Page 13 of The Billionaire's Runaway Bride

“You must be Caleb Thatcher. I have your suite ready.”

Aha. That’s why she’s over-the-top friendly. She recognizes me as a paying guest.

“Suite?” I raise my brows. My publicist didn’t mention a suite. I glance at the kind of ramshackle house, suspicious of what kind of suite she might have to offer in there.

But I can’t be picky. What choice do I have? I’m here, and even if I wanted to reconsider my lodging, I don’t want to travel on that rough road again.

“Thanks,” I tell her.

“I’m Marian. Marian Kelly,” she greets with a firm handshake. “Welcome to the Goldfinch.”

“Nice to meet you.”

I fall into step behind her, bringing the first suitcase.

“Would you like me to carry something?” she asks.

“No. It can wait.” I’m not counting on a bellhop. As we make our way to the porch, I’m hopeful that I can count on running water and air conditioning, the bare minimum of my needs.

After I enter, I breathe in the chilled air and relax. It’s not so bad in here. Don’t ask me for details about décor. It’s not my thing, but I am pleased it’s clean and smells good, like lemons and freshly baked something.

“I’ve got a new batch of muffins that’ll be ready shortly,” Marian cheerfully tells me. “Once you’ve gotten situated, help yourself in the kitchen.”

“Thanks, Ms. Kelly.”

“Oh, no.” She lifts a hand. “Just Marian. Oh, there you are.” She turns in the hall, facing someone else. “Lauren, meet our new guest.”

I glance up after getting my suitcase to finally roll over a rug.

And see her.

The woman who wouldn’t even smile for me on the sidewalk. I can’t believe my luck. She glowers at me, coffee cup still in hand.

Did she wait until I left to go get hers? For some reason that I can’t begin to explain, knowing I ruffled her feathers pleases me.

I smile, holding back a chuckle as she curls her lips. Marian turns to face her, and Lauren drops into a polite smile.

I came out here worrying I’d be bored, but now I know that won’t be the case with a beautiful challenge like her.

“Nice to meet you, Lauren.”

I have not even a shadow of doubt that I’ll make her mine.

Chapter 6

Lauren

Oh, great. That’s just perfect.

The pompous guy who tried to charm me on the sidewalk is Marian’s other guest. She treats him with the same courtesy and easy welcome that she had the others, the couple who arrived this morning.

“Right this way, Caleb.” She gestures for him to head up the steps after her. As soon as she turns and gives him her back, he faces me again and winks.

Winks. Like he’s planning something.

I roll my eyes and bristle while Marian can’t see. I’ve never had a job, certainly not in hospitality, but I’m no idiot. I know I’ve got to play nice and be polite to the guests. Customer service is a no-brainer, but Caleb?

Ugh. He’ll be trouble, and that’s the last thing I want or need.

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