Page 5 of An Irish Kiss
“Hey.”He chuckled.“There’s two of you.”
“Did you not hear what I said?”Rory demanded.“If you’re not staying here then—”
“If this is your version of customer relations then you really need to know it kind of sucks.”
What?Oh no.Judging from that smirk it could only mean one thing.“You’re staying here?”
“Well, I’m booked, but I have to say the customer service leaves a lot to be desired.”
“But, but…” Her mind flicked to the bookings.Surely there should’ve been something on the registration to show his nationality and the fact he was young—well, older than her, but not ancient like most of their guests.“I don’t recall your name.”
“I’m not surprised, seeing I haven’t given it to you.”His eyes flicked to her chest where her name badge perched.“Aurora.”
Her cheeks heated.Why did everything he said sound so impertinent?Why was she still feeling these tendrils of…something, when they were barely civil to one another?
He stood, and suddenly she was standing far too close to the man.The hotel guest, it seemed.She paced back.Oh, what if he was one of these influencer types, who travelled the world and made recommendations on TikTok about where to stay—and where to avoid?She’d never forgive herself if her snarky ways led to bad reviews.They couldn’t afford bad reviews.She glanced at Aisling who seemed to understand her silent plea.
“So what is your name?”
Thank you, Ash.
“Aidan Quinn.”
If she was in a historical drama she’d need a fan and fainting couch immediately.Aidan had always been one of her most favourite names.But it still didn’t change the fact that she did not recall an Aidan Quinn on the booking list.
She hurried to the registration desk to make sure.A few taps on the computer key revealed a triumphant “There is no Aidan Quinn booked here.”
“I think you’ll find it’s under my grandmother’s name.”
“Your grandmother?”
“Lucy McDiarmid.”
She tapped and discovered that a Lucy McDiarmid had indeed made a booking.“She’s your grandmother?Is she not coming?”
“No.But I think you’ll find she’s left a note explaining things.That’s what she said she’d do, anyway.”
She frowned, and clicked into the booking notes and examined them more closely.
A sick feeling swirled.He was right.A Lucy McDiarmid had booked their cheapest room for her grandson who was here for two nights.He’d been right.She’d been wrong.And now she had a lot to make up for.
She glanced up.Met his gaze, which appeared all-too smug and knowing.
“You found that then, huh?”
She bit back her first response.Bit back the second too.Found a smile, strained though it may be.“Please forgive me.It appears you are correct.I am very sorry for the confusion.”
He nodded.“No worries.”
She blinked.No worries?That was it then?Such easy forgiveness felt excessive for how she’d treated him before.She’d never treated any of her guests so rudely before.There was only one thing for it.“We will of course be upgrading your room to a sea-view.”
His face brightened.“Nice.Thanks.”He shivered.“As long as it’s got good heating, then I’m okay wherever.”
“I can assure you that all of our rooms are heated more than adequately, and we trust you will have an enjoyable stay here at the Castle Griffin Hotel.”
He snickered.“Well, it can hardly get worse, can it?”
Offense reared, even despite knowing his comment was more than justified.She handed over his key, briefly explained about meal times at the restaurant, and told him about the golf course, the pool and outdoor spa baths, and some of the other activities the resort boasted.
