4. Leo
4
LEO
W hat kind of bullshit was that? I’ll take you there myself… Hundreds of beautiful women have stayed here before. When have I ever been this distracted by one? Grr. I need more sleep.
When we shared a look a moment ago, her large, cautious eyes expressed a history of sadness that made my heart clench. Something I can understand myself. She captivates me, and it throws me off kilter. How can a complete stranger—one I met a few minutes ago—do that to me?
We might have officially met right now, but I noticed her the moment she came into the hotel. She didn’t see me because I was standing behind the Christmas tree fixing a couple of ornaments that were about to fall off a droopy, dry branch. I peeked around the tree when I heard the door open and froze. Her smile was breathtaking. Then I almost gave myself away by laughing when the automatic doors kept opening and closing behind her. I hunkered down behind the tree with my hand over my mouth and waited until she disappeared into the Blue Room instead of going to the front desk.
I got a glimpse of her eyes in the Blue Room, but nothing prepared me for their uniqueness. During my travels all over the world, I have never met another person with the lightest shade of brown like hers. It’s the softest tone of a frothy cappuccino or light brown sugar.
It’s not only her expressive eyes and their long, thick eyelashes that grab my attention. Her flawless ivory skin is free of makeup, and her soft, full cheeks seem to have a natural rosy hue. Her tempting, glossy lips create a hint of sensuality that distracts me even more.
Get your head out of your ass, Leo. You’re working, remember?
“Are you familiar with Orcas Island?” I ask, trying to sound unaffected by her. She probably sees right through me.
She brushes her hands through her thick, shiny brunette hair, causing the ends to crackle and rise from static. “No. It’s my first time. This trip was last minute and I didn’t have the chance to look up what there is to do here. And if there’s nothing to do, I’m fine with that too. I needed to get away.” Her voice softens with a hint of vulnerability as she studies the counter.
Better than her staring at my hideous lip rug. Stupid bet. The countdown has begun until I can shave it off.
I wonder what happened to make her run away. I wanted to mention her birthday, which is none of my business, then I saw her face. Distant and troubled. The conversation she had with her mom in the Blue Room sounded intense. I wasn’t eavesdropping, but Olive’s firm tone and the sound of her mother yelling on the other end of the line caught my attention. It’s different from the way she speaks to me; now she sounds weary and lost. Maybe even off guard.
I’m no stranger to escaping real life. I have my own reasons for never staying in one place for a long time, and they run deep. In fact, my next job assignment starts in two weeks. It’s convenient that I’m filling in as manager today, because here we are, me and this intriguing woman.
“Most of the people who work here are locals. If you have questions, please ask. The hotel will be pretty quiet after today so I’ll— we’ll be begging to help you.” I notice a slight curve of her lips. Is that a grin? I’ll take it.
“Leo, I’m back. Let me finish that up for you,” Donna says cheerfully behind me. Damn, that was a quick break.
I almost snap at her to say that Olive is my guest to take care of. This is fucking crazy. I don’t obsess over people who stay here, but Olive? The draw to her is unexpected and happily accepted. Now that I know she’s here alone, I want to make her stay here as pleasant as possible.
As the manager of the hotel, of course. Why does that feel like a lie?
Because it is, you ass.
“It’s okay, Donna. I’m almost finished. Her room isn’t ready yet. I’m going to show her the café.”
“Would you like me to take her?”
I open my mouth to answer as a couple arrives. Olive moves to the side to make space, and I’m relieved by their perfect timing.
“Or maybe not,” Donna adds, directing her focus to them.
“I’ll take care of Ms. Hansen. Call me if you need anything.” She nods and greets the couple.
Before I forget, I shove Olive’s paperwork into an envelope. “Here’s a copy of your invoice,” I say, handing it to her.
“Thanks.” She takes it, then slides it into the side pocket of her suitcase.
I round the counter. “Ready for the best tart of your life?” My enthusiasm might be over the top, but that’s me.
A shy grin appears. “Sure. Lead the way.” She reaches to gather her things.
“You can leave your luggage and coat here if you’d like. It’ll be safe behind the counter. May I take them?”
She nods, and I secure them in the back. Then I motion for her to go down the long hallway to the right.
As we move along, I point out where breakfast is served, the bar area, mention room service, and tell her about the spa on the other side of the inn. She nods along but doesn’t say much. Is she even listening?
To fill the silence that suffocates me, I say, “The café is a fairly recent addition to the inn. Tourists and locals from all over the island visit year-round. There’s a separate entrance for those who are only visiting the café, but we have a direct entrance from the hotel.” I motion for her to take a left. “This hallway connects the café to the inn so our guests don’t have to worry about the weather. It’s especially nice during the winter months.”
“I’ll be honest,” she finally responds. “Your hotel was the first one that popped up when I searched for somewhere to stay. I liked the home page and the photos, read some reviews, then made the reservation. So far it’s above and beyond my expectations.”
“I’m glad it grabbed your attention.” I’ll have to thank the web designer again when she comes back from vacation.
I greet an elderly couple as they pass by. They stay at the hotel every year to celebrate their anniversary. They got married here fifty years ago on December 31.
“This hotel started out more than a hundred years ago as a small, simple inn on a sizable piece of land. Over time, the hotel expanded and added more amenities. It’s much more than an inn now, but my mother’s family, the Gable family, insisted on keeping the word in the name. Despite its size, we’re committed to maintaining the same cozy, welcoming atmosphere it’s had from the beginning. If you’re interested, you’ll find a little booklet about the inn’s transformation over the years in your suite.”
Great. I sound like a tour guide, narrating the hotel’s history into a microphone for a group of tourists. Really sexy, Leo .
The café comes into view, but Olive doesn’t notice because she’s busy looking out the windows. It’s an ugly, gray day, but the grounds are beautiful even during the winter months.
She finally looks my way. “I’ll have a lot of time on my hands during my stay. I look forward to exploring the area.”
“Well, if you want to have a coffee with me while you wait for your room, I can give you some tips.” Her eyes widen. Shit. I’m totally screwing this up. I raise my hands. “No pressure, of course.”
What am I doing? She’s a guest at the hotel, and my behavior is bordering on unprofessional. I might be over-the-top friendly—my sister calls me a golden retriever—but it’s not my norm to ask guests to have a coffee with me upon arrival. She probably thinks I’m hitting on her.
Well, I am, aren’t I—in a way?
Yes, you are.