Page 3 of Be Our Ghost (The Duchess Hotel #2)

Two

After Preston left to deal with the demanding guest, Charlie lingered at the bar. Normally, she would have followed right on her boss’s heels to see how he handled the situation. But she wasn’t going anywhere until she got more information from Knox.

She leaned closer and spoke in a hushed voice. “What’s going on? I know Preston wants us to ‘lean into’ Halloween, but hosting a ghost-hunting show seems pretty extreme.”

He chuckled. “You’ve got that right. He doesn’t miss a trick.”

That fleeting glimpse of happy Knox—as opposed to regular, grumpy Knox—hit Charlie like a shot of dopamine.

It didn’t matter that he normally came across as gruff and guarded; she’d harbored a crush on him for well over a year.

Unlike the rich, entitled guys she’d dated in the past, he was down-to-earth.

Solidly built and bearded, with thick brown hair and warm hazel eyes.

The kind of guy who looked like he belonged in a timber camp up north.

Admittedly, she’d had more than a few lumberjack fantasies about him.

But for all the times she’d engaged him in conversation, he’d only divulged a few meager scraps of personal information: he was thirty-three, he’d grown up in a small town in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, he loved to read, and he had a fondness for vintage cocktail recipes.

Anytime she’d probed further, he’d clammed up right away.

More than once, her coworkers had suggested she ask him out, but she hadn’t mustered up the courage to take that leap, partly because he didn’t seem like he’d be open to it.

He’d never mentioned dating anyone. And last February, when Preston had tasked him with creating a few love-themed cocktails for Valentine’s Day, Knox had dismissed both the holiday and romance itself as “a total crock.”

“The ghost show stuff came about because my friend Logan dropped by,” Knox said. “He works for Canada’s Most Haunted. Ever seen it?”

“No, but if you need me to watch it, I can start binging old episodes. I don’t have much going on this weekend.” Or any weekend, really.

While she was close with a few of her coworkers, her dating life had flatlined three years ago, after she’d broken off her engagement to Randolph.

It didn’t help that she lived in an apartment above her parents’ garage, which meant enduring her mother’s intense scrutiny every time she went on a date.

“Watching the show would be a good start,” Knox said. “I should do that, too. Gotta admit—as much as I hate the Grand Duke Hotel, they would have been a better choice for an episode. But they turned Logan down.”

“I’m not surprised, given what snobs they are.” While Charlie rarely disparaged anyone, she thought the Duke’s so-called “hospitalitarians” were too high-and-mighty for their own good. “But their hotel is actually haunted. Whereas ours is…not. Is it?”

“I don’t think so. Not that Preston seemed to care.

Once he realized the Duchess could be the location for an episode, he was all for it.

He asked me to pitch in because…Logan’s an old friend.

But you don’t have to help if you’re too busy.

I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, either.

Didn’t you just tell Preston you don’t like watching horror movies? ”

Charlie swallowed, unsure of whether Knox was trying to dissuade her. “Yeah, I’m kind of a big chicken. But…um…I’m still willing to help.”

Please, say yes.

If she and Knox teamed up to work on this endeavor, they’d get to spend more time together. Maybe then, she’d be able to sense whether he’d be open to dating. And if he was? Then she needed to stop pining for him and do something about it—even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone.

To her relief, he smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Thanks. I could use a partner. If the show decides to film here, it could be good for the hotel.”

“Then I’m all for it. I can start watching it on Sunday since I have the day off. For now, I’d better go check on Preston.” She peeked at her watch. “Happy hour starts soon, so I’m sure you’ll be busy mixing tropical cocktails.”

He groaned. “I’m so sick of them. The same goes for those damn Jimmy Buffett songs.”

She couldn’t resist teasing him. “Even ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’? That one’s fun.”

“Maybe the first time around, but I’ve heard it every happy hour.” He scowled at her. “Are you admitting you like that song?”

Whenever he addressed her in that extra-growly voice, she broke out in little tingles. Especially when she sensed he wasn’t truly angry. “I admit nothing, Mr. McIntyre. Can we talk later about this ghost show?”

“Sure. You know where to find me.”

