Page 71 of Hearts Colliding
It had come as a surprise, when he’d announced his intentions, but it had been a good one, greeted with enthusiasm. This time, there had been no opposition, no war council taking up arms. He was relieved, because who wanted to be at war with friends and neighbours, with those he lived amongst?
A pair of strong arms wound their way around his middle, and Alex leaned back against the warm, hard body, knowing the man who nuzzled into his hair would take his weight and hold him steady.
“It’s got a good ring to it. Classy and exclusive. The New House Spa Hotel. At the local businesses forum meeting, they were getting very excited. But there was one comment that didn’t go down too well amongst the membership.”
“What was that?”
Ryan cleared his throat, and when he spoke his voice was high pitched and screechy. “‘The hotel will lend the village a cachet it has hitherto lacked’.And you know who said it? That sour old bag who sells Wicca-friendly skin creams. The ones that are supposed to promote calm and serenity as they help you to get in touch with your inner goddess. Or some such bollocks. Nan got conned into buying a pot. She came out in a rash that was almost as purple as her hair.”
“Hmm. The lady in question made an approach regarding supplying spa products. It was politely declined.”
“Just as well, or you’d end up being sued. Can’t have paying guests turning purple.”
Alex smiled as they fell into an easy silence. He closed his eyes. The warmth of the setting sun and the greater warmth of Ryan’s encompassing arms was the balm he needed after a couple of trying days back in London. The noise, the traffic, the rush and press of so many people… The city that had once energised now drained him, and he’d returned as soon as he’d been able, eager for home and the man he loved.
He released a heavy sigh. He’d be returning to the city again soon — too soon — as dismantling his London life was proving to be trickier than he’d thought it would be.
The nip on his earlobe was sharp. “Ouch! There’s a time and a place for biting, you know.”
Ryan’s low laugh rumbled through him, sending a delicious warmth deep into his belly.
“Turn it off.”
“What do you mean?” But Alex knew exactly what Ryan meant. He was thinking too loud and too hard. He twisted around in Ryan’s arms and looked up at him. “But there’s a lot to think about. Remote working’s great, but it only goes so far. I still need a London base, both for the business and for staying there when I need to. I’ve made a decision — I’m going to sell the house and instead take one of the apartments in the development up on Hampstead Heath.”
Ryan smiled down at him, and placed a kiss on the tip of his nose. “I think that sounds like a good plan, because that house is too big anyway. A nice little flat overlooking Hampstead Heath—”
“Excuse me? Calling it a flat knocks fifty grand off the selling price. It’s part of an iconic, prestigious, and exclusive development, I’ll have you know. Plus, it certainly won’t be little.”
“Got to say, I like the idea of a not so little London love nest, from time to time, but what I like more is the thought of a certain swanky barn conversion.”
Alex’s face split into a wide smile. Ryan wasn’t the only one eager for them to be settled in their own home.
“Will it feature on Veranne’s website?”
Alex shook his head. “No way. It’s a very private, discreet commission.”
The transformation of the outbuilding that would be their permanent home was only weeks away, after which they could make their move from the house they were renting on the edge of the village. There was no doubt the conversion would have looked incredible on the website it would never feature on. Swanky, amazing, fabulous, stunning, all those and more. Because it would be more, it would be theirs.
“It won’t be the only swanky conversion.” Ryan inclined his head towards the New House. “It’s going to be outstanding when it’s finished. Still on track to open on 1st July?”
Alex nodded. “The project plan’s running like clockwork. I’m so glad I was able to persuade Luca to come onboard as a consultant. I don’t think there’s anybody alive who knows the luxury hotel business the way he does.”
Luca, his long ago former lover, the man who was his friend, the man in the photograph Ryan had asked him about months before.
“He’s already been speaking to his contacts, those he’s worked with in the past. He wants to handpick for all the key positions. But there’s one position, upon which it all hinges, he’s shying away from.”
“You want to persuade him to come here and manage the hotel.” It was a statement, not a question. “Why would he relocate? Hasn’t he got a really good job in London?”
“Yes, but I know he’s not happy. He’s been guarded, but I know him well enough to know it’s about what he doesn’t say rather than what he does. I get the sense he’s looking for a move. Once he lets it be known, he’ll have his pick of places.”
“Then let him.”
Alex pressed in closer, ran his fingers through Ryan’s hair — and tugged hard.
“Ow! What was that for?”
“For getting huffy. Why wouldn’t I try and coax him here? Having Luca onboard would give the hotel that extra something.”
