Lana finished the breakfast hour making sure all of the guests had been served either in the dining room or their private rooms, before she went to her office to meet with Robbie. What he’d said earlier had startled everyone present. Derek, to his credit, had taken it in stride and after assuring Lana that they would certainly talk later, he’d retired to his room and she hadn’t seen him since.
From her office, Lana called up to Robbie’s room and invited him down to meet with her regarding his visit. She wanted to get this over with as soon as possible and let him know that she was far moved on from their previous relationship.
Lana had no regrets of her night with Derek and looked forward to the next time she could be with him intimately. His tender care and compassion drew her to him like a moth to a flame. She could resist him just about as much as she could her next breath.
The knock at her door brought her out of her musings and back to reality. Taking a deep breath, she stood and went to open the door. Robert stood on the other side with a warm smile.
“Hey beautiful,” he greeted. “I’d almost forgotten how beautiful you were.”
“Come in Robbie,” Lana invited and walked back to her desk.
Robert closed the door and took one of the empty seats across from her then sat studying her.
“You really do look amazing. I don’t ever recall seeing you look this aglow.”
Lana looked away. “Why are you here Robbie?”
“I’ve got a fantastic opportunity for you, Lana.”
She frowned. “What kind of opportunity?”
He leaned forward. “The hotel where I work is looking for a new Hospitality Director. I was able to put in a good word for you, even though you only have this local experience and they’re willing to fly you out to interview.”
Lana sat back in her chair. “Tell me you didn’t come all the way out here to tell me that.”
“I came in person, because I knew you’d say no over the phone,” he admitted.
“I’m going to say the same thing to your face,” she said agitated.
He put his hands up. “Listen, I didn’t come to rile that Sable temper. I came to make your life better, to make our lives better,” he explained. “We broke up because you wanted to run this Inn and I didn’t want to stay in Grayling.”
“Now you can run a luxury hotel and we can be living our dreams together,” he finished passionately.
Lana put her hands to her head. “It’s been years, Robbie.”
“It’s not like we haven’t keep in touch,” he rebutted.
“Through Christmas cards and special occasion text messages?” Lana said incredulously.
Robert frowned. “We both had to build our careers, and to be honest, I’m surprised this place is still open.”
“It’s open because my family works their asses off,” Lana replied. “And I never said I wanted to run AN Inn. I said I was going to run MY Inn.”
“And thank you for your confidence in me as a Manager running this establishment,” she told him flatly.
Robert recovered. “Okay Lana, I didn’t mean anything by that. I’m sure you get your share of business here, but you can’t be making that much of a profit.”
“We’re fine and going to be even better,” Lana snapped.
He looked around her office. “I can admit this is nice but you could do so much better. I honestly don’t understand why you just haven’t put pictures of you and your sisters everywhere. You’d draw in customers in droves. You know for yourself that sex sells…everything. We learned that in college.”
Lana stood to her feet. “First of all, my sisters and I are not prostitutes and this is not a damn brothel! We don’t have to flaunt ourselves to increase business and even to suggest otherwise is a complete insult.”
Robert stood as well. “I’m in no way insinuating that you and your sisters should offer anything other than room and board. I’m just suggesting that you use what you have. You’re beautiful women.”
She put up a hand. “Stop. Now. If you go any further, this conversation will not remain cordial.”
He placed his hands on her desk. “I didn’t come to talk about your Inn. I came to talk about us.”
“There is no ‘us’ Robbie. You know that.”
“Only because we couldn’t compromise. Now we’ve been given the opportunity to both do what we love and to be together like we wanted,” he told her.
Lana sat back in her chair. “It’s not what I want anymore.”
Robert frowned then took his seat. “I’m here for two weeks. Let me try to change your mind.”
“You won’t.”
“You can’t stop me from trying.”
She shook her head. “Robbie, two weeks or two years…my answer won’t change. I’m not leaving Grayling and I’m not getting back involved with you.”
He nodded slowly. “Is there someone else?”
“He’s not someone else,” Lana corrected. “He’s the only one.”
Robert lifted a brow. “So it’s serious?” He looked at her hands. “I don’t see a ring.”
“We’re not at that point.”
“So until then, you’re still available,” he confirmed. Sitting back, he smiled. “How’s your father?”
Lana studied the man across from her. “He’s fine and he won’t be of any help to you.”
Robert smiled. “I never needed any help with you Lana. We were always a perfect fit.”
She stood again and placed her hands flat on the desk. “You’ve paid your money to stay here, so I won’t put you out, but understand this Robbie…the answer to all of your questions is a resounding ‘no’.”
Lana walked around her desk to the door. “Enjoy your stay at the Sable Inn.”
