Page 26 of Bargains with Benefits
Why was I suddenly nervous as we walked toward the inn? The tavern Vincent had taken me to was on the southwest side of the Suden District, meaning it was a short journey to the inn. My palms grew sweatier with each step. This was silly—Vincent had already seen it. We’d sat in the library and struck our bargain.But that was before I got to know him.I shook myself free of my thoughts. I still didn’t know him. Just because I now knew he had an ex who used him for his position and a sister he’d do anything for didn’t mean I knew him. This was a bargain, nothing more.Why did drinks feel more like a date, then?The sound of waves crashing and the refreshing scent of the sea hit my nose before I could wrestle with that unwelcome question.
I led us to the familiar stairs to the inn’s private beach.
“Didn’t Markus say we should start from the north side? That’s where the hiking trails drop off, right?”
He was correct, and I guessed that should be part of thetour. Especially if he thought the story might have a hiking or city escape angle. “Yeah, sure, those stairs are this way.”
We crossed through the forest on Cliff House property, staying close to the edge so Vincent could enjoy the view.
“It’s a wonder this is here at all,” he said. “I can’t believe more people don’t know about it. Markus is right. It feels like such an escape from the city, and it’s less than an hour’s walk for most.”
I liked that he liked it here.
So few people took the time to appreciate it. I know Darius didn’t.
We fell into a comfortable silence again as he took in the sights. I wondered where his thoughts had taken him as we approached the second staircase. Something prickled along my spine as I led him down the stairs just north of the property. Too late, I realized why I never came over here—realized why my instinct was to go to the inn’s private beach instead. This was the cove where the current had hauled me to as a child, the night I should have drowned. I was swept under again as we descended, the memories resurfacing as they had only a few days ago.
Water. Darkness. Waves. Moonlight.
Attempting to avoid those thoughts while we walked, I did what I did best—rambled.
“My mom and I came to the inn on vacation when I was young. Does your family have any favorite vacation spots?” I kept a wary eye on the sea, like it would splash forward and drag me under at any moment. No. The water didn’t scare me—I loved it. In any other circumstance, I’d dive right in. Something about this beach, though, and the memory of Darius reaching for me left me cold. I wrapped my arms around myself, rubbing them over my jacket, searching for warmth.
Vincent’s gaze heated my skin. I gave it even odds of whether he found the question impertinent or whether he sawtoo much in my words. Thankfully, he decided to answer. “We didn’t travel much as children. My parents claimed we had too much responsibility in the city.”
“Oh, right, old fae family. I knew that.” I ran my hand through my hair absentmindedly. Darius always seemed to be in town. Not that I knew the details of his comings and goings. It was reasonably public knowledge that his father worked on something in the north, but no one ever spoke of Darius or his mother going to visit. I thought that was odd for an old fae family. Usually, they all lived together on the family estate. The one I had yet to visit, but needed an invite to for my bargain with Vincent.
“Luna?” Vincent tapped my shoulder hesitantly as we walked along the beach. I must have missed a question...or the end of his explanation. I’d missed it all.
I shook my head. “Sorry, what did you say?”
“I was just…” He waved his hand dismissively. “Nothing. I was answering your question.”
Now I was being rude. That couldn’t stand. It wasn’t his fault I was worried about the terms of our arrangement. “No, I apologize. I’m listening now. Please, continue.”
“I was thinking about what you said at the tavern—about my articles.”
Heat touched my cheeks, finally ridding me of the bone-chilling cold brought by the memories of this beach. Although, it only reminded me of my earlier stupidity: confessing how much I’d read his column. He continued, not noticing, or pretending not to notice, my embarrassment.
“The column is most successful when what I recommend is also a product or experience that I can welcome the reader into. You and Markus might be onto something with the ‘in-the-city’ escape. So many get too tied up in the hustle and bustle and forget that this is here.” He spread his arms, gesturing to thecliffs and the sea. “Maybe part of the key to saving the inn is reminding them.”
It sounded nice, but I wasn’t sure how we would accomplish that. “It’s still an inn,” I pointed out. “My primary customers are not those who live in Sandrin but those visiting.”
“Agreed. I think there is value in ensuring the locals think it’s the best place in town to stay, though. As many visitors are here now for friends and family as they are for trade.”
This was true. I’d checked the stats myself in the governor’s office as part of my research. The most recentBayside Timeshad also included many interviews and polls about visitors and what brought them here.
“We should turn around,” I said, considering how to combine the two ideas.
“Does this beach wrap around the cliff?” he asked.
I looked up. “No, it doesn’t. The first staircase I took us to leads to a beach on the other side.” I patted the rugged stone, trying not to look at the water. “This beach ends here.”
A playful smile curved his lip as he asked, “Can you get us around the cliff from down here?”
I turned and stared at him, my hands falling to my hips. “Excuse me?” My tone was frigid. Did he think this was funny? I felt my gaze narrow and my brow pinch in frustration. I thought we’d moved past fae snobbery.
His face paled immediately like he knew he had made a mistake, but it appeared he genuinely didn’t know what it was. His hands were raised in defense. “Luna, I’m sorry. I don’t know what I said, but I assure you I didn’t intend any harm with it.”
