Page 10 of Bryce

His thick browslifted.

“Even though Iam hours ahead of schedule?”

“Even so.”The woman laughed, eyes twinkling. “We are always prepared. AndI saw you driving up. You’re in suite twelve. We servebreakfast, lunch and dinner. But if you prefer to take a stroll intotown and have dinner there, you only have to let us know.”

“I will.Thanks.” He accepted the key.

“What do youthink of the place?”

“It’squite enchanting. Like a place in a storybook.”

“My name isJessica, by the way.”

“Oh, pleasecall me Bryce.” He waited for the recognition and when thewoman simply nodded and came around the desk, he felt a twinge ofwhat? Disappointment? Surely not. He was happy for the anonymity.

“This wayplease.”

*****

“The guest hasarrived and he’s a handsome one.”

“Mr. Whitney?”Zahra had decided to stop and pick up some fruit as well to make acompote. The visit with Sandra had taken up much of her time, withher friend insisting on her looking at the nursery. “He’svery early. I should come back…”

“No rush.”Jessica told her firmly. “I fed him and showed him to hissuite, and he’s settled. I am just letting you know.”

“He should havelet us know that he was going to be arriving ahead of schedule.”Picking up a cantaloupe, she tested for softness.

“He said it wasa spur of moment thing. Take your time.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. Seeyou later.”

Hanging up, Zahratucked her phone into her tote and continued moving around to pick upthe things she needed.

He was her only guestat the moment and would be staying for several weeks. Putting thatthought away, she concentrated on her shopping.

*****

Bryce took a momentto explore his suite. The room was tastefully decorated with a blendof antique and modern furnishings, creating a cozy yet sophisticatedatmosphere.

The large windowoffered a breathtaking view of the rolling hills and the lush gardensbelow. He could already feel the tension of his travels easing as hetook in the serene surroundings.

As he unpacked hisbelongings, he couldn’t shake off the curiosity about Ms.Zahra. The name seemed to linger in his mind, stirring vaguememories. But he dismissed the thought, attributing it to the fatigueof his journey.

Deciding to takeadvantage of the peaceful afternoon, Bryce made his way to the diningroom. The tray of refreshments awaited him, just as Jessica hadpromised.

He selected adelicate porcelain cup and poured himself some tea, savoring the richaroma. The assortment of pastries and fruits looked enticing, and hehelped himself to a few treats, feeling more at ease with each bite.

After his light meal,Bryce wandered through the inn, marveling at the intricate detailsand the evident care put into maintaining the place. Each room hepassed seemed to tell a story, and he felt a growing sense ofanticipation for what the coming weeks would hold.

He found his way tothe garden, where the vibrant colors and fragrant blooms provided aperfect backdrop for reflection. As he strolled along the pathways,he noticed a small gazebo tucked away in a corner. Intrigued, heapproached it and took a seat, letting the tranquility of the gardenenvelop him.

The gentle rustlingof leaves and the distant chirping of birds created a soothingsymphony, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for this unexpectedretreat.

Tucking his handsinto the pockets of his faded designer jeans, he lifted his face tothe sky and closed his eyes, taking in the fresh air. It waspeaceful. The woman, Jessica, had told him that he was the only guestat the moment, and he preferred that.

There was a chance hewould be recognized, but he was hoping it would take a while, so thathe could at least spend some time basking in this new experience. Hehad spent his life in the limelight. Even as a child, he had not beenable to go anywhere without paparazzi trailing him and his nannies.

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