Page 34 of A Whiskey River Princess

There was no way she was going to tell him that she was from Monaco. Although she knew she had to go back sometime, her heart ached at the thought of having to leave Dirk so soon.

“Is he filling your head full of his dazzling sweet talk?”

Gabriella looked up as Dirk sat in the chair next to her. She shook her head. “No. He was just keeping me entertained until you arrived.”

“Well, be careful around Harrison,” Dirk teased. “He’s quite the silver-tongued devil with the ladies.”

Harrison laughed. “Don’t bet on it.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I just appreciate a beautiful lady when I see one.”

Gabriella chuckled, inconspicuously pulling her hand away, not wanting to hurt his feelings. “Not to worry. He was quite the gentleman.”

“Always.” Harrison returned the smile. “Millie will be with you in just a moment but let me know if you need anything.” Then he turned to Gabriella. “It was a pleasure to meet you, miss. Enjoy your stay in Whiskey River.”

“Thank you,” Gabriella replied. After Harrison walked away, she turned to Dirk. “Why do they call the town Whiskey River? How did the town get its name?”

“Legend has it that some miners were on their way to California and when they stopped here, they fell in love with the area and decided to stay.” Dirk chuckled. “They named the river Whiskey River because it flowed through the mountains the way they probably hoped that whiskey would flow here. But instead, families moved in, and the miners moved on, but the name stuck. Mrs. Jenkins is one of the founding members of the town. She could tell you more about it. Now, some people pass through but many fall in love with the town and decide to stay.”

“Like you?” she asked, curious.

He nodded. “Who knows? Maybe you might decide to stay, too.”

Her heart sank at his words, knowing that one day she would have to go back, but not now….

“Well, well!” a pretty brunette young woman approached their table. “It’s about time Dirk brings a lady friend in here!” She nodded to Gabriella. “The name’s Millie Martin and I’m your server this evening. Pleased to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Gabriella replied, suddenly aware of how different her accent sounded in comparison to everyone in the town.

Millie’s eyes opened wide. “Are you from France?”

Gabriella blushed as she smiled.

“Gabriella’s from the French Riviera,” Dirk interjected, saving her from Millie’s prodding. Millie was a good sport but could get a bit nosy at times. “Could I get a cup of coffee, please?”

Millie nodded and turned her attention to Gabriella. “And what can I get for you?”

“The same, please.”

Millie nodded toward the front windows. “Well, I think you’d better order soon, unless you’d like to get snowed in here.”

Gabriella looked out the window and giant flurries of white puffs were swirling around in the daylight. A man outside pulled the collar of his coat up over his neck as he passed by. “You don’t think we’ll be snowed in, do you?”

Dirk shrugged. “Maybe.”

Millie smiled. “Don’t worry. Dirk always has a room here at the hotel—”

“Are there any other rooms available?” Gabriella asked, suddenly panicked.

Millie smiled devilishly. “I think we’re all booked up—”

“I can’t stay in the same room with Dirk,” she said flatly as panic filled her voice. “How many beds are in the room?”

Dirk raised an eyebrow as one corner of his lips curled into a smile, unable to resist teasing her. “One.”

Gabriella threw down her napkin. “Take me home. I can’t stay here—”

Millie stepped back, her eyes widening at Gabriella’s outburst.

“Calm down, Gabriella.” Dirk laughed as he reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I was only teasing. Don’t worry. If we have to stay, we’ll find something. I’m sure Harrison can find you a room.”

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