Page 39 of The Haunted Hotel

He studies me thoughtfully for several long moments.

“Actually, I think I’d like that,” he says finally. He looks down at his watch and sighs. “But first, I think the jet lag’s catching up with me, so I better call it a night.” I rise when he does. “Thank you for your company this evening, and please give my compliments to the chef.”

“You liked the stew, then?”

“That, and after seeing Aggie strolling leisurely through the lobby brandishing a meat cleaver and a cloth sack containing I don’t know what, I’m a little afraid to get on her bad side in case I’ve inadvertently walked into the hotel version of Sweeney Todd.”

I let out a warm, amused laugh. “I can assure you, that’s not the reason we don’t have any guests, but thank you for inviting me to join you for dinner. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a meal and conversation with someone who wasn’t a permanent fixture in this hotel.”

“I’ll see you in the morning, then, for the tour,” Morgan says.

“In the morning,” I repeat softly. “After breakfast. It’s served between eight and ten a.m.”

“I’ll meet you down here, then.” He continues to watch me. “Goodnight, Ellis.”

“Goodnight, Morgan,” I reply, but my voice is breathier than I intended.

We stare a moment longer and then he heads out of the dining room. I resist the urge to sigh like a lovesick teenager.

Off-limits, I remind myself as I start stacking up the empty dishes to haul them back to the kitchen. My arms finally fullof dirty plates, I turn around and pause when I see Bertie and Roger on the other side of the dining room. They both give me identical grins and four very enthusiastic thumbs up before disappearing.

I shake my head. I have no idea what’s got into those two lately, but knowing them, I have no doubt they’ll let me know sooner or later. I push that thought to the back of my mind and if my brain happens to linger instead on the gorgeous grumpy American… well, that’s no one’s business but mine.

12

Istep into the foyer, my cheeks warm with happiness. It could have been the wine, but I think it’s more likely due to the company.

Morgan Ashton-Drake fascinates me in a way no one else ever has. It’s not just that he’s gorgeous because, oh my god, I want to lick that man like a six-foot lollipop of sticky-sweet yumminess.

No, it’s… well, actually, I can’t explain it. A tug of awareness deep in my gut tells me this man is somehow important. Not just to me, but maybe to his grandfather too, or maybe it’s just me being overly optimistic as usual. This is all probably going to end in spectacular disaster, which is what usually happens when I try to do something good.

“Ellis, there you are,” Rosie says as she closes the office door and locks it for the night. “I thought you might be with our American guest. Checking his bedding is up to scratch.” She grins.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” I set the heavy tray I’m carrying on the reception desk. It’s laden with a huge, steaming mug of Aggie’s incredible hot chocolate and warm, freshly baked cookies. “I’m not just going to jump into bed with Morgan. He’s off-limits.”

“Why?”

“Uh, maybe because I don’t even know if he’s into guys.” I begin to tick the reasons off on my fingers. “And then there’s the fact that he’s Mr Ashton-Drake’s grandson, and also that he’s a sort of guest and it wouldn’t be very professional of me to show up at his room with a bottle of chocolate sauce and ask if he minds if I lick it off his naked torso.”

“So you have thought about it.”

“Of course I have,” I reply, unabashed. “Thought it over in great detail, but that’s where he’s staying. Firmly in the spank bank labelledthings I probably shouldn’t think about during self-gratification but I won’t admit to, so it doesn’t count.”

She snorts loudly and changes the subject. “You on your way up to see Mr Ashton-Drake?”

I nod. “I get the feeling seeing Morgan churned up some feelings, so I’m just going to check in on him before bed.”

“Do you want me to?” She wraps her chunky knit cardigan around herself tightly to ward off the night chill. “I’m on my way up to my room anyway. I can stop in.”

“Thanks, but it’s fine. I’ll do it.”

“Okay, then. Well, I’ve locked up down here and checked the forecast for tomorrow. Even heavier snows heading in.”

“We better double-check the heating and see if anyone wants extra blankets for their rooms, then.”

“I’ll do that first thing after breakfast.” Rosie yawns. “Night, Ellis.”

“Night, Rosie.” I watch as she climbs the stairs and disappears.