Before her fingers could touch it, I placed my hand firmly over hers, stopping her movement entirely.
“Actually, Chloe,” I instructed gently, but with absolute authority, “that one belongs to Leo.”
Chloe yanked her hand back, her face flushing crimson.
“What? Leo is a single guy. He doesn’t need a three-room suite with a private balcony. Derek and I are celebrating his promotion. We specifically requested the presidential suite.”
“You requested it, but you didn’t pay for it,” I reminded her. “I did, and I decided Leo deserves a nice treat for all the unpaid hours he spent helping me review the architectural blueprints for this property.”
I slid the black card across the counter to Leo, who pocketed it with a small, appreciative nod.
Then I handed Chloe and Derek two standard white key cards.
“These are for room 114 in the back building,” I told them, using her exact words from earlier. “It’s exactly what you told the front desk you wanted for me. I wouldn’t want you to feel overwhelmed by the luxury suites.”
Dererick’s jaw clenched so tight I thought his teeth might crack.
“Martha, this is ridiculous. We drove 4 hours to get here. We are corporate executives.”
“Then you are welcome to book a luxury suite at another hotel down the mountain,” I offered, completely unbothered by his anger. “Or you can stay here in the room I provided. The choice is entirely yours.”
Khloe grabbed the standard room keys, her knuckles turning white.
She was fuming, but she wasn’t about to give up a free weekend at a premier resort, even if it meant swallowing her immense pride.
“Dinner is at 7 in the lakeside dining room,” I added, picking up my worn duffel bag. “Arthur, I’ll be in the owner’s cabin if you need me.”
I walked away, leaving them standing speechless in the lobby.
The owner’s cabin was tucked away in a private grove of pine trees near the water’s edge.
I spent the afternoon reading on my porch, enjoying the quiet rustle of the wind.
By 6:45 p.m., I walked down the illuminated stone path toward the main dining room.
Leo was already seated at a large round table by the window, sipping a glass of iced tea.