Goodbye Gifts: (The Steamy Version) (A 'HOT' Castle Mountain Lodge Romance Book 5) Read Free Page B

didn’t have time to think about Trent, or more specifically, his brother, Dylan. But Carmen couldn’t seem to do much of anything else since running into them in the lobby.
    Dylan was insanely good-looking with his dark hair and dark eyes. But there was more to him than just his looks. She’d felt it the moment she’d locked eyes with him. What was that saying, still waters run deep? That’s what it was. He didn’t say much, but she could tell there was a lot going on in his head. Maybe she’d actually have a chance to see what was going on with him, since they’d be going out for a drink later.
    Why had she asked him out? The question ran through her head for the dozenth time even though she knew exactly why. He was incredibly gorgeous and there’d been no doubt that there was a spark between them. If anyone asked, that’s what she’d say. That’s why she broke her no-dating rule. It had nothing to do with what Trent said earlier or may or may not have been implied. Nothing to do with helping her get the job of her career. No. She shook her head.
    Carmen took a deep breath and straightened her shirt in an effort to refocus on her work. She stared at the computer screen, but didn’t see any of the names or reservation details. She needed to think about something else. There was no point in making herself crazy over something she couldn’t change after the fact. She might as well just enjoy her drinks with Dylan. That’s all it was. Nothing more.
    She was still standing behind the desk when the arrival of a young couple provided the perfect distraction. “Hello,” she said, slipping easily into her role, “and welcome to Castle Mountain Lodge. My name is Carmen. How can I help you today?”
    “We’re checking in,” the man said.
    “He surprised me with this trip for our one-year anniversary,” his wife said. “Isn’t he the sweetest?”
    Carmen smiled genuinely. “That’s very sweet.” She felt a twinge of jealousy as she processed the checkin. The couple in front of her was roughly the same age as she was, and they’d found happiness. She wondered what the woman did for a living. Had she given up her future for her husband? It was a ridiculous thought and one Carmen knew she had no business in having, but she couldn’t help it.
    For a crazy moment, she considered asking the woman if it was worth it, but common sense prevailed and she handed over their welcome package and sent them on their way.
    When the couple was out of sight, she dropped her head to the desk and silently reprimanded herself.
    “Are you okay?”
    The voice shocked her back to her senses, and Carmen jolted up right, looking directly into Dylan Harrison’s eyes.
    Perfect.
    “Mr. Harrison,” she said, stumbling over his name. “How can I help you this afternoon? I hope everything is okay. If there’s anything I can—“
    “It’s fine.” He held up his hand and smiled. It wasn’t Trent’s lady-killer smile, but it sent a shock through her and she blushed. “I wasn’t coming to complain,” he said.
    Carmen forced herself to relax. She took a breath and said, “Well, I’m glad to hear that. What can I help you with then?”
    A ridiculous part of her hoped he wasn’t coming to cancel on their date, or whatever it was. Even though that might be the best solution to the situation she’d put herself into. Trent couldn’t hold it against her if she’d tried to take Dylan out and he’d canceled. Not that it would help her with her currently skewed sense of right and wrong. She wasn’t thinking clearly.
    Dylan crossed his arms, and leaned on the desk. “It’s not a big deal, really,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “But I have a meeting starting in twenty minutes in the Spruce Room, and Trent said there’d be a projector for me to use.”
    She nodded. “He did mention that.” Carmen turned to her computer and started tapping on the keyboard. “Yes,” she said. “He reserved the Spruce Room, a screen,