Room for Love Read Free Page A

had been left in charge of her inn. A worrying sign suggesting there was no one better available.
    “Well, I guess you’re the guy to give me the tour, then?” she said. “It’s been a while since I was last here.”
    Nate nodded, and stepped forward from the stairs. “Of course. Where do you want to start?”
    * * * *
    They started in the dining room.
    “I’d forgotten about this carpet,” Carrie said, staring down at the green and purple monstrosity, her face sour.
    Involuntarily, Nate glanced down too. “You don’t notice it after a while,” he lied, moving quickly toward the kitchen.
    “Denial won’t fly with most clients.” Carrie pulled a notebook out of her handbag and started scribbling. “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”
    Nate wondered how much she’d paid for the all-cliche business course to teach her that one. Curious, he stepped closer to see what she was writing.
    The list, headed up ‘Renovations,’ read:
    –Replace dining room carpet
    –And probably chairs, tables and crockery
    –Definitely replace curtains
    “At least you’re leaving the walls intact,” he muttered, and Carrie glanced up in surprise, as if she hadn’t realized he was there. “Come on, you can mentally tear down the kitchen, next.”
    Actually, he thought as Carrie trotted after him, it was possible the kitchen might prove a saving grace. Not the room itself, although it was at least hyper-hygienic, thanks to Jacob’s obsessive nature, but what it stood for. The Avalon had always been famous locally for its food. Nancy liked to put on a good spread for any occasion, and hired the best chefs to make it happen.
    Yes, ten minutes chatting about roast lamb and sticky toffee pudding with Jacob should have Carrie falling in love with the inn, he reckoned. Especially if Jake provided samples.
    Unfortunately, when they entered the kitchen, it became clear Jacob had other priorities.
    “I know that, Sally. But she promised...” Jacob stopped shouting into his mobile and ran a hand through his disordered hair. “Look, I’m at work. Can’t you just–” Looking up, Jacob spotted them in the doorway and abruptly fell silent.
    “Don’t mind us,” Nate said, finally regaining control of the situation and shuffling Carrie into the hallway. “We’ll come back later.”
    “Who’s Sally?” Carrie asked, her pen poised on her notebook, looking like a teacher about to write up a detention note for Jacob.
    Nate considered how much to tell her while guiding her back to reception. It was Jacob’s business, not hers. But he wouldn’t want her thinking Jake made a habit of slacking off.
    “Childminder,” he said eventually, wondering where Gran had got to and if she’d be free to step in. Except Jacob was already feeling guilty about the number of hours of unpaid care Moira put it. Felt, he’d confessed over several beers the previous weekend, he should be able to take care of Georgia himself. That it was failing, somehow, to have to rely on Gran. “Sounds like Jacob’s ex wasn’t able to pick Georgia up today, after all.” Because she’s a self-centered bitch who’s probably too busy off playing with her new, rich boyfriend, he added in his head. The woman was only supposed to have her daughter two afternoons a week. Not exactly hard to arrange.
    “Happens a lot, does it,” Carrie asked, stepping into the lobby, her tone disapproving. Nate cursed silently. He shouldn’t have mentioned the ex.
    “God, all the time,” Izzie said from behind the reception desk. “She’s such a...”
    “Did you bring in Miss Archer’s bags, Iz?” Nate interrupted, and Izzie jumped up.
    “Was I supposed to? You didn’t say...” Nate raised his eyebrows at her. “I’ll just go and...”
    “Great.” Nate shepherded Carrie in the direction of the stairs. “I’m not sure how well you know the inn,” he said, desperate to change the subject,
    Carrie made a noise that was almost a snort. “I