Chapter Twenty-Four
“Dinner last night was incredible. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the roast beef,” Zane said. “I have no idea how you made it so moist and tender. The Greek salad was good too. Not as good as the Caesar, but delicious. I’ll have to work out more if you keep feeding me so much. I’d like to make a deal with you. One that includes bed, breakfast and supper. I’ve discovered that I don’t like eating alone in restaurants. I’d prefer to dine with you. Nothing fancy, whatever you’re making yourself will be great.”
Okay, what Zane really wanted was more time with Clara to discover their compatibility. It was easy to be attracted to someone, but much harder to determine if they were worth changing cities for. He could work anywhere. He liked Coyote Creek. He loved the people, and the town was friendly and picturesque. He adored Clara; he might even be falling for her. More time together would either solidify that attraction or destroy it. He was ready to find out which.
“Can I think about it?” Clara asked. “I don’t always cook. Sometimes dinner is crackers and cheese. I’m not that hard to feed. I love cooking and baking. I’m not sure I’m ready for full time meal preparation for guests.” She leaned against the counter and nibbled her thumbnail. Abruptly she yanked it from her mouth and tucked her hand into the pocket of her perfect fitting snug jeans. The black denim hugged her curves enticingly.
“I’m fully prepared to pay restaurant prices for meals. You would make a profit.” He understood her hesitance. If she started feeding him, she might feel obligated to do so for her other guests. It could be a slippery slope. He wasn’t going to push for a decision. “All I’m asking is that you think about it. You could earn extra money and save me from my own company. A win-win deal.”
“I’ll consider it. No promises and it won’t happen today. I have a full day ahead of me.”
“What’s up for today?” He grabbed a mug and poured himself a coffee from the communal pot. He didn’t mind the pod coffee she offered in the dining area, but he preferred the flavor of fresh drip coffee. He grabbed the French Vanilla creamer from the fridge. He’d purchased it and stored it in her fridge, letting Clara know that everyone could use it. They’d dickered about it briefly because she felt it was her job to meet his needs. He countered with the fact that bed and breakfasts typically didn’t provide expensive flavored creamers. He had no idea if they did or not, but she’d given in gracefully.
“I’m interviewing a few people to clean for me. I don’t have enough time to clean the entire inn, and all the rooms. Not with all my other tasks. Purchasing and accounting take more time than I anticipated. Plus, I’m prepping to offer piano lessons and I’ve received two requests for compositions. One for a book’s video trailer and another to put music to words for an anniversary party. I’ll need to spend more time at the piano. I never dreamed I’d be this busy. I need extra hands to help out.”
“That sounds reasonable. What about routine maintenance?” He sipped his coffee and watched her refill the mug, sitting beside her at the table.
They sat at the table, across from each other. “I’ll burn that bridge when I get there. Everything is up to date and there are no issues pending. Knock on wood.” She rapped her knuckles on the table. Last night, I set a date for the inn’s open house I’ve been debating. I need to plan it. I’m thinking next weekend. The twentieth.”
“Is nine days enough time to plan and organize an event like that?” He’d never planned a party beyond beer and pizza.
“It should be. I debated waiting until after the new year. I decided that I want my first Christmas here to be extra special. Maybe even make the party an annual event. I checked with my family, and they’re all prepared to come. I want to make it an open event for the town. I’ll post an invite on Coyote Creek’s Facebook page and put up flyers.”
“Are you hiring caterers? Serving staff? Cleaning staff for afterward? I’ll help with decorating. I know there’s a few things left to put up. I meant to get to the outside lights for you before now.”
“You will not put up the rest of the outside lights,” she said. “Justice and Jason are doing them today. Ken was going to do them but got sidetracked.”
“You can’t stop me from helping.” He winked. Her blush was adorable. “Seriously, if I reach my daily goal for my novel, I’d love to help. I’m getting stagnant here. I don’t get enough exercise.”
“Oh, about that. I’ve ordered a treadmill, a rowing machine, and some yoga mats for the basement. I need to work out too. They’ll be delivered this afternoon. Plus, some wall mirrors and a television system for down there. It’ll be a miniature gym for me and the guests. You’re welcome to use it. I’ve arranged to have everything set up.” She sipped her coffee and set the mug down before standing and rummaging in the fridge.
She pulled out a tray of croissants and popped them in the oven and then sat back down. “I can’t believe I made enough money from the auction to pay for all that equipment.”
“What auction?” She hadn’t mentioned this before.
“Aunt Tilly had a ton of stuff, and I sent a lot of it to an auction service. I also sold her car. I have a great one and didn’t need hers which was only five years old.”
“You’re one heck of a businesswoman. You know that, right?”
“I’m trying … to run this place without dipping into my savings. I’m not a huge spender. I had a nice nest egg before I inherited the inn. Plus, Aunt Tilly left me money. But I don’t want to waste it. I’m going slow.”
“Do you have a long-term plan?”
“Sort of, in my head. Do I need one?”
Her uncertainty touched him. She was smart and running the inn like a true businesswoman but seemed to doubt her every decision. “I can help you create a plan. One-year goals, five years, ten years. It can help plan day to day life and major things like renovations and upgrades. Although, everything seems handled for the next couple years. Still, it’s best to be prepared.”
“Thank you, that would be great. I could use the planning help.”
Clara reached out and placed her hand on his. He rolled his hand over, so their palms were touching. He loved the simple intimacy of the act, and the fact that she didn’t move away.
“But first,” she added. “I have hiring to do, and a party to plan.”
“I have a book to write and decorating to help with. Let me know if you need help with the party planning.”
“I will, thanks.”
She said the words, but he knew she wouldn’t ask for help. She was distressingly independent sometimes. It mildly annoyed his innate need to help others.
