She laughed. No embarrassment, only amusement in her expression. So, probably not Nick.
“If you really can tell when I’m lying, I’m not going to say anything to you about my personal life. I’ll just have to remain mysterious. Or lie all the time. That’s how politicians get away with it, isn’t it? If you’re lying all the time, it becomes your baseline.” She headed back to the desk.
Lucas had no response to her statement and just watched her go, high heels clicking against the floor. If he’d been talking to anyone else, he would’ve been able to think of something clever to say about liars or politicians. Instead, he was distracted by her legs. He’d forgotten how toned they were. She hit the gym regularly, and it showed. Hard not to watch her, especially in those heels.
Most of the time Riley wore dress pants to work but seeing her in that outfit made him think that the inn should have amore stringent dress code. Assistant managers should only wear dresses and skirts. Could he get away with enacting that rule? He’d be willing to wear ties every day if he could.
Riley began checking something on the computer, and he realized he’d just been standing in the middle of the lobby, watching her. Why had he come here in the first place? He’d been on his way here to do something.
While he was trying to remember what exactly that thing was, a blonde woman who’d been sitting in the lounge left her seat and strolled over to him.
She was in her late twenties, pretty, and wore a white sweater that showed off her curves. She tucked the book she’d been reading into her designer bag and slung it over her shoulder. “I hear you’re the manager of this darling inn. I just wanted to let you know how much I love the place. I’d planned to stay here for only one night of my vacation, but it’s so picturesque, I decided to extend my stay for three more nights.”
Picturesque. Was Riley right about the architect’s addition hurting sales? He was not going to tell her about this conversation. “I’m glad you’re enjoying your time here.”
The woman tilted her head and smiled. “The scenery can’t be beat.”
Her stance was hard to read. Was she flirting with him, or was she just planning to hit him up for extra amenities? Was this herI need a late checkoutstance?
“I’ve always liked the view here,” he agreed. “Snow can be as pretty as sunshine, and we always seem to have plenty of it.”
She laughed at his comment, even though it wasn’t funny, and held out her hand. “I’m Brittney.”
He shook her hand. “Glad to meet you.”
“You’re Lucas,” she said, half-question, half-statement.
She knew his name. He’d forgotten there was a third option for her interest in him. She might be a Broncos fan who’d heardfrom someone that Carson was his brother. She was probably about to ask for his contact info, and he’d have to disappoint her by telling her that Carson was engaged.
“Yes, do you know my brother?”
“No. It’s on your name tag.”
Right. That would be the second thing about the dress code he’d change. No more nametags.
Brittney stepped closer to him, as though about to reveal a secret. “I was hoping you could tell me what single people do around here for fun.” Her gaze went to his ring finger. “You are single, aren’t you?”
Definitely flirting, but Lucas had no interest in flings with guests. He wasn’t the flings sort. And okay, maybe his feelings for Riley were still stronger than he’d supposed because right now he was more aware of her—across the room at the desk—than he was of Brittney, standing in front of him. “Lark Springs has a bowling alley and movie theaters. Legends has dancing on weekends and karaoke on weekdays. If you’re looking for much more than that, you have to go to Bozeman, and that’s a two-hour drive.”
“Well, a two-hour drive wouldn’t be so bad if I had someone along to keep me company.” She took a step closer. “When do you get off work?”
Seemed Brittney didn’t believe in being subtle. He had to think of a way to let her down without insulting her. “Actually, I just started working here as the manager, and until I learn the ropes, I’m pretty much here twenty-four-seven.”
Technically, it was true, since he lived here. Although he was only on call after five. Sara ran the front desk in the evening and saw to any problems guests had during that time.
Instead of being dissuaded, Brittney continued to smile at him. “Sounds interesting. What does the job of a manager entail?”
“Right now, going over payroll.” That’s why he’d come to the lobby in the first place. He’d wanted to go over the payroll with Riley. He glanced in her direction. She was ripping up a piece of junk mail. At least he hoped it was junk mail and not something the architect had sent. Now he was going to have to check the trash can.
Brittney followed his gaze. “Are the two of you a couple?”
Lucas’s attention snapped back to Brittney. “Why would you think that?”
“You turned me down, and she’s been staring at us since I started talking to you.”
Was that true? He shot a quick glance at the front desk again and caught Riley watching them. She immediately dropped her gaze and began straightening the desk.
Well, it was nice to know he’d finally found a way to get Riley’s attention.