Page 5 of Before and After

I took a step away.

“And Allie?”

I glanced back over my shoulder.

“If you need help with anything, laundry, babysitting, whatever, just ask.”

I stared at Tessa’s earnest face. She was such a good friend and had already done so much. There was no way I’d take advantage of that friendship, not when she was busy integrating the hotel into the Langston Hotels group, and especially not when she was enjoying time with her new man.

Pasting on a smile, I winked at her. “You bet.”

I moved through the door and into the lobby. Next on my To-Do list was checking on the new floor cleaner we were using. If it wasn’t doing the job, we’d need to switch again.

A smile hit my lips. I loved the lobby. With its high ceiling, wooden beams, and polished wood floor, it shouted rustic mountain elegance. But the large, triangular bank of windows was the real star. Those panes of glass showcased the mountain view. Right now, the trees outside were a riot of yellow, orange, and red.

A long, stone reception desk sat on the other side of the lobby. A huge vase of fresh flowers scented the air. There were several groups checking in, but one of the receptionist’s gazes snagged on me.

Oh, great.Coral. She was older than dirt and had worked at the Langston since before I was born. Her gray hair was always styled in an unforgiving bob around her wrinkled face. She gave a new meaning to the term battleaxe. Coral wasn’t afraid to share her bad mood with anyone.

I picked up my pace, but a second later, the woman intercepted me.

“You look like crap.”

“Thanks, Coral. My new face cream must be working, then.”

She sniffed. “You should sleep more.”

“It’s on my To-Do list.” Along with five hundred other things.

The older woman paused for a second. “How’s your boy?”

I softened. “He’s okay.”

She nodded. “By the way, the new floor cleaner is shite.”

Aw, at least I could trust Coral to share nothing but the unvarnished truth. “Thanks for the feedback.”

I’d already noted that the wood floor wasn’t as shiny as I liked. Lifting my tablet, I made a quick note.

Loud voices, followed by deep, masculine laughter, interrupted my thoughts. I glanced over at the reception desk. A group of young, fit guys in their late twenties was checking in. They had large bags of outdoor gear. I saw one gesture toward the front doors, and I swiveled around to look through the glass. Four rugged mountain bikes were parked outside.

“Trouble.” Coral sniffed and stalked back to the desk.

One of the guys was tall and cute, with ruffled, blond hair. I remembered him. This group had been here last winter, snowboarding. They were into extreme sports. They’d been spending most of their time on Windward’s famous Back Runs. Wilder terrain for more experienced skiers. He’d told me they’d be back for mountain biking and paragliding in the fall.

I couldn’t remember his name. Brandon? Blake? Bryce?

The blond looked up and caught my gaze. He gave me a slow smile.

He’d asked me out last winter, but I’d had to say no. I was coping with selling Sean’s house, and Ollie had been sleeping in my bed every night. I’d been sorry to turn him down because the timing was bad and I’d thought he was attractive.

Funny thing, now, I didn’t even feel a blip.

No, instead, I thought his hair and eyes weren’t dark enough, and his body was too lean.

Dammit, Broody had broken me.

I shot Brandon/Blake/Bryce a polite smile, then kept walking.