Page 10 of Riding with the Secret Billionaire

The room is charming. It has a queen bed with a handmade quilt, a small writing desk by the window overlooking the lake, fresh flowers in a simple vase.It's cozy without being cluttered, perfectly capturing the essence of small-town hospitality.

"And you're just down the hall," Jeremy tells Jake, leading him further along the corridor.

Once they're gone, I sink onto the edge of the bed, suddenly aware of how exhausted I am from our journey.The mattress is perfect, not too soft, not too firm, and the sheets smell faintly of lavender.I could easily curl up right now and sleep until morning, but we've been on the road for so long that I desperately need to shower and change into clean clothes.

The private bathroom is a blessing.I stand under the hot spray longer than necessary, washing away the road dust and the lingering stiffness from sitting for so many hours.By the time I emerge, wrapped in a fluffy towel, I feel human again.

I check my phone and find a text from Jake.

Jake:Meet me downstairs in 30 min if you want dinner.Locals recommend Kathy's Diner.

I replywith a simple thumbs-up emoji and set about getting ready.I choose a pair of jeans that hug my curves in all the right places and a deep burgundy sweater that drapes nicely over my full bust.After taming my curls and applying just enough makeup to look refreshed, I head downstairs.

Jake is waiting in the small sitting room, scrolling through his phone.He's changed too, still in jeans and a black t-shirt, but freshly showered, his jaw smooth from a recent shave.He looksup when I enter, and something flashes in his eyes that makes my pulse quicken.

"Feel better?" he asks, pocketing his phone.

"Worlds better," I confirm. "I didn't realize how much I needed a shower and actual walls around me."

"My truck has walls," he says with mock offense.

"Your truck is lovely, but it's no Victorian B&B." I glance around the charming sitting room."This place is incredible."

"Dawn and Jeremy have owned it for twelve years," he says."Converted it from a private residence."

"You researched the owners too?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Force of habit," he replies with that now-familiar response.

Outside, the streets of Heartstone are bathed in the golden light of early evening.We walk side by side toward Main Street, where Kathy's Diner sits on the corner, its neon sign glowing cheerfully against the darkening sky.

"Dawn mentioned there's an actual diner counter where we can sit, or booths if you prefer more privacy," Jake says as we approach.

"Counter sounds fun," I reply."More authentic small-town experience."

The interior of Kathy's Diner is pure 1950s Americana with red vinyl booths, black and white checkered floor, and chrome fixtures gleaming under warm lighting.A cherry-red accent wall runs along the back, covered with high school and college pennants.An actual jukebox sits in the corner, and I'm delighted to see it's not just decorative but playing actual music.

A woman in her fifties with bottle-blonde hair swept into soft waves greets us with a wide smile."Welcome to Kathy's! Just the two of you tonight?"

"Yes," Jake confirms. "Counter seats available?"

"Always room at my counter for handsome travelers," she says with a wink."Follow me."

As we take our seats at the gleaming counter, she slides menus in front of us."I'm Kathy, by the way. This is my place."

"I'm Trish, this is Jake," I introduce us."Your diner is amazing. It's like stepping back in time."

"That's the idea," she says proudly."Been keeping it exactly the same since my family opened it in the forties.What brings you two to Heartstone?"

"Just passing through," Jake says before I can answer."On our way to Nevada."

"Ah, Route 14 travelers," Kathy nods knowingly."Well, you picked a good stop.What can I get you to drink? Milkshakes are our specialty."

I can't resist. "Chocolate for me, please."

"Water," Jake says predictably.

Kathy puts a hand on her hip, eyeing him."Really, sugar? Life's too short to skip the good stuff."

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