Before she could open the door, there was a light knock and she turned the knob to reveal Jamal on the other side with another bouquet of flowers.
“Hey Lana, here’s your daily delivery.”
She smiled at the arrangement. “Thank you Jamal, you can put them on my desk.”
He nodded and stepped inside. Seeing Robert, he paused and looked back at Lana. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were meeting. Lena said I could bring them back here.”
Lana smiled. “I’m sure she did. It’s no problem. You did great on the arrangement.”
“Your dude is paying good money. I want to keep him happy.” Jamal sat the flowers on the desk and nodded at Robert.
“Sorry to interrupt,”
Robert looked from Jamal to the flowers. “No problem.”
Jamal left the office and Lana remained by the door. Instead of joining her at the door, Robert plucked the card from the vase.
“What the hell are you doing?” Lana demanded.
He read the card quickly and handed it to her when she got to his side. Lana snatched it from his hand and glared at him.
“Get out.”
“I just wanted to know if this guy is real,” Robert said quietly.
Lana folded her arms. “Whether he is or not is none of your business, but I guarantee you that he is. In fact, you met him this morning.”
Robert stared at her for a moment thinking back. “The guy in the lobby?”
She nodded and he frowned.
“So you’re dating guests now?” Robert questioned. “Because the Night Manager said he was staying here.”
“Goodbye Robbie,” Lana said pointing at the door. “Be sure to check out the new amenities while you’re here.”
Robert came to smile down at her. “I’ve always loved your hospitality. No one is as…sweet and warm as Lana Sable.”
Lana was about to respond when her father stepped into the doorway. He turned a dark gaze on Robert as he entered the office.
“Robert, I heard you’d checked into the inn,” Lloyd came to stand in front of the man.
“Mr. Sable, how are you?”
Lloyd nodded. “I’m good. What brings you to our neck of the woods?”
“I’m here to see Lana.”
“Did you have a reservation?” Lloyd asked. “That’s a long way to come without letting anyone know.”
Robert shrugged. “I’d just hoped you’d fit me in here or Lana would offer her hospitality at her home, since we have such a history.”
“History is in the past,” Lloyd counseled. “Next time, make a reservation.”
“Yes, sir.” Robert agreed. “It’s good to see you again.”
Lloyd turned to his daughter. “Are you two still meeting?”
“No, we’re done.” Lana confirmed.
He turned back to Robert. “Enjoy your stay at the Sable Inn.”
Taking the hint, Robert gave Lana one last look and exited the office. Lloyd closed the door behind him as Lana sank into her seat.
“What’s this all about?” he asked taking the seat that Robert had vacated.
“He came to offer me a job,”
Lloyd sat up straight. “A job?”
Lana nodded. “At his hotel in LA. He thinks we’re going to get back together and live our dreams in California.”
“What has given him that impression?” Lloyd questioned. “I thought you were involved with Derek.”
She scratched her neck. “I’m very involved with Derek and I think Robbie intends to make himself a nuisance.”
Lloyd shook his head. “He’d better not anger Derek. I can already tell that young man does not play games.”
Lana smiled. “Derek’s taking me to Grand Rapids to do some networking and meet some contacts for the Inn.”
“Who’s idea was that?” Lloyd asked.
“It was Derek’s. He gave me some feedback on improving the Inn.”
Lloyd sat back. “I like him.”
“He’s mine Daddy, you can’t have him. You have Lavender,” Lana told him with a smile.
Lloyd smiled himself. “She’s coming to visit soon, since I had to cut my trip short.”
“You really didn’t have to,” Lana pointed out.
“No, I think I need to be around.” Lloyd disagreed. “Seems like I need to monitor things around here.”
“I’m glad you’re here, now I don’t feel bad leaving for a few days.”
He stood and walked around the desk. “You don’t ever have to feel bad about leaving here, Lana. This is your home, not a ball and chain around your ankle.”
Lana took his hand. “I don’t feel chained to the Inn.”
Lloyd held her hand in his. “Go to Grand Rapids and enjoy yourself.”
“Thank you Daddy. It’ll be work and pleasure.”
“I’m not worried about either.”
She gave him a look. “You must really like Derek.”
“I’ve made myself clear and so has he.”
Lana stood. “If he gets Lloyd Sable’s stamp of approval, then I’m in good hands.”
She hugged her father and he kissed her cheek before leaving her office. Lana made a few calls and finished up some work before heading out to the front desk where Lorna was covering.
“Hey sis,” Lorna smiled.
“Hey, how are things out here?”
Lorna laughed. “A lot more calm than this morning, I’m sure. Willie filled me in.”
