Page 32 of Be Our Ghost (The Duchess Hotel #2)

Twenty-Two

When Charlie’s phone alarm went off, she silenced it with a groan. Beside her, Knox hadn’t stirred. She peeked under the covers and ogled him freely. His broad back, the tattoos covering his shoulders, his thick tree trunk legs. Last night, she’d gotten to enjoy every inch of him.

Despite their exhaustion, they’d had sex in the shower.

Then they’d enjoyed another round in bed.

She’d let him take the lead, encouraging him to be a little rough, goading him until he spanked her, then demanding he ravage her thoroughly.

And, damn, the sex had been even hotter than she’d expected.

Did that mean she was a weirdo? What kind of woman wanted to pretend she was being held captive by a pirate? Maybe it was best not to psychoanalyze her impulses. All that mattered was that Knox had been fully into it.

She placed a soft kiss on his bare shoulder. “Knox? Honey?”

“Mmmph.”

“I have to go in to work at noon, and it’s ten thirty now. You promised to drive me.”

“Five more minutes.”

“I’m gonna need coffee. Lots of it. Can we stop somewhere?” Alma’s was bound to be crowded, but there was a Tim Hortons drive-thru not far from Knox’s condo. “Like, maybe somewhere with donuts?”

He rolled over to face her. “I’ll buy you all the donuts you want. Thanks for spending the night.”

“My pleasure. I wish I had the whole day off, but I promised Rosie I’d help her run Spooky Saturday at the hotel.”

He brushed a wisp of hair from her forehead. “It’s okay. I don’t mind driving you. I’ll pick you up at five, and we can head over to the Grand Duke for the gala.”

“Thanks. I already stashed my costume in my office, so I wouldn’t forget it.”

“I can’t believe I’m voluntarily dressing up twice in one weekend,” he grumbled. “What have you done to me?”

By now, she could tell when he was using his grouchy voice to tease her versus actually being crabby.

Even if he was still kind of a curmudgeon, he’d changed a lot over the past two months.

Like last night, when he’d given his all at the Lily’s costume party.

Or during the times he’d confided in her, telling her stories about his life in Vancouver.

Or listened to her when she was stressed about her mom.

“After this, I promise we won’t have to dress up again until next Halloween. Unless you want to indulge in a little role play.” She thought that might get a laugh out of him, but his brow furrowed. “Did I say something wrong?”

“I saw how much fun you had last night. Me, not so much. I could handle it for one night, but I’m not a fan of crowds or parties. I don’t want to stop you from having a good time.”

This had to be a Lila thing. Why else would he be so concerned? Was he afraid she’d tire of him? Or tell him their relationship lacked passion? Far from it.

“I like social events, but if that’s not your thing, I’m okay with it,” she said. “I have other friends who are into that stuff. But I love it when we spend time together, even if we’re just walking in the park or lazing in bed. Being with you makes me feel special, and…”

I’m in love with you.

She hadn’t told him yet. He might worry she was rushing into things.

But she was sure of it. Though they hadn’t been dating for long, she’d spent months yearning for him, hoping he’d eventually realize she was right there .

Ever since they’d teamed up to work on the ghost-hunting show, her feelings had grown even stronger.

Maybe tonight, after the gala was over, she’d summon up the courage to tell him.

Or maybe in November, when their lives were a little calmer.

But definitely before Christmas.

He kissed her forehead. “You make me feel special, too. Now, go jump in the shower. Once you’re dressed, I’ll drive you to work, and we’ll stop for coffee and donuts along the way.”

* * *

At five, when Charlie walked into the lobby of the Grand Duke Hotel, she could barely conceal her apprehension.

Up until tonight, she hadn’t worried that much about the gala.

Even if it was a huge deal, she’d been too busy to think about it, what with everything going on at the hotel: Spooky Saturdays, preparations for the ghost-hunting show, and last night’s costume party.

But over the course of the day, as the event loomed nearer, she’d turned into a jittery mess.

While Knox’s Phantom mask effectively hid his face, she was afraid of what might happen if Evan discovered him. Would he treat Knox decently or strike out in anger?

