Page 7 of About Last Night

The blond man's clear blue eyes seemed to miss nothing as his gaze flitted over her, then he turned to Ben, obviously his employee. "Ben, there seems to be a bug going around and you look a little feverish. Why don't you take a break, and I'll help our guest."

Ben scooted away and Mr. Oliver took his place behind the counter. "Good evening, ma'am. I'm Manny Oliver, the general manager. How can I help you?" His smile was genuine, and his voice friendly. She immediately liked him, and her first thought was that he was as sharp as a tack. She hoped she didn't look drunk.

"I'm Janine Murphy and I came to visit my fiancé, Steve Larsen. We're having our rehearsal dinner here tomorrow—I mean, tonight, and our wedding in your gazebo on Saturday."

He nodded. "Congratulations. I'm familiar with the arrangements. Now, let me see what I can do for you." He consulted a computer, then picked up the phone and dialed. A few seconds later, he returned the handset. "Mr. Larsen's phoneis still busy, but I'd be glad to walk up and knock on his door to let him know you're here."

The best she could manage was a half-smile.

Mr. Oliver leaned on the counter, an amused expression on his smooth face. "Why do I have the feeling there's more to this story?" He nodded to her gapped coat.

Janine pulled her coat lapels closed. "I... I thought I would surprise him. He's staying here tonight because his house is full of relatives and his groomsmen were taking him out for his bachelor party."

He checked his watch. "And he's back already?"

She nodded. "I called before I left, and he answered the phone."

"So hedoesknow you're coming?"

"No, I hung up. This is supposed to be a surprise."

He pursed his lips and mirth lit his eyes. "You've never done anything like this before, have you?"

Janine winced. "No, but after a half bottle of wine, it seemed like a good idea when my sister suggested it."

Suddenly he laughed and shook his head. "You remind me of some friends of mine."

"Is that good?"

Pure affection shone on his face. "Very."

"So you'll give me his room key?"

He stroked his chin as he studied her. "Ms. Murphy, even though it's none of my business, I have to ask because you seem like a nice woman." He lowered his chin and his voice. "Don't you think it's a little risky to surprise a man on the night of his bachelor party?"

She blinked. "But he was asleep when I called."

He pressed his lips together and lifted his eyebrows, then stared at her until realization dawned on her.

"Oh, Steve wouldn't," she said, shaking her head.

"Alcohol can make a person do things they wouldn't ordinarily do," he said, giving her a pointed look. Then he patted her hand. "My advice would be to save it for the honeymoon, doll."

She wasn't sure where the tears came from, but suddenly a box of tissues materialized, and the man was dabbing at her face.

"You'd better switch to waterproof mascara before the ceremony," he chided gently, and she had the feeling he'd wiped away many a tear. "Did I say something wrong?"

"N-no," she said, sniffling. "It's just that... well, I don't want to wait for the honeymoon—that's sort of why I came here."

His eyes widened slightly. "Oh. Well, now I understand your persistence."

"So you'll give me a key?"

Mr. Oliver chewed on his lower lip for a few seconds. "What will you do if you walk in and find him in bed with someone else?"

She blew her nose, marveling she could be so frank with a stranger. "I'd thank my lucky stars and you that I found out before it's too late."

"No bloodshed?"

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