Lana sighed. “I don’t even understand Robbie’s reasons for being here.”
“Does he want to get back together?” Lorna questioned.
“That’s what he says, and for me to take a job in LA.”
Lorna jumped to her feet. “LA?”
“I’m not going to LA, Lorna…nor do I have any desire to rekindle things with Robbie. I’m focused on someone else.” Lana smiled. “Speaking of, I need to talk to him.”
She headed for the stairs until Lorna stopped her. “He’s not here.”
Lana felt a chill up her spine. “Derek?”
Lorna nodded. “He left.”
“He checked out of the Inn?” Lana whispered, touching her chest.
“No, he didn’t check out,” Lorna assured her, sensing her sister’s anxiety. “But he left a little while ago and he didn’t say where he was going.”
Lana turned and headed for the door. “I’ll be back.”
******
Derek sat on the grass looking out at the shimmering water. Taking in the peace, he looked around at the scenic view. Derek understood why Lana loved this place so much, it was like a small piece of heaven on earth.
He’d retired to his room this morning, but had been too uneasy to rest. First, when he’d check his messages, he’d discovered that even more news was dropping in D.C. about the current administration and the Congress was in a frenzy. Political experts and campaign managers from around the country were being called in to strategize, since more was hinging on the future elections than ever before in history.
Derek knew that he wouldn’t be able to stay away for much longer, but he was determined to stretch it out for as long as possible in order to stay with Lana. Although he understood her attachment to the land and to her family, he had to show her that there was more than the Sable Inn and Grayling, Michigan.
Getting her out on a trip to Grand Rapids was a start and he’d been glad when she’d agreed so easily. Lloyd Sable had given Derek his blessing to move his daughter, with her agreement. Derek didn’t want to take her away completely, but he had to loosen some of the ties that held her here.
His second reason for uneasiness was this damn Robbie. Why was he showing up out of the blue, claiming he was going to take Lana away? Were the two still involved in some way that she hadn’t spoken of, or was this dude just delusional?
Either way, it didn’t matter. He was falling hard for Lana Sable and nothing was going to stand in his way of being with her…not her Inn, not her family, and surely not this dude from her past. Derek had made this his number one campaign.
He turned when he heard a noise, and saw Lana approaching him slowly.
“Hi,” she said softly.
“Hey,”
She joined him and sat beside him on the grass. “You found your way back to my favorite spot.”
Derek smiled. “Yeah, I have a good memory.” He turned to her. “I see you found me.
Lana placed a hand on his bare arm. “I told you, I’ll always find you.”
He leaned over and kissed her. “I’ll never be hard to find.”
“I’m sorry about Robbie,” Lana said, turning to look at the water.
“What do you have to be sorry about?”
Lana brought her knees up and rested her chin on them. “Uh, I don’t know…it’s kind of awkward to have the man you just spent the night with meet your ex in your lobby. That’s not really a good look.”
Derek watched the water and waited, utilizing one of his strongest tactics…when you remain silent, people will eventually tell you everything that you wanted to ask.
“I thought you’d checked out of the Inn,” Lana told him.
“Why would I do that?”
She shrugged. “Maybe you were angry.”
He turned to her. “Should I be angry?”
“No, because there’s nothing between me and Robbie anymore. That ended a long time ago.”
He nodded and turned back to the river.
“I told him about you,” Lana said quietly.
“What did you say?”
She watched him closely. “I told him that you were the only one.”
“I take it from his statement this morning, that’s a slot he wants to fill.” Derek commented.
“It’s taken.”
He slid an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, kissing her cheek. “I thought I might need to remind you.”
Lana turned to meet his gaze. “No, you don’t.”
“So tell me about Robbie,” Derek encouraged.
She nodded. “We met in college at Central Michigan University, where we both were Hospitality Majors. It took a while, but we eventually became a couple. After graduation, I came back here and Robbie went to find his way.”
“He’s in LA now, where he’s in Management. We’ve kept in touch basically through social media and a text here and there, but nothing as far as a relationship,” Lana explained.
“Why does he want to take you away?”
Lana sighed. “He says there’s an opening for a Hospitality Director at his hotel in LA, and he wants me to interview.”
She touched his light beard. “I told him there’s no way I’m leaving Grayling and I’m done with him.”
“You’ll never leave Grayling?” Derek questioned.
Lana shook her head. “Never, not for anything. This is where I want to raise my kids.”
Derek nodded. “Do you still want to go to Grand Rapids?”
She smiled. “Yes, I’ve made the reservations. We can leave in two days.”
“Okay, I’m looking forward to spending more alone time with you,” Derek said, before tasting her lips.
