Page 25 of Love is a Roller Coaster

Is my ex-fiancé, Landon.

chapter twelve

TYLER

Iwashaving a fantastic morning.

I’d had a great day with Brooke yesterday at Disneyland, slept amazingly, got a text from my sister that the stomach flu had finally left their home, and I was excited to go to work and see Brooke this morning. Maybe spend some time flirting at the pool. Maybe share some kisses. The day was full of possibilities.

But Brittany asked me to cover the front desk for her, and that’s whenhewaltzed in, like he owned the place.

Except he didn’t know thatI’mthe one who owns the place.

I immediately didn’t like him, just from his attitude, but as the owner of the inn, I’m always pleasant and cordial to guests. “Hello, how can I help you?”

“Landon Smithson,” he says, setting his briefcase and phone down on the counter. “I believe my fiancé checked in a few days ago, but I could not get away from work. Her name is Brooke Westfield.”

Now I KNOW I don’t like him.

But I have to maintain my professional appearance,although I would love nothing more than to whack this guy on the side of the head and ask him what in the world is wrong with him.

I grit my teeth and pretend to click a few things on the screen. “Brooke did check in a few days ago, but she said she would be here alone. Is she expecting you?”

He leans over the counter toward me, a conspiratorial tone in his voice. “It’s a bit of a surprise. Maybe you can just give me a key to the room and I’ll handle it from there.”

I don’t think I can keep this calm exterior up for much longer. “I’m sorry, Mr. Smithson, but unless we get permission from Brooke herself, we won’t be giving you a key to her room.”

“But my name is on the reservation!” His voice raises, and a few guests turn their heads to look over.

This is where it gets tricky. In a way, he’s right. His name is on the reservation. If this were a giant hotel, and I didn’t know Brooke personally, I’m not sure I’d have the ability to tell him he can’t have a key.

But thisisn’ta giant hotel, and Idoknow Brooke personally.

After yesterday, VERY personally.

And after everything she’s told me, I believe this would NOT be a welcome reunion.

But before I can tell him to hit the road, a vision in pink appears in the corner of my eye. I look over at the stairs and see Brooke taking the last step down the stairs into the lobby.

Landon follows my gaze, and everything in his demeanor changes. “Brooke, darling!” He rushes over to her, wraps his arms around her waist, and kisses her on the cheek.

Brooke just stands still, eyes wide in shock. Her arms hang limp at her sides. She’s not reciprocating his affections, but she isn’t exactly pushing him away, either.

Why isn’tshe?

Landon pulls away but keeps his hands on her waist.

“What…what are you doing here?” she finally stammers.

“I wanted to surprise you!” He glances over his shoulder at me, eyes narrowed, then back to Brooke. “I know you weren’t expecting me to come, but I figured it would be exactly what we needed right now.”

“What we…” Her voice trails off, and she looks over at me. I wish I could say there was anger or fire in her eyes, but there isn’t. It’s more like…confusion.

My chest tightens at the sight of them together, especially since she isn’t telling him to leave. And, I hate to admit it, but they look good together. Like they belong together. Brooke is sleek and sophisticated, and Landon is equally put-together. If they checked into the inn, I wouldn’t bat an eye.

But what would I think if I saw her with someone like me?

I’d think,Why is she withhim?

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