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“Do we need to bring in more folks or are we staffed up enough?”
“No. We’re okay for the time being. The part-time crew is stepping up and working lots of extra hours which makes them happy, at least for now. The full time staff is awesome, picking up the slack whenever needed. You and Gray hired good people.”
“Well, I’m certainly glad you work here.”
“Thank you. I feel like I should bake you cookies or at least do more than say ‘thanks for this awesome opportunity’ every time I see you.”
“Seriously, I’m just so glad you like it here.”
“I’m very happy here. Are you?”
She gave Jessica a guarded look, prompting her to ask, “What? Of course. I’m over the moon working here.”
“Good.”
“Do I seem unhappy?”
“No. You’re definitely happier now than the last few months at Barrington. I know you’re seeing someone”—she paused—“or rather more than a single someone.”
“Is that a problem?”
“No.” She laughed riotously. “I figured after Chucky the fucker screwed you over so badly that you’d go into a convent before ever dating again. Maybe that’s simply me projecting. Actually, now that I think about it, seeing more than one man in your life, well, that makes me a little jealous.” She grinned mischievously. “You’re so greedy.”
It was Jessica’s turn to laugh out loud. “Well, it’s certainly a much different lifestyle than I’d ever conceived of or planned on, but I must be coming to terms with it because I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my own memory.”
“Good for you. I mean that.”
“Thanks. You know, there are lots of men around in the Old West Town area. Perhaps you should scout around, find a pair of handsome cowboys, and try it for yourself.” Jessica didn’t know if this lifestyle was for everyone, but she certainly enjoyed it.
Another mischievous smile shaped Isabelle’s mouth. “Who says I haven’t already?”
“Oh really?” Jessica said with suspicion. “Then spill. Tell me everything.”
“I’m kidding. I’ve rarely been able to hold one man’s interest long enough for a second date, let alone two men at one time.”
Jessica shrugged. “Still, you should think about it. You don’t know what you’re missing.”
“Well, with all the gorgeous men galloping around here on horses wearing chaps and other sexy western wear, it might be easier than I think.”
“Seriously, I almost tripped over Garrett the first night I was in town. Or rather fell at his feet after seeing his cowboy boots. That’s the truth.” She grinned at the memory.
“Tell you what, I promise not to turn anyone down if ever an offer is made.”
“And you also promise to share all the gory details with me the moment it happens.”
Isabelle winked. “We’ll see.”
They chatted a bit more about several topics. First attractive cowboys roaming the area, then Gray being the best boss they’d ever had, and finally other bits of gossip around the hotel, before putting the final touches on their proposal.
“We’re meeting with Gray tomorrow morning first thing. I hope he’s excited about our idea.”
“Me too.” Isabelle then covered her mouth as she yawned widely.
Jessica glanced at her watch, realizing they were a few minutes past the end of Isabelle’s shift. “I need to let you go. It’s past your bedtime.”
They said their good-byes, planning to meet up early in the morning. Jessica headed toward her office, turning the final corner, striding quickly into the short hallway leading to her door, and ran straight into the last person she ever expected to see in Montana.
“Hello, Jessica, fancy meeting you here.” Like a boogey man appearing out of thin air Chucky the fucker advanced on Jessica with a malicious grin.
She shuffled backward, trying to keep from having any part of him touch her, ending up trapped in a corner next to a sturdy wall and her closed office door. She heard the phone inside start ringing, but ignored it in favor of keeping Chucky in her line of sight and out of her personal space.
