Page 61 of Tempting Me

The Richfords set standards for Lovers Lodge, and when a guest does not meet those, he’s never happy.

I get it.

If someone were on my property, I’d expect them to treat it with respect too.

The automatic doors open and I stride in, spotting Grace instantly.

I hold my cup up in greeting and make my way to her.

“Morning, Grace. Is your brother around?”

“Hi, Luca. It’s early for you.”

She crosses her arms and smiles.

“Yeah, but duty calls and I show up.”

She nods slowly and then her smile grows.

“What?”

“Nothing.” She shakes her head. “You seem different today.”

“It’s probably the lack of sleep. Your best friend keeps me up way too late and works me hard.”

At that, Grace erupts into laughter.

“I … that came out wrong.”

“It came out perfect, and I know what you meant.” She winks, then points at the office behind us. “He’s in there. Proceed with caution.”

“You got it.”

As I knock, waiting for Dutton to call me in, it occurs to me that I just held a conversation with Grace. There wasn’t an ounce of nerves or hesitation or … a spark.

I felt nothing but the way I do as if I were speaking to Quinn or Sadie.

Huh.

I know I already told Shay she didn’t need to hype me up anymore, but that just confirms it.

I’m not interested in Grace in any other way than as friends.

I’m not even fully sure why I asked her out at this point. My brothers were dating and they were happy, and I wanted it too, I guess.

You can’t force a connection with someone.

She was right to turn me down.

“Come in!”

I open the door slowly. Dutton is sitting behind a large mahogany desk, pinching the spot between his eyes.

“I’d ask if things are good, but the vibe in this room is painful, so I’m not going to ask that.”

“You’re friends with Brooke, right?”

I make a yikes face and volley my head. “I mean, I know her fairly well, and she’s good friends with Sadie and now Quinn, so sure, I guess.”

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