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“Come on, brother, don’t be getting modest on me now. It’s going to ruin your rugged reputation,” Callan says with another laugh. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had such a serious conversation with my brother.
“Don’t worry. That will never happen,” I say.
“Are you hungry?” he asks.
“Starving.”
“Let’s head inside.” The two of us move into the lodge and I instantly spot Cori. The damn woman takes my breath away. This time it’s for more than her beauty. She’s holding a baby, and looks quite content to do so. I instantly want to run for the hills . . . and yet I want to run to her at the same time. Again, what in the hell is happening to me?
“Are you getting any ideas?” Callan asks with a laugh.
“No, no ideas here,” I say, filled with more terror than ideas. I won’t be a father. I decided that a long time ago. Still, the sight of Cori looking so happy fills me with something. I don’t want to analyze what that feeling is.
Chapter Eight
Courtney
Eileen walks me to the cabin and I barely take time to look around. It’s small and adorable, and I love it. I try not to look at the large bed and wonder if Blaze and I will be sharing it. Is that what I want? I do, but I shouldn’t. I’m so damn confused. Blaze is obviously much richer than I could’ve ever imagined. Why is he an escort? It makes absolutely zero sense. It has to be a hobby. Maybe he has a hard time meeting women. Maybe he only does this once in a while. Whatever it is, I’m glad my escort’s turned out to be him. I wouldn’t have done it if it were anyone else.
I take a moment to freshen up while Eileen chats with me on the other side of the bathroom door. Then we leave and she chats away as we move back to the lodge. She walks me inside, and quickly gets called away. I don’t mind, though, as I look around this beautiful building. It’s huge and there are people milling around, looking happy and rested. A long table, loaded with a lot of hot food, is against the wall. My stomach rumbles in delight as I make my way to it.
“Welcome,” a woman holding a baby says.
“Is this for the guests?” I ask, my mouth watering.
She laughs. “Yes, it is. It’s all part of the glamping lifestyle,” she tells me. “I’m Shari, and this little pumpkin is Julia. I’m the cook, but since all the food is out, I get to eat now. It’s not too bad if I do say so myself.”
“If it tastes anything like it smells, it’s going to be a real treat,” I tell her.
“Dish up and you can join me if you like,” Shari says before moving to a table where a couple of plates are loaded with food.
I dish my food then join Shari at the table. The baby’s making all sorts of adorable noises as we both polish off our plates. Then Julia reaches for me and my fingers tingle with the need to hold her. I don’t normally spend time around babies so I’m not quite sure how to act around the precious girl.
“Do you want to hold her?” Shari asks.
“Yes,” I say before even thinking of refusing.
Shari chuckles. “She has quite an effect on people. The guests adore her,” Shari assures me as she hands over the sweet baby girl who immediately babbles at me.
“Do you like working here?” I ask.
“I absolutely love it. There aren’t too many places you can bring your baby to work with you, but they’re good to me here. I have a helper when I’m cooking of course. Babies and hot ovens don’t go hand in hand.”
“I bet they don’t.”
“Is this your first visit?” Shari asks.
“Yes. I live in Washington,” I tell her. I don’t say I came with a gigolo from my past. There is some information that shouldn’t be shared.
“I’ve lived in this area my entire life. I’ve always loved cooking but didn’t want the responsibility of having my own place so this works out great. They give me free rein on what I want to cook as long as I always have multiple options.”
“Everything tastes amazing,” I tell her, enjoying my gravy covered hash browns, one of my all-time favorite breakfast items.
“I have the staples, but I like to get fancy too, with different pastries, overnight oats, and baked goods. Dinner gets really fun. The kids love foil dinners and smores tables. They pick up to the items and take them back to their camping sights and cook to their hearts content.”
“All of that’s included?” I ask surprised.
She laughs. “No, just breakfasts and snacks are included. Dinner items can be bought, but the lodge likes to keep the prices affordable so it's family friendly,” Shari says.
