Page 14 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"I can handle my bag." He walked back to the truck and retrieved his suitcase. Then he followed her into the inn.

His first impression of the interior was that it was warm and spacious, with dark paneled walls and slick hardwood floors covered by colorful, thick carpets. While Lizzie checked him in at the reception desk, his gaze swept the entry, which appeared to lead in two directions: one to a large living room with comfortable couches and armchairs, the other to a library with shelves laden with books and a grand piano in one corner.

Beyond the library, he could see a dining room with square wooden tables for four and a long buffet that appeared to be laden with afternoon cookies and drink options. Noah and Patty were already seated at one of those tables, sipping tea, and sharing conversation.

"You're on the third floor," Lizzie told him, handing him a large, old-fashioned, and heavy silver key.

He raised a brow. "Seriously? No key card?"

"Not here. We do have an elevator. It's around the corner. I have to warn you it can take a while. It's safe; just slow."

"I'm fine with the stairs."

"I figured. After you get settled in, come on down. My office is back there," she said, pointing to the door behind her. "I'll make sure my computer is ready to go."

"Great." He paused. "Your computer isn't as old as this key, is it? I need video options."

She smiled. "It's less than a year old. It should have all the bells and whistles you'll need. Are you sure you don't want someone to carry your bag?"

"I've got it. I travel light."

"I bet you do."

As he turned to go up the stairs, his stomach rumbled from the delicious smell of cinnamon and vanilla. "Something smells amazing."

"My cookies. They may not be world famous, but they are Whisper Lake famous. I'll set you up with a plate in my office. Do you want anything more substantial to eat? We don't have dinner service, but I can get you a sandwich or some cheese and crackers to keep you going."

He should say yes to something more substantial. He rarely ate sugar. He couldn't remember when he'd last had a cookie, but in light of his headache, he found himself thinking that sugar might be exactly what he needed. "Cookies will be fine."

"If you're sure. There's a list of nearby restaurants in your room, but if you need more personal recommendations based on what you'd like to eat, feel free to ask."

"I will."

As he finished speaking, an Asian woman with long black hair came out of the back room.

"Lizzie, finally!" she said. "Where have you been? I've been texting you for the past hour. I need to talk to you."

"I didn't have my phone."

At her words, he was reminded that he still had her phone. He took it out of his pocket and handed it to her. "Sorry about that. I keep forgetting to give this back to you."

"It's fine," Lizzie replied. "Justin, this is Shay, my manager—Justin Blackwood."

"Marie and Benjamin's grandson. So happy you're here," Shay said, giving him a friendly smile.

"Thanks," he said, wondering when he'd last seen so many people smiling at the same time. And it seemed to be contagious. He found his lips curving upward as he went to his room. But then he glanced at his watch, which instantly reminded him of how much work he had to do and how much time he'd lost. He needed to get back to business. Lizzie had already distracted him far too much.

* * *

Lizzie's smile faded as she faced Shay. She could see the wary look in Shay's gaze, which meant there was yet another problem to be handled. Her day seemed to be getting worse by the minute, but at least Justin wouldn't be privy to whatever new challenge was about to be revealed. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. Actually, it's good news."

Relief swept through her. "Well, don't hold back. I could use some good news."

"Kyle wants me to meet his parents."

"It's about time." Kyle and Shay had gotten engaged a month ago and had been dating for a year prior to that, but she'd never had a chance to meet his parents, who resided in Australia.

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