It didn’t help that she’d barely eaten. In addition to her morning coffee fix, she’d only had two donuts, a bag of white chocolate pretzels, and a pumpkin bar from Spooky Saturday. While the sugar rush had given her a temporary high, the resulting crash was making her edgy.

Not that she’d told Knox any of this. Considering what a big risk he was taking, she needed to be the calm one.

Thankfully, her dress was light and comfortable.

Not like poor Knox, who was stuck wearing a black tuxedo jacket, a long black cape, and a mask that covered most of his face.

Following the signs in the hotel lobby, she led him to the ballroom, which she’d visited once for a friend’s wedding.

She remembered it being glamorous, but nothing like this.

The enormous ballroom had been transformed, containing dozens of realistic-looking oak trees, dripping with moss.

Flickering candles appeared among the tree branches, and thousands of fairy lights twinkled above.

Interspersed among the trees were round banquet tables, adorned with elaborate centerpieces, complete with vintage lanterns and rustic greenery.

The total effect was like being in an enchanted forest, other than the wall at the front of the ballroom, which housed a raised stage and a huge projector screen.

“What do you think?” she asked Knox. “Does it feel like you’re back in the forest?” The ethereal music, taken from the show’s soundtrack, was a nice touch.

“A little, but we filmed most of the exteriors in an actual forest. This isn’t bad, though.”

She and Knox checked in with the event manager, a tall Black woman named Denise, who was dressed as Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty .

Denise led them over to a station in a corner of the ballroom and handed Knox a set of laminated cards. “Here are all the wines, beers, and ciders available, as well as the bottled liqueurs. We’re also offering three specialty cocktails themed to match the show.”

Knox reviewed the cards. “Alejandro sent me the list of cocktails earlier, so I got a chance to practice making them.”

“Good to hear. Since it’s an open bar, you won’t have to worry about taking payment, but hopefully, our guests will still feel the need to tip. You can use this jar.” Denise pointed to a mason jar painted with an elaborate forest scene and illuminated with more fairy lights.

Knox chuckled. “That’s the fanciest tip jar I’ve ever seen.”

Denise gave a delicate snort. “Isn’t it, though?

They were custom made. Anyway, the cash tips are yours to keep.

There’s also a card with a QR code if people prefer to use credit cards.

Those tips will be split among all the bartenders, and you’ll get your share once everything’s settled up.

If you need anything replenished, runners will be stopping by to check on your inventory.

And—in case Alejandro didn’t mention it—you need to act like professionals. No asking for selfies or autographs.”

“Got it.” Charlie looked over the laminated cards. The small selection of wines and liqueurs was minimal compared to the wide variety offered at the Gilded Lily. Once Denise had left, she addressed Knox in a low voice. “Does this seem doable?”

“Definitely, though I’m glad I practiced making those cocktails ahead of time. Otherwise, the setup is incredibly basic. Plus, I saw three other stations scattered around the ballroom, and a larger bar beside the stage. I guess they don’t want anyone to stand in line for too long.”

“Makes sense. At my friend’s wedding, they didn’t have enough bartenders. Once the dancing started, the drink line took forever.” She glanced around the room, taking in the elaborate decor. “This event must have cost a fortune.”

He shrugged. “Probably, but it’s nothing compared to some of the outrageous stuff I’ve seen. Back when I worked on the show, we had a huge blowout after we won awards for the second season.”

She wanted to ask him more about it, but her time would be better spent reviewing the list of instructions.

Her role was to assist guests who had simple requests, like a bottle of water or a glass of wine.

Earlier that week, she’d practiced her pouring skills with him, while he played the role of a snooty customer.

They’d polished off an entire bottle of wine before tumbling into bed, all tipsy and amorous.

At six, she placed her hand on his arm. “You ready for this?”

“Yeah. It would be great to see some familiar faces, but I’m not sure who’s still working on the show. I kept up with the gossip for a while after I moved here, but once I got hired at the Duchess, I shut it all out.”

Though he made it sound like a simple decision, she knew how difficult the break had been. And how much it had weighed on him. “Whatever happens, I’m here to support you. We’ll get through it together.”

With any luck, he’d be able to make a few connections and feel like tonight had been worth the effort. While she was glad he was taking this step, she wouldn’t be able to relax until they’d survived the entire event.