“You got it, partner.” She let out an awkward giggle, then gave him a quick wave, trying not to erupt in a squeal of joy as she walked back to the front desk.

What did it matter that she was afraid of ghosts?

She’d be getting to work with Knox on a very special project.

* * *

On Friday morning, Charlie headed toward the Duchess’ small conference room, carrying a box of donuts.

Once a week, the hotel’s four senior managers—the self-proclaimed “Duchess Damsels”—met to discuss upcoming events, specials, sales, and potential crises.

Standing at the head of the table was Rosie Gonzalez, the assistant general manager, who was one of Charlie’s closest friends.

Having just returned to work after a weeklong vacation, Rosie was positively glowing, her light brown skin a shade darker thanks to a newly acquired tan.

After setting the donuts on the table, Charlie gave her friend a quick hug. “Welcome back. How was Banff?”

“It was amazing. I can’t remember the last time I got that much sunshine. I could have done with less hiking, but you know Drew. He was totally in his element. We stayed in this adorable cabin just big enough for the two of us.” Rosie let out a blissful sigh. “It was hard coming back to work.”

“I’m gonna need a full debriefing later.” Even if Charlie’s dating life was nonexistent, she enjoyed living vicariously through her friend’s exploits. Rosie had been dating Drew for almost a year now, and she’d never seemed happier.

“You bet. Thanks for bringing treats. I’m in desperate need of a sugar fix.”

“They’re nothing fancy. I got pressed for time and stopped at Tim Hortons.”

“Who needs fancy? As long as you got me a Boston cream, I’m good.”

“Of course.” By now, Charlie knew everyone’s favorite flavor. For instance, Knox couldn’t resist a honey cruller. She’d already set one aside and planned to bring it to him when he showed up for work later.

Selena Reyes walked in, pushing a cart laden with a full coffee service.

As the hotel’s food and beverage manager, she could be counted on to supply them with decent coffee.

“I brewed us the good stuff—French roast from Alma’s Beanery.

” She gave Rosie an appraising stare. “Look at you, with your gorgeous tan. I figured you and Drew would spend your entire vacation in bed.”

“I’ll have you know we went on five different hikes.” Rosie grinned. “Though we did have sex outside once. That’s a new one for me.”

“You had sex outside?” Laurel Gibson, the hotel’s sales and marketing manager, came into the room, carrying a stack of orange folders. “I didn’t think you were that bold.”

“I’m not a total prude,” Rosie said. “Besides, it’s not like you’ve ever had sex outdoors.”

“Wanna bet? I grew up on a farm.” Laurel gave a toss of her straw-blond hair, then passed out the folders. “There’s one for each of you, and it includes a tentative schedule of events for September and October. Fair warning, we’ve got a lot going on.”

Charlie took one and peeked at the schedule. Laurel wasn’t kidding. This fall was going to be busier than ever.

“Thanks for getting it all organized,” Rosie said. “I’m so glad we’re not scrambling to get our events on everyone’s radar, like last Christmas. Preston also agreed to increase our advertising budget. As you’ve probably guessed, he wants us to ‘go hard’ on Halloween.”

“Of course he does,” Selena muttered. “He’s not the one doing all the work.”

“At least he hasn’t fired us,” Charlie said.

Last November, when Preston had come on board as the hotel’s new GM, all four of them had been in danger of losing their jobs.

He’d given them a chance to prove their worth when he challenged them to increase the hotel’s occupancy rate by making it more holiday-forward.

The Damsels’ efforts had attracted so many new guests that they’d all been allowed to stay.

Ever since then, he’d insisted they “lean into” every holiday.

Laurel pointed to the folders. “Take a minute to look through everything. Now that September’s here, we’re going to offer fall-themed activities for a few weeks before ramping up to spooky season in October.”

Charlie passed the box of donuts around, then grabbed an apple fritter for herself, along with a cup of coffee.

As she reviewed Laurel’s list of events, she grew excited.

Fall was her favorite season in Victoria, and she enjoyed participating in the hotel’s holiday activities.

Not to mention, she was eager to share her news about Canada’s Most Haunted .

Laurel called them to attention ten minutes later.

