Page 2

The City

As much as I loved small-town life, the big city got my blood going. The constant movement most anywhere you looked, the hum of conversation, the angry traffic, the amazing aromas wafting from restaurants, and the idea that something important was happening around every corner made me feel like I was on the edge of my seat for a really amazing show.

The seminar turned out to be more of a conference with an entire day’s worth of classes on various topics. I soaked up information in sessions covering: amenities that will set your property apart from the competition, knowing your rights as host, and pricing your property for maximum earnings. I was a happy little sponge, taking notes down the side of my pages, energized by the collective vibe of the room. I’d always thrived at the hospitality side of my job, greeting customers, learning their buying preferences, and developing relationships that made them want to come back time and time again. Now I had the chance to apply those same skills to this new venture, and that made me want to dance on top of one of those cocktail tables at the back of the room.

After eight long hours, separated only by a quick half turkey sandwich and a shaken espresso with oat milk (okay, two), I headed up to my room for a quick shower before dinner somewhere downtown. I had a couple of restaurants in mind, having researched the surrounding area like a burglar planning a job. I loved food in all forms and was not about to miss out on the opportunity to sample some of Charleston’s most talked about options. Give me the little plates of all the things, a craft cocktail, and a view of something unique and I’m as happy as a penguin with a personal iceberg. It’s one of the reasons I loved working for the grocery store. Surrounded by all of that fresh produce, interesting ingredients, and a variety of interesting customers to study made me thrilled to get to work each day.

After selecting a pair of dark blue jeans and a long-sleeved red blouse that set off the highlights in my hair, I made one quick change to my outfit. I dumped my standard brown boots for off-red pumps because I was in a big city, and why not? Tonight should feel special after such a successful day.

Currently, my mouth watered. There was a much-regaled restaurant just three blocks away, known for their handmade pastas and creative desserts. I was hoping to unwind with a dirty martini and the short rib pappardelle at the bar. Maybe I’d partake in a little people watching between noodles. Woot! I was on a high just thinking about the carb buzz when I caught the flowy side of my blouse in the hotel room door as I exited my room. I paused and stared, unable to move forward. That was a new one. Okay, okay, not a problem. I’d just grab it and give it a pull. Except it didn’t budge, and I certainly didn’t want to rip my new favorite top, purchased for the trip specifically and out of my normal price range of under $40. I turned to my crossbody bag for my keycard only to find that in my haste to get to the pasta, my crossbody bag had been woefully forgotten inside. Crimson and clover! I exhaled loudly and peered down the empty hallway for any benevolent human who might be willing to assist a trapped, carb-starved woman. When a door somewhere behind me opened as if hearing my thoughts, I jumped in happy surprise.

“Thank God. Hello? Excuse me,” I said to the brunette with the thick ponytail and long bangs swept to the side. Impressive, the finesse of that swoop, but I didn’t have time to get into it. My expensive top and martini-evening hung in the balance.

“Hi,” she said, breaking into a smile that came with a question mark. She scanned the scene as she moved closer. “Well, this is certainly interesting. Are you…stuck?” She squinted trying to make sense of me, the door, and our Velcro status.

“Yes. Woefully.” This was now embarrassing. Did my happenstance savior have to be beautiful? What were the odds that the one person to witness me in this predicament would look like her? My face went hot. Stop that now . I shoved my thoughts to the side and focused on my mission, not the gorgeous dimple on her right cheek. “Would you have a phone I could borrow to call the front desk?” I asked.

“Sure, but do you have your key?” This brunette was astute. She also had big aquamarine eyes that could lean either green or blue depending on interpretation. Taller than me. Not important. But God, yes, it was . I could wrap my arms around her neck and go up on my tiptoes and— Cease and desist .

“No. That’s the additional dilemma.” I indicated the room behind me with a toss of my head. “I left my bag inside, probably scared and alone.”

“Well, that’s the most tragic thing.” She crossed her arms in thought. It was a leisurely move that I liked very much. Her, leisurely. Me, watching. “So, you were sitting here, stuck and stranded, hoping someone would come along.”

“Yes. And just like magic, you have.”

She lifted her shoulders and a remarkable smile blossomed. “That’s me. Tada.” She pulled her phone from her bag and scrolled. “Now, let’s see if we can get you good and saved.” She offered her phone. “I pulled up the number. Just activate the call.”

I accepted the phone with the sleek blue case and connected with the front desk, explained my predicament, and requested help as if this was the most casual occurrence in the world. I could pretend if I wanted to. After a sympathetic apology and muffled laugh, the front desk attendant assured me someone was on the way. “All will be well soon, Ms. Potter. I’m sending someone with a key.”

“Thank you so much,” I said serenely, slid off the call, and handed the phone back to my attractive savior. “They’re on their way.”

“Great. So, besides the obvious snag, how’s your day been?”

Uh-oh. I realized she planned to hang out and make conversation until I was free, and while that was incredibly considerate, it wasn’t her obligation. “You don’t have to wait with me. I fully release you to enjoy your Saturday night. They’ll be here soon.”

