AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Itwas eight p.m. andLilywas famished.Withoutrealizing it she had gone the entire day with little more than a banana and bowl ofHoneyOats.Shethrew on her most casual sweater, kicked off her dressy flats, deciding clean hiking boots would look more authentic with her jeans.
Glancingin the floor length mirror, she bent at the waist, then stood quickly, letting her waves fall naturally down her back.Sheplaced silver hoops in her ears and after a moment’s debate, swiped on eyeliner and a touch of lipstick.Shewas going to meet the locals on their turf.Betterto look mountain casual thanNewYorkprofessional.Ifshe had owned a fringed vest and cowboy boots, she would have worn them.Shegrabbed her purse and headed to the lobby.
Thesame ski bum stood behind the reception desk.Itwas either a long shift or his second one of the day.
Readingthe attendant’s name tag,Lilysaid, “HeyJames.Anyrestaurant recommendations?”
Heraised his gaze, taking inLily’sappearance with distinct interest. “Whatare you in the mood for?” he asked, a near-lascivious smile spreading across his lips, suggesting the words were a double entendre.
Takenaback but unsure if she was reading him correctly,Lilydecided to play it cool.Thealternative was reporting him to the manager. “Maybea good burger orT-bone?”
“Awoman withWesterntastes, then.”
“Sure,Isuppose.”
Agroup of older guests stepped out of the elevator, one wearing a priest’s collar.
Jamespulled an illustrated street map from a drawer, making two circles with his pen. “Weare here . . . and this isTheRoadhouse.It’sjust offMainStreet.”Heglanced at his watch. “I’moff duty in ten.Ifyou wait,Ican take you.”
Beforeshe could decline,Jamesadded, softly, “You’reone hot mama.”Puffingout his chest, he added, “Ican show you a really sweet time.Myplace is only a block fromTheRoadhouse.”
What?
She’dhad enough.Smilingsweetly,Lilyleaned in. “James?”
Heleaned forward to meet her, his brow raised in eager anticipation. “Yes. . . ?”
“Lily.”
“Right. . .Lily.”Hislooked like he wanted to eat her for a late-night snack.
Lilywaited a beat for the priest-led group to approach and then in a stentorian voice said, “James, you wouldn’t be hitting on me now, would you?”
Inunison, the group turned to face them, their eyes shifting fromLilyto stare atJameswhose face was turning a deep shade of crimson. “I. . .Ijust thought?—”
Amiddle-aged woman walked out from the door behindJames.Hertag read,Joyce.NightManager.“Excuseme,Miss.DidIhear you sayJamesishittingon you?”
Jameslooked atLily, pleadingly.Lilyallowed a couple of seconds to pass in silence.Joyce’sgaze landed on the priest, then flicked toJames, her look stern as a schoolmaster. “James?”
Lilysmiled. “PerhapsImisunderstood his intentions.He’llbe much more careful not to send . . . unprofessional mixed messages in the future, rightJames?”
Jamesswallowed hard, withering under his boss’s gaze. “Right,” he mumbled, quickly pushing the map toward her, which she took.Suddenly, he seemed eager for her to leave.
Thepriest led his flock outside.
“Thanksfor the rec,James.ToobadIwon’t run into you there.I’msure your boss would accept your earlier offer to take on the next shift.”
Jamesappeared momentarily confused before the penny dropped.
Joyceglanced his way. “Thatwouldbe helpful.Asyou know, we’re low on staff.”
Jamesfrowned, his shoulders slumped, seemingly accepting his penance. “Surething, ma’am.”
WhenLilyleft the lobby, she had a very satisfied look on her face.
* * *
TheRoadhouse,a retrofitted log cabin, was the quintessentialWesternhangout.TwoAdirondackchairs made of recycled skis flanked the entrance.Inside, the place was hopping.Aset of elk horns adorned the wall above an oak-stained bar.Ayoung man, wearing hisRockiesball cap backward, tended to a patrons seated on stools.
