Mari smiled. “You are very welcome. Such a milestone deserves special treatment.”
“Indeed it does,” Luca remarked.
Mr. Townsend noticed the picnic basket. “We’re keeping you.”
Luca smiled back. “Not at all. We’re just testing out a new program we may implement, and the day was too beautiful to waste.”
Mr. Townsend lifted a hand in farewell. “Enjoy then. And thank you for a memorable week.”
“Congratulations,” Luca and Mari said together, then looked at each other and smiled. As the Townsends walked off, Mari lowered her gaze as she felt her cheeks bloom.
“Thank you for coming.”
“When the boss gives an order…” She chanced a look up. Their brief encounter with the Townsends only served to remind her of how personable he was. He remembered details and knew how to put people at ease. She admired that; it was a quality she never mastered. She tried hard to ignore the older couple’s smiles as they’d seen Luca holding the picnic basket. A warmth spread through her at the thought of them paired together.
He laughed shortly. “I thought you said I wasn’t to give orders anymore.”
“I don’t think you can help it. It’s in your nature. Where are we going? I’m hungry.” She wasn’t, really, but knew her body needed nourishment. More than a muffin and several cups of coffee, which was all she’d eaten so far today. The sooner she got this over with, the sooner she could get back.
He stood to the side, revealing a wicker picnic basket. “I had the kitchens put together a meal for us. And if you’ll follow me, I have the car waiting to take us to our destination.”
“A picnic.” Mari wasn’t sure if she should be happy or aghast. What would the staff say if they went gallivanting away on a picnic for two?
“Colleagues and friends enjoying a late fall day. Nothing shocking about that.”
“Can’t we eat here?” She looked around. The gardens were filled with benches and grassy expanses. It would certainly be more seemly. She was still trying to grasp the fact that he’d referred to them as friends.
“Mari, we’re changing more than cosmetics here. Remember what I said to you that night at dinner?” He turned slightly, lifting his arm to encompass the gardens. “Remember the Romance. Restoring The Cascade is more than furniture and fabrics. It’s also services, special touches. Imagine being here in this town, with the man you love. Venturing out on a sunny day to a mountain meadow where you share lunch, a bottle of wine.”
With the man you love. She couldn’t actually imagine it. She couldn’t imagine letting herself be in love, giving someone that much power. This…this magnetism to Luca was just that. Magnetism. She stared at his chest which was a mistake as she couldn’t help wondering at what was beneath the sweater he’d put on against the brisk autumn chill. She had to deflect the intimate mood somehow.
“As long as you don’t share lunch with the bears. Or elk. They can be mean this time of year, you know. The elk.”
Luca’s jaw tightened. “Fine, Mari. Don’t go if you’ve not a mind to.”
He picked up the basket.
She closed her eyes, frustrated. “Luca, wait. I’m sorry. I just find this…awkward. I’m not used to catered picnics with my boss.” That wasn’t all. The very idea of being alone, secluded…it made her feel closed in, defenseless.
“I thought we could both use an hour away from the hotel. A chance to see something else. I’ve hardly seen any of the townsite yet. I thought you would be a good tour guide.”
Mari’s level of discomfort grew. Here at the hotel they were surrounded by staff. It was her turf, as well as his. But this picnic, it was completely organized by him and she had no idea where they were going. She wasn’t great at following someone else’s plans.
“Maybe I could pick the place, then,” she blurted out. A small concession on his part and then at least then she could feel more comfortable. “As you said, I do know the area.”
He carried the basket and she led the way out to the new luxury car he’d purchased for the hotel. The most senior of their shuttle bus drivers had taken over chauffeur duties and he opened her door with a smile, “Ms. Ross.”
“Thank you, Charlie,” she murmured, sliding in, sinking into the soft leather seats.
Luca slid in beside her after placing the basket in the trunk.
“Where to?”
“To my place, if you could.” Mari leaned forward. “You remember the way?”
“Sure do, Ms. Ross.”
“Your place?”