Page 32 of Daddy's Desire

“Our translator isn’t here yet,” the man said.

“I can help with that,” Courtney said.

The man’s eyes widened. “You speak Italian?”

“Yes.” She turned to the couple and asked what they needed. She almost smiled at their surprise.

The conversation went smoothly, and the couple was checked in and happy.

The guy at the desk wiped the sweat from his brow. “Oh, wow. You saved me, big time. They are diplomats from Italy, and my boss told me to treat them special.”

“I’m glad I was here to help,” Courtney said.

“Now, what can I help you with?” he asked.

“I would like to use a computer and Internet for research. Is that possible?”

“What’s your name, Miss?”

“Courtney Warner.”

“You checked in last night?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Are you planning on staying another night?”

“Yes, do I need to move to another room?”

He smiled. “No. You’re in luck. The people who reserved it for a few nights canceled, so we have no one who will take it from you. I’ll get you set up for another night and then give you the key to one of our office rooms.”

“That would be wonderful. I need to pay for my breakfast, too. It’s a long story, but I’m waiting onnew credit and debit cards. I have cash or a check. I know you would rather have a credit card.”

“It’s no problem. Patricia left notes for me about you using cash.”

“Would it be possible for me to put fifty dollars on my bill and pay the balance later?”

“That will work just fine,” the man said.

They made the transaction, and he handed over one of the office keys. “Take your time. That room isn’t reserved today.”

“Thank you so much for your help. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. Is there a phone in the office?”

“Yes. You can make local calls only without a credit card.”

She smiled. “That’s fine.”

He pointed down a hallway. “You’re in Room 120. Call the desk if you need anything.”

“Thank you again.”

“No, thank you,” he said, smiled, and waved.

Once in the office, she found a pad of paper and pens to use. But first, she needed to tell Larkin she was fine.

“Hello,” Larkin answered by the second ring.

“Hi, it’s me.”

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