Page 6 of Bargains with Benefits
I glanced around the office as I sat, wondering if he really thought I had a choice. “I do need to get back. The tavern is busy tonight.”
“Yes.” He cleared his throat, sitting up straight and putting forth what I could only imagine was his business tone. “Unfortunately, we have yet to see the same influx at Cliff House.” He gestured to the all-but-empty building outside the door. I was sure Byrd, the manager, was out there somewhere.
“What is this about?” He’d been as direct as he was capable, mentioning Cliff House so quickly, but my heart kicked in anticipation—and not the good kind.
“Well”—he ran his hand through his hair, pushing it back from his face—“Byrd resigned today.”
Good riddance. Byrd had been the manager since before I’d taken residence on the property. He always looked at me like I was filth on the bottom of his boot.
“With a hundred new people pouring into the city, not one came to Cliff House. That proved too much for him.”
I wasn’t exactly surprised, even though it sounded short-sighted. Just because none of the first visitors came to Cliff House didn’t mean others wouldn’t. Byrd had never seemed interested in driving guests to the inn. He thought they should come because it was an old fae property. I didn’t speak, wondering where Darius was going with this.
He cleared his throat again when I asked no follow-up questions. Was he nervous? I didn’t know Darius well enough to judge. “The inn hasn’t had visitors in months, as you know.”
I was pretty sure it had been longer than months, but I wasn’t about to correct him. This conversation was already not what I’d expected.
“I don’t have time to find a replacement. Nor does anyone want such short-term employment.”
“Short term?” I asked.
“Yes, well.” He hesitated again. This time, I was sure it was nerves, but I didn’t know why. “I’m selling the inn after solstice.”
Anger surged hot within me, and I stood, leaning forwardand placing my hands on the desk. “You can’t.” Mom had always told me I was terrible at hiding my emotions—another reason I made a terrible fae. Mine were currently written all over my face, but I didn’t care. This place was my home. He couldn’t sell it. I couldn’t believe he was even considering it. Realizing too late that my outburst wouldn’t help with someone like him, I pulled back, retaking my seat.
His lip appeared to twitch. “I wondered if you wanted to run it until Long Night.”
It felt like there was a low buzzing in my ears that must have blocked what he was saying. I couldn’t have heard him correctly. When I decided maybe I had, because those familiar blue eyes were staring almost earnestly at me, I was speechless for possibly the first time in my life.
“What?” It was the only word my mouth could form. My fingers gripped the armrests on the chair as I leaned forward again, inwardly cursing my inability to hide my emotions. “You want me to run Cliff House?”
He nodded. “I know you have other responsibilities, but my other option is to close the inn now and put it up for sale.”
I was surprised that he knew I worked at the tavern. Part of me had assumed tracking me down was another task delegated to Nora, not one he had any interest in. The word yes was fully formed and ready to leap from my lips, but I needed to think about this rationally. Learning from my last two overly animated displays of emotion, I considered the offer. He was planning to sell the inn. I didn’t want that. A different plan formed in my mind.
“I have a better offer for you.”
He tilted his head but gestured for me to continue.
“I’ll run the inn, but I’ll do it my way between now and solstice.” I sat up straight and rolled my shoulders back. Darius had no idea how many suggestions I’d given Byrd about the innthat had gone ignored. Over the years, I’d put a lot of thought into how I’d run this place differently to grow the business. That knowledge could be put to use. “I want your word.” I gestured toward the empty inn outside the office door. “If I can fill it by Long Night, you won’t sell it. I can keep running it.” I bit my lip. Like he said, he could easily close and sell it now. I wasn’t sure why he’d offered me until Long Night in the first place, but I wanted this place too much to press. I’d never asked him for anything, and I had to say I didn’t care for this feeling—waiting for his decision.
He leaned forward almost immediately at my words. Whether he was pleased by my response or eager to fold his arms atop the desk, I couldn’t be sure.
I held my breath. My gaze fixed on the barely there lines by his eyes crinkling as if he were smiling. He wasn’t. “You sure you’re up for the challenge?” He tapped his fingers on the desk. “You do know it’s been more than a few months since the inn has had a guest, right? I was being generous.” His gaze held mine like he was searching for something he wasn’t sure was there.
My metaphorical hackles rose at the condescension. “I’m aware. I’m a little surprised you are.” Inwardly, I winced. Insulting him wouldn’t help.
He huffed a laugh and stood, walking toward a bookshelf against the wall. His finger ran across the wood, and he glanced at the captured dust on the pad. “This place could benefit from a little—” He cut himself off, meeting my gaze.
But I had no doubt what he’d been about to say.
This place could benefit from a little magic.No doubt his water magic could clean this place in minutes. I shrank in my seat as he reminded me how much I didn’t fit in here—with him. It didn’t matter. Elbow grease could clean the same as magic, even if it took longer. “Do we have a deal?” I pressed.
He turned and stuck out his hand for me to shake. “Fine.” I stood to meet him, sliding my hand into his. “You have until Long Night to change my mind.”
4
Vincent
