Page 19 of Pick Yourself Up (Heroes to the Core #3)

She was rambling, ideas spinning in her head. Phail Central was a huge inspiration for her and she knew she’d be back often.

Piper grinned. “Hang on. Nimii, come and meet Amber Malssum. She had an idea she’d like to discuss with you.”

A striking woman stood from where she’d been unboxing some items.

After introductions, Piper explained Amber’s idea. Nimii handmade each pair, which boggled Amber’s mind. “I’d love to supply them for your inn. It’ll take me a while to create a few dozen pairs, so I’m glad you’re not opening for a few months.”

Amber smiled. “Probably not until summer. I thought about aiming for apple blossom season, but there’s too much work to do. Might take me until fall.”

When she and Gray left the store a while later, he squeezed her hand. “You three seemed to have fun.”

She swung their hands. “I did. They’re both so nice. Nimii is Ginny’s wife, and she’s so talented. My mind is nearly bursting with ideas for the inn after speaking with the two of them.”

He spun her into a twirl and brought her back in for a hug. “I’m so glad. Knox said everyone here was terrific. Not sure I believed him—he’s such an optimist—but he’s right.”

Amber nodded. “He sees the best in everyone. Always has. He’s also usually right, which can be annoying in a big brother.”

They spent a few hours exploring the rest of town and walking the forest trails, enjoying the peace and the leaves. Benches sat at intervals throughout the paths and plaques along the way informed them of more Phail Facts. Wildlife information, town history, jokes and riddles.

More ideas to think about incorporating into her inn. Maybe she’d even get Phail into the name somehow. The hotels she’d worked in had taught her how to entice guests who craved privacy and security, no matter the cost. An inn in rural Vermont would be different.

Quirky and unique might be her new buzzwords.

When they entered The Saloon, Amber couldn’t stop the smile. The place could have been a movie set. The bar took up almost the entire width of the room at the back, and the bar top appeared to be a single piece of wood, polished to a sparkle.

Shelves of bottles hung in front of the huge mirror that spanned the length of the bar. A staircase led to an open balcony with doors leading to rooms off to the back.

The wooden tables and chairs added to the ambiance. “This is amazing. We could be in an old western movie.”

Gray nodded. “I hope we’re not going to meet any gunslingers.”

She laughed and a gorgeous redhead waved from behind the bar. “Have a seat wherever you like.”

They chose a side table where they’d have a view of the room. Several other tables were full, but neither she nor Gray knew anyone.

The woman appeared with water glasses and a water bowl. “I’m Branna. Am I right in guessing you’re Amber, Gray, and Boomer?”

Gray laughed. “Small-town gossip moves at the speed of light.”

She grinned as she set down the bowl and squatted beside Boomer. “Sean tells me it’s speedier than military gossip. And that takes some beating. Hi, Boomer. I’m Branna and I’m a friend.”

She held out her hand for the dog to sniff while Amber repeated the word friend. It took all of two seconds for Brann and Boomer to become lifelong buddies. “I’ve told Sean to bring in Jabba when he comes. Our mutt enjoys meeting new dogs.”

The list of beer available from the Phail Brewery made her laugh. Along with Marcus’ Straight Arrow Stout, there were Scooby’s Sweet Porter, Slick and Smooth dark lager, Falcon Blonde Ale, the Pilsner Of Oz, and Epic Phail Pale Ale.

Yes, she’d definitely have to make quirky a part of her inn.

The sun set on their drive back to the farm. Intimacy filled the truck while Boomer snoozed in the back seat. Gray had her wait in the truck for him to open her door again. It felt silly and wonderfully romantic at the same time.

They strolled hand in hand, through the starlight and into the orchard where they roamed in silence, enjoying the peace of the night.

She’d never had a first date like this one. One where her heart was already falling for the man. A date where they’d laughed and had fun. New people, new experiences.

When they locked up the farmhouse behind them and arrived at her bedroom door, she wondered if she should invite him in. Finish the first date with an amazing round of sex.

With her siblings just down the hall? Not ideal for their first time.

But doable.

At her door, Gray cupped her face in his hands. “Thanks for an amazing first date, Amber.”

His lips grazed hers softly, gently.

Then harder, more demanding.

When they broke off, her heart galloped as wildly as her libido.

Gray rested his forehead on hers. “Good night. I’m looking forward to date two.”

And then he opened her door, kissed her lightly again, and disappeared into his own room across the hall.

His door closed softly, and she heard him thump his head against the door.

Smiling, she closed her own door behind her and Boomer. She ruffled his fur and hugged him. “That was a perfect date. I’m falling for him, Boomer. Hard and fast.”

Which had her mind roaming back to sex.

Not tonight.

But soon.