Page 31 of Inked Beasts

After Gage leaves, I shower and try not to think too hard about how I feel about everything that’s happened. Something tells me that I can’t sort out my feelings by making lists right now, and it’s better just to let things be.

Once I’m dressed, I go down to the hotel’s cafe for breakfast. Clare is there, talking to the hostess, and once she sees me, she invites me to join her at a table.

“I’ve already eaten, but I could always use another cup of coffee,” she explains.

“You probably have a long day.”

“I do, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. Sometimes I sneak in a nap mid-afternoon when things slow down.”

“Very smart.”

“How are you settling in?” she asks.

It’s a complicated question, because I’m not feeling very settled at all after my unexpectedly intense reunions with Kai and Gage, but for the purpose of Clare’s inquiry, I simply say, “Very well.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that.”

“Thank you so much for offering me the room here. It’s lovely, and very comfortable.”

“Good, good.”

A waiter approaches with coffee, apparently anticipating Clare’s needs, and after a quick glance at the menu, I give him my order.

As my new boss mixes sugar from two packets into her cup, she says, “I know this job and your stay here weren’t anticipated, and I do want to give you time to settle in, but I’m also eager for you to get started as soon as you’re ready.”

“I think I’m ready. I still need to get a business wardrobe sorted out, but I can get started today, if you’d like.”

“Excellent. I can show you to your office when you’re finished with breakfast, and you can definitely ease into your schedule. Take some time for shopping and whatever else you need to do.”

Her generous and laid-back attitude, even though she’s obviously a very successful business operator, are such a surprise.

I always felt like Scott’s family, and sometimes even Scott, would give me the side eye if I so much as left work half an hour early for a dentist appointment.

We talk for a few minutes more, until my food arrives, and then Clare leaves me, telling me where to find her when I’m ready.

Suddenly starving, I dig into my omelet, which is delicious and accented with a few uncommon herbs, and I think of Thorn, wondering if this is another recipe he developed.

After my first few bites, I pull out my phone so I can check messages while I eat. At the top, there’s a text from Gage. “Last night was amazing. I hope you have a wonderful day.”

My body lights up with a warm glow, from my cheeks down to my toes. Itwasamazing. There’s no denying that. “You too,” I reply. It’s completely inadequate, but all that I can manage right now.

Eager to focus on something that’s easier to understand than my feelings, I quickly finish my breakfast, tip the waiter, and head upstairs to find Clare, who shows me to my office. It’s a much bigger space than I’m used to, well equipped, and with a lovely view of the resort’s lush pool area.

My first thought is that this job is going to be hard to leave when it’s time for me to return to reality. My second is that I need a bathing suit, stat.

Clare spends about an hour and a half with me to begin my job orientation. She gives me a tour of the banquet space, and introduces me to the other meeting staff, most of whom are general meeting planners, while my focus will be on weddings. After she leaves, with the promise that we’ll talk again soon, the resort’s IT specialist comes in and gets me set up on their computer and phone systems, and gives me an overview of the software they use.

After that, I order business cards, organize my desk and filing system, review the hotel’s website, and make several notes about things I need, questions to ask, and ideas I have. Caught up in details, I lose track of time, and just when I’m realizing that I’m hungry, there’s a knock on my office door.

Thorn is there, holding a tray with a covered dish. “Ready for a lunch break?” he asks.

THORN

I’m never fully prepared for the way I feel when I see Lexy, even when I’m expecting the encounter.

It’s a rush every time, and I’m surprised that my feelings for her have lasted for so many years. On the other hand, I’m not surprised at all. Because this is Lexy we’re talking about, and maybe you never really get over your first love, even though at that young an age I didn’t truly understand the depth of my feelings.

She rises from her chair and gives me a big smile. “Hi! How did you know I was here?”

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