The woman surveyed the empty hallway, hesitating. “But if they drop the ball or forget, you have no recourse. I’m obligated, as a citizen, to see this through.” She tilted her head, which caused her ponytail to cascade downward, half of it brushing her shoulder. I wanted to rewind the video. “Your day?”

“Well, just know that I appreciate the neighborly gesture. And my day was going amazingly well until the door ate my shirt. I attended the conference downstairs. Learned a lot. Now I’m here.”

She looked thoughtful. “Something hospitality related, right? I saw the sign.”

“Exactly.” A pause hit that I decided to fill with more detail. Why not? We had a moment or two. “I’m opening up an Airbnb. My first.” Just hearing the words sent a heady hit of exhilaration. I just loved a good project.

“Oh, yeah? Here in Charleston?”

“No. I’m from a little town along the water. Couple hours from here. Dreamer’s Bay. Heard of it?”

“I have not, but with a name like that one, I now feel driven to look it up.”

“Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.” I grinned proudly. “That’s somewhat of a saying we locals apply to our town. I’ll have you know that we were on the Travel Channel.” I offered her a wide-eyed look. “That’s right.” I sat back and waited, as if I’d dropped the most impressive bomb ever.

She laughed, picking up on my attempt at humor. It was captivating, and I couldn’t look away. This just got better and better. She did . “Well, now I’m sold on a visit someday. You should have led with the Travel Channel.”

“I’ll know for next time.”

We stared at each other for an extended moment I didn’t want to end. A welcome tingle slithered its way up my spine. Oh, hello . When was the last time that had happened? A physical reaction. Maybe I didn’t want to be rescued from the clutches of this door after all. Unfortunately, the elevator dinged a few yards away and my hopes and dreams came falling down like rain on prom night.

“Someone called for assistance?” a younger man in a blue dress shirt asked, jogging over.

No, thank you , I said, in my imagination.

Upon seeing me, he attempted to smother his smile, which meant they’d likely been taking bets about whether this had been a prank call. I couldn’t blame them.

“I’m afraid I’ve imprisoned myself unintentionally,” I told him with a wince. The embarrassment towered over me, but there was no escaping this moment. I needed this kid and his key card if I wanted to live a free life again.

He slid the key into the electronic lock and my new sexy friend from across the hall smiled supportively. I met her gaze. “He’s here now. You’ve done your good deed for the day. I release you from noble duty.”

She straightened and eyed me. “Only if you’re sure.”

“As can be.” The lock clicked, the door opened, and I was able to move freely. I’d never take it for granted again. “And this is what I look like when able to move as I wish.” I tossed my arms around fluidly like a marionette, which in hindsight was a ridiculous thing to do. And why would I even say that? I shrugged off the shame. Luckily, my hallmate seemed to find me amusing, which I latched onto like a wayward log in a dicey current.

“Who knew an upgrade was even possible?” she asked. “Enjoy your night.”

You could have knocked me over with a feather. Had she really just said that out loud? If I’d had any doubt, the expression on the guest services agent dispelled it. His eyebrows rose to his hairline, and he passed me a congratulatory smirk.

“You heard that, too, right?” I whispered once the woman disappeared around the corner.

“Oh, yeah,” he said. He nodded several times. We were bros now. “And I saw her check you out.”

“You did?” I asked in a squeak. “There was checking?” I rolled around in the concept, luxuriating, basking like the queen of Egypt regaled by all.

“I thought you two were together at first.”

“You’re my favorite person now.” Then a thought descended. I turned to him, now realizing the missed opportunity. Panic quickly replaced my excitement. “I don’t even know her name and now she’s gone. That seems like a mistake now.” That woman, beyond her picture-perfect appearance, seemed smart, funny, and kind. Three of the four on the quadfecta. That combination was hard to come by. I wanted to peel her like an orange and write a memoir about it later. Sadly, that would likely never happen.

The young man lifted one shoulder. “Well, you know where she’s staying. At least for tonight.” I could tell he wanted to wink but refrained. Work decorum and all. We were still bros.

“I know she’s that direction on this hallway,” I offered weakly. But the truth was I wouldn’t be acting on that information. I didn’t have the kind of blind ambition required to hunt down a ridiculously hot woman to see if she wanted to hang out. Jonathan was right. I needed to sharpen the tools in my flirtatious toolbox so I’d be prepped and ready for scenarios like this one. “But I think, on second thought, that I’m going to enjoy the moment for what it was.”

“Totally your call,” my wingman said. “But I’m telling you, you got a shot.”

I let myself enjoy that knowledge. “Thank you for saying that. Bless your extended family.” I pointed at the door that ate me. “And I appreciate your assistance.”

“Anytime.”

I slid him a five for his trouble, high roller that I was.

What an eventful fifteen minutes that had been. Once alone, I gave my head a slow shake and grinned my way back inside the room to retrieve my bag and see a man about some pasta.