“Completely understand.” And she did. Dru had texted her three times about a pair of boots she wanted to buy but couldn’t decide on.
When they reached the lodge, Amanda thanked Tom for the escort. He turned and headed back toward the party with a goodnight that was more of a grunt.
Exhaustion flooded over her as she made her way through the lobby and back to her room. She was shocked and a little worried to find a note tacked to the door under the iron-crafted number twelve. A smile hit her lips when she read the words on the piece of ranch stationery.
Miss McQueen, Please call the front desk when you return to your room.
—a friend of Bam Bam’s
She used her keycard to let herself into the room and went right for the phone beside the massive wooden bed. She dialed zero and the phone started ringing.
“It’s a beautiful night at Big Rock Ranch. This is Naomi.”
“Hi, this is Amanda McQueen in room twelve. There was a note here for me to give you guys a call.”
“Hello, Miss McQueen. We hope you enjoyed your evening.”
“I did, thank you.”
“Mr. Pleasant had to return home, but he had us prepare some dessert for you. A late-night snack, if you will. Could we interest you in a s’mores pie with our house-made vanilla bean and almond ice cream? It’s one of my personal favorites.”
Climbing into her pajamas and eating feelings sounded like a great idea.
“I’d love to try the s’mores pie. Thank you.”
“We’ll get that over to you.”
Amanda thanked Naomi one more time, then hung up the phone. She changed into her super-sexy sweats and a tank top featuring her favoriteAdventure Timefan art. After she washed her face and pineappled her braids on top of her head, there was a knock on her door.
“Your s’mores pie for you, Miss McQueen,” she heard a young woman’s voice call out in a stage whisper. Amanda rushed across the room and opened the door. There was a girl close to her age wearing the signature white, green, and blue plaid shirt and carrying one of those warm skillet plates piled high with gooey goodness.
Behind her was Sam, with two flutes and a bottle of champagne.
Chapter 7
“Good evening, Miss McQueen. We have your super-delicious s’mores pie. Where would you like it?” The girl’s name tag saidTAWNY.
Amanda glanced around and looked at the small coffee table between the love seat and the fireplace. “Um, right there is perfect. Thank you.” After she set the dessert skillet down on top of a small protective mat, she produced some spoons seemingly out of thin air.
“There you are. Enjoy,” Tawny said, her voice sweet and bright. Amanda slid her the bit of cash she had waiting in her palm and then stood by as Tawny left the room. Sam was still standing in the hallway.
“I thought you’d called it a night,” Amanda said, fighting a smile and failing miserably.
“Ah, no. My brother was heading back and I figured I’d go with him. Didn’t want to make it obvious that I was waiting for you.”
“Oh. Would you like to come in?”
“I would love to.” He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Closed her inside with him. Inside another hotel room with Sam Pleasant. How did this keep happening? He carefully set down the champagne bottle and glasses, then removed his hat. He nodded toward a set of oddly shaped hooks by the door.
“Do you mind?”
“If I say I don’t, that doesn’t mean we’re betrothed or anything, does it?”
“No, it just means I’m asking before I hang my hat any old place. Just trying to respect your space is all. Ma’am.” Amanda rolled her eyes at the entirely unnecessary twang he added at the end.
“Knock yourself out, Tex.”
Sam threw her a devastating wink and settled his white hat safely on the hook. He turned then and took her hand and led her over to the couch. They sat together, just enough space between them for Amanda to pull her knee up to the cushion. The huge scoops of ice cream were melting atop the warm pie, but Amanda couldn’t bring herself to care at the moment. Sam draped his arm over the back of the couch and lightly brushed her shoulder.