ryland turns to me with a raised eyebrow. “Room? You booked a room?”
“No, I…”
My cheeks go red, wondering how I’m supposed to explain this.
“It’s the Western Suite,” Tina says.
“Very fancy,” Tiffany adds.
“Or very dirty,” Tina says. “Whatever you’re going for.”
Ryland’s sexy brown eyes focus on mine.
“I didn’t mean…” I begin to say. “They misunderstood…”
Ryland doesn’t let me finish. He just leans down and kisses my mouth. I moan when I taste him. He tastes so good.
“Will you spend the night with me?” he whispers on my lips.
I gaze into those eyes and I can’t help but nod. I don’t care what those freaks at the counter think. All I want is to be alone with this man for a little longer.
He grins and turns to the ladies. “We’ll take it.”