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"Pack your bags. You and your children could stay here, in one of Elizabeth's rooms.”
2
Stella
“Excuse me?” I blurt, my eyebrows arched upward.
“You could stay in one of our rooms,” Isaac states matter-of-factly. “They’re big and comfortable and with a bathroom of your own. You’d have access to the kitchen like all the other staff. And we wouldn’t charge you any rent. It’s a temporary solution until you find a place of your own, but you don’t have to rush into anything, either. We offer lodging for seasonal workers, anyway, so it’s not like I’m breaking any company policies here.”
“Oh, Isaac, that’s too much—”
“You need a place to stay since your mother’s place is obviously not a viable option. And winter is already here, so it’s harder to find a good rental this time of the year. Besides, we hire a babysitter for our guest’s children who could look after yours while you’re working. I’d deduct her pay from yours, if you’re concerned about the financial aspect. Bella lives just down the road, and she’s a good kid. Responsible, trustworthy. I can vouch for her.”
“Isaac, I can’t possibly accept that.”
“Why not? You need it.”
My shoulders drop. “You’re actually serious.”
“Why wouldn’t I be? You need help and we’re in a position to offer that help. Take it.”
Isaac is absolutely right in every single aspect, and I cannot let my pride destroy me. I let a man do that once, a man I thought was the love of my life. Where did that get me? Working as a maid instead of pursuing my own career in hotel management. And failing miserably at even holding down a job as simple as this. I can’t not recognize the truth when it’s staring me so blatantly in the face.
“Think about it,” Isaac adds, softening the tone of his voice. “You don’t have to answer right away. I’ll give you a minute or two. I’d give you more, but it sounds to me like you’re at a crossroads of sorts and you need a nudge in the right direction.”
I nod slowly as I walk over to one of the windows and look outside. It’s so peaceful and quiet in the front gardens. The evergreens are thick and bushy, lining the stony path leading up to the front steps of the bed and breakfast. Roses are still in bloom. The snow blanketing most of it sparkles under a bright blue sky, and I can almost smell the Atlantic breeze despite the windows being closed. The salty scent isn’t as powerful as the pine trees in winter, though, but it’s a pleasant mixture for each breath.
To my surprise, Noah comes in, accompanied by Beau and Levi. Good grief, that’s the last thing I needed. All four of my stupidly hot bosses in the same room.
“What’s up?” Noah asks, surprised by what I assume is a rather distraught expression on my face. Meanwhile, I’m once again impressed by how much alike Noah and his brother are.
Noah wears his blonde hair longer and his sharp jaw shaved clean. He prefers salmon pinks and off-whites to his twin’s blues and grays, but they are like two drops of water. Equally sparkling and perfect, luminescent and clear, handsome and dashing. Isaac handles the administrative side of the bed and breakfast business, while Noah manages the bar and the social events that take place here every week.
“Hi,” I mumble.
Beau gives me a broad smile. He’s a former celebrity soccer player turned hotel entrepreneur. He owns a twenty-five percent stake in the Elizabeth along with three other hotels farther up the East Coast. Born and raised in France, he came to the States after he retired from his soccer career. With his broad, athletic frame, black hair, and lively brown eyes, he gave David Beckham a run for his money in the object of female affection department. He’s also smart and kind.
“Hey, Stella, how’s your first day on the job?” he asks.
I can only snort a dry chuckle as I blink back another round of tears. “I’m loving it,” I say, though my voice falters and I’m sure my emotions are written all over my face.
“What’s wrong?” Levi chimes in, equally curious and confused.
Levi Smith is a bit like the odd guy out. He’s equally gorgeous with his dark red hair and green eyes. He keeps his ginger stubble neatly trimmed and spends most of his days writing thriller bestsellers, but he has recently chosen to invest in the Elizabeth, as well, partnering with his best friends in this endeavor. Isaac mentioned that Levi isn’t exactly a hotel business aficionado, but he wants to put his royalties somewhere where they can grow. He adds a nice balance to the group.
“Stella is dealing with a rather delicate situation,” Isaac says, his eyes never leaving mine. “Do you mind if I tell them?”
I shake my head.
Isaac proceeds to briefly share the current disaster in which I find myself, along with his offer of help, which I’m still considering.
Once they’re brought up to speed, the guys turn to look at me with a mixture of surprise and empathy. Soft eyes, half-smiles, and enough testosterone bubbling underneath the surface to make my blood simmer.
I feel squirmy under their gazes, so I hike my purse up onto my shoulder and say, “I’m sorry to trouble you all, but I really need to catch the bus.”
“Bus?” Isaac asks.
I nod, my eyes downcast. “Yeah, forgot to mention my car broke down the other day too.”
