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His eyes glitter. “We aim to please, Ms. Clark.”
I ignore the shiver that races up my spine. “Your boss has definitely thought of everything.”
His lips lift into a half-smile. “He’s worked hard to make this feel like a home away from home. I’m Adrian by the way.”
“Danielle.” I offer him a small smile. “You don’t have to babysit me, you know. Don’t worry. I won’t leave a bad review or anything. I get that delays happen.”
The luxury of the room and the surrounding beauty almost make up for the delay checking in.
And the less time I spend in the Greek Adonis’ presence, the better.
His smile grows. “We welcome constructive criticism.”
“Is that so?”
He nods. “Why don’t I tell you about the ranch’s activities? Every night, there’s a campfire. It’s considered a social event, but you’ve got a great view of the stars, and s’mores are involved.”
I tilt my head to the side and study him. “That sounds nice. I saw some horses around too.”
“We do offer horseback riding lessons. And our more proficient guests can go on solo excursions, provided they follow the safety protocols. There’s also river rafting, and there’s a waterfall nearby.”
“I can see why your boss picked this place to build a retreat.”
Adrian takes a step forward. “I’m glad you approve.”
Heat climbs up my neck and stains my cheeks. “How could I not?”
“Mr. Steele, sorry to interrupt, but I need you to sign these slips.” Maureen materializes in the doorway, looking harried, and with a clipboard in her hand. “I’m sorry, sir, but with Lorraine is out sick. We’ve all been trying to cover her workload. Or I would’ve gotten to this sooner.”
He takes off the hat pulled low over his head, picks up the pen, and scribbles. “It’s okay, Maureen. Just make sure you divvy her work up evenly amongst everyone, including myself. Lorraine will be back before you know it.”
Maureen nods in my direction and gives him a grateful smile. “Thank you, sir.”
Halfway to the main cabin, she sprints back and holds out an envelope. “Sorry, sir. This was dropped off for you.” I can see the name on the envelope. Adrian Steele.
With that, she darts off. It isn’t until after she disappears into the main cabin that Adrian looks back at me.
I'm filled with embarrassment; I glance between the main cabin and his face.
A small niggling sensation begins in the back of my head. And a sour taste in the center of my stomach. It spreads slowly till it takes root, and I gasp.
“”You….you….you’re Adrian Steele. You're the owner?”
He doesn’t say anything.
“You’re the owner of the ranch,” I continue, my blood now pounding so loudly I can barely hear anything else. “Shit.”
I am not off to a good start.
I don’t want to be seen or remembered as the girl who was salivating all over the owner of this impressive place.
Ugh. Why do I even care so much?
A man this good looking is probably used to worse displays of affection.
“I….I had no idea,” I add, weakly. “You really don’t have to go through all of this trouble.”
Adrian waves my comment away and gives me another one of his heart-stopping smiles “Oh, don’t worry about it. I’m happy to help.”
