Page 25 of The Legend of Lovers Hollow

“You might get your wish if we can’t get him into a pair of pants soon,” I mumble under my breath.

“What was that?” Warren’s lips twitch and his eyes sparkle with mirth.

“I said you’ll get to meet him this afternoon.”

“Here you go, Warren.” Ellis hands him a set of keys with the number 409 written on the keyring. “It’s not far from Morgan’s room. It’s one of the bigger ones with fully refurbished bathrooms. We had intended them to be honeymoon suites. If we can just get some happy couples booked in, that is.”

“Thank you.” Warren winks at him as he takes the keys. “I’m sure it will be perfect.”

I can’t help the small growl that escapes.

“You really have gone a bit feral, Morgs.” Warren studies my clothes, eyeing the huge furry collar of the coat, and I can tell he’s trying not to start laughing again. “Why exactly are you dressed like Mufasa?”

Rolling my eyes, I turn to Ellis. “Can I please have the spare key to my room?” I ask. “Artie locked me out and I need to check if all my clothes are still missing.”

“Why are your clothes missing?” Warren asks curiously.

“It’s a long story.”

Ellis eyes my outfit once more. “Where did you get those clothes?”

“Found them in an old storage room Roger showed me. I’m pretty certain I’m getting an STD from these pants as we speak. I really,reallyjust want a hot shower and some underwear. I should also shave this beard off before someone mistakes me for Charles Manson.”

Ellis chuckles and grabs the spare key to my room from the rack. “I’ll try and find Artie and speak to him,” he says quietly as he hands them to me. “But if your things aren’t back in your room yet, maybe you could borrow something to wear from your brother.”

I want to lean over the desk and kiss Ellis thoroughly, but I refrain. I think I’ve been unprofessional enough for one morning.

“Warren, I’ll have John the Maid take your luggage up to your room, if you like,” Ellis says.

“John the Maid?” He chokes out a delighted laugh. “This place is all kinds of crazy, but don’t worry about it, sunshine. Even though I can’t wait to meet some guy known as John the Maid, I can manage, and Morgs can show me the way. I have a feeling we have plenty to catch up on.”

“Okay, then.” Ellis gives him another smile. “Breakfast will be served until ten today, and at midmorning, there’s a meet and mingle for all the new guests and everyone taking part in the ghost hunt weekend.”

“I look forward to it.” Warren readjusts the strap of his laptop bag on his shoulder, then reaches behind him for the handle of the case he brought with him. “Lead the way, Morgan.”

“Well, the other guests should be down for breakfast soon, so I’ll see you both later.” Ellis gives us a small wave and heads in the direction of the dining room.

“Oh my god, he’s gorgeous,” Warren whispers to me. “I don’t suppose he has a brother who likes to top, does he?”

“You’re ridiculous.” I roll my eyes again—something I seem to do a lot around my younger brother—and head towards the stairs, the unicorn horns on Ellis’ slippers once again jingling.

“Don’t say a word,” I warn as my brother opens his mouth.

I climb the stairs with Warren trailing along behind me. Glancing back over my shoulder, I scowl.

“Are you humming Elton John’sThe Circle of Life?”

“What? I can’t help it! If you didn’t want me to say anything, maybe you shouldn’t have dressed as the main attraction at the San Diego Zoo.”

“I hate you so much right now.”

He jogs up the stairs so he’s beside me and shoots me the look that never failed to get us both in trouble when we were kids.

“No, you don’t.” He grins. “Now, why don’t you tell me what the hell is going on? And before we get started on this place and its unconventional staff, I want to know what you were doing back in the States last week.”

“You were busy in New York, and someone had to go to the board meetings.” I shrug, wrinkling my nose and fighting the urge to sneeze as the wild mane of a fur collar tickles it.

“Ehhh.” He makes a loud buzzer noise. “Wrong answer, try again. I thought we agreed you were going to stay here for a while. Take a breather from the company, spend some time with your grandad, fix up the hotel. Not to mention spend hours in bed with the blonde cutie from downstairs.”