Page 51 of Into the Lion's Den (Secrets of the Northland Shifters)

“Did you have any in mind?” I was getting a little out of my depth.

“No, but we’ll need two people. And of course, we’ll cover their travel expenses, and I’ll send them their per diems directly.”

“All right. Just so we’re on the same page…” I checked my notes. “I have forty double occupancy rooms reserved. We’ll offer hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding. You’ll have access to swimming and the lakeside sauna. You’re bringing your own photographer and chef, who’s planning the menu. I’ll engage two masseuses from Minneapolis or Duluth to provide outdoor couples’ massages. Anything else?”

“The band.”

I hoped this one didn’t land on my plate. Music was pretty subjective.

“Burke and I first met at a concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis. There was a band playing that night that had just put out its first EP, and we’d like to book them for the sake of nostalgia.”

“What’s the name of the band?”

“The Taylor Holt Experience. They do a lot of seventies covers. Classic stuff, plus their originals. Last I checked, they were playing at a small venue in Philadelphia.”

“I can try to get them, but if they’re still performing, they’ve probably got their gigs set up for the summer, and your event is only a month away.”

“Get their price and let me know.”

“I’ll track them down.”

There was a beat of silence on the other end. Then Gwynnifer said, “I have to say, Sarah. It’s nice working with you. You seem to really understand our vision for the weekend.”

A pleasurable heat crept into my cheeks. “We’re happy to have you celebrate your anniversary with us.”

“I’ll email you the chef’s contact information. Please update me with everything else as you get it figured out.”

“Will do.”

“Talk later.” Gwynnifer ended the call.

I sat back in my chair and let out a long breath. My heart pounded. I could already imagine the photos Gwynnifer and Burke would be taking—the two of them in white towels on side-by-side massage tables…the lake sparkling behind them…

As soon as they got those photos posted online, the Midwest buzz would be so great the resort would be fully booked right up until the first snowfall—maybe even through New Year’s Eve.

I picked up my mug, realized my tea had gone cold, and headed for the staff cafeteria with my excitement still buzzing.

Sam was there eating his breakfast, so I went over to say good morning before refilling my cup.

“Have a seat,” he said mid-chew.

I sat and pressed my fingertips to my cheeks. “Am I flushed? I feel flushed.”

“You’re a little pink. What’s up?” He licked his fingers, then wiped his angular face with his napkin.

“Just got off the phone with Gwynnifer Maddox.”

“The big anniversary party?” he asked.

“That’s the one.” I still couldn’t believe I’d survived a whole phone call with the woman without making an idiot of myself.

“The party’s still on, isn’t it?”

“Of course. Why?”

Sam let out a relieved breath. “Reese just settled with the ropes-course guy’s attorney last night.”

“For how much?” I had Gwynnifer’s deposit, but the bulk of the revenue was far from being in the bank. I didn’t want Reese to say I’d overpromised and underdelivered.

---