how foolish he might look, giving up his belligerent stance. “You’d do all that for us? Gratis, I mean?”
Stephanie shrugged. “Our gift to you. In honor of your anniversary.”
Harold glanced at Alice, who gave her husband a mournful look. “All right,” he said finally. “My wife wants to stay longer, so I guess we’ll stick it out.”
Stephanie nearly laughed at his self-sacrificing tone. She’d just agreed to hundreds of dollars of complimentary charges. It was a lot for free. But Stephanie knew that if one guest had a bad time at the hotel, they would go back home and tell ten others, and that would be thousands of dollars in business lost. But if they were pleased with their stay, that would translate to more new business.
“I think you’ll be very comfortable in your suite and if you need anything at all to make your stay more enjoyable, just let me know,” Stephanie added.
Shirley had already gone behind the desk and scanned the computer for an unoccupied suite that was ready for a check-in.
“We can put you in room 505. Just give me a minute and I’ll make the keys.”
“Don’t worry about the luggage,” Stephanie added. “I’ll find someone to bring it down to the room for you.”
Probably yours truly, she added silently.
“And don’t forget to check out all the complimentary services the hotel is offering this weekend—water sports, golf, tennis and spa treatments.”
“Golf? That sounds good to me,” Harold chuckled.
“I always wanted to try a seaweed wrap. They say it’s marvelous for your skin. I’m going to run down there right now, before the rush.” Alice kissed her husband on the cheek and trotted off toward the spa.
Harold collected his new key and pulled his golf clubs off the luggage cart. “Thanks for your help, miss,” he said to Stephanie. “See you around.”
With a cheerful, jaunty walk, he was off to the greens. Stephanie turned to Shirley and they joined in a long, relieved sigh. Shirley stuck out her hand and Stephanie shook it.
“Nice work.”
“Thanks, you too,” Stephanie replied.
“Yes, very nice work, ladies.” Matt appeared, coming out from an office door behind the reception desk.
Stephanie realized he must have been there all along, listening in to the exchange. Shirley looked surprised, then terrified, suddenly bowing her head and tapping away like mad on the computer keyboard.
Stephanie faced him. “It’s not nice to spy on people.”
“I wasn’t spying…and look who’s talking,” he replied, his eyebrows jumping up a notch.
She knew he was talking about his morning swim again.
She felt a blush creep up her neck and took a steadying breath.
Before she could frame a proper answer, Matt brushed by her and headed for the luggage cart.
“Are you taking that to the storage room?” Stephanie asked.
“I’m taking it to room 505,” he answered, pushing the cart with both hands. “Your talents are obviously needed here, on the battlefront.”
Stephanie was surprised to see him pitch in in such hands-on style. But he did seem like a hands-on type of guy, she noted. A good thing…and a bad thing. Though he’d so far never tried to get his hands on her, she was starting to have the oddest feeling it was just a matter of time.
She watched him push the cart away, putting his strong back and long legs into the job. She wondered how he’d ever gotten started in the hotel business and decided to ask him someday. She had a feeling it was an interesting story.
He was an interesting man. An unusual man. A dynamic personality and yet, with a gentle, charming side, too.
She respected him, she realized. Otherwise, she’d never be able to take all his guff.
But I’m not going to get involved with him, she added firmly, catching herself. No matter how much he flirts with me. Really…I’m just not.
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