“Given that Halloween is one of the biggest holidays of the year, I want to focus on planning for it first. I’ve probably mentioned it before, but my roommate, Celia, works as a part-time guide for Historic Hauntings, giving ghostly walking tours of Victoria.

In exchange for promoting her tours to our guests, she’ll offer us a discounted rate.

She could even arrange a few private tours, if there’s enough interest.”

“That’s great,” Rosie said. “Those tours get super popular around Halloween.”

Charlie couldn’t wait any longer. She was so antsy she was practically jumping out of her chair. “Speaking of ghosts, I have to tell you about the latest development. I’ve been sitting on this for three days, and it’s killing me. Canada’s Most Haunted is coming to Victoria.”

“Ooh, I love that show,” Laurel said. “Where are they filming?”

Charlie felt a touch of pride, knowing she had the inside scoop. “They haven’t decided yet, but they’re considering shooting an episode at the Duchess.”

The silence that followed was…unnerving.

Rosie spoke up first. “You know the Duchess isn’t haunted, right?”

“We’re not even mentioned on Celia’s ghost tour,” Laurel added.

Charlie had yet to do any research on the hotel’s history, but she’d sought out Knox two days ago to get more information about the show. As she went on to explain the situation to the Damsels, her anxiety kicked in, making her wonder if she’d been too hasty in agreeing to work on this project.

“Are you saying we’d have to pretend our hotel is haunted?” Selena asked. “Are we going to dress up in sheets and frighten people? Or hide out and make scary noises?”

“And why did Preston pick you as the point person?” Laurel said. “Since when are you a fan of spooky reality shows?”

“I’m not, but…” Charlie cringed. “I got roped into it because Preston told me Knox needed my help. So, I…” She trailed off as she caught the others’ knowing looks. “What?”

“Oh, hon.” Selena sighed. “You don’t have to work on this show to get close to Knox. Just lure him into a dark corner and kiss him. Break the spell he’s under and turn him from a beast back into a human. Like in Beauty and the Beast .”

“Are you serious? I can’t imagine being that pushy.”

“But you wouldn’t be helping with this ghost show if he wasn’t part of the deal,” Selena said. “Right?”

“It’s not just that. I’m always up for anything that helps the Duchess stand out.

It’s an important part of my job.” No matter how exhausted or stressed-out she got, Charlie always tried her best to be a goodwill ambassador.

To make the hotel an appealing place for everyone who stayed there.

From an early age, she’d trained herself to be a people-pleaser, because her mother had only praised her when she presented a positive face to the world.

When no one responded right away, she reached for the lone chocolate glazed donut in the box.

Being in the hot seat required a few more carbs.

“Anyway, it’s too late to back out now. Knox agreed to help Preston, and I agreed to help Knox, and somehow, we have to make this hotel a little more haunted. ”

“Well…” Laurel stretched out the word. “For all we know, it is haunted. I can ask Celia more about it. Even though our hotel isn’t on her regular beat, her tour only covers seven spots.

Maybe there’s a haunting here she’s heard of.

Since she works at the provincial archives, she might know more about the hotel’s history. ”

“The Duchess has been around for over a hundred years,” Selena added. “At some point, it must have played host to a traumatic event or a gruesome murder. Maybe it’s been featured on a true crime podcast.”

“That would be ideal,” Charlie said, then immediately felt guilty. “Sorry, I didn’t mean I was hoping someone died gruesomely, but…um…”

“We get it,” Laurel said. “Hopefully, you can find something juicy. If it works out, we can include ‘as seen on Canada’s Most Haunted ’ in our promotional materials. Talk about great publicity.”

“Thanks,” Charlie said. “I have Sunday off, so I’m going to start watching the show. If any of you want to join me, you’re welcome to come over.”

Selena gave her a sly smile. “Wouldn’t it be more fun if you watched it with Knox? Then you could take notes and discuss strategy. Together .”

“I…I don’t know. I hadn’t thought of it.” Could she be so bold as to invite Knox to her place? “What if he turns me down?”

“Then brush it off like it’s no big deal,” Rosie said. “But you won’t know until you ask.”

Charlie drew in a shaky breath. “Okay. I’ll ask him.”