Page 7 of A Sinful Trap

She ran her fingers through her hair and grimaced at the tangles she found. “No disrespect intended.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Of course.” She stared at him in frustration, stepping closer. “You’re going to need to give me a minute. Pikeson was my boss for ten years, so this is a big change for me. On top of that, I’ve heard Locke has a tendency to lose interest in new purchases as fast as he makes them, often at the cost of long-term employees. Since I love this place and I’d like to keep my job for the foreseeable future, I’m sure you get why I might be taking a wait-and-see approach.”

“That argument sounds reasonable,” he said through his perfect teeth. “Unless your hesitation stems from resentment that you couldn’t come up with the capital yourself. Someone might wonder if you were holding a grudge.”

“Someone might wonder?” Pikeson had known about her desire to buy this place for years. She’d been sure he was warming up to the idea of a payment plan when Locke tossed a pile of money in his direction and spoiled her plans. But grudge? That was a little harsh.

“I got my hopes up, I admit it. But I’m glad Pikeson got what he wanted, and my plan is still on track, so there are no hard feelings.”

She had some hard feelings, but it was late and she didn’t want to give him any more ammunition to use against her. “I’ll assure Mr. Locke myself when he joins us tomorrow. Would a morning meeting work for him? I have a deal with a local bakery that makes the best muffins and breakfast burritos you’ve ever tasted.”

“Trying to get rid of me now that your feet are on the ground?” His predatory smile made her nipples hard. Damn, this man packed a punch.

“Not at all,” she lied. “But if Mr. Locke is in town, I think we should wait and sort out any issues he has in person.”

He snagged her cardigan and tugged, pulling her slowly toward him. She’d already been gravitating in his direction, drawn to him despite everything.

“What are you doing, Boot Boy?”

What she wanted him to be doing was dirty and sweaty and possibly illegal in some states. It definitely wasn’t a good idea, yet she knew he was thinking the same thing.

How did she know that?

“You aren’t ready.” The words were whisper soft near her forehead.

“For what? Him?” She smirked. “I’ve done my research. Mr. Locke gets a lot of attention from the press, so it wasn’t that hard. I think I know what to expect.”

He released her and scowled. “Did you know he likes to drop in on his new properties prior to any official meetings? Mr. Locke believes it’s the best way to get a feel for a place before the formal tours and breakfast burritos cloud his judgment.”

Bailey’s eyelid twitched, her world tilting for a heartbeat as she caught on.

She closed her sweater protectively and stepped back. “Does Mr. Locke also talk about himself in third person and not introduce himself on purpose, so his new employees can be embarrassed by his big reveal?”

He gave her a pained look. “Bailey.”

It was just her name, but it told her so much. He hadn’t meant to mislead her. He hadn’t expected anything that happened tonight. Join the club.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to sit down, Mr. Locke?” She tossed a few of her shirts off the narrow couch in her room and gestured politely. “Unless you’d like to get back to your associates. You must be tired, since your flight was delayed.”

You almost kissed Cameron Locke.

It was going to take time, and probably lots of alcohol, to process that.

He crossed his arms, the muscles straining his shirt in a way that was practically pornographic. “Most of my associates had earlier flights, and nothing but praise for you.”

“That’s nice.” And news to her. The last email she’d gotten had come yesterday, and it hadn’t mentioned exact arrival times.

The man traveled with an entourage. Who needed six or seven people following them around at all times? Rich people, that’s who. She didn’t mean to stereotype, but it was hard not to. Up the hill, in the canyon, on a different planet—that’s where people with Locke’s kind of money lived. The air was different there. He might as well be a Martian.

Who knew Martians were great big hotties?

“You surprised me.” He was staring at her mouth, distracting her. “Someone so young running an inn without a partner. It’s not an ordinary job. Living where you work. Constantly on call.”

She got this a lot. Usually from men. “Let me guess. You look at this place and see the innkeeper as a cookie-baking widow or a power couple who left the rat race to make their own applesauce? My guests have no issues with my age or relationship status, Mr. Locke. And no complaints about my service.”

“I’ve seen the reviews. After my meetings with Pikeson, it was obvious you were the one keeping this place afloat, if not thriving. I’m not trying to insult you, but things will be different now. You say you aren’t a fan of change, but change is exactly what this place needs. I have to wonder how you’ll manage my more hands-on approach.”

---