I turn my attention to Popster. “I’ll see who currently takes care of their maintenance and get that info to you, so you can decide what they’ll do from now on, and what you want to take on.”
“What else can I do?” he asks.
“You’ve done enough,” I laugh, and then add, “Can you be there when the inspector comes and make a list of everything that needs work?”
The ringing bells above the bistro door interrupt us, and a customer comes in. I turn around. It’s Ryker.
I smile. I must be in a good mood after all.
He smiles back in our direction, and I wave at him as he takes a seat at the counter. I hold my finger up to him to let him know I’ll be there in a minute. Gosh, there is so much to do, now that things look like they’re good to go!
“OK, Aspen,” Popster says. “We have our marching orders. Let us know when the inspector will be there.”
I call the inspector’s number, and it’s ringing while I walk over and stand on the other side of the counter across from where Ryker is sitting. I ask him what he wants to drink.
“Water,” he mouths. Damn his lips look good. I wonder what it’s like to kiss…
“Oh, hello, Jack? My name is Aspen Kingsley,” I say as I get Ryker a glass of water. “I got your number from Charlie. I need to set up an appointment for an inspection of The Rose Hotel as soon as possible.” I set Ryker’s water down in front of him and turn to lean my back against the counter, listening to Jack.
“Hi, Aspen, thanks for calling,” Jack says. “The earliest I can get you in is four weeks from tomorrow.”
My heart stops. “Four weeks! Shit. That’s the earliest?”
“Yeah, sorry, we have a backlog. It’s been a crazy summer.”
“Crap. I’m in the wrong line of work. OK, well, put me down, please, but if you get a cancellation, please call me. I really want this done as soon as possible.”
“Yep, you and every other buyer out there,” he chuckles. He gives me the date and time, and I text it to Popster with a crying emoji.
I put my phone in the back pocket of my jeans and turn around to face Ryker. He’s smiling at me, like he knows something’s up, and his handsome face almost makes me forget what I was doing.
“Um, hi,” I say and blush, though I don’t know why.
“Hi,” he says. “You look busy.” He leans forward. He’s wearing a navy suit, which looks very expensive, and I’m reminded again of how attracted I am to him—there I admit it—and how much money he has. It’s not every day you meet a billionaire.
Eager to share the news with someone who isn’t family, I exclaim, “I found an investor! Popster!”
“I’m glad to hear that. So, what’s next?”
Huh. I thought he’d show more enthusiasm. Well, I guess my little hotel is small potatoes compared to the things he does with his money.
“I was just on the phone with the inspector,” I reply, but then my smile flattens. “I was on cloud nine, until I learned he can’t do the inspection for four goddamn weeks! Can you believe it? I’m so bummed.” My flat smile bends into an exaggerated frown.
“Did you say his name is Jack?” Ryker says and pulls out his phone.
“Yeah, why?” I tilt my head, curious. Was he eavesdropping? Although, I did make the call in front of everyone.
“I know Jack. Let me see what I can do,” he says, and my mom walks by and swats my butt playfully as she tosses a quarter into my swear jar, presumably for my ‘goddamn’ a moment ago. We’ve been paying for each other’s swearing lately, which kind of defeats the purpose, but it’s sweet.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Why would Jack do that? Does he owe you a favor or something?”
“No, but I’m sure we can figure something out,” he says and swipes his finger on his phone, searching for Jack’s contact information.
I’m tempted. But, no.
“Forget it. Thanks, but no thanks. I don’t need your help, Ryker.” I don’t want to owe him any favors. “So, what do you want to eat?”
He sits up straight and takes a sip of his water. “I can at least call and see what I can find out. It’s no trouble, Aspen,” he offers, his green eyes glowing, and the way he’s looking at me is making me too warm. Tingles shoot through me from head to toe.
“Um, no. Again, no thanks,” I stutter and re-tie my apron tighter to give me something to do. Refocused, I repeat, “What do you want to eat?”
“I’ll have a piece of your mom’s bacon quiche.” He leans forward and says with a raised eyebrow, “I wouldn’t mind some of your pie, too.”
My mouth drops open. Holy shit—what pie is he referring to? The way he said it made me think he’s not referring to the kind made with cherries and flour.
Maybe I’m wrong, and I’m just flustered and horny. God, it’s been so long for me. I huff air out of my nose like a dragon. I was doing fine all by myself, with a one-track mind on my business, until… until Ryker reentered my life.
I go into the kitchen, and I’m plating his slice of quiche, when Mom says, “Who is that handsome guy out there… who has eyes for you? I’ve seen him come in a few times, but I haven’t had a chance to introduce myself.”
I snort. “You’re funny, Mom.” I push the quiche into the center of the plate and add a scoop of coleslaw on the side. I sprinkle some dill on top. “I could give you all
