“Be a good girl for your mommy. Go to bed,” I admonished gently.
“Otay!”
I scanned the tray, with no clue as to what was under the lids, but it didn’t matter. “Thank you for my dinner, Alex. I appreciate it a great deal.”
“You’re welcome,” she whispered. “I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will.”
I pushed on my door and glanced over my shoulder at the unlikely welcoming committee I had been sent. A smart-mouthed teenager, a lisping little angel—who, for some reason, I seemed to adore instantly—and of course, Alex.
A mystery—one minute warm and smiling, the next cool and frowning. Then, despite the fact that she found me an “ath-hole,” made me dinner, after she went out to buy my requested brand of brandy instead of telling me to drink whatever shit excuse they had in the bar.
She certainly was an enigma.
And she smiled at me in a way that took my breath away.
Mrs. C was right—the trip was already full of surprises.
Astonishingly, I quite liked it.
I WOKE GRADUALLY TO STRANGE and unfamiliar sounds. Sitting up, I listened to the wind outside, the glass rattling in the windows from the strength of it. For the first time that I could remember, I felt . . . peaceful. Generally, when I woke, my mind was instantly crowded with my hectic schedule: everything on the agenda for the day, what was happening that evening, the next day, the next week—my brain started firing as soon as my eyes opened.
But this morning, there was nothing. I had no idea what George Walsh wanted to discuss, or why he wanted me to stay there for a few days. Our lawyers could have handled it all, but he insisted.
It was an odd feeling not having to hurry and be somewhere. Crossing the room, I pulled back the horrid plaid curtains and looked outside. The sun was beginning to rise, and I could see all the grounds around the inn. Towering, full pine trees encircled the property. In front of me was a view of the ocean, the light dancing across the surface as the sun rose. It was magnificent—a million-dollar view.
Or, if I did my job well, maybe three-quarters of a million.
I glanced around the room, my gaze falling on the empty tray from the previous night. The “snacks” Alex brought me turned out to be a thick steak sandwich with a side salad. There had even been a piece of apple pie on the tray. I’d resisted as long as I could before I attacked it, literally scraping the plate, breaking my own rule of not eating sugar. The entire meal had been as delicious as anything I’d eaten in a five-star restaurant. Even if she had made it grudgingly for me. My lips twitched as I thought about what had occurred in the hall. Seth’s non-filter, Noelle’s adorable lisp and childlike honesty, Alex’s embarrassment—and her smile.
Especially, her smile.
After another hot shower, and still not shaving, I went downstairs, not surprised to find the lobby empty. I could smell coffee and followed the aroma into the bar area. There was no one around, but I did see the large coffee urn, so I poured myself a cup and grabbed the local paper from the pile on the table, then sat at a table by the window.
As I scanned the headlines, a door opened and Alex emerged, carrying a large tray. She didn’t see me, and I was able to watch her as she moved around, disappearing through the door and reemerging every few moments with another silver tray she placed on a long table. Her hair caught the morning sun, the red glints bright in the light. It hung in long waves down her back, almost to her waist. It wasn’t styled or stiff with product, but natural and full. I thought it was incredibly sexy. She turned, stifling a gasp when she saw me sitting there watching her.
“Good morning.”
She straightened her blouse and came closer. “Good morning, Mr. Maxwell.”
“Dylan, please.” I smirked. “After all, you allowed me to call you Alex.”
She bit her lip, gnawing on the pink flesh. It made me wonder what she was thinking.
“Dylan. I hope you slept well.”
“Surprisingly, I did.”
“Surprisingly?”
“I don’t sleep well in strange places, but I felt”—I paused, contemplating my words—“relaxed here.”
That gorgeous smile broke out, and she nodded enthusiastically. “It’s so lovely here. The wind, the water, and the trees—they surround you and help you forget the rest of the world exists. It’s a small piece of heaven.” Her face suddenly changed, and she looked sad. “I love it here,” she whispered, almost more to herself than me.
I didn’t like her sad. It made my chest feel strange. I rubbed my sternum, trying to rid myself of the ache. I wanted her to smile.
“I think another reason I slept so well is because of the dinner I ate last night. It was truly delicious.” Reaching out, I took her hand and squeezed it. “Thank you, Alex. I realize you went above and beyond for me.” Then I winked at her, unable to resist teasing her a little. “Even if I am an ath-hole.”