“Me too,”
He moved her onto his lap and asked, “Don’t you have work to do?”
Lana rested her head on his shoulder. “Tons…but right now, I just want to sit here.”
“I’m good with that,” Derek said kissing the top of her head. “I miss all that hair.”
“No twistout today,” Lana said against his shirt. “This man made sure of that.”
Derek looked down at her. “I guess I’d better get used to this bun.”
She laughed. “If last night was any indication, then I think so.”
“You’re beautiful either way.”
Lana smiled and rested against him. In his arms, on her land, felt like perfection. They sat in the natural silence for a short time before Lana spoke again, “Your flowers arrived and they were beautiful.”
“Jamal is a good dude.”
“The card was very sweet,” she whispered. “To my beautiful chocolate buffet…”
He smiled. “I hoped that no one would get the true meaning of that.”
Lana laughed. “It wasn’t for anyone else to see, although Robbie did get a peek at it.”
Derek sat up straight. “How did Robbie get to read the card?”
Sitting up, Lana looked at him. “He was in my office when the flowers arrived.”
He waited for her to continue.
“And he took the card, to see if you were real.”
Derek lifted a brow. “Does he need some verification?”
“I think he knows now,” Lana said touching his chest. “I don’t want your urban tendencies used on Robbie.”
He shrugged. “I don’t mind.”
Moving her hand to his face, she kissed his full lips. “I like that. It’s very sexy…” she whispered.
“I hope Robbie stays in his lane,” Derek kissed her back. “For his sake.”
She smiled. “Now, you’re just trying to get me hot.”
He held her tighter and whispered, “I’m always trying to get you hot, baby.”
“And you do…”
The couple engaged in some hot and heavy kissing and touching until Lana’s phone rang. Reluctantly, she pulled away and reached for the device. Glancing at the screen, she frowned.
“I need to get back,”
Derek nodded and helped her to her feet before Lana looked up at him. “I’ll see you later.”
“I’m walking back with you,” Derek said taking her hand.
“You don’t have to leave now,” Lana protested.
He hugged her. “I get an afternoon stroll with my pretty country girl. I’d never pass that up.”
Smiling up at him, she said, “I can’t wait to go to Grand Rapids.”
“You’re looking forward to it?”
“I told you I was.”
Derek nodded. “Okay, I’m going to make sure you enjoy every minute.”
“I’m with you, so that’s a given.” Lana stood on her toes and offered her mouth.
Looking down, Derek held her gaze before accepting her offering. “Come on, before they send a search party for you.”
Together, they walked the distance back to the hotel and Lana went quickly to work serving the needs of one of her guests while Derek headed up the stairs to his room. As he walked down the hall, another door opened and he came face to face with Lana’s ex.
Robert looked up and spotted Derek then closed his door and the two men met in the hall.
“So, I understand that you’re seeing Lana,” Robbie began the conversation.
Derek stood straight and looked him in the eye. “So, what we’re not going to do, is discuss my relationship with Lana because that’s none of your business.”
Robert gave him a surprised look. “I gather we aren’t going to be civil about this?”
“About what?” Derek questioned.
“We’re both here for the same woman,” Robert informed him.
Derek shook his head. “No, we’re not.”
“Alright, I see that I have my work cut out for me here.”
“I believe, Lana has made herself clear,” Derek warned him. “Don’t make me have to intervene.”
Robert stepped back. “If you want her, you’re going to have to fight for her.”
Derek laughed. “Okay dude.” He turned and walked to his door. “That’s not a fight you want.”
Robert watched Derek enter his room then continued on his way downstairs. Walking through the lobby, he wandered through the Inn, checking out the updates and furnishings. Heading into the empty dining room, he examined the layout and while he was perusing the space, felt a hand on his arm.
“Lunch is over, you can order something to your room, if you like,”
Robert turned and saw the older woman. “I’m not looking for lunch.”
Mrs. Langston recognized him and lifted a brow. “Then what are you looking for?”
“I’m just checking out this fine establishment.”
“You aren’t taking our Lana, so you can check out whatever you like,” she told him. “But when you check out for good…you’ll be going alone.”
“Ahhh, Mrs. Langston…you’re just as I remembered.”
“So are you Robert.”
“I missed her,” he told Mrs. Langston and she folded her arms.
“Well, she ain’t missing you.”
Robert nodded. “That’s what people are saying, but we’ll see.”
“Don’t come here starting no mess,” she warned. “Lloyd will put you out on your head.”
“I know Mr. Sable,” Robert agreed.
Mrs. Langston gave him a look. “He’s not the only one you have to worry about.” She turned and went back into the kitchen.
Robert rubbed his chin. “So I’ve heard.”