To his credit, he stopped and gave the question serious consideration as he ran a hand through his dark hair, a few of the tousled strands falling across his forehead in a way that had my hand itching to reach out and curl my fingers through. “If I was in the city, I think I’d be all right,” he said, “but to get to Weston’s place in the dark, on these roads…”
I winced a little at the thought. I got a little nervous on those narrow, windy roads at night even when I was stone-cold sober.
“I suppose I could ring Alistair and ask him to come get me, but I’d hate to make him drive all the way back here.”
“There’s an inn in town called the Deerhound,” I told him. “It’ll have space for you. I can show you where it is, if you like? Unless, of course, you’d prefer just to bunk in with your favorite flock of sheep.”
He opened his mouth to reply, but before he said anything, his hand shot out abruptly, blocking my path. He turned his body slightly, his shoulder creating a physical barrier between me and theverydrunk guest that came stumbling past, singing the Proclaimers at the top of his lungs.
“Sorry,” Locke muttered, stepping back the moment the guest had moved on.
“Such chivalry,” I teased, noticing how raspy my voice sounded. “I’m surprised.”
He tilted his head, his eyebrow popped. “Oh, believe me…you haveno ideawhat I’m capable of.”
I felt myself flush even hotter and turned to the door, hoping he hadn’t noticed. “This way,” I said, striding forward.
We stopped briefly at his car to pick up his duffle bag, then we strolled down the high street. My head only spun a little as we came upon the stone facade of the inn. A sign hung from the roof with an image of a scruffy Scottish deerhound as the mascot. There were two lights burning on either side of the door. I grabbed the doorknob and led Locke inside.
He followed after me. “Quaint,” he said, glancing around as he shed his suit jacket, rolling his sleeves. I tried not to think about those muscly forearms, but it was a little difficult. All my thoughts revolved around how attractive Locke was in the low lights of the lobby. He caught me staring, cocking his head. I wanted to reach out and catch his jaw in my hand, run my fingers along the neatly trimmed beard. “Isn’t it?”
“It’s cozy,” I agreed, trying (and failing) to shake off those thoughts. “And the staff are exceptional.” I walked around the check-in desk, giving him a playful grin.
“This isyourinn?” he said. I couldn’t help the way my eyes dropped to those forearms again as he leaned against the desk. “Color me surprised,” Locke said. “And impressed.”
“Do I not strike you as a businesswoman?” I asked, busying myself with getting his room key sorted before my thoughts could run away to horrible, no-good, very-bad places. “Credit card, please.”
“Whiskey, hotels, photography,” he rhymed off on his fingers once he’d handed his card over. “How many businesses are you in?”
“I contain multitudes,” I said, typing his details into the computer. “Last name?”
“Fraser.” He turned and leaned against the desk, admiring the decor. “Did you inherit this place?”
“Early inheritance from my aunt. She wanted to retire.”
He wandered across the lobby, admiring the artwork. He paused in front of the waterfall painting. Myfavoritepainting in the entire place.
“All right, this is you,” I said, flashing a room key at him. He strode back in my direction. “You’re on the second floor.” I handed him his credit card. He went to pluck the key from my hand, but I caught it. “Unless, of course, you need me to show you to your room?”
Was I actually doing this—inviting myself to a man’s room? To his bed? It wasn’t like me at all. I was no blushing virgin, but I’d never had a one-night stand before. Did I actually want this?
Mischief flashed across his face, and when he spoke, his brogue came out in a low, sexy growl. “Yes, actually. I’d love the full door-to-door experience.”
Yes. I wanted this.
“Five-star service coming your way.”
“I’ll be the judge of that,” he said cheekily.
My heart hammered in my chest, but not because I was nervous. It was because I wasexcited. “This way.”
He followed me up the narrow stairs, close enough I could breathe in his intoxicating scent.Too close. My pulse throbbed in response. When we got to the landing, I turned to face him, letting my gaze drag over his face, from his perfectly kissable lips to those gorgeous gray eyes.
“I’mveryinterested in all the…charms this place has to offer,” he purred.
Yes, perfect. That was an excellent idea. Just for tonight. Just to scratch an itch.
“This is you,” I said, waving my hands at the door of his room in a little ta-da motion. “Full service, door-to-door delivery. As promised.”
