Page 57 of Bear Creek Valentine
Aiden watched him go, hoping Glen Wahl could crack the case.
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August 21st, Pocono Ridge Resort
Guests arrived by ones and twos, entering the resort through the main doors and into the magnificent lobby. Dash had been planning this event for months; a tour and formal supper for the leaders and business owners of Bear Creek. His goal was to impress, but also to give them an idea of what Pocono Ridge was all about. Cooperation, rather than competition, was crucial if they were to draw tourists to the area and keep them coming back.
Bear Creek, like the other surrounding small towns, had unique things to offer, enhancing the guest experience. The public Christmas performances and bear-themed shopping were good examples, along withDelicious. In that case, Dash tooksteps to ensure Aiden’s confections were available to his guests, even if they never visited Bear Creek. As hosts, the happy couple worked the room, dressed in matching black suits, and accompanied by a handsome and smartly attired Ryder Sinclair. Everyone else wore whatever made them comfortable, some in blue jeans and others in their Sunday best.
Matt Langtree, Principal of Tri-County High School, was there, along with Levi McCoy as the Christmas Holiday Liaison. He and Knox were stationed near the check-in desk, answering questions about the live edge furnishings he’d created. DeeDee and Sunny Tillman were making the rounds as well, along with town council members and nearly every business owner in Bear Creek. At the appointed time, Dash began the tour under the center of the dome that capped the entryway and lobby.
“Welcome to the Pocono Ridge Resort. The opening date is September sixteenth, less than a month away, and the crews are busy with last-minute touches. I’m happy to report that our rooms are filling up and we’re already half-booked for the entire holiday season. That’s good news for Bear Creek as well, since we will run shuttles back and forth for our guests year-round.
“Before we walk, I’d like to point out the beautiful furnishings all around you. As many of you may know, Knox McCoy took my pencil sketches and turned them into what you see here. Already, this space has been nominated for several awards in the trades, and we are very pleased and excited to begin every guest experience with such marvelous craftsmanship.”
Knox blushed and huffed as the crowd applauded. Levi leaned over to kiss his cheek, holding his hand so he wouldn’t run and hide. When they settled down, Dash resumed speaking.
“As we make our way, you’ll see some of the guest rooms, the retail shopping area called Main Street, the water park, and our unique accommodations for shifter guests. Last, our eveningmeal will be served in the resort’s restaurant, the Delaware Room. So named because of the nearby Delaware River, which flows through the Pocono Mountains and gives the region its name. Feel free to ask questions as we go, either of myself or Ryder, my Executive Assistant.”
At each stop, and in between, the oohs, ahhs, and compliments made Dash proud as a peacock. He and Harv had dreamed of owning a property like this one day, and though he lost his first mate, he’d gained another just in time to share the joy. Aiden held his hand as they walked along, impressed and proud of Dash for reasons beyond the obvious, for he knew of the struggles his mate faced to get here.
When they reached Main Street, Dash stopped in front of the Hungry Bear. Aiden noticed a number of raised eyebrows and haughty looks in his direction when they spotted theDeliciousstorefront.
“There are two places for guests to find something to eat. The Hungry Bear has a diverse menu of fast foods, snacks, and drinks for those in a hurry or who don’t want a full meal. It will also serve the general public when they shop along Main Street.”
The side-eye Aiden was getting turned into whispered comments, accusing him of sleeping with the resort owner to earn special privileges. Though Dash said nothing, he clearly heard every word they were saying. He would have disabused them of their crass accusations in a heartbeat if the situation were more private. His aggravated growls quickly shut down their speculation, and he continued the tour.
The water park, as expected, excited the crowd with its colorful and fun atmosphere. The water was missing, but anyone could see what an enjoyable place this would be. As the only facility of its kind in the entire region, it was sure to draw guests throughout the year. As they approached the restaurant, the hallway took on a more lavishly styled appearance, withwood accents, rich wallpaper, and golden fixtures. The ornate hardwood double doors were open as they reached Pocono Ridge’s premier restaurant—the Delaware Room. Dash stopped to speak once again.
“The resort will be known as a fun place to stay, but we also wanted a touch of class for those guests looking for a romantic venue. Within the restaurant are intimate dining nooks, private party rooms, and areas for families with small children. Down the hall to your left is the Grand Ballroom, which is still under construction. Regular dances, open to the public, will be offered, along with lessons for those who wish to learn. My mate insists I take the classes with him, so you may see the two of us out there in the future.”
The crowd laughed, knowing most bear shifters were not particularly graceful on their feet. One could only guess what method of persuasion Aiden used to make Dash amenable to the idea. The Delaware Room fairly sparkled as the group walked in. The main dining area was tastefully appointed, and much nicer than a typical hotel restaurant. There was no stuffy dress code here, though diners could not enter barefoot or wearing bathing suits. Room service was also available for those who preferred privacy or wanted to stay in.
People chose their own tables, and the wait staff immediately appeared to bring drinks and take their orders. This meal was a test run for the restaurant, giving the new staff a chance to work out the wrinkles before the resort opened to the public. Dash, Aiden, and Ryder chose a large table in the center of the room and were soon joined by the Tillmans and McCoys. Based on the laughter and smiles, the crowd was enjoying themselves immensely. The free food probably helped in that regard, but Dash took it as a good sign.
Having worked as a Pastry Chef for years, Aiden eagerly awaited dessert. Tonight’s offering was fruit-based, notchocolate, and Dash watched closely for his reaction. The first bite pulled a deep moan from his mate, and Dash’s dick stood up and saluted at the libidinous sound. His bear was still responding to the last pull of the mating season, and his one and only desire was to ravish his mate. The scent of his arousal could not be hidden from the other shifters at the table. Neither could Dash and Aiden’s abrupt and unexplained departure.
Ryder, too, was affected, but he had the presence of mind to apologize to Dash’s guests. In the end, it made no difference, for both the Tillmans and McCoys hurriedly vacated the premises in a cloud of pheromones. Now alone and half-hard, Ryder grudgingly admitted that being mated sometimes held certain advantages.
Chapter 21
Late August, Delicious
Aiden finished the final scheduled interview and escorted the candidate out with a promise to decide within the next few days. When the resort opened in a little over two weeks, the production schedule kicked into high gear, and he wanted to be ready. Between D2 and the Hungry Bear location, he’d be hiring three full-time and two part-time employees. Two weeks of training wasn’t much, but Leo should have his new hands on deck before things got crazy.
For the satellite shop at the Hungry Bear, Aiden intended to hire candidates who lived closer to the resort. They would be trained at the main shop, and then Serena would spend a few hours per week on-site with them until they were comfortable being left alone. He’d interviewed some terrific candidates, and had a good idea of who he wanted for each location. What he did not yet know was whether he’d need another part-timer for the shop now that Toby’s fall classes had started.
Then there was the busy Christmas season, which began on Black Friday. Aiden intended to hire three or four seasonal workers to keep up with demand, but temp employees could be even more difficult to find. Out front, Blanche had just finished helping a phone customer, and an idea popped into his head. He found her filling online orders on an otherwise slow Tuesday morning.
“May I interrupt you for a minute? I’m thinking ahead to our Christmas season and how swamped we were last year. It’s going to be even busier with the resort shuttling guests into town, and I’m considering hiring some temporary, seasonal workers. Do you have any retired friends who might be a good fit forDelicious?”
Blanche’s eyes narrowed in thought, absently tapping the countertop with an index finger. Aiden noticed a tiny nod of her head, indicating a forthcoming reply.
“I can think of several who might be interested—not so much for the money, but
to get out of the house and do something different. Retirement can be very lonely if you don’t have anyone to share it with. I would be happy to ask around and let you know.”
Aiden believed this was one of